Shepherd of the Hills 100th Anniversary

Please join The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and the Valley community on Saturday December 1st and 2nd for Shepherd of the Hills' 100th Anniversary celebration. The Museum will be one of the exhibitors at the church on both days.

The Museum will have an exhibit of Tarzan, offer historical information on its programs such as historic walking tours, Public Art Initiative, Horses Across the Valley and Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley. Also, a time capsule from the 1950s will be unveiled, cupcakes will be offered after each service and there will be other vendors/exhibitors on site.

The time of the events are Saturday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Please come by to say hello!

SMALL TREASURES OF A BURBANK SCHOOL GIRL

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2012

     Artifacts work like pieces of a complex jig saw puzzle. Little by little, the parts of a picture begin to emerge. What was important to a San Fernando Valley school girl in the 1950s? We're not surprised that Linda O'Connor saved her sports letters, but she protected her angora car dice as well. 

     In our San Fernando Valley "car culture" and without significant public transportation in the era, the automobile, even your mom's hand-me-down Chevy, meant freedom and independence to kids from Burbank to Canoga Park. A pair of angora dice hanging from a rear view mirror was a sure sign that being an adult woman was only a graduation diploma away. 

Angora Car Dice - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Linda O'Connor 2012. Click on the image to enlarge it.  These great, hank knitted dice came with an instruction brochure.

John Burroughs High School Sports Letter c. 1959 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Linda O'Connor 2012.

1958  John Burroughs High School - Chieftains sports badge.

ART AT L.A. POLICE DEPARTMENT'S TOPANGA STATION

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

Like most of us, I seldom visit a police station unless there is some sort of trouble going on. But, the Director of The Museum's Tours and Adventures Program, Richard Hilton has trained me to pay attention of art and architecture in public places. So, recently when making a police report, I took time to really look at the San Fernando Valley's new Los Angele's Police Department's Topanga Station. The next time you are in Canoga Park, of if you live there, There are tons of free parking, a really handsome building to see, and an amazing amount of Valley history spread out in bronze plaques at the main entrance.

 Topanga Station of the Los Angeles Police Department

 It's not "if" we will have another earthquake in the San Fernando Valley, it's "when" we'll have one. Earthquake preparedness if part of Valley life.

More folks would use their sun screen if they knew that Canoga Park is at the same latitude as Oran, Algeria and Cairo, Egypt.

 Canoga Park Citrus Lables

Shadow Ranch still serves the San Fernando Valley. Today it is no longer the western headquarters of Valley wheat production but produces strong young bodies through the excellent programs of the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks programs.

 

COMMEMORATIVE PLATES CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

Thanks to Studio City resident Linda O'Connor, The Museum is now home to these handsome commemorative ceramic plates.  (Click on images to enlarge.)

HOLIDAY CROWD ENJOYS VAN NUYS WALKING TOUR

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2012

 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's Annual "Walk It Off Tour" celebrates our history in Van Nuys and North Hollywood.  This year, Director of Museum Tours Richard Hilton, led an exploration of historic Van Nuys.

THE GREAT RIVALRY BURBANK vrs BURROUGHS 1957

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

"Official Program"  Burroughs "Indians" vrs Burbank "Bulldogs"  1957 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Linda O'Connor  2012  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Burbank High School's cheer leaders 1957.

PETER RUSCH CONTINUES HIS INTEREST IN HISTORY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY       2012

Since his days as the historian of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at the University of Southern California, Peter Rusch has continued a lifelong interest in history. Peter has a special interest in the historical Doctor's House museum in Glendale where he serves as assistant director. 

Peter Rusch  2012   (click on image to enlarge it)

BING CROSBY ICE CREAM WAS A VALLEY HIT IN 1953

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2012 

Fifty nine years ago Bing Crosby Ice Cream was all the rage in the San Fernando Valley. No - Bing didn't have a dairy hidden away at his Toluca Lake estate, instead Valley Farms simply bought a license to use the crooner's name and image on their products.
Licensing is one of the many businesses in our Valley dependent upon the Entertainment Industry. 

Bing Crosby Ice Cream 1953 - Unused container - a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on the image to enlarge it.)

OLIVE AVE. BURBANK IN 1905

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

It was only 1907 years ago this August when Mother wrote her daughter Florence this priceless post card of Olive Avenue in Burbank.

Historic postcard of Olive Avenue in Burbank - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on the image to enlarge it.)

       Notes:  6 August 1915

       To: Miss Florence Lord  288 North Vernon Avenue Los Angeles Cal

       Dear Ones and All

       Miss you all. Have been busy today. Coun Maud preserved her crab apples

       and she gave me some, so I made 6 bottles of jelly and a qt. of jam.

       She also gave me Burbank plums and we filled all but 2 bottles of mine

       with jelly and I guess a dozen glasses for her. I made a dozen glasses of

       for her. I made 10 quarts of jam and could make all I could put up if I had

       sugar and jars. When Wm. comes out have him bring 1 dozen quart jaers

       for I borrowed some from M. Get them at Clarence;s store. I also

       borrowed 6 cups of sugar. Hope you are getting along fine.

       Love to all. Mother”

BUTTONS AND BOWS WAS A SMASH MUSICAL HIT

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2012

Still sung today, "Buttons and Bows" was a smash musical hit from the Paramount Picture, The Paleface. The film starred two of America's favorite performers of the era, Jane Russell and Bob Hope. Jane was a graduate of Van Nuys High School, and Bob Hope resided in Toluca Lake over his lifetime. 

Musical score for Buttons and Bows - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Abby Marie

Comedy Associate 

Valley Notables Committee

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

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

HORACE HEIDT AND THE KING SISTERS 1937

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

The motion picture and television industries oftentimes overshadow the enormous contributions made to other aspects of American and world culture made in the San Fernando Valley. Horace Heidt, one of the most popular big band leaders of his era, lived in what is now Sherman Oaks and introduced some of the nation's most important artists. Among these were the King Sisters, who themselves were residents of the Valley.

Are you interested in The Museum's efforts to collect and preserve the work and history of San Fernando Valley artists?  Contact Lee Davis, the Chairman of the Valley Notables Committee today.

Lee Davis

Chairman of Valley Notables Committee

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

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

WALKING TOUR OF VAN NUYS Nov - 24th.

CHERISIHING OUR VALLEY   2012

CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT.

IRVING STARR CALABASAS ARTIST

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                2012

Irving Starr is a San Fernando Valley artist. He lives and works in Calabasas.

Colin Powell - graphite - by Irving Starr (click on image to enlarge it.)

COCKTAILS IN SHERMAN OAKS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY             2012

Matchbook cover - Sherman Oaks Cocktail Lounge - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012  (click on image to enlarge it.)

For many years, commercial establishments used matchbook covers as a "take away" advertisements for their bars and businesses. Standardized images were available.

IN MEMORIUM BIFF ELLIOT

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                       2012

This November 10, 2012 a memorial celebration of the life of the great San Fernando Valley actor Biff Elliot was held at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank. Biff was born on July 26, 1923. He died on August 15, 2012. To our great good fortune, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley interviewed Biff at his Studio City home this summer, as part of our Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley. 

Here are 6 photos of Biff Elliot given to the archives of The Museum by Connie Elliot.

TEMPLE SINAI GLENDALE 1939

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                           2012

Sinai Community Center  October 10, 1939  - enlargement of letterhead of letter below - 11 years after founding - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2012

Sinai Community Center letter  Oct. 10, 1939 Glendale

    

Temple Sinai in Glendale, California was incorporated on June 22, 1928, as the Sinai Community Center.

At that time, the congregation consisted of fewer than a dozen Jewish families and met in the Masonic Hall located above the Ralph's Grocery Store at the corner of Orange and Broadway. In 1939, the congregation found its first permanent home at 425 West Windsor Road. Ten years later, the congregation constructed the first segment of its current home at 1212 North Pacific Avenue.

In 2012,  the congregation has 300 member families There are 240 students in the combined Religious and Hebrew Schools.

CAROLYN UHRI PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR HORSES ACROSS THE VALLEY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2012

 THE MUSEUM SALUTES CAROLYN UHRI

     One of the most important persons involved with the development of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is Carolyn Uhri.  She is the Project Coordinator the “Horses Across The Valley” project of The Museum’s Public Art Initiative. She spearheads The Museum’s effort to build  the Valley’s Art Council and the Valley Arts Alliance.

     Speaking of the “Horses Across The Valley” project, Carolyn says, “This wonderful project focuses on promoting the Valley’s history, art and culture as well as supporting local equestrian charities.”

     As a leading proponent for the arts in the San Fernando Valley, Carolyn Uhri plans to “grow” the Valley Arts Alliance by reaching out to local art and performance organizations and making sure that their collective voice is heard.

Carolyn Uhri became part of the Valley art scene in 2005 as a board member of the Valley Institute of Visual Art (VIVA) and was president of VIVA from 2009-2012.  She has worked as a creative director and graphic designer for over 40 years.  From 1995-2001, Carolyn worked for Thomas Perlmutter & Associates, an advertising agency in Calabasas.  

     In 2011, Carolyn became a member of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council and started the Valley Arts Alliance (VAA), under the directorship of the Arts Council, when need of a more unified and powerful presence for the Valley’s art organizations became apparent.  One of her main goals is to secure a permanent professional art gallery location for these art organizations (in conjunction with The Museum of the San Fernando Valley) and bring recognition to the Valley and its wealth of talented artists.

THE LOSS OF SHAHIN ATIGHE

THE LOSS OF SHAHIN ATIGHE

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY ARTIST SCULPTOR

“On behalf of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, our deepest sympathy goes out to Shahin's family and love ones.

Shahin was an active participant in every meeting of the Public Art Initiative and the art selection committee.  Her devotion to the Arts was unsurpassed.  Her talent was extraordinary and her character was gentle and sensitive.  She has left a huge hole in the Arts community, one that will not be easy to fill.  However we all must rededicate ourselves, in Shahin's name, and continue to fight for Shahin's art, our art and culture to be accepted and flourish in our community.

Let her inspiration take hold within us all as we move forward with her spirit by our side.

I know that it is hard for all of us to understand why these things happen.  I wish that I had taken more time to know her and to check out her art.  It makes me want to not forget to do those things, those little things, that sometimes makes a huge difference to each of us.  I hope we all can try to do those small but significant things that will continue to make a difference in our fellow human beings lives.  I know that I will try.

Good bye Shahin, you will be missed.”

Scott Sterling

MUSEUM'S POLITICAL COLLECTIONS CONTINUE TO GROW

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY              2012

Now that the heat of our local, state and national elections are over, it's time help your Museum to archive political memorabilia for future study and exhibitions. Remember, your donations of money or artifacts are tax deductible.

(click on this image to enlarge it.)

Gary Fredburg

Chairman of Museum Acquisitions

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

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

MARK H FLANDERS SAN FERNANDO VALLEY ARTIST

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

Mark Flanders, controversial and much admired artist is an important example of why a focus on the fine arts in San Fernando Valley is so important. Mark lives and works in Van Nuys. holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin and California State University Long Beach. His combinations of photography and painting has won him admirers and collectors throughout the United States. 

 "Tomorrow's Child"  by Mark H. Flanders  1999