Tel: (818) 347-9665 PST

TheMuseumSFV@gmail.com

www.TheMuseumSFV.org




Thursday, January 30, 2014

A LITTLE FUN WITH JESSUP DAIRY FARM IN GLENDALE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY


Humorous postcard - Jessup Dairy  c. 1955 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)


Support The Museum's collection of Valley agricultural 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

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

A PEEK AT CHATSWORTH IN 1951

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Sixty three years ago downtown Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley looked a lot like it does today, except for the priceless vintage automobiles.  Writing to Fran Irvine on Sunnydell Trail in Hollywood, Emme said on her August 1951 postcard, "Dear Fran, Hope Orman and family have arrived and all ok. I am busy preparing to move. Packing a few things every day. Everything ok. Hope to see you soon. Emme".

Vintage postcards from Chatsworth, California 1951 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on imafges to enlarge them.)  Chatsworth Market, Valley Country Cafe.






DEBBI REYNOLDS GOT HER START AT MISS BURBANK

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

One of our nation's great performers of stage, screen and television is the great Debbi Reynolds. This all-time mega-star graduated from Burbank High School and was chosen Miss Burbank about the same time. Over her long career, Debbi has supported many Valley causes. Her achievements are among the many reasons we can claim the San Fernando Valley as the heart of the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Early fan photo card of Debbi Reynolds. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

PHIL EVERLY WAS A STAR OF ROCK AND ROLL, COUNTRY AND AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

On January 3rd 2014, one of the great voices of American music was silenced. Phil Everly one of the world famous Everly Brothers died at Providence Saint Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, the part of the San Fernando in which he lived for many years.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley first came into contact with him when Gary Fredburg discovered that Phil Everly had used the historic Phil's Diner in North Hollywood for an album cover. Gary acquired a copy of the record and visited his Burbank neighbor for an autograph to present to Casey Hallenbeck for the re-opening of the diner on Lankershim Boulevard.

(left) Phil Everly and his partner brother Don in 1957
Phil Everly  1939 - 2014

Support The Museum's Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry 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

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN GLENDALE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In 1903, Glendale California was a small town surrounded by cling peach orchards developed in nearby Lankershim (now North Hollywood) at the end of the 19th century.  Initially members of the Methodist Episcopal community were served by a circuit-rider minister who rode from town to town conducting services. In the 1960s, when he was nearly 100 years old, Webb McKelvey (who was a member of the first graduating class from now the University of Southern California) told this writer that his father was a circuit rider minister who served Glendale on his rounds by horseback.
(Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church founded the University of Southern California to serve as a college and Methodist seminary.)
Rev. Charles Norton served as the Glendale church's first pastor and oversaw the construction of the first wooden church in 1906.

 Present sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, California. Postcards are gifts from Gary Fredburg 2014. (click on images to enlarge them)

 134 North Kenwood, Glendale, California 91206  - telephone (818) 243-2105


NANCY WALKER WAS A STAR ON MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In her later years, Nancy Walker became one of the best known television personalities in America. Her role as "Ida Morganstern" on the Mary Tyler Moore t.v. show and the spinoff program "Rhoda" secured her position as a mega-star. Nancy Walker lived during muchy of her career in the Valley. She died at the age of 69 in Studio City.

 NANCY WALKER   1922 - 1992

April 1946 Chicago Stagebill -  Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2014 - (click on image to enlarge it.) 


Support The Museum's Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry 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

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org

EXPLORE ST. FRANCIS DAM SITE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY




THE DAM MAN, HISTORIAN FRANK ROCK, TO LEAD TOUR TO THE ST. FRANCIS DAM SITE
 
The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society will present a tour of the St. Francis Dam site on Saturday, March 29, 2014.
 
The failure of the St. Francis Dam on March 12, 1928, the second-worst natural disaster to hit California, killed more than 450 people. The break and subsequent flood leveled farms and homesteads, destroyed property and livestock and changed the way dam safety was addressed forevermore.
 
The tour will begin with a short presentation about the disaster at 11 a.m. in the freight room of the Saugus Train Station in Heritage Junction. At noon, ticketed passengers will board a motorcoach for a trip up to the dam site in San Francisquito Canyon and a hike to the dam ruins.
         
St. Francis Dam expert Frank Rock, who has been featured on the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and local television, will conduct the lecture and tour. Tickets are $35 per person for all ages and include snacks and bus transportation. Funds raised will benefit programs of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
 
Participants should wear long pants and comfortable hiking shoes. Water will be provided. Tickets may be reserved by calling (661) 254-1275 with credit card and contact information or by mailing your ticket order to P.O. Box 221925, Newhall, CA 91322-1925. Mail orders must be received no later than March 22. Because this tour is a very popular fund-raiser, it is impossible to guarantee that seats will be available for purchase on the day of the tour. Order your tickets now!
-- 
Alan Pollack, MD
President and Program Chairman
Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
alan@scvhistory.com
www.scvhs.org
www.scvhistory.com


Monday, January 20, 2014

BRAND BOULEVARD WAS PRIVATE IN 1913

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

"San Fernando, Calif.  July 6, 1913 - to Lorena M. Weir -Armona, Calif.    Dear Friend; I came from Ocean Park to San Fernando this A.M. It is over 40 miles. I ate breakfast with my aunt at San Fernando. I am going to Pasadena this P.M. and will drop you a card from there.
- I came on motorcycle."

Brand Boulevard 1913 - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014  (click on image to enlarge it.)

On the front in faded pencil:  "I made a speed of 60 miles an hour on this boulevard this forenoon."
The sign reads "Private Boulevard - Speed limit 100 miles per hour. Heavy trans prohibited."
The trolly's direction says "Van Nuys."

MARCH 17, 1918 SAN FERNANDO ROAD

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on the image to enlarge it.)  San Fernando Boulevard went through Glendale to San Fernando at this time, so the location of this house is unsure.

Detail from the photograph, showing people posing. "On the San Fernando B'vd - Cali - Saint Patrick's Day 1918.

 Names listed on the back of the above photo post card.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

20 Southern California Museums to Offer Free Admission on Saturday, 1/25/14

The 9th annual Southern California Museums’ “Museums Free-for-All,” will offer free admission at 20 participating institutions on Saturday, January 25th.

Grab the family, a friend and enjoy what southern CA has to offer with museums that cover cultural heritage, natural history, science, art, photography and more.


 The museums that are particpating include:
  • California African American Museum, 
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art
  • USC Pacific Asia Museum 
  • Pasadena Museum of California Art
  • Skirball Cultural Center
  • Armory Center for the Arts*
  • Getty Center* 
  • Santa Monica Museum of Art*
  • Annenberg Space for Photography
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Japanese American National Museum
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Museum
  • Fowler Museum at UCLA
  • Museum of Latin American Art
  • Autry National Center of the American West
  • California Science Center
  • Orange County Museum of Art
  • Paley Center for Media
  • Hammer Museum
  • Getty Villa

* These museums offer free admission year-round.

For all museums, regular parking fees will apply. Also, free admission does not include specially ticketed exhibitions.

For more information, please visit SoCalMuseums.org.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

FARLEY GRANGER GOT HIS START IN FILM WHILE LIVING IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

The Granger family moved to the San Fernando Valley for a second start, after the father lost his job and their home in San Jose.  Finding work in the North Hollywood branch of the California Department of Unemployment, the father was able to secure a small home in Studio City. 
With some experience in stage acting and dance, Farley Granger was placed in an entertainment unit during his service in the Second World War. His exposure to USO performers encouraged his to seek his successful career in film. He became one of Alfred Hitchcock's favorite actors.

Farley Granger   1925 to 2011    Actor
"fan card" photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.

 
Support The Museum's Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry 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

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org
G

Friday, January 17, 2014

THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE - 20 YEARS AND MORE TO COME

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Since today marks the 20th anniversary of the great Northridge earthquake, I thought this photograph from a recent gift to The Museum from Gary Fredburg would be a good time to see clear evidence of how important preparedness is for those of us who live in the Valley.  This is only one of the many faults we live by and over. Earthquakes, says Dr. Lucy Jones, are the price we pay for living in one of the most beautiful and productive places in the world.


California Division of Mines - Bulletin 1972 - Geology and Mineral Deposits of San Fernando Quadrangle - Los Angeles County, California.  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Frontpiece: Dark pre-Cambrian Mendenhall gneiss - faulted against light Cretaceous (?) granddiorite on branch of the San Gabriel fault. Width of the exposure is about 25 feet, off Little Tujunga Road in Pacoima Canyon at the locality showing dip of fault 75 (degrees) north on plate 1. Photo by C.W. Jennings.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

A MESSAGE FROM ALAN POLLACK SANTA CLARITA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Did you know that the historic road that first connected Northern and Southern California in 1915 still exists in its original state? Yes, the once famous Ridge Route still snakes its way along the crests of the San Gabriel and Tehachapi Mountains between Castaic and the Grapevine. Unfortunately, the historic road was heavily damaged in the rainstorms of 2005. Since that time, the Ridge Route Preservation Organization has done much work to help restore the road back to its previous condition. Now they need your help to obtain the funding to continue their important work in preserving one of California's golden treasures. The first step is to nominate the road as a "National Forest Scenic By-way." This local designation is a required first step before the organization could seek a "National By-way" designation which may in the future provide federal funds that would benefit the preservation of this historic road.

How can you help? In order to succeed in this process, they need your signature on an online Letter of Support encouraging the nomination of the historic Ridge Route as a "National Forest Scenic By-way."
You can access the letter here:
http://www.ridgeroute.com/news.php

-- Alan Pollack, MD
President and Program Chairman
Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
alan@scvhistory.com
www.scvhs.org
www.scvhistory.com

A REAL SAINT NICHOLAS AND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Several Museum supporters have asked that I put my holiday icon's image and story on the blog. Make sure you read the final paragraph.



Saint Nicholas

Much of the story of Nicholas of Myra is lost in clouded mists of legend, but there are parts of his tradition that transcend mythology and modern commercial distortions. 

Nicholas was born around the year 270 AD in the village of Myra, now the small town of Kale in modern Turkey. He lived over 70 years. We picture him today as a gentle old man. Most Christians honor him as the patron saint of children, students, and those who make their living on the sea.

For those interested in miracles, Nicholas is called the “Wonder-Worker,” (in Greek Νικόλαος ὁ Θαυματουργός). It is not however for the performance of miracles that Saint Nikolaos is remembered in this holiday note, but for his simple but profound deeds. Nicholas believed that small, persistent actions could change the world.

In the 4th century, and unfortunately in much of the world today, girls were treated as social inferiors and not allowed the privedges of males. For example, without a dowry, women were not eligible for marriage. In most lands females were forbidden to own land, and a dowry was a partial insurance that a woman would not be a burden to her deceased husband’s family. Even religous convents would not accept new members without a dowry.

Without family support, an ella (Latin meaning girl) was simply a throw away human being. With no dowry, a girl was doomed to a brutal life of drudgery and endless exploitation. Cleaning household firepits, she could only have the unreachable fantasies of a cinder ella.  

In secrecy, Nicholas used his church’s funds to change lives. The priest dropped dowry coins through rooftop smoke holes (chimneys would arrive later) to be found in the ashes of cooking fires. Into the shoes of poor children he placed money and food. He was known to sell church treasures to care for the needy. Quite naturally, he became the patron saint of pawnbrokers.

After his lifetime, ordinary people proclaimed Nicholas a saint. His relics were enshrined by Orthodox Greeks in Byzantium, and later moved to Bari, Italy after the conquest of the Turks. Roman Catholics called him Sanctus Nicholaus. Spanish sailors carried the love of their San Nicolas north to the Netherlands where Dutch children still put out their shoes for a December visit of Sinterklass. 

After the great earthquake of 1994, relics of Saint Nicholas of Myra were brought from Bari, Italy to a devastated San Fernando Valley, where they are to this day enshrined in the Greek Orthodox Church that bears his name in Northridge.

Saturday, January 18 - PACOIMA MURALS WALKING TOUR!

Please join The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's, Public Art Initiative for this ongoing mural conservation fundraiser:


PACOIMA MURALS WALKING TOUR! 


This is a guided walking tour of the murals along Van Nuys Blvd, learn the history of murals in the Northeast Valley, hear the inspiration and meet the artists. For January, local artists collective, Soul Driven will be doing some live painting at Myke's Cafe - come see where their imagination takes them!

Walking tour guides are local muralsist that have been involved in the creation of the murals. Donations from the tour help pay for paint and supplies to conserve the murals overtime. Support your local artists and take a tour.

Location: Pala Ave and Van Nuys Blvd. Look for "MURAL WALK" signs. 

Wear comfortable shoes. Bring umbrellas, caps, sunscreen and/or water bottles anything you may need to make the 1.5-mile walk comfortable for you.

Parking: Tresierras Supermarket at 13158 Van Nuys Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331 is graciously allowing tour attendees to park at their location for 3 hours.

Cost: $15.00 if you RSVP and make your donation in advance, otherwise $20.00 walk-up cost. Bus tokens will be provided.

Myke's Cafe is offering a free agua fresca (non-alcoholic) with meal purchase to tour attendees.

RSVP: Email Maryley at Maryley.Carrillo@TheMuseumSFV.org to RSVP.

Repeat Tour Dates: 
Saturday, March 15, 2014
May 17, 2014
July 19, 2014
September 20, 2014
November 15, 2014
Tours brought to you by the Public Art Initiative, a project of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. PAI has been encouraging more public art - murals, glass, tile, woodwork, sculptures & recycled art - in the SFV since 2011. Help us beautify the SFV with more art by becoming a member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.  www.TheMuseumSFV.org
 
Thanks to our supporters:
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Pacoima Beautiful
Tresierras Supermarkets
Myke's Cafe
Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore

Friday, January 10, 2014

Historic Van Nuys Walking Tour

JOIN US FOR THE FIRST HISTORIC VAN NUYS WALKING TOUR OF 2014! 


Attendees will learn about the original 1911 buildings hidden beneath modern facades, first churches, a civic center with many special revelations, the Women's Club building, origin of the Daily News, Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monuments #201, #202, and #911, and National Register of Historic Places Monument #2509. Also, who were Hobart Johnstone Whitley, Wayne E. Bechtelheimer and Whitley Van Nuys Huffaker? Re-live "Wednesday Nights on Van Nuys Boulevard," and much more!
2014 Tour Dates:
January 11, 2014
March 8, 2014
May 10, 2014
July 12, 2014
September 13, 2014
November 29, 2014 - Popular "Walk it Off" tour 

Additional tour highlights include:
  • Van Nuys Bungalow
  • Women's Club
  • Old Van Nuys Library (1927)
  • United Methodist Church
  • Municipal Building Façade
  • Van Nuys Post Office
  • Abeles Map
  • Fernando Statue, Crystal Plunge
  • Bob's Big Boy, Busch Gardens
  • Lankershim, Van Nuys, Whitsett, and Whitley Overviews
In addition, if you would like write a check for a tour, it may be made payable and sent to:
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Mailing address:
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230
To RSVP by phone for an upcoming historic walking tour, please contact us at (818) 347-9665 and leave your name, email, phone number and how many attendees or email at events@theMuseumSFV.org.
  • Van Nuys Tour meets at 6262 Van Nuys Blvd. at Sylvan and Van Nuys Blvd., under arch, which is southeast corner of the street at 10:00 a.m.
Sponsored by the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, January 9, 2014

CASUAL PHOTOS OF VALLEY AIR PORTS 1982


 BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Grand Center Terminal - Glendale - c. 1982
No longer in use as an air port.

In next month's Museum newsletter, I'll be writing about how important evidence gathering is for the process of the many aspects of San Fernando Valley history, culture and the arts. This week a packet of Valley-related photographs came our way through the work of Gary Fredburg. While none of the photographs taken in 1981 and 1982 are iconic, they added small pieces to the Valley's story. Here are three pictures of airport structures no longer in use for aviation.

 Defunct flight tower - Air National Guard Base at Van Nuys Airport - c. 1982

148th Tactical Airlift Wing - Van Nuys A.N.G. Base

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

MELISSA MANCHESTER VOCALIST - SONGWRITER

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

      One of the earliest supporters of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley was singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester. Asked by Willard Simms, Board member of The Museum, Melissa became an adviser to our Performing Arts Committee. Melissa Manchester won a Grammy Award in 1983 for the "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" and her song "You Should Hear How She Talks About You."  Melissa lived in Tarzana, California.

Melissa Manchester
Grammy Award Winning Singer and Songwriter

Support The Museum's Libary of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History
Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Acquisitions Committee
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
THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org

CORVALLIS HIGH SCHOOL IN 1965

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Staged or not, yearbook photographs are wonderful snapshots into the lives and activities of students over the years.
 Sister Julia poses with members of her Corvallis science class in 1965

Sister Loretta and her journalism students at Corvallis High School.


Our Lady of Corvallis Glee Club 

The fathers of Corvallis girls were easy to enlist in school fund-raising projects.


"Our Entertainers"  Jacqui, Kathy and Debe -  Folk music was very important to kids in the 1960s.
Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Heather Preimesberger 2013. (click on image to enlarge it.)



Help your Museum build the History of Our Lady of Corvallis High School.
Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Acquisitions Committee
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
 
THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org


CORVALLIS HIGH SCHOOL ARCHIVE GROWS

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Our Lady of Corvallis closed its doors in 1987 after serving the Valley as a Catholic girls' school for 46 years. In the 27 years since Corvallis dispersed its student body to other schools, chiefly Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, and Providence High School in Burbank, the story of this prominent school has begun to disappear. Your Museum is working with the archivist of the Order of Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Montebello, California to create a history of this important school.

Graduating Class - Corvallis High School - 1965 - loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Heather Preimesberger - Photo by Crowley and Smith, Sherman Oaks. (click on image to enlarge it.)


Cover of "Corvallis Homecoming" program - the final event of the school in Studio City. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Heather Preimesberger 2013. (click on image to enlarge it.)


Help your Museum build the History of Our Lady of Corvallis High School.
Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Acquisitions Committee
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
THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MICHAEL LANDON, MELISSA GILBERT, MELISSA SUE ANDERSON - STARS OF LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Little by little The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's plans for a major part of our growing library, dedicated to San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History. is coming about. We can't wait until we get a space to make our exciting materials available for researchers and the interested public. Access to Valley history, culture and the arts is The Museum's chief interest.
Recently, Heather Preimesberger of Van Nuys donated to The Museum several important photos and documents related to his father, John Hawkins television writer and producer of NBC-tv's "Little House on the Prairie".

Promotional photo of the cast of "Little House on the Prairie - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Heather Preimesberger 2013.  (click on image to enlarge it.) 

The most loved television and film actor Michael, who played the father in "Little House" was born in 1964 in Encino, California. He lived much of his short life in the Valley.
Melissa Sue Anderson has a home in Calabasas, while Melissa Gilbert lived in Tarzana.



Tuesday, January 7, 2014

AMERICA'S FIRST MONORAIL WAS IN BURBANK

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

FAWKES FOLLY
America's First Great Monorail Experiment

In 1911, Joseph Fawkes who lived on West Olive Street in Burbank, launched the first monorail experiment in United States history. Fawkes, a wealthy farmer in the Valley, convinced some that his new machine would whisk passengers from Burbank to downtown Los Angeles in just over 10 minutes. To the everlasting delight of nay-sayers, the Aerial Swallow as Fawkes called it, collapsed and set back monorail exploration for years.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

JOHN HAWKINS WAS A MEGA TV WRITER AND PRODUCER

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

John Hawkins began his career in Oregon as a successful writer of magazine stories. He moved to the San Fernando Valley where he wrote for film and television and made it big as a writer for the tv series Bonanza. In 1974 he became the producer of one of the most successful television series in America, Little House on the Prairie.


 John Hawkins  1910 to 1978
Photo of John Hawkins (left) at the Western Writers Guild with Steve McNeil - Loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Heather Preimesberger 2014 - Photo by Arthur Knight Petaluma -

John Hawkins and his grand daughter on an old lumber mill set - Photograph loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Heather Preimesberger 2014. (click on images to enlarge them.)

John Hawkins on location- Photograph loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Heather Preimesberger 2014. (click on images to enlarge them.)

 Little House on the Prairie - Call Sheet - 25 June 1976 - NBC TV Productions - Loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Heather Preimesberger 2014.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

EVEL KNIEVEL CREATES MUCH ADO IN ENCINO

 BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Since many in The Museum Community are history detectives, here's a mystery that you can investigate. A researcher on the east coast is seeking information on the historic Ram's Horn Restaurant in Encino. I've looked high and low, but can not find any interior photographs of the place.

Does anyone know anything about the time when Evel Knievel did wheelies up and down Ventura Boulevard outside of the Ram' Horn in 1967?  Contact your Museum to help solve this mystery.


 



Help your Museum build our Library of Valley Entertainment Industry History.
Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Acquisitions Committee
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
THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
www.TheMuseumSFV.org