Tel: (818) 347-9665 PST

TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

www.TheMuseumSFV.org




Thursday, March 31, 2011

NOMINATE H.J. WHITLEY TO THE CALIFORNIA HALL OF FAME


In the March 2011 meeting of the Board of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, a resolution was adopted to support the nomination of H. J.  Whitley, the founder of the cities of Van Nuys and Hollywood the Hall of Fame of the California Museum in Sacramento.
2011 marks the 100th anniversary of Whitley’s founding of Van Nuys, the civic center of the San Fernando Valley.  Whitley, known as the Father of Hollywood was a true visionary, whose life and enterprise laid the groundwork for the San Fernando Valley’s present stature as one of the most vibrant economic communities in the United States
Please consider taking a moment to nominate H.J. Whitley for the California Hall of Fame – the California Museum for History

http://www.californiamuseum.org/exhibits/halloffame

OUR LADY OF CORVALLIS HIGH SCHOOL - PAPER PRISMS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

The Museum's work to save the history of Our Lady of Corvallis Catholic High School in Studio City continues, slowly but surely. Once prominent, Corvallis High School influenced several generation of San Fernando Valley girls. The school was located just south of Ventura Boulevard on Laurel Canyon.
1984. 1985 and 1987 copies of the "Paper Prism" containing student poetry are now part of The Museum's archives.
 Paper Prism 1984 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

THE PORTERHOUSE RESTAURANT IN SHERMAN OAKS - 1960

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

In June of 1960 when this menu for The Porterhouse Restaurant reflected the San Fernando Valley's economic state - you can be sure that gasoline wasn't inching up toward $ 5 a gallon.Family style chicken dinners were $ 2 and a filet mignon dinner was $ 3,10.
The Porterhouse was located at 14445 Ventura Boulevard at Van Nuys in Sherman Oaks. You could reach them by calling ST (state) 4-9909.

Menu from The Porterhouse Restaurant  June 1960 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Fred Berk 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

BETA CHI DELTA SORORITY - PIERCE COLLEGE 1962

  Beta Chi Delta Sorority – L.A. Pierce College – 1962

Photo donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gayle Montes 2011.  (click on image to enlarge) This photograph 2691

Front row:
Sharon Brodie, Anita Fernandez, and Judy Liberman
Middle row:
Faye Taylor, Gayle Dillon, Judy Bennett, Pam Dick, Renn Morrison,
Judy Stumpf and Nancy Crouch.
Top row”
Sherry Dennis, Barbara Van Winkle, Pat Early, Lynda Dodds,
Wendy Wolfe and Cheryl Bergen.

Beta Chi Delta - Presents 1962
left to right
Cheryl Bergen, Donna McCrummen, Anita Fernandez, Maureen Streeter, Nancy Crouch, Jan Cheney, Renn Morrison, Marily Breault, Judy Stumpf, Sandy Smiley, Sandy Aston, Olga Caviedes, Gayle Dillon, Sherry Smith, Pam Dick and Sharon Humbard.  (click on image to enlarge) This photo is number 2690.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

HAVE LUNCH IN NORTHRIDGE AND FUNDS GO TO TSUNAMI RELIEF.


Wednesday, April 6 at 8:00am - April 7 at 12:00am

Location
Bob's Big Boy Northridge
8876 Corbin Avenue. (Cross street Nordhoff Way) in Target Center
Northridge, CA

Created By

More Info
Please Join www.theSFVscoop.com in raising funds for Japan Earthquake Tsunami (JET) Relief fund.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

CASABLANCA A CLASSIC FILM FROM THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

       DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011   
                         
Burbank's 100th Anniversary 
Van Nuys' 100th Anniversary

Everyday, as The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, enhances our Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History, the expression "Valley of the Stars" becomes more evident. It takes thousands of artists to create films, television programs and videogames, and thousands of the most creative people in the world call "The San Fernando Valley My Home."  

Few films had a greater emotional impact on the American people and movie-goers world wide during World War II than the classic film CASABLANCA. Starring the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman and rugged Humphrey Bogart, the film helped to build great patriotic fervor. Their co-star Paul Henried,  unforgettable music, and sleazy fascist villains added up to one of the great movies of its time. 

 Casablanca was filmed, nearly entirely on the lot of Warner Brothers Studio in the San Fernando Valley City of Burbank. A significant scene, where Rick (Bogart) encounters the German Major Strasser, was shot at Van Nuys Airport. Portions of the hanger used in the film were rescued from demolition by Valley residents who share The Museum's commitment to preserving our Entertainment Industry Heritage.

 The little Liberty Bug, at the lower left hand corner of the sheet music for "As Time Goes By" appeared throughout America during the Second World War. I remember seeing it when I began kindergarten. In the first grade, we saved our dimes to buy Savings Stamps and pasted them every week in little books that added up to the purchase of a $25 dollar War Bond.


I remember seeing my mother sitting by a huge old radio in our living room, as she listened to Kate Smith singing As Time Goes By. My big sister Genevieve tried to teach it to me, but I thought it was way too "mushy" for a boy to sing.  (click on image to enlarge)

Friday, March 25, 2011

BIG PARKING LOT SALE

DON'T FORGET THE BIG PARKING LOT SALE THIS SATURDAY MARCH 26TH.
8 until 3
Campo de Cahuenga  in North Hollywood
Lankershim at the MTA Lot  right across from Universal Studios

Bring zillions of dollars - proceeds go to Campo de Cahuenga
and everybody's favorite little MUSEUM.

Lt. DAVE STORAKER PAERTICIPATES IN MUSEUM'S NARRATING LIVES - ORAL HISTORIES OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011                            Northridge100

       The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's permanent commitment to the gathering of oral histories in the great San Fernando Valley, recognizes that many and varied careers interact to make our communities work. Our lives are enriched by police officers who take time from their personal lives to coach Little League baseball teams, business people who support public arts, teachers who serve on Neighborhood Councils and many, many more.
      To The Museum Community's good fortune, Lieutenant Dave Storaker, the Commanding Officer of the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Area Detective Division agreed to be interviewed for The Museum's Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley. From a school boy in Granada Hills to the Commander of Detectives in the Topanga Division, Dave's stories are a vital part of our Valley's history.

Topanga Detectives Patch - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Lieutenant Dave Storaker 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

AN OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE - SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL MYSTERY - 100 YEARS OLD

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY         2011                100th Anniversary of San Fernando

On the lookout for artifacts and photos to use in The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's tribute to the City of San Fernando, Gary Fredburg discovered this 100 year old letter. Naturally, it has a mystery attached. 

 Letter mailed from San Fernando Union High School, in the City of San Fernando, California, October 26, 1911. To Doctor Isabel Crowell, Alhambra, California. (click on image to enlarge)

 Internal message reads:

QUESTIONS FOR THE ALUMNI COUNCIL
a.  Shall crec  (This may have been a false start of the list)
a.  Shall credit be given toward graduation?
b.  Shall participation in athletic practice be deemed an equivalent for classroom gymnasium work?
c.  Shall it be required at all?
d.  What practical benefit did you receive from your physical training while a student?
e.  Which is of the greater benefit to student and college, athletics or physical training and gymnasium?

HOW TO REACH SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

Will you as a Council submit for my consideration suggestions as how best to reach students in the high schools in the interest of Occidental College?


The above was affixed by a straight pin to the internal message.

Graduate Council   Nov. 4, 1911    7:30 pm
724 Amercian Bk Bldg
Important Business !
M. Messkants, Secy.

Jerry's note:  I think someone at San Fernando High School was an alumna of Occidental College. She or he is responding possbily to a meeting notification.
Let's see what the research Librarian at Oxy has to say about this mystery.  Occidental Glorious!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

RICHARD J. NEUTRA'S HOUSES IN SHERMAN OAKS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY         2011

When Richard Hilton gave me this postcard of houses built on stilts by Richard J. Neutra, I couldn't help but wonder how they made out during our giant rainstorm this week. Nearby Van Nuys got over 6 inches of the wet stuff.
Richard J. Neutra homes in Sherman Oaks, California - postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Richard Hilton 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)


Don't forget to slide on down to Campo de Cahuenga (101 and Lankershim) this Saturday morning for the Giant Parking Lot Sale -  The Museum and Campo will have tons of good stuff. Lots of parking in the MTA Metro lots.

TOLUCA LAKE'S OWN BING CROSBY -and MYSTERY AUTOGRAPH

DISCOVERING MY VALLEY      2011

Hey, it's not a White Christmas, but a Wet Equinox!  Here's a nice addition to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Entertainment Industry History Library, an autographed publicity photo of Der Bingo himself.  Bing Crosby and family lived in Toluca Lake. ... an easy walk to Bob's Big Boy.
I can't figure out the motto ? that Bing put with his autograph.
Don't forget the giant Parking Lot Sale - The Museum and Campo de Cahuenga this Saturday 8am  until 3pm. Your purchases help support this blog, The Museum's website and our Library of great Valley stuff.

 Autographed photo of Bing Crosby - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.
Mystery slogan?  Can you figure out Bing's secret code?  (click on image to enlarge)

CAROLE LOMBARD AND CLARK GABLE AT THEIR ENCINO HOME

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY         2011

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is working hard on establishing the basis for a Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History. In the meanwhile artifacts and books are already coming in on a regular basis. Two nice additions arrived today for our Clark Gable and Carole Lombard files.  First, "The Life and Loves of Gable" a hardcover, romantic work by Jack Scagnetti, (a gift from Gary Fredburg) and Second, this great photograph from Gable and Lombard's Encino Ranch home. (The horse, I think, was called Melody.)

Carole Lombard and husband Clark Gable at their Encino Ranch. early 1940s. (click on image to enlarge)
Greg Petrillo wrote about the location of the ranch:
 "It was off Libbitt & Ventura Blvd. Just behind (to) the west of where Jerry's deli is. Currently on Ventura Blvd., west of Libbitt ( across from the Mercedes Dealership) there's a office building being constructed. Clark Cables ranch was directly begins (south) of the new construction."

Sunday, March 20, 2011

BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL 1964 - CATHY FERGUSON OLYMPIAN

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY           2011

Once again the alertness of The Museum Community has added another part of the endlessly interesting picture that is San Fernando Valley history. This time it comes from a 1964 Burbank High School "Ceralbus" yearbook on its way to a thrift shop. Here are two great photos from the yearbook. I hope you will agree that they are more than worth saving.  Jerry

 Cathy Ferguson at Burbank High School in 1964. Cathy had just achieved a new world record in the 200 meter backstroke and was preparing for the 1964 Olympic Games.  The summer came and Cathy won two gold medals in the Tokyo Games; one in the 200 meter backstroke and another as part of the 100 meter relay. (click on this image to enlarge)

Burbank High School boys, Tom Bradstock and Bob Steele look for their scores. They came in first and second. A new swimming pool at the Burbank YMCA (today the Y) caused an explosion of interest in swimming by school kids in the mid 1960s.

GATHERING THE DETAILS ON THE LIFE OF JESSIE BENTON FREMONT.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY             2011

These photographs are part of a clipping from the Los Angeles Times on April 12, 1959. At the bottom there is a pencil note that says "Mrs Benton lived in the SF Valley before she moved to Los Angeles."
 I seem to recall someone mentioning that she lived in the Valley and that her home here was torn down after she moved near USC at 28th and Hoover. I'm hoping our Van Nuys historian Richard Hilton can fill us in on this one.  Jerry


Jessie Benton Fremont was the wife of the famous American explorer John Charles Fremont. Called the "American Pathfinder" John C. Fremont played an essential role in the acquisition of California from Mexico and played a vital role in the history of the San Fernando Valley's Campo de Cahuenga. The full role of Jessie Benton Fremont continues to be uncovered. She transmitted important and confidential messages to her husband from the government in Washington D.C.
Mrs. Fremont was given a home very near present day USC at 28th Street and Hoover by California women's groups. She lived there until her death in 1902.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

SOLDIERS LEAVING FOR SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR IN 1898

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY       2011                         Countdown photos 220 and 219

As The Museum Community counts down to the 230th Birthday of Los Angeles in September, Liane Schirmer (Chair of MSFV's City Birthday Committee) reminds us to share photos from our Archives about Los Angeles history.

 April 1898 - Soldiers prepare to leave for the Spanish American War. Here Los Angeles volunteers, including men from the San Fernando Valley prepare to leave for San Francisco on their way to Manila in the Philippines. Two blasts from a whistle atop the Los Angeles Times building indicated that a Spanish warship had been sunk.
Photo clipping from the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift from Gerald Fecht 2010 -  (click on image to enlarge)

Aliso Street, downtown Los Angeles in 1886. Historic postcard mailed from Los Angeles in 1910. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge).
The card was mailed to Mrs. Ruth M. Taylor of Monomet, Mass in Plymouth County. A note on the card reads, "The judge can tell you something of interest about this mission. How like the walls are made. 

FRANK SINATRA HAD A CITY HOME IN TOLUCA LAKE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY       2011

Many celebrities who work or worked in the film and television industries have or had residencies in the San Fernando Valley. Because of its privacy and nearness to the production studios, Toluca Lake has long been a favorite location for city homes.

Frank Sinatra as a young singer during the World War II era. This vintage postcard is a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Entertainment Industry History Library, from Gary Fredburg 2011.   (click on image to enlarge)

RORY CALHOUN PART OF THE VALLEY ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY HISTORY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY        2011

If you explored historic North Hollywood today with Richard Hilton, you are likely to have learned about the ruggedly handsome actor Rory Calhoun.  With a wildly checkered past, Calhoun went on to become one of filmdom's most sought after performers.  As the story goes, he was discovered in the Hollywood Hills above Pickwick Stables in Burbank, by the actor Alan Ladd (whose wife was a theatrical agent.) Calhoun lived in North Hollywood and died in Burbank, California.

Rory Calhoun, film and television actor. Photograph gift to the Entertainment Industry History Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg - 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

LONG AGO SCHOOL GARDEN IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY        2011

Just marked "School Garden in the San Fernando Valley", this wonderful photograph was rescued from a garage sale by The Museum's Vice President, Gary Fredburg. On the lookout for future generations this week, other discoveries were made by Art Jacobs and Brendan Fecht.

School Garden in the San Fernando Valley - date and persons unknown. (click on image to enlarge) Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.

Don't let San Fernando Valley history be thrown away.  Become an agent for the future, by helping your Museum to save the past:


Here’s how to contact your Museum:

MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE         1 (818) 347-9665

MUSEUM’S BLOG

MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

MUSEUM’S ORAL HISTORIES     

MUSEUM’S E-MAIL

Thursday, March 17, 2011

LEARN ABOUT THE ACTOR ALAN LADD ON THE MUSEUM'S NO HO WALKING TOUR THIS SATURDAY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY         2011

Most of the San Fernando Valley's two million residents have no idea about the huge amount of history that surrounds them. Come along for a nice morning walk in the NoHo this Saturday, and learn about the actor Alan Ladd and much, much more.

Alan Ladd - unknown film - still photograph - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Entertainment Industry History from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

TOM SELLECK STUDIED AT L.A. VALLEY COLLEGE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

Just in to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's collection of Entertainment Industry History of the Valley, is this "keen" postcard of the ever popular Tom Selleck.


Tom Selleck - postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2011
(click on image to enlarge)

NO HO HISTORIC WALKING TOUR THIS SATURDAY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY      2011

If you haven't gone on one of The Museum's historic walking tours of the No Ho, you really owe it to yourself. It meets this Saturday at 10 am at the Amelia Earhart statue in North Hollywood Park (Tujunga and Magnolia). Donation is $10 (but, you are welcomed to give zillions more.)
These two newspaper photographs from the Valley Times (October 8, 1958) will be explained in detail by Richard Hilton on the tour. It's a good idea to make reservations for this great adventure.

 This is a photo of the San Fernando Valley's first cannery. It is the barn of W. H. Andrews at the northwest corner of Lankershim and Magnolia. It was called 4th Street in 1898. Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gerald Fecht 2011 (click on image to enlarge)

A. H. Prince was the owner of this apricot orchard when this photo was taken c. 1900. He is standing above the the workers holding a picking stick. His orchard and dryers were located where North Hollywood Park stands today. Your walking tour will begin near where these fruit trees once stood.
(click on image to enlarge)

BIG PARKING LOT SALE


Long awaited SPRING PARKING LOT SALE  (yard sale)
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley & Campo de Cahuenga Association.
Saturday March 26th from 8 am to 3 pm.
books, knick-knacks, costume like clothes, glassware and pottery,
tools  etc. Good stuff.
Deliver contributions for Parking Lot sale on
 Friday, March 25th from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Campo site.
Address of Campo is 3919 Lankershim Blvd. next to
the red line station and across from Universal Studios.  Free parking at  Campo or next door at the MTA lot.    

BARNEY KESSEL WORLD FAMOUS GUITARIST

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

 Barney Kessel

One of great jazz guitarists of his era, Barney Kessel lived and worked in the San Fernando Valley. At the time this photograph was taken he resided in Glendale, California. He was a member of the famous group of studio musicians called the Wrecking Crew.
Barney Kessel was part of the Salute to Jazz Festivals sponsored by the Schlitz Brewing Company in 1968. Festival program gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Library of Entertainment Industry History from Gerald Fecht 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

AMBER WILL RUN THE MARATHON THIS SUNDAY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY        2011

The Museum Community salutes bib number- 22078 in this weekend's Marathon.

Amber you won when you signed up for the run!

HISTORIC POSTCARD CARRIES A MODERN WISH

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY         2011                     May the road come up to meet you.

Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2011.

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY 
FROM THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

THE GREAT ETHEL BARRYMORE

Just added to The Museum's Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History is this classic image of the beloved actress Ethel Barrymore. This card was mailed to Miss Reina Read of N.W. Cor. 9th and Roubidoux in Saint Joseph, Missouri on February 1907.


Historic postcard 1907 - Ethel Barrymore - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

Help preserve our precious history - support your Museum today - 1 (818) 347-9665

THOUGHTS ABOUT JAPAN TODAY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

As I have been profoundly saddened by the enormous tragedy being experienced by the people of Japan this week, I came upon this historic postcard among the incoming artifacts for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Archives. The California poppies in my garden have just leafed out and their golden promise is only weeks away, and I was cheered by this little postcard mailed by history's "Kate".  On the front of the card Kate writes Los Angeles Cal  October 10, 1908.  And adds, "Many thanks for the cards. I am getting a collection."

The postcard  is addressed on the front to Mr. Eugene Foster, Yokohama, Japan - General Delivery.
"Best wishes for a delightful trip. Friends are very well and happy." The card was sent with a 2¢ American stamp bearing the image of President George Washington, and was printed in Germany.
103 years have passed since its mailing.



Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2011.  Click on image to enlarge.

Monday, March 14, 2011

THE BOARD OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MEETS THIS WEDNESDAY EVENING.

Reminder to the world, that the Board of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley meets this Wednesday.   1 (818) 347-9665
 Please submit your announcements and items for the agenda by Tuesday sundown. Or, a little after sundown.  Jerry


Announcement Board in the Art Department - Cal. State University Northridge

Support the effort to bring about a great Museum of History and Culture for the San Fernando Valley.

CITY COUNCILMAN GRIEG SMITH INTERVIEWED BY THE MUSUEM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011                                 Northridge 100

In his final week in office, Los Angeles City Councilman Grieg Smith was interviewed for The Museum's Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley. It was a great week for Grieg, striking out in new and exciting directions, and an important milestone for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Councilman Smith has been a very  important friend to The Museum, trusting us as his ally in producing many of the events of the 100th Anniversary of Northridge and Porter Ranch, inclusion of The Museum Community in the efforts to resurrect the historic Oakridge Estate, and our organization of the first historic bus tour of Northridge. Grieg Smith understands the role  history and culture plays in the "sense of place" that brings about civic pride, enhances the quality of life in a community, and has practical economic rewards as well.


Congratulations Grieg Smith - The Museum is proud to have your personal story of Northridge as part of our "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley" effort.

ROBERT REDFORD IS A GRADUATE OF VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY          2010                      Celebrating 100 years of Van Nuys

As part of The Museum's effort to bring awareness to the San Fernando Valley's enormous entertainment industry heritage, and to relate the story of Van Nuys, here's one of the area's prominent personalities.
Robert Redford, as a youth worked in a pharmacy in Valley Glen and graduated from Van Nuys High School.
 Robert Redford - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

Support your Museum's effort to bring together a Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History. Financial contributions and donations of artifacts are tax deductible. Call today:
1-818-347-9665

NORTHRIDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - A SPECIAL PLACE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY       2011                     Northridge 100

Over 80 years ago, the first Methodist community in Northridge established what would become the Northridge United Methodist Church. Originally called the Community Methodist Episcopal Church of Zelzah, it saw the town renamed North Los Angeles and eventually Northridge.  With a congregation of 25 people, including children, the emerging church met first in a very modest two-room school house. Today, the church has a vibrant congregation serving not only the North Valley but the faculty and students of California State University Northridge as well.

The great altar of the Northridge United Methodist Church features a spectacular new organ, supporting one of the best church choirs in the Valley. The great wooden cross also holds a charming secret, Look at the closeup (below.)
The entire cross is decorated with smaller symbols, called The Jerusalem Cross. And, each represented when the cross was placed in the sanctuary one of the families of the parish.
Sometimes called the Crusaders' cross, the Jerusalem cross was designated as such by Pope Urban II.
It features an equal sided Greek cross with four smaller ones at each side. Most modern Christians view the symbol of the four Gospels of the New Testament, and a call to action against the sufferings of humanity.



I always look at what makes a church, synagogue or temple unique. This very beautiful ceramic cross, partially hidden behind a glass door, is displayed in the church's foyer. It was made by a member of the congregation. I promise to return to the church someday, and get a photograph of the cross with the glass door open.... and, to discover the artist's name. (Click on images to enlarge them).

Saturday, March 12, 2011

TWO VINTAGE AIRPLANE POSTCARDS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY      2011                     100 years of Burbank progress

To help The Museum of the San Fernando Valley celebrate 100 years of the City of Burbank, Museum Vice President Gary Fredburg has been seeking images and artifacts related to Burbank history. These two vintage postcards are especially interesting.

Vintage postcard 2638 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.

Caption of the card reads:
"Pacific Airmotive Corporation's new Aircraft & Engineering Center covers 25 acres on the west side of Lockeed Air Terminal, Burbank, Calif.  The multi-million dollar facility is a fully integrated, one stop service center for commercial and business aircraft."  (click on image to enlarge.

Amateur radio operator's card 1970 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  Vintage card 2639  (click on image to enlarge)

The caption on this card reads:
"SuperJet of the 'seventies - the new Lockeed TriStar jetliner is designed to meet tomorrow's air travel requirements. The 600 mile per hour (965 kmh L-1011) tri jet will handle from 250 to 345 passengers in a spacious cabin nearly 20 feet wide - with roomier seats more stretch and storage room, and freedom of movement along twin aisles. Food carts, loaded in the underfloor galley will speed service. The wide-cabin TriStar will operate on short, medium and transcontinental rage flights. Extended range versions will span the oceans."
The amateur radio station's call letters were: 5N5ABG

Thursday, March 10, 2011

BETTY GRABLE - ONCE AMERICA'S PIN UP SWEETHEART

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY              2011

As The Museum Community continues to amass works about Entertainment Industry History in the San Fernando Valley, I sometimes feel like we must seem star-struck groupies in a time warp. But, film and television personalities, in large measure are very much Valley history.
Today books arrived about the great Betty Grable, Laurence Olivier, Cary Grant and the great movie palaces of yesteryear.
Thanks for supporting the history and culture of the San Fernando Valley.

Contact The Museum of the San Fernando Valley soon.  1 (818) 347-9665

CSUN STUDENT ALINA SURENIAN DEVELOPS MUSEUM'S POSTCARD MESSAGE PROJECT

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY               2011

California State University Northridge VISCOM student Alina Surenian is developing a special set of promotional postcards for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Each of four postcards will carry a message targeted to either, older adults, the general public, or youth and children. The Museum's walking and bus tours, and an appeal card for Museum support are also part of Alina's project.
Alina will graduate from the university this June, and both she and The Museum will have gained from her creative efforts. 

Alina Surenian -  CSUN VISCOM student - (click on image to enlarge)

Monday, March 7, 2011

ENCINO SCHOOL 6TH GRADE APRIL 1957

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY     2011

These two class photographs from Encino School in April 1957 are a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Mike Henson 2011.

Encino School - photos secured for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Art Jacobs March 2011.  (click on images to enlarge)  Above is 2628 and below 2627.

PIERCE COLLEGE RODEOS - SIGMA DELTA FRATERNITY AT HOMECOMING

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY          2011

This afternoon, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley received a bound archive of L.A. Pierce College "Roundup" newspapers for 1964 -1965. This great collection was presented to Clay Koerner, the college's outgoing student body president during those years,  Koerner resides now in Bakersfield, California.
The following are images from the Roundup papers.

Pierce College agriculture students held rodeo-like competitions throughout the school year.

Student Richard Milleken rides a bull at Piece College competition. 1965

Sigma Delta Fraternity built this prize winning float for the Pierce College Homecoming Parade.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

SAN FERNANDO IS 100 THIS YEAR, AND THIS FOOTBALL GAME PLAYED 50 YEARS LATER.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY       2011                           San Fernando Celebrates 100 years

I think this photo was taken during the Fall of 1959, but am not sure. Nor, am I sure which team was which. The image was taken during a game between San Fernando High School and Birmingham High School.  (click on the photograph to enlarge it.) We have Art Jacobs of Sherman Oaks to thank for rescuing this terrific shot.

BIRMINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL 1960

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY                2011

With a new football stadium, these fierce Birmingham High School football players were not to be taken lightly.  (click on this image to enlarge)

THREE US SOLDIERS IN VIETNAM 1970 DRAWING BY DAN COON

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY          2011

In The Museum's on-going effort to document the lives and times of San Fernando Valley residents, we gratefully received a series of Vietnam related photos, drawings and letters today. This first image was done by Dan Coon of the 1st Medical Battalion in Vietnam in 1970.
The artifacts are a gift to The Museum from Michael Hewson March 2011.  These important records  were secured for The Museum's Archives by Art Jacobs of Sherman Oaks.