MUSEUM LEAVES MALL SPACE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2012

Tomorrow is moving day for your Museum. We are very grateful to the Westfield Fashion Square Mall for the opportunity to demonstrate to the community the importance of a serious historical and cultural museum about the San Fernando Valley. 

San Fernando Motor Court - 1618 San Fernando Road in San Fernando - Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012 (click on image to enlarge it.)

THE MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

ALPINE BAVARIAN RESTAURANT IN SAN FERNANDO

 CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2012

You may recall that on an earlier blog posting, we featured a menu from a great old German restaurant in San Fernando called the Alpine Haus. Well, Gary Fredburg has found a vintage postcard to go the menu. Alpine Haus was on the corner of Hubbard and First Streets in San Fernando. Its hosts were Karl and Anna Hascher.

 

CONTACTING YOUR MUSUEM

THE MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE 
1 (818) 347-9665 PST

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

THE LIDO VENICE OF BURBANK

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

This week marks the final time that The Museum will be at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall.
Come for a visit  Tues through Thursday  11:30 to 5 pm. 

 Lido Venice - Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it)

CONTACTING YOUR MUSUEM

THE MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE   
1 (818) 347-9665 PST

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

VALHALLA MEMORIAL PARK - A SAN FERNANDO VALLEY LANDMARK

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

On the border between North Hollywood and Burbank stands historic Valhalla Memorial Park.

 Portal of the Folded Wings - Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

CONTACTING YOUR MUSUEM

THE MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE    
1 (818) 347-9665 PST

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MOTIVE FOR CALIFORNIA EXPLORATION REVEALED

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY             2012

What were the motives of the Spanish government of Mexico in 1769 to explore and colonize California?  An important gift to The Museum's growing library from our Museum Associate JoAnn Hyslop has important answers.  JoAnn's gift "Gateway to Alta California - The Expedition to San Diego, 1769" by Harry Crosby is a much appreciate gift.

 

 Gift to the Library of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from JoAnn Hyslop 2012. (click on image to enlarge it.)

AN AMERICAN TREASURE AMONG DOCUMENTS DONATED TO THE MUSEUM

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY               2012

Recently, a box of political memorabilia was donated to your Museum. Among the letters to and from California political leaders was this 51 year old invitation to the inauguration of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Now just over a half century old, the document will be carefully documented and preserved for future generations by The Museum.  (click on the image to enlarge it.)

Your Museum collects and preserves political memorabilia related to the life and times of the residents of the greater San Fernando Valley. Support your Museum today.

THE GREAT SNOW OF 1949

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

 The Demetropoulos home in 1949

This photo arrived at The Museum space today. It depicts a famous San Fernando Valley event, the great snow of 1949. The address is 14025 Peach Grove Street (I think in Sherman Oaks). The Demetropoulos family moved to the Valley in 1948. 

NEIL TURBOV SHARES BOYHOOD FIRE STATION SNAPSHOTS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2912

Recently Mr. Neil Turbov visited the Museum's exhibit space and during our conversation I mentioned how important amateur photographs and the memorabilia of ordinary people are in piecing together the history of the San Fernando Valley.
Neil commented that, as a boy, he had taken snapshots of the old North Hollywood Fire Department's training site. The photos, he thought, might be a good example of what we had been discuissing.

 Neil M. Turbov holds photos donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The following week, Neil Turbov brought six scanned photographs to share from the early '60s.

 This is a training tower, regularly ignited for the purpose of teaching firemen how to fight high rise blazes.

 These photographs, Neil said, may have been taken as part of a Fire Department open house.

 Los Angeles Fire Department's training facility in North Hollywood, early 1960s. (Click on image to enlarge it.)

VETERAN ACTOR JOSEPH L. CRANSTON VISITS MUSEUM SPACE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY       2012

One of the most enjoyable aspects of our experience with The Museum's exposition space in the Westfield Fashion Square mall was meeting folks like Joe Cranston.  Mr. Cranston is a veteran actor, film director and writer, who played a significant role in Valley entertainment industry history. 

Joe Cranston 2012

HISTORIC RESTORATION UNDERWAY IN THE NO HO.

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                   2012

Bob Peppermuller, friend of The Museum, sent these valuable photographs of the ongoing restoration of the Valley's historic Lankershim Train Station.   (click on images to enlarge them)

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CELEBRATES EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

On Friday, August 17th, the San Fernando Valley (indeed all America) celebrated the centennial of the publishing of the original Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs with the unveiling of a new "forever" United State postage stamp.

With The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's own Willard Simms as master of ceremonies, a crowd of over 400 were treated to special music created for the occasion by Theatre of Will, biographies of Burroughs, and even a young Tarzan and one of his famous Apes. The afternoon was warm, but comfortable under a great tent provided at the Tarzana Community Center.

First Day of Issue stamp and envelope signed by members of the family of Edgar Rice Burroughs, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, California State Senator Fran Pavley, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, and Members of the Board of Directors of The Museum. 

Mel Sofian, whose signature appears to the left within the circle, worked tirelessly to encourage the U.S. Postal Service to issue the Burroughs stamp.

 Tarzan #12, Denny Miller of Las Vegas, starred as Tarzan in the 1959 remake of "Tarzan the Ape-Man attended the special event.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley board members along with U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman enjoyed the memorable occasion. (From LtoR - Michel Stevens, Scott Sterling, Congressman Sherman, Kristine Keller, Willard Simms and Gerald Fecht)

Interested in being part of The Museum's commitment to preserving the history of Edgar Rice Burroughs?  Contact us:

Willard Simms - Chairman of The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 
Mailing Address:
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms; Tel: 1 (818) 347-9665

CASSIUS CLAY VRS SONNY LISTON

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

On November 16th, 1964, Valley boxing enthusiasts were able to experience some of the excitement of the live heavyweight championship fight between the champion Cassius Clay and the challenger Sonny Liston. The Valley Music Theatre in Woodland Hills enabled pre-pay for view television audiences the opportunity to see world class events broadcast across America.

Boxing flyer 1964 -  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.

The day after his victory over Liston, Cassius Clay changed his name to Cassius X. A week later he became the sports immortal Mohammed Ali.

Join us on August 30th for "Taste of History" - “History of Western Films in the Valley"

THE GREAT BIFF ELLIOT PASSES

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

     This last year, as part of The Museum's "Narrating Lives, Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley, I had the distinct honor of interviewing one time television superstar Biff Elliot. He died this week in his Studio City home.
     As expected, obituaries about Biff's television and film career, most notably as the hard boiled detective Mike Hammer, have appeared in newspapers and on the Internet. His accomplishments as an actor were amazing.  However,  few commentaries will more than take note of his service to the American Republic as a foot solider in the Second World War.
     By 1943, young Biff Elliot was an ideal candidate for military service. He had finished school and as an amateur boxer in prime physical condition. He enlisted int the United States Army and was assigned to the 34th Infantry Division. Finished with boot camp, Biff was sent to North Africa where he joined already battle hardened soldiers preparing for the invasion of Sicily, and heavily fortified Italy. The 34th Infantry would consequently engage in more combat against German and Italian soldiers than any other division in the World War II.
     Biff Elliot was among those young American soldiers to experience a record number of days fighting what must have seen like inch to inch up the Italian peninsula. Nearly 4,000 of Biff's comrades died from  the trenches of Anzio to the borders of France,  and over 17,000 were wounded or missing in action.
     The great old actor only mentioned his combat experience in passing. But, Nick Baird, the young California State University Northridge student who filmed The Museum's interview, and I easily recognized that we were in the presence of genuine American patriot.
     The Museum's oral histories project planned a second interview with Biff Elliot about his military experience, but alas we were too late. However, it is never too late for us to be thankful for the life, courage and talent of the extraordinary human being.

MUSEUM'S TARZAN PROJECT CONTINUES TO GROW

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2012

Willard Simms, member on leave from The Museum's Board of Directors, continues to direct our special Edgar Rice Burroughs collection and exhibit during the year 2012. 

Spanish language promotional poster - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.   (click on image to enlarge it.)

Interested in helping build The Museum's Burroughs' collection?

Willard Simms - Chairman of The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms              1 (818) 347-9665

WESTERN HISTORIAN JERRY ENGLAND SPEAKS AT MUSEUM ON AUSGUST 30th

“Taste of History” Speaker Series!

Date: Thursday, August 30, 2012

Program: History of Western Films at Iverson Ranch and Horses in the Valley

Featured Speaker: Jerry England

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.   

Cost: FREE Event!

Where: Westfield Fashion Square, Dining Terrace, Sherman Oaks

As a Western movie historian, Jerry England has researched and collected memorabilia associated with Santa Susana Mountain movie location ranches for the past decade; and after making a guest appearance on a ReelzChannel Dailies program titled Hollywood Was Here - The Iverson Movie Ranch, he decided to share his research and knowledge by writing Reel Cowboys of the Santa Susanas and "Rendezvous at Boulder Pass -- Hollywood's Fantasyland"
Jerry will present a fascinating history on the early days horses in the Valley to a review of Western films at Iverson Ranch in the Santa Susana Mountain area.
A film will be shown and he will discuss the background on his two books. Visitors will be amazed on what the western valley looked like, the who’s who of stars that acted in western films and how horses were such a big part of the valley back then… and today.
Jerry also came from a family whose pioneer heritage can be back-trailed for over twelve generations across the forests and prairies of America.
You can lean more about Jerry England at www.cowboyup.com.

Also, The Museum will make a presentation on a special community-arts-museum program –“Horses Across the Valley.”

WHERE:    Westfield Fashion Square, 2^nd Flr. Dining Terrace (across from food court)

                   14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423     

                   (On Riverside between Hazeltine and Woodman)

COST:        FREE!   (please bring a family member or friend)

RSVP:    Please call The Museum at (818) 347-9665 or  events@TheMuseumSFV.org             

 wwwTheMuseumSFV.org

About Jerry England...

Jerry is an avid horseman, who has been riding for more than half a century.   Besides trail-riding, he has participated in the fast-action sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting.

He's also a cowboy folk artist.  His Old West-inspired furniture has won accolades from publications, such as Southwest Art, Sunset, The Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine, and Home Magazine.   He was featured on TV's Carol Duvall Show to demonstrate his technique.
As a Western movie historian, he has researched and collected memorabilia associated with Santa Susana Mountain movie location ranches for the past decade; and after making a guest appearance on a ReelzChannel Dailies program titled Hollywood Was Here - The Iverson Movie Ranch, he decided to share his research and knowledge by writing Reel Cowboys of the Santa Susanas and "Rendezvous at Boulder Pass -- Hollywood's Fantasyland"
Jerry also came from a family whose pioneer heritage can be back-trailed for over twelve generations across the forests and prairies of America.
Collectibles offered on this site are from Jerry's personal collection. Jerry collected, bought, sold, and traded cowboy, native American, old West antiques, and sporting collectibles for more than 30 years. You may have met him at the Cody Old West Show, the High Noon Show, The Western Design Conference, the Paso Gathering in Paso Robles, Cowboy Traditions in Tucson, or the Santa Ynez Vaquero Show in years past. He is a former member of the National Bit, Spur and Saddle Collectors Association (NBSSCA).
Jerry and his wife Joyce live in Chatsworth, California, and spend many hours every week on the trail with their equine pals: Cash, Zinger, their wee-one--Biggs, Kasidy May, and Sunup.
Jerry is active in the preservation of horse-keeping in Chatsworth, CA, and has made many positive contributions in Los Angeles as the president of the Chatsworth Equine Cultural Heritage Organization which he founded in 2000.

HOWARD HUGHES AND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

A monumental figure in the history of the San Fernando Valley was Howard Hughes. A film-maker, adventurer, and builder of remarkable aircraft, Hughes left an indelible mark on American aviation and the history of the San Fernando Valley.

 Howard Hughes

From 1941 to 1943, Howard Hughes was engaged in the making of the motion picture "The Outlaw".  The film starred Van Nuys High School graduate, Jane Russell. (click on image to enlarge it.)

 Glendale, California c. 1932. Hughes Aircraft Company built the H-1, a plane that would break the land plane speed record.  In addition to Hughes, there were 12 employees of the company,

In 1936, design engineer Dick Palmer and Howard Hughes built the H1 racer. Hughes flew the craft from Burbank to Newark, New Jersey in just under 7 1/2 hours.


Join Kristine Keller in her efforts to archive and present the history of Aeronautics in the San Fernando Valley for today and for future generations.


Kristine Keller - Chair of the Aerospace Project

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Kristine Keller              1 (818) 347-9665

CELEBRATING EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS - Your Museum Collects Tarzan and John Carter

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

In The Museum's on-going effort to document the life and times of the world famous Edgar Rice Burroughs, we added this week a copy of the original Tarzan motion picture of 1918, a dramatic Spanish language poster of Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan made for distribution in Mexico and the three interesting still photographs included in this blog posting.

 John Matthew Sheffield-Cassan - Bomba the Jungle Boy - photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Johnny Sheffield began his film career in 1939 playing "Boy", the adopted son of Tarzan and Jane (Johnny Weissmuller and Maurine O'Sullivan. When he grew into a young man, Sheffield played the role of Bomba The Jungle Boy from 1949 to 1955.

 John Matthew Sheffield-Cassan - Bomba the Jungle Boy - photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

How people of differing cultures are depicted in the media shapes opinions. Images such as this from Bomba the Jungle Boy provide important clues to social scientists, as well as documenting San Fernando Valley culture.

 Jai, the Elephant Boy, is awakened by Gajendra his pet elephant.

Tarzan Goes to India - 1962 MGM film - Photo Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.

"The world's favorite hero Tarzan returns to the screen in MGM's exciting jungle adventure, Tarzan Goes to India." Jock Mahoney played Tarzan.

Interested in helping build The Museum's Burroughs' collection?

Willard Simms - Chairman of The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms              1 (818) 347-9665

HENRY VAN WOLF'S SCULPTURE OF THE HERO FRIEDRICH von STEUBEN

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

 Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, hero of American liberty 1730 to 1794. Plaster sculpture by San Fernando Valley artist Henry Van Wolf. Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

von Steuben was a Prussian born officer who served the American Revolution. He became the Inspector General of the Continental Army and General George Washington's Chief of Staff. He is created as one of the fathers of the Continental Army.

MUSEUM INFORMATION

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

Porto di Leone Restaurant in Studio City - matchbook cover -

 gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.

CONTACTING YOUR MUSUEM

THE MUSEUM’S MAILING ADDRESS

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE     
1 (818) 347-9665 PST

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

1941 USA ATTACKED - 1943 USA RETALIATES

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

Kristine Keller has begun her Aerospace Exhibit planning by collecting images and information about flight during the Second World War. Want to help Kristine?  See her contact data below.

 P-38 Assembly line at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank in 1943.  (click on image to enlarge it.)  Booklet gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.

 Flying Fortresses Assembly Line - 1943 - Lockheed Aircraft Burbank, California. 

Kristine Keller     Aerospace Exhibit Coordinator

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Kristine Keller

1 (818) 347-9665 PST

EXCITING EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS EVENTS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY               2012

Though Willard Simms will be on leave from his duties as a member of The Museum's Board of Directors for several months, he will continue to head The Museum's tribute to the great American popular fiction author Edgar Rice Burroughs. Mr. Simms will coordinate and oversee The Museum's exhibits and collections of Burroughs' artifacts and records.

"You might mention some time that we have the original silent film of Tarzan, with a modern soundtrack, in our space   Simms

Willard Simms
The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms              1 (818) 347-9665

A BLEAK DECEMBER 1943

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

 It was so common to run to work at Lockheed Aircraft Company in 1943 that the corporation's newsletter admonished workers about accidents commonly caused by the practice.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

 Many Americans, at the onset of World War II believed that they war would be over quickly. The grim realities of casualties from the Italian campaign provided the US Government with evidence for encouraging civilians to buy war-bonds and to be ready for a long, hard war.

Kristine Keller     Aerospace Exhibit Coordinator

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Kristine Keller

1 (818) 347-9665 PST

WORLD WAR II FROM A LOCKHEED PERSPECTIVE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

Putting together the puzzle pieces of history is not easy, but it's lots of fun.  Just before Christmas of 1943, The Lockheed Star newsletter carried stories that were just such parts of the history of America's role in World War II. 

1700 workers at Burbank's Lockheed Aircraft Company were fed each work day in 1943. When we consider the war effort, it is important to consider things like the amount of food to feed workers on a daily basis. (click on image to enlarge it).

"Lt. John Hurst, former Lockheedian and now a veteran of the Sicilian and Italian campaigns in the AAF (Army Air Force) talks to some of his former working partners in the Drop Hammer section during a recent visit to Lockheed." Left to right: Lt. Hurst, Larry Utterback, Mike Schneider and Steve Petrula.  (Note:  one man's name is missing here.)
Since February of 1942, Lt. Hurst was in the Army Air Corps. "He participated not only in the bombing of Rome but the strafing of Foggia, on the 8th Army front..."

Kristine Keller     Aerospace Exhibit

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Kristine Keller

1 (818) 347-9665 PST

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WINS WORLD WAR II

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

The San Fernando Valley's population played a major part in America's victory in World War II.War plants, such as Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, simply out produced the weapons made by the enemy.

 Lockheed Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow -  propaganda document - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift from Gary Fredburg 2012. (click to enlarge this image)

Lockheed's PV 1 -  A versatile, all-purpose patrol bomber -  made in Burbank

The historical documents from this era in The Museum's archives are filled with ethnic and racial slurs directed toward the enemy, especially the Japanese.

AUTOGRAPHED LETTERS ADDED TO MUSEUM'S ARCHIVE

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY    2012

Regularly now important autographed letters are arriving for The Museum's archives. This week, signed correspondence was added from the following politicians:

Frank G. Bonelli  Supervisor County of Los Angeles Oct. 1959

Edmund G. Brown – Governor of California Oct 1960

Dale Clawson  US Congress  Septk. 1958

Ernest E. Debbs  Supervisior Co. of Los Angeles Aug 1959

Clair Engle  US Senate   May 1961

Clair Engle  US Senate   August 1961

Kenneth Hahn  Supervisor County of Los Angeles  Sept. 1959

Kenneth Hahn  Supervisor County of Los Angeles  April 1968

Augustus Hawkins  US Congress  Feb. 1964

Chet Holifield  US Congress  April 1954

William McAdoo US Senator  August 1938

James Roosevelt  US Congress  Oct. 1954

James Roosevelt  US Congress  June 1954

James Roosevelt  US Congress March 1956

Samuel Yorty  running for US Senate  Dec. 1954

Samuel Yorty  running for US Senate  June. 1954

Samuel Yorty  Mayor of Los Angeles May 1966