GRAND OLD MSSION HOTEL IN SAN FERNANDO - LONG GONE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTRUES

Mission Hotel in San Fernando c. 1890. Detail from a gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Marc Wanamaker 2010 - (click on image to enlarge)

In the late 1800s there was a significant land boom in the San Fernando Valley. Small towns in the Valley found themselves growing rapidly. In the City of San Fernando, a major hotel was built near the modern intersections of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and South Brand Street. Called the Mission Hotel, the building was a fine example of Victorian architecture.

THE RIGHT HAT FOR 1907

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Newsclipping from the Saturday Evening Post 1907 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge) What the dapper reader of the Saturday Evening Post might have been wearing while riding on Fawkes Folly in Burbank.
Six dollars was a heck of a lot of money 103 years ago.

BURBANK HAS LONG LED THE WAY IN TRANSPORTATION

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Fawkes Folly - Burbank Aerial Monorail 1907 - detail from a gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Marc Wanamaker 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
103 years ago, an aerial monorail experiment carried passengers in the City of Burbank. Dubbed by nay-sayers as Fawkes Folly, the concept was ridiculed by a less than visionary press. The men and women who broadcast the news from Burbank today no doubt would think a good monorail system might come in handy at rush hour.

AIDS Lifecycle 9 Riders from Burbank - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.
These Burbank cyclists were among the 1500 riders who recently completed the AIDS Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. They belong to a bike club operating out of a Burbank cycle shop, but got away from me before I wrote their club name down.

WE HAVE GOOD REASON TO BE CALLED THE CITY OF ANGELS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Angels overlook the crypts at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Boyle Heights. Many early Catholic families from the San Fernando Valley once buried their loved ones here.

Angelic spirits are widely used in religious and artistic images throughout Southern California. It is said that more people share a belief in angels than in any religious creed or belief system.

THE AUTOMOBILE COMES TO SAN FERNANDO IN 1910

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Automobile owned by the Tropel Family in 1910. Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - detail from a gift by Marc Wanamaker 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Tropel are believed to have brought the first automobile to the City of San Fernando in 1910.


As The Museum Community grows, we expect to have Community Chairs for many elements of San Fernando Valley history. Transportation is already a main feature of The Museum's new website. Interested persons should contact Jerry Fecht (pronounced fate) at
1 (818) 347-9665

MRS. ARMITAGE FORBES - A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VALLEY AND MISSION SAN GABRIEL

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Commemorative bells in the Museum of San Gabriel Mission - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
The small bell on the shepherd's crook stand at the top left was among those sold to support the El Camino Real project.
Postcard showing El Camino Real - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.
Clipping showing the El Camino Real Bell dedicated in 1908 at the first church in Los Angeles - San Gabriel Mission
Invitation to the dedication of the El Cammino Real bell at the Plaza Church in Los Angeles 1908 - Mission San Gabriel
Death notice of Mrs. Armitage Forbes - Mission San Gabriel

There are many connections between the San Fernando Valley and the Mission San Gabriel Archangel, some of which are obvious and others less apparent. Among the lesser known ties between the Valley and the Mission are found in the faded display cases in the Mission's museum. Look and you will discover a small frame with the death announcement of Mrs. Armitage Forbes along with an invitation to attend the dedication of the El Camino Real bell in front of the Pueblo Church in the Plaza in Los Angeles. This event in 1908 was another victory for Mrs. Forbes in her tireless effort to mark and preserve California's missions and adobes. The preservation of Campo de Cahenga on the border between North Hollywood and Studio City is one of the crowning achievements of this grand lady.

HOLLYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB IN STUDIO CITY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Hollywood Country Club and adjoining areas in Studio City - 1925 - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Marc Wanamaker 2010.

In the mid 1920s, the Hollywood Country Club opened for golf and other forms of recreation. This photo, taken in 1925, faces south at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon. Several film stars of the era were investors.

THE RAILROAD HELPED TO BUILD THE VALLEY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Railroad bringing building supplies to the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

NORTHRIDGE FASHION CENTER 1975

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Northridge Fashion Center 1975

It's been over three decades since the Northridge Fashion Center opened its doors to the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

ENGLISH EDITION OF SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BY GORDON JENKINS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Sheet music for San Fernando Valley - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Marc Wanamaker 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Gordon Jenkin's song San Fernando Valley gave a huge boost to the visibility of the Valley, just as WWII veterans came home. This is a rare addition to The Museum's archives of the English edition of the work.
Mayfair Music Corp., N.Y.
Chappell and Co. Ltd. 50 New Bond Street, London W 1
“Authorized for sale only in the British Empire (except Canada, Newfoundland, and the Continent of Europe” Made in England
Signature at top Zena Turner 1944

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ISAAC VAN NUYS ON JULY 17th.

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Isaac Van Nuys, namesake of the Van Nuys community. (click on image to enlarge).

Make your reservation to walk historic Van Nuys today. Call 1 (818) 347-9665. Slots on the tour are limited, so don't delay.

VAN NUYS SHERMAN OAKS MUNICIPAL PLUNGE

The Van Nuys - Sherman Oaks Swimming Pool c. 1961 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
The pool is located at 14201 Huston Street.

Make your reservation today for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's historic walking tour of Van Nuys. Saturday July 17th.
Call today to be included. 1 (818) 347-9665

MURILLO'S DRAWING OF SAINT FERDINAND

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures.

Line Drawing of Saint Ferdinand, the San Fernando for whom the Valley's mission is named. He lived from 1217 to 1252.
The great Spanish artist Bartolome Murillo who did this work lived from 1217 to 1252.

THE CHALK FESTIVAL IN PASADENA

Sausages sold at the Pasadena Chalk Art Festival

LEARNING ABOUT THE TONGVA

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES



Modern Americans of Tongva Heritage - Sanchez Adobe Montebello - June 2010 - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Contemporary concept of a Tongva hut at the time of the Spanish conquest. Mission San Gabriel Archangel 2010. Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010. (click on image to enlarge).

href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0SkqXoTtKxyD4cLFRlfNTbIpBryzdBQ2g_IuyrL4pjfGz_4-XSxvK8uVx6rqZn4D8rKhcRjSoKXTZhnPdCt0Bq3He2C8HRrC6r-Ris8SOf6_KKkZ0JN3iCUNA0F5I1Y91OjRWiG6Cy0/s1600/TongvaDictionary.jpg">Rare manuscript dictionary of Tongva words. Museum of the Mission San Gabriel 2010. Little effort was made to preserve the languages of conquered populations.

Unfortunately for the Tongva and other native American tribal groups conquered by the Spanish, their new masters systematically eliminated their cultures. Tongva and Chumash children were brought into mission "schools" and required to speak only Spanish. When children or their parents were baptized, they were given Christian first names and Spanish surnames.

This frieze on the front of the new parish church at the Mission San Gabriel Archangel demonstrates clearly how the Spanish conquest of the native peoples of Los Angeles Country is depicted by those who won the encounter. Soldiers and ships are seen only in the background and a European missionary presents his theology to a docile and awaiting population.

DUMETZ STREET IN WOODLAND HILLS HAS HISTORIC CONNECTION

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Main Altar of the Mission San Gabriel the Archangel - Photo by Janne Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Below this very impressive wood and gold-leafed altar in the Mission San Gabriel lie the tombs of about a dozen early Franciscan missionaries who worked in Southern California. Among these is the body of Father Francisco Dumetz OFM (Order of Friars Minor - The Fransicans). Fra Dumetz was once the pastor of the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana in the San Fernando Valley.

Marker of Father Francisco Dumetz OFM by Gerald Fecht 2010. Dumetz Street in Woodland Hills is named for this Christian priest. He was buried in the Mission San Garbriel in 1811.

VAN NUYS AND LANKERSHIM ENTOMBED IN EVERGREEN CEMETERY IN L.A.

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Detail sculpture at the entrance of the funeral chapel at Evergreen Cemetery in East Los Angeles. Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
Tomb of Issac Newton Van Nuys and his wife Susanna.
Grave of Isaac Lankershim and his wife Annis.

Two of the most important early developers of the modern San Fernando Valley were Isaac Lankershim and Isaac Newton Van Nuys. Their graves and those of their wives lie at the base of an obelisk designed to leave a lasting impression. Today, in downtrodden Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles, these once powerful men in a seldom visited tomb.

A BRIGHTER DAY FOR DARBY STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S CHILDREN

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY EXPLORATION Northridge100

While picking up a package this Thursday at Darby Street Elementary School in Northridge, I waited for awhile in the office. I thought it would be fun for you to see some of the little birds and insects that made the area warm and welcoming.

(click on image to enlarge)

Wall decoration at Darby Street Elementary School 2010 - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht.





Wall decoration at Darby Street Elementary School 2010 - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht.

CHALK ARTIST LA MONK

One of the joys of exploring Southern California is the regular encounter with exciting new artists, such as the 20 year old chalk artist called LA Monk. Check out his MySpace at:
http://www.myspace.com/lamonkart

SHAWNET SWEETS BECOMES PART OF A WORLD RECORD

Shawnet Sweets reacts to new about being included in the Guiness Book of Records, as part of the largest street chalk drawing event in the world.

Shawnet Sweets never misses the opportunity to promote the Los Angeles Opera. Her entry this year was Die Walkure.

Our neighbor city Pasadena works tirelessly to make its environment more livable. The great chalk festival this weekend is yet another example of creating civic pride

ICON OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Icon Stained Glass Window in the Eucharistic Chapel of Saint Charles Church in North Hollywood.

The story related here is the apparition of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. While the Catholic Church was very slow to accept the reported vision of the children, it finally relented when miracles began to occur at the site. Today, the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, in Portugal, is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.

SACRED IMAGES SAINT CHARLES CHURCH IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Tile Mural of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop of Milan Italy 1584 - Holy Family Services Center North Hollywood - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Detail from the Tile Mural of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop of Milano 1584 (click on image to enlarge) San Carlos is the patron saint of the California missions.

Tabernacle in the Eucharistic Chapel of Saint Charles Church in North Hollywood. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.
Detail from Stained Glass Window in the Eucharistic Chapel of Saint Charles Borromeo church in North Hollywood. Icon represents the membership of Jesus in the House of David. Generally the Ivory Tower represents the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.

Detail from Stained Glass Windows of the Eucharistic Chapel of Saint Charles church in North Hollywood. Oak branches usually signify that Jesus was a descendant of the Jewish House of Jesse.

MUSEUM HOLDS VAN NUYS HISTORIC WALKING TOUR JULY 17

Upcoming events of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and Northridge100 organziations.

What: Van Nuys Historic Walking Tours

When: Saturday, July 17, 2010

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: (Starting Location) 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. Under archway of Marvin Braude

Join us for a stroll back in time through the "Town That Was Started Right!"

The development entity known as The Syndicate began the process in 1910, but William Paul Whitsett saw it through to the end. Originally a barley field, Van Nuys became a prosperous center of City Government, agriculture and industry. Come explore what remains to be appreciated: original 1911 buildings hidden beneath modern facades, first churches, a civic center with many special revelations, one of the main hubs of social and official activity, the Women's Club building, Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monuments #201, #202, and #911, and National Register of Historic Places Monument #2509.



Learn about the origin of the Daily News and the company which was a nationwide maker of silent movie theatre organs. Who were Hobart Johnstone Whitley, Wayne E. Bechtelheimer and Whitley Van Nuys Huffaker? Relive "Wednesday Nights on Van Nuys Boulevard." We will have historic photographs and stories to share, and meet special guests as we wander this surprisingly historic San Fernando Valley treasure. Tour highlights include:

* Van Nuys Bungalow
* Women’s Club
* Old Van Nuys Library (1927)
* United Methodist Church
* Municipal Building Façade
* Van Nuys Post Office
* Abeles Map
* Fernando Statue, Crystal Plunge
* Bob’s Big Boy, Busch Gardens
* Lankershim, Van Nuys, Whitsett, Whitley



RSVP: 1-818-347-9665 or email at events@TheMuseumSFV.org

Please leave name, address and phone number (walk-ups welcome too!)

Cost: $10 per person suggested donation

Parking: Street and metered parking in area



Attendees will meet under the "Bridge/Archway" of the Braude Constituent Center, 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. on the SE corner of Sylvan Street and Van Nuys Blvd.



Sponsored by Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

HISTORIC JESSUP FARMS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Jessup Farms - postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010 - Artifact number 0610-001- 1635 - (click on image to enlarge)

The Jessup family opened a dairy in Southern California in 1919. One member of the family, Dr. Roger V. Jessup was a prominent veterinarian and a civic activist. The dairy's headquarters was located at 5431 San Fernando Road in Glendale.

GREAT SNOW OF 1936 IN GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Snow in Orange Tree 1936 (click on image to enlarge) Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.
The great snow of 1936 - Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010
Young women in 1912 - Photo among the snow images in an album page.
Ila and Elenore - Likely Glendale girls c. 1936