SAN FERNANDO VALLEY STATE COLLEGE 1971

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

 Postcard of San Fernando Valley State College  (now CSUN) made in 1970 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

"One of the west's finest and fastest growing colleges in the beautiful San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles."

Students on the campus of San Fernando Valley State College 1972. (refer to photograph 2999) These young people had likely been friends at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills before coming to Northridge. (click on image to enlarge)

SAINT CHRISTOPHER AT LA CANA

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

For a relentless student of history and symbolism, the ancient world is seldom far away. Today, while I walked through the historic La Cana Cantina (aka - The Idle Hour Cafe), a small quarter-sized object caught my attention in an exterior doorway. I picked it up and discovered it is a Saint Christopher medal. And, it is inscribed on the back.

The inscription on this silver medal reads "Saint Christopher Be My Guide."  At one time, St. Christopher was one of the most popular saints in the Catholic church, but objects like this were considered good luck charms by many outside of the religion. Look closely and you will make out a giant of a man with a staff in the shape of a cross, bearing the child Jesus on his broad shoulder. Talismans like this were often given to those undertaking a long journey, perhaps going off to North Hollywood to make it big in the movies.

Saint Christopher is one of those Christian saints without Papal canonization. These sacred beings were designated as holy or sanctified by common people outside of official church recognition. Most of the early Christian saints fall into this category. Herein, as Shakespeare might say lies the rub.  Popular, or unofficial saints were often amalgamations of local heroes and even Pagan gods.  Christopher's story has attributes of the demigod Atlas, who carries the world or god on his shoulders. Atlas, as the name implies was the God of travelers... we still carry an Atlas when we travel. Because this is awkward for religious purists, the Catholic church has more or less downgraded Christopher to a pious legend.

 The reverse of the Saint Christopher medal has an engraved notation:  Lou or Lott or Low Moseley.

 Someone cared enough about the traveler to whom this was given, to have it personalized.

CHARLIE FOY'S SUPPER CLUB IN SHERMAN OAKS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

One of the most popular groups in American vaudeville was an act called The Seven Little Foys. As adults,two of these children, Charlie and his sister Mary owned and operated a supper club in Sherman Oaks called Charley Foy's Supper Club.  The club, located at 12915 Ventura Boulevard at Coldwater Canyon, featured blockbuster entertainers such as: Jackie Gleazon, Dan Rowan and Phil Silvers.

 Charley Foy's Supper Club - Sherman Oaks - Matchbook cover - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

CHATSWORTH'S WONDERFUL STONEY POINT

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

The impressive stoney outcroppings of Stoney Point in Chatsworth were, in the 1930s and '40s a national symbol of the American West. Cowboy and adventure movies were often filmed among these huge boulders.

Stoney Point Chatsworth - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

" Famous landmark on Santa Susana Pass in the San Fernando Valley. This impressive rugged rock formation, offering a challenge to mountain climbers, it Los Angeles Historic Monument Nop. 132. Card is printed as a Bicentennial project of the Chatsworth Historical Society."

Note: The Bicentennial of the City of Los Angeles was in 1981. The American Bicentennial was in 1976. 

ANOTHER SAN FERNANDO MALL IMAGE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

San Fernando Mall  - Postcard gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

VAN NUYS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Summer 1952

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Museum supporter Richard Holmes writes:

Gerry, I scanned and uploaded to a public folder the VNJHS S'52 Yearbook. It's in Word format--pdf was ten time larger. I can be found at this link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/133788​68/VNJHS%20S%2752%20Yearbook.d​oc

Van Nuys Junior High School - detail - sent to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Richard Holmes 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

OLD VAN AT LA CANA - IDLE HOUR CAFE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Parked behind the old La Cana flamenco bar in the historic NoHo was this great old van this morning. I wonder if it was included in the purchasing bid today?

 We know that this antique van is older than 1972. The original license is still attached.

 Van at La Cana cantina. 4 flat tires.

Interior of La Cana van. Photos for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - July 30, 2011   (click on image to enlarge)

THE MUSEUM'S PUBLIC AND POPULARS ARTS COMMITTEE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Meeting at historic Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Public and Popular Arts Commitee held its second meeting this week. Under the leadership of Northridge businessman Scott Sterling, the Committee will formulate and recommend an Arts Policy for The Museum's Board of Directors, and establish a program to stimulate public art in the Northridge area of the Valley. As the Committee proceeds it will document a template for use in creating a demand for public art across the greater San Fernando Valley.

TRI CHI FRATERNITY PIERCE SPORTS DAY 1972

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

The Tri Chi Fraternity (XXX) at Pierce College held a "sports day" each semester. Here are a couple of photos of their Spring Sports Day - April 1972.  

 Tri Chi Sports Day  1972  - Photo 3053  (click on image to enlarge)

 Tri Chi Sports Day  1972  - Photo 3051  (click on image to enlarge)

 Tri Chi Sports Day  1972  - Photo 3054  (click on image to enlarge)

 Tri Chi Sports Day  1972  - Photo 3052  (click on image to enlarge)

Chi Chi Chi and Kappa Exchange 1972  Photo number 3068  (click on image to enlarge)

SIGMA DELTA HOUSE AT PIERCE COLLEGE 1971

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

There were many friends among the competing fraternities and sororities at Los Angeles Pierce College in the 1960s and '70s. Here members of the Sigma Delta Fraternity at Pierce chat with pals from the Tri Chi organization.

Sigma Delta Fraternity House at Pierce College 1971 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - photo number: 3000  (click on image to enlarge)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO MALL

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

San Fernando is 100 years old

Unfortunately most vintage postcards, unless they have been mailed, have no dates. This postcard of the "New San Fernando Mall" was commissioned by the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce. A "ball park" guess for its time of printing can be ascertained by checking out the mall's opening date.

San Fernando Mall - postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

"We Got It All - At San Fernando Mall"

"The new San Fernando Mall , with a 120 businesses in three blocks, has many quaint restaurants and specialty stores making shopping and dining a pleasure."

HOW MANY KNOW WHERE THIS MOTION PICTURE STUDIO IS TODAY?

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Burbank is 100 Years Old

When Gary Fredburg first donated this postcard, I assumed it was a duplicate of a vintage card of Warner Brothers Studios in The Museum's archives. Something seemed odd about the card, so I checked our Burbank files, made a comparison discovery that narrows the year of the postcard and reveals a little evidence of San Fernando Valley history............ Can you guess what it is?

You guessed right!  The card is of First National Studios in Burbank. These studios were absorbed by Warner Brothers in July of 1936.

VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

The opening of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in 1958 made a major impact on health services in the mid-San Fernando Valley. 

 

Valley Presbyterian Hospital - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

Caption:  Valley Presbyterian Hospital 15107 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys 91405 - 782-6600

Unique circular medical enter, located in the San Fernando Valley. Formed for interesting and efficient design and high quality patient care. A non-profit, interfaith hospital established in 1958, it stands as a living tribute to Valley residents, whose time, energy and money helped make this long-time dream a reality. 

A note on the back of the card reads: 

"I was surprised. I have never seen this hospital from an all sides. A block from Sepulveda. The rooms are on outside of circle. (Grandma was on 2nd floor of big one).and nurses, storage and such in center."

THE MUSEUM SALUTES THE PLAZA CHURCH

                          DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011                           
Los Angeles Birthday image 213

Plaza and Mission Church downtown Los Angeles. historic postcard c. 1890s. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

This location will be the site of the City of Los Angeles' birthday celebration in September. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will be a participant in the event.  You can go right to the Plaza and the Mission Church by way of the Red Line subway from North Hollywood and Universal City.

SMALL ARTIFACTS ADD UP TO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

 

Rosalyn Krause

Understanding that small things give insights into the social history of the San Fernando Valley, Rosalyn Krause of Chatsworth donated her Valley College sorority sweatshirt and other artifacts to The Museum this week.  

If you would like to join Rosalyn in supporting our very own Museum Community. Here is our contact information.  Become part of Valley History today.

THE 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

http://museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MUSEUM’S E-MAIL

gerald.fecht@themuseumsfv.org Posted by Gerald R. Fecht at 10:15 PM 0 comments

Posted by Gerald R. Fecht at 5:29 PM 0 comments

VALLEY VILLAGE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

In August 1956 this vintage postcard was sent to Mrs. Dorsey Walker in Lathrop, Missouri.

Fabulous San Fernando Valley - Valley Village - a residential shopping area of North Hollywood. Situated midway between Studio City and Van Nuys on Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

Valley Village - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

"Wednesday Aug. 8th. We arrived in L.A. last Thursday night after stopping in Colorado on Tuesday night. We are seeing the sights and visiting relatives. Will start home before too long. Bye bye, Jean."

IMAGES OF ST. ELIZABETH'S CHURCH IN VAN NUYS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

Here are four photographs that I recently took of Saint Elizabeth's Catholic church in Van Nuys.

 Pulpit mosaic featuring symbols of the four Evangelists, Mark (the winged lion), Luke (the winged cow), Matthew (the eagle) and John (as a young man).

 Vestibule windows of Saint Elizabeth church in Van Nuys.

 Stained glass window of Saint Cyril of Alexandria. The letters Chi and Rho below the cross at the base of the window represent a vision reported by Constantine that told him "In Hoc Signo Vinces" - In this sign conqueror. The emperor Constantine made the Catholic Church the official religion of the Roman Empire.

 

Bell tower of Saint Elizabeth church in Van Nuys. The church, on Kittridge Street, is adjacent to Van Nuys High School.

BUDWEISER COMES TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

The arrival of the Budweiser plant in north Van Nuys proved that the San Fernando Valley has a taste for more than Owens River water. 

Budweiser post card - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Fred Berk 2010

(click on image to enlarge)

The western home of Budweiser - Los Angeles, Cal.  The new home of Budweiser, King of Beers, is on a 65 acre site in the San Fernando Valley. The brewery is built to duplicate every phase of the brewing process at St. Louis. Capacity is 1,000,000 barrels annually.

A GIFT FROM RICHARD NIXON

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

The San Fernando Valley has been enmeshed in politics since the Spanish Colonial Era. The decision to build the Catholic missions in California was in large measure a political more than a spiritual act. 

In 1847, Col. John C. Fremont accepted the political capitulation of California in North Hollywood, at the present site of Campo de Cahuenga (at the present entrance to the Universal Station of the Red Line Subway.) Nine years later Fremont would be the first Republican nominee for the Presidency of the United States.

Star trophy gift from President Richard M. Nixon to Elizabeth Falk of Northridge  Collection of Stephen Falk. (click on image to enlarge)

Since politics is very much part of San Fernando Valley history, your Museum collects, preserves and will present political artifacts. Share your political documents and artifacts today and with future generations. Join The Museum Community today:

THE 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

http://museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MUSEUM’S E-MAIL

gerald.fecht@themuseumsfv.org Posted by Gerald R. Fecht at 10:15 PM 0 comments

LYNN SHACKELFORD WAS A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BASKETBALL STAR

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Lynn Shackelford

"Smoke Signal" John Burroughs High School, Burbank California- June 14, 1965 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

Lynn Shackelford was the CIF Player of the Year in 1965. He went on to play for Coach John Wooden at UCLA and a career in sports broadcasting.

"Basket by Shackelford" were familiar words coming from the P.A> at basketball games. Shack connected over 1,200 points in his three years at Burroughs, and no doubt ranks in everyone's mind as the best athlete ever to his campus."

VAN NUYS YELL/SONG LEADERS 1965

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Clipping from The Mirror of Van Nuys High School - October 1965 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

"Spirit Booster - New Fall Yell and Song Leaders made their debut last Friday night at the football game with Banning High in the El Camino College Stadium. The group includes (back row - l to r) Dean Prodomos, Chris Bergen, Stuart Hoffman, (middle row)  Louise Pensanti, Frank Sparks, Carol Wakefield (front row)  Penny Campbell, Nancy Kaufman, Bill Bedoian, Cristy Beal, Kathy Tuttie and Melinda Harris."

TWO VALLEY FREEWAYS IN THEIR EARLIEST DAYS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

San Diego Freeway (405) - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011 (click on image to enlarge) late 1960s.

With "Carmageddon" only days past, this postcard presents a particularly interesting image of what today is one of America's most crowded freeways.

Golden State Freeway:  vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011 (click on image to enlarge) late 1960s.

"Magnificent New Golden State Freeway. Newest completed link of the vast Los Angeles super highway system bypasses city center providing direct flow between areas northeast and southeast of Los Angeles."

VALLEY FEDERAL SOFTBALL - JANUARY 1964

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

In the January 1964 newsletter for Valley Federal Savings - Principals and Interests (for Valley Fed. employees) this photograph of the company's softball team was featured.
"Returning to the softball line-up this year are (left to right) front row:  Lynn Bird, Don Headlund, Art Aston Jr., Ken Brock, bat boy, and Forrest Geary.
Back row: Ron Anderson, Steve Falk, Rick Needham, John Green and Chuck White. Many additions to the team are also expected."

Valley Federal softball team - Jan. 1964 - newsletter gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Steve Falk 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

BROTHER JOHN DURAN OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

I was recently asked for comments about my Notre Dame High School Speech and Debate teacher, Brother John Doran CSC. Brother John is now 90 years old (The Latin CSC means Congregation of Holy Cross. It is the Catholic religious order that runs Notre Dame University and founders of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks).
This was what I had to say: 

Over the years, I have often wondered what it was about Brother John Duran that made him so loved by those in the Notre Dame High School Speech and Debate Club. Perhaps it was because we sometimes got out of classes early to practice or to go a competition. Or, maybe it was the quality of the kids he recruited. For whatever reason, we loved (and, still love) him. We often won impressive trophies; and for nerdy kids big trophies were a huge asset in a jock-oriented school.
We often pushed the limits and tested Br. John's patience, but he seemed seldom annoyed, never openly angry, and almost always calm - even when an elaborate joke was aimed at him. We were loyal to him, and he was loyal to us.
In my junior year, my speech-buddies and I decided to do Brother John in. We would claim that powerful pagan spirits were all over the campus and that the Goddess Vesta had taken a shine to him. Each of us stole, borrowed and may have bought tons of office supplies. We stuffed his desk with pencils, pens, erasers, paper, notebooks, paper clips, rubber bands and much more. He got so he couldn't even get his desk drawer opened. We never bothered teachers who we didn't like. I used lots of John's teaching tricks over the years in my own classroom.
If this reaches him, tell that Jerry Fecht still loves him.

LAST ISSUE OF THE FEDCO REPORTER IN 1999

 DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Bob Peppermuller sends this along to The Museum Community:

Brief description -------This is the last issue of the FEDCO reporter before they went out of business in 1999. Front cover, back cover with membership card and pages 14 and 15. This issue was mailed out just before FEDCO announced they were going out of business. FEDCO (Federal Employees Distributing Company, 1949-1999) was located at 14920 Raymer Street between Van Nuys Blvd and Sepulveda Blvd.  They also had other locations across Southern California . FEDCO, I believe, was the first department store in Southern California to have controlled membership as a requirement for shopping there.

 

PIERCE COLLEGE FRATERNITY PARTY IN 1971

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

On February 9, 1971, the brothers of the Chi Chi Chi Fraternity at Los Angeles Pierce College celebrated the anniversary of the founding of their organization.  These photographs, modified by color enhancement, are in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. When The Museum secures a work space in the near future, the public will be invited to work with a Museum volunteer to identify the young men and women in photographs such as these.

 Plaque presentation -XXX Fraternity Feb. 1971  (click on image to enlarge)  Photo number 2915
Paul Estavillo notes:  "Photo of Tom Royster, John Prince, Doug Wick, Chuck Helm and Bill Cheesman at the Falbrook."(I believe Paul means at the Fallbrook Fraternity House?)

 Birthday Party -XXX Fraternity Feb. 1971  (click on image to enlarge)  Photo number 2913

 Singing -XXX Fraternity Feb. 1971  (click on image to enlarge)  Photo number 2910

 Two young women drinking -XXX Fraternity Feb. 1971  (click on image to enlarge)  Photo number 2911

Birthday Party Guests -XXX Fraternity Feb. 1971  (click on image to enlarge)  Photo number 2914
In the center of the hearth is Paul Estavillo in orange sweater.

STATE PLAN TO CLOSE THE VALLEY'S LOS ENCINOS HISTORIC PARK

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Michael Crosby, longtime Museum ally, has just notified us of a State of California plan to close Los Encinos State Historic Park.  PLEASE take a moment to defend one of the Valley's most significant historic and cultural sites.

Los Encinos State Historic Park, at the corner of Balboa and Ventura Blvd, in Encino California, was, until the late 19th Century, the hub of human habitation in the Southern San Fernando Valley. This five-acre early California rancho includes the original nine-room de la Osa Adobe, the two-story limestone Garnier House, the Reyes Hut, natural springs, and a lake (shaped like a Spanish guitar.) The park contains exhibits on early California ranch life.

You can ACT TODAY by visiting:

http://my.calparks.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2011ParkClosures&JServSessionIdr004=3og8pwp9x2.app332b

 

Los Encinos State Historic Park - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010.  (click on images to enlarge)

PHOTOS FROM A RESEDA CARPENTER'S TIME IN HAWAII IN 1939

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY

When Raymond Estavillo died on the 15th of May in 2011, most of the friends and neighbors of the 94 year old man simply knew of him as a retired master carpenter. In actuality Mr. Estavillo, who was born in 1917, had served his nation at a time of great peril. As a youth, Raymond joined the United States Army just before the dark days of World War II. He shared a Christmas dinner at Schofield Barracks in the Territory of Hawaii just two years before the Japanese attack on that base and the port of Pearl Harbor in 1941. The photographs taken and saved by Army Air Corpsman Raymond Estavillo are today are an important part of American history, and because he was our neighbor in Reseda - now, part of San Fernando Valley history as well.

United States Army Air Corpsmen on Parade at Schofield Barracks c. 1939 .   Photo in collection of Raymond Estavillo - courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 -  Photo E7  (click on image to enlarge)

 United States Army Transport Ship Entering Pearl Harbor c. 1940 -   Photo in collection of Raymond Estavillo - courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 -  Photo E8  (click on image to enlarge)

 Attack Plane on Exhibit c. 1940    Photo in collection of Raymond Estavillo - courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 -  Photo E9  (click on image to enlarge)

 General's Airplane   Photo in collection of Raymond Estavillo - courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 -  Photo E10  (click on image to enlarge)

 Attack Plane in Hanger - Hawaii c. 1940    Photo in collection of Raymond Estavillo - courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 -  Photo E11  (click on image to enlarge)

Pursuit Plane -   Photo in collection of Raymond Estavillo - courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 -  Photo E12  (click on image to enlarge)