ROSEMARY RYAN MONTROSE INTERVIEWED FOR THE MUSEUM'S ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley appreciated the opportunity to interview Rosemary Ryan Montrose as part of its ongoing Narrating Lives: Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley program.

Rosemary's family lived next door to the Oakridge House, in a house once owned by Zeppo Marx. J. H. Ryan, Rosemary's father, owned and trained many thoroughbred race horses, which ran locally at Del Mar, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita, as well as nationally. They often entertained large parties on the grounds adjoining the two houses. Their A-list guests included Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Jimmy Durante, and Ronald Reagan among others.

The favorite race horse of the Ryan family was Style Prince, who won that race at the Hollywood Turf Club.  Style Prince was a legend in racing circles, because after every race he liked to drink a bottle of champagne.

To learn more about the program, please visit: http://www.themuseumsfv.org/events/oral-histories-of-the-sfv, contact Willard Simms or Lee Davis at (818) 347-9665 or narratinglives@gmail.com.