TEACHER FROM INDIA INFLUENCES VALLEY IN 1930s

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Eastern religious thinking was introduced into the San Fernando Valley in the 1930s by teachers such as the world famous Indian guru Paramahansa Yogananda. The followers of the great mystic established the Self Realization Fellowship that still maintain centers in Los Angeles and the San Diego area. 

On April 19th, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will celebrate the heritage of India with music, lectures and dance in Northridge, California.

 Paramahansa Yogananda

1893 - 1952

Self Realization Lake Shrine - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

The Santa Inez spring, along side of Sunset Boulevard. once was among the sources that supplied water to the movie lots of Inceville. Early Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan films were made at the site. Years passed and the followers of Paramahansa Yogananda created the present day Lake Shrine at this location. Today, under the lotus arch, stands a Chinese monument wherein there are some of the ashes of Mohandas Ghandi.  Visits to the Shrine at 17190 Sunset Boulevard are free and among the most memorable sites in Los Angeles.

SEEING THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY THROUGH CAPTURED GERMAN TELESCOPES FROM WORLD WAR ONE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Soon Northridge visitors will be treated to an handsome new mural showing scenes from the old time religious colony of Zelzah. Under the direction of Museum Board Member, Roger Dolin, the exciting new mural will be among the first to be painted through The Museum's Public Arts Initiative. Murals have been a part of Valley life since the Tongva people (Ferdinandinos) decorated the walls of the chapel of the Mission of San Fernando Rey de España.

Photograph of German telescopes' promotion c. 1920 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.) How many of these Valley locations can you identify today?

At the onset of World War I, Germany and Switzerland were considered the finest optical manufacturers in the world. Seeing the San Fernando Valley through the "Kaiser's Telescopes" was a chance to share in America's victory of the Central Powers.

I ASKED JUDY BACA FOR HER AUTOGRAPH IN 1974

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In 1974, my Moorpark College colleague Bruce Boettcher and I explored Los Angeles in preparation for a class we called The City As Art.

In the Tujunga Wash in Valley Glen, at the edge of Los Angeles Valley College, we climbed down into the riverbed to see Judy Baca and her students working on a fabulous mural. Called "The Great Wall of Los Angeles", the work is the longest mural in the world. 

I had an artist's notebook with me, and asked Judy for her autograph. She said, "Sure, and I'll give you my hand print too!"  Not to be overlooked, a 14 year old boy Leo, working next to the great mural painter said, "How about me, I'm a great artist too!"

I've decided to give the two hand prints and autographs to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley as the museum prepares to open its first headquarters' space in a few weeks.

Judy Baca, Great Wall of Los Angeles autographs 1974. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

AMIEE SEMPLE McPHERSON WAS A FAMOUS FAITH HEALER

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In the late 1930s and mid 1940s, Amiee Semple McPherson was one of the most successful Protestant religious leaders in the United States. "Sister Amiee" utilized modern stage and motion picture technologies to reach her revival-like audiences.  Four Valley Four Square churches were created by her followers, including the mega Church on the Way in Van Nuys.Amiee McPherson is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale.

 AMIEE SEMPLE McPHERSON

Oct. 1890 - September 1944

Amiee Semple McPherson - two collector's postcards - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

BOB'S BIG BOY BECAME A NATIONAL ICON

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Two years before the establishment of the Little Brown Church in Studio City, Bob Wian owner of Bob's Pantry in Glendale created a new hamburger sandwich that changed the eating preferences of an entire generation of Americans....... it was the Bob's Big Boy! So symbolic of being a California teenager,  that the image of the chubby Big Boy became an national icon.

Today, Bob's Big Boy memorabilia are highly collected treasures, This shelf that I saw in a recent visit to a Lake Balboa home is but one example.

THE LITTLE BROWN CHURCH WAS OPENED IN 1939

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

The Little Brown Church Studio City - 1939 - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Three years before the San Fernando Valley found itself part of the Second World War, a tiny Protestant chapel was established in Studio City. Today, the historic structure is primarily a wedding site but still houses a small and devoted congregation. The wedding place of President Ronald Regan and his wife Nancy, the modest chapel has been host to many celebrity marriages.

NORTHRIDGE SERVICEMAN DUDLEY AMBROSE WAS IN HARM'S WAY IN WORLD WAR II

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

                                                            Dudley C. Amrose Jr.
1943 Valley Times Honor Roll Album - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Dennis Spiegelman  2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)    

"Dudley C Ambrose Junior, is a storekeeper with the Merchant Marine, which he entered June 2, 1941, but has had much overseas duty in that branch of the service. He has been on convoy convoy duty since Pearl Harbor and seen action at Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, in Australia, New Zealand and other South Pacific islands. On one trip he was wounded by shrapnel from a Japanese dive bomber. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. DC Ambrose live at ---- Jellico Ave., Northridge."

Support The Museum's collection of Valley military service history

Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
gary.fredburg@TheMuseumSFV.org
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419  (mailing address)
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

museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

CSUN GRAD STUDENT BEGINS AN EXPLORATION OF GLENDALE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's effort to include the student communities of the Valley in all aspects of our development, students have been invited to participate in this blog. Our first guest blogger is a California State University Northridge graduate student in Archaeology, Monica C. Choosing Glendale and Burbank as her areas of exploration, Monica decided to interview the mayor of Glendale. The following is the result of her visit. 

Dave Weaver - Mayor of the City of Glendale

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"Dave Weaver has lived in the San Fernando Valley, in Glendale specifically, for just over 74 years- his whole life! Being the mayor of the third largest city in Los Angeles County is no small feat. Since Mayor Weaver has served several terms as mayor and on the city council, he is most concerned with revitalizing Glendale and making it a place for professionals and families. In fact, he wants to turn Glendale into the next Beverly Hills of LA! He points out that Glendale is also home to many celebrities, such as Mario Lopez and John Wayne. 

 Dave Weaver in his Glendale office.

His favorite cultural spot in Glendale is the Americana (http://www.americanaatbrand.com). If you haven’t been to the Americana, it is a beautiful upscale shopping center in the heart of Glendale. Since it’s opening in 2006, it has been a popular hotspot for people of all ages to visit from all over Los Angeles. 

Dave Weaver has also been a life-long advocate for animals and even had his own TV show rescuing animals a few years back. He’s also been decorating Rose Parade floats for 21 years and has even won awards for his floats. 

Mayor Dave Weaver is doing his best to revitalize Glendale. Check out the State of the City Speech, April 3^rd on your local TV station!

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME PICHER DON DRYSDALE WENT TO VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

One of the greatest pitchers in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers was Don Drysdale, who was born in Van Nuys, California. A Cy Young Award winner, Drysdale attended Van Nuys High School with the actor Robert Redford.  Honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Drysdale lived as a youth only a few blocks from Van Nuys High.

 DON DRYSDALE

July 23, 1936 to July 3, 1993

Don Drysdale baseball card in original protective cover - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

GLENDALE UNION HIGH SCHOOL IN 1908

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

The first public high school in Glendale, California was opened in 1902. Students not only came from Glendale, but from La Crescentia, Burbank and Eagle Rock. This grand old structure was built in 1908. Aging, earthquakes and even a student arsonist wore down this building that was located on Harvard Street.

Union High School, Glendale California - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014. (click on image to enlarge it.)

HARLEY DAVIDSON, CLARK GABLE, GENE AUTRY - MOTORCYCLES IN WWII

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In 1942 America and the Western democracies were faced with war. The government of the United States worked to engage support for as many elements of society as possible. Motorcycle manufacturers and riders were encouraged to support the war effort. Motorcycle production was directed to building bikes for the US military and for our allies. The public would not have easy access to motorcycle parts or new vehicles until the war's conclusion. 

Statement in "A Magazine for Motorcyclists - The Enthusiast"  September 1942 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014. (click on statement to enlarge it.)

 Clark Gabel American actor and Encino resident - "A Magazine for Motorcyclists - The Enthusiast"  September 1942 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.

"Gene Autry of movie fame shakes hands with photographer Hank Tenny at Austin, Texas. Gene recently joined the Army, while Tenny is in the Navy. Austin American photograph."  The great cowboy actor Gene Autry lived in Studio City.

IAN MacINTOSH ENTERED THE US NAVY IN 1942

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Ian McKinley Macintosh

1943 Valley Times Honor Roll Album - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Dennis Spiegelman  2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)   

"Seaman first class Ian McKinley McIntosh, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.A.  Macintosh 4609 Farmdale Ave., North Hollywood, is with United States Naval Reserve, which he entered in May 1, 1942. Prior to joining the service the young man was engaged in carpenter work at Paramount Studios. 

He is a graduate of North Hollywood high school. For some time he is been stationed at Los Alamitos, California Naval Aviation Base."

Support The Museum's collection of Valley military service history

Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
gary.fredburg@TheMuseumSFV.org
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419  (mailing address)
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

museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org 

FIRST MOTELS EMERGED IN LATE 20's

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Rex Motel on San Fernando Road. Historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

By the time the Rex Motel was built in the 1930s, American travelers had gone from bringing camping tents along on their road trips to staying mobile-hotels. For many families, staying in a new-fangled motel was a luxury experience. Collecting motel postcards became a national fad.

CASTAIC FARM BOY HADDOCK BECOMES AN ARMY PFC IN 1942

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Robert J.  Haddock

Private First Class. Robert J Haddock of the United States Army entered the service in October 14 space 1942. He had been a farmer prior to that date, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. are Haddock of Castaic

HISTORICAL EVIDENCE ON VALLEY OFFICE WALLS

 BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Recently I discussed the importance of artifacts from all over the world that find their way to the San Fernando Valley. Tucked above home office desks and family rooms are a seemingly endless array of photographs and memorabilia related not only to the Valley but western civilization itself. Here are a couple of historical treasures in offices that I visited this week.

 

Igor Stravinsky Manuscript 1947

 

Fragment of the ballet Orpheus composed by Igor Stavinski in West Hollywood in 1947. Written by Stavinski, one of the most important classical composers of the 20th century.  the work was created for George Balanchine for hisworld famous ballet troop.

The great film producer Hal Wallis came to Los Angeles in 1923 and created films for Warner Brothers Studios until 1944. Some of his most important Valley featured films include the World War II classic Casablanca and Robin Hood. Wallis and his silent movie film star wife Louise Fazenda lived at Magnolia and Woodman in Sherman Oaks. Louise, one of the most successful silent stars was famous for her charitable works and concerned for the disadvantaged.  

 Automobile of Hal Wallis and Louise Fazunda in Sherman Oaks

Silent Movie Star, Louise Fazena - 1895 to 1962

GALPIN MOTORS BEGAN IN 1945

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

During World War II many things that we take for granted today disappeared from the commercial market. Modern necessities like tires, gasoline and sugar became so scarce that they were rationed by the Federal Government. The reason was simple, America's survival was believed at stake. Civilian cars and trucks disappeared, when companies like Ford and General Motors concentrated their production for military Jeeps and tanks.

Demand for new cards exploded when the war concluded, and dealers like Frank Galpin opened business at the perfect time. Galpin secured his Ford Dealership in the city of San Fernando in 1945. With a showroom for three new cars, Frank Galpin sold 46 a whopping post war automobiles in his first year.

Galpin Ford 1945 - San Fernando

CARRYING NEW BRUNSWICK HISTORY TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Like nearly all of us who live in the San Fernando Valley,  Cyndee Wilson, patient coordinator for Progressive Physical Therapy in Woodland Hills, cherishes a family history that comes from far away. Valley residents often have photographs, news articles and artifacts that have migrated their way into our region along with their owners.

San Fernando Valley history does not exist in a geographic vacuum. Our people's stories are almost always interwoven with other locations and circumstances. Ranging from sentimental memorabilia like the wooden rocking chair from Iowa to the only remaining photograph of a grandparent lost in Europe'stragic holocaust, memories from the past can shape our emotions and thinking. 

These clippings owned by Cyndee Wilson provides graphic evidence of a time before UCLA's great athlete Jackie Robinson broke a 50 year color barrier that existed in American major league baseball.

One can only wonder what Earl Randolph Nelson would have achieved had he been able to compete in professional baseball.

"My Grandfather. Earl Randolph Nelson. Middle row, second on the left side closest to the manager. South End Royals of St. John, New Brunswick. Negro baseball league 1930."   Cyndee Wilson

Ray McIntyre Canadian middleweight Champion 'claimant' with his win over the noted Len Wadsworth.  McIntyre also took Ernie Roderick the distance for the British walter-weight title.

In 1993 Raymond McIntyre was inducted into the Canadian boxing Hall of Fame.  He was the middle weight champion of Canada in 1939. His hand was badly wounded during his service in World War II, preventing his return to professional sports. 

EARLY VALLEY HISTORICAL SITES ALMOST ALWAYS CONNECTED TO A WATER SUPPLY.

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

When the Fernandeño Tatavian  Band of Mission Indians came to the San Fernando Valley, long before Europeans arrived in the New World, they made their encampments near dependable water supplies. Later when the Spaniards and their Mexican allies arrived, they moved aside native populations for the water. Among these sites were Los Encinos State Historical Park and Campo de Cahuenga. A small pond still bubbles at Los Encinos. 

"Blacksmith Shop" Los Encinos State Historical Park - Encino - vintage post card - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 - (click on image to enlarge it)  

Many Valley residents believe this structure, now called the Blacksmith's Shop, was the first secular home built in the San Fernando Valley. Ghost hunters are convinced that the building is haunted and that a man who had been evicted from the site was found hanged from a roof beam here.

 Courtyard of Campo de Cahuenga - vintage post card - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 - (click on image to enlarge it) 

The banks of the Los Angeles River moved north over the years but a bridge over the Los Angeles River near Campo de Cahuenga on Lankershim Avenue still reminds us of why native people's made their homes nearby.

GEORGE KARI SERVED AS AN US ARMY AIR FORCE PILOT IN WORLD WAR II

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

GEORGE M. KARI 
1943 Valley Times Honor Roll Album - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Dennis Spiegelman  2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)  

George M. Kari,  second Lieutenant George M.  Kari of the U. S. Army Air Force has been in service since July 25, 1942. Up to that time, he was employed at the Lockheed aircraft Corporation plant. Mrs. Ellen Kari resides on 14732 Heartsook Street in Van Nuys.

An additional Internet search about the life of George M. Kari revealed the following:

KARI George M., died Dec. 28, 1996. He was born Apr 6, 1922 in Scofield, Ut. to Matthew & Ellen Anderson Kari. George served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot in WWII, and was recalled to fly in the USAF in the Korean War. 

George married Frances Green, who was a WASP pilot in WWII. They later divorced. He retired from FAA after 20 years as an air traffic controller and an airspace systems inspection pilot. 

George is survived by his wife, Gertha Kari of OKC; 2 daughters, Dana Green of Boise, Id. & Leslie Kari of Lake Stevens, Wa; 3 granddaughters, Stacie Ryales, Kari Field, & Kristen Green; 3 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Grace Young & Selma Macari, both of Carpenteria, Ca; and his dog, Prince. George was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Kari & a sister, Lucille Kari. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 1997, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Chapel Hill.

Support The Museum's collection of Valley military service history

Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
gary.fredburg@TheMuseumSFV.org
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419  (mailing address)
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

museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

PAUL O'STEEN SERVED AMERICA IN 1943

BUILDING A GREAT MUSUEM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

PAUL O'STEEN

Private Paul O'Steen of the U. S. Air Force entered the service of Uncle Sam in October 1942 and is now taking special training at St. Norbert College in West DePerre, Wisconsin he is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan O'Steen of North Sparks St. in Burbank. He was engaged in this building trades prior to his enlistment.  

1943 Valley Times Honor Roll Album - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Dennis Spiegelman  2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.) 

CSUN ANTHROPOLOGY STUDENT BEGINS REVIEW OF GLENDALE HISTORY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY.

This week, Monica C. an anthropology student from California State University Northridge begins her review of the history and culture of the San Fernando Valley's independent city of Glendale. It is expected that Monica will be posting stories on this blog periodically. As a tribute to her efforts, here are a few vintage photographic postcards of Glendale.

Vintage postcard of Glendale, California - Gift to The Museum of The San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 - click on the images to enlarge them.
"Brand Avenue in the heart of Glendale. This city is mostly a residential area. Noteworthy are three churches; the Wee Kirk of the Heather, the Little Chapel of the Flowers, and the Church of the Resurrection."  Note: These "churches" are part of Glendale's Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Brand Avenue in the Heart of Glendale, California - - Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of The San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 -

 Glendale Public Library 1919 - Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of The San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 -

Grand Central Terminal - Glendale, California - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of The San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 - 

Pepper Tree Motel, Glendale, California - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of The San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014 - 

"1437 Colorado Street - Vacation Center - In the heart of scenic Southern California on State Highway 134, connecting U.S. 99 and 66. Very nice units, closed garages, radios, televisions, carpeted floors, 10 minutes to Hollywood, 10 minutes to Pasadena, 15 minutes to Los Angeles - Patio - Lobby  CItrus 2-5075"

VALLEY WILL HOST DAY-ON-THE-RIDE ON APRIL 12th

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

On April 12th, a great whirl of bicyclists will make their way across the San Fernando Valley on their major preparation event for their 545 mile San Francisco to Los Angeles AIDS Lifecycle Ride. The big event is particularly exciting for my family, since my son Brendan Patrick will be doing his 13th AIDS Lifecycle  as a rider and a Certified Training Ride Leader. 

Come see the Valley ride-out in Balboa Lake Park's Kite Field at 7 am. The riders start arriving at 6 am.  (learn more about the Ride and Brendan's adventure at BrendansWildRide.com)

The Los Angeles Police Bicycle Squad on South Broadway

One Hundred Years Ago - May 24, 1904

Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

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