SEPULVEDA RESIDENT PAUL ZUKOWSKI SERVED IN US ARMY FIELD ARTILLERY IN 1942

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

PAUL ZUKOWSKI

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.)    

 "Private Paul Zukowski of the U. S. Army field artillery entered the service May four 1942 after attending Van Nuys high school and belonging to the R.O.T.  He was a carpet layer in private life and resided in Sepulveda. His mother Mrs. Katie Sue Zukowski  lives at ____ Clayton St., North Hollywood."

Support The Museum's collection of Valley military service history

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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
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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

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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

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

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THE VALLEY'S WORLD WAR II HEROES

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

     Since the Valley Times published its Honor Roll Album in 1943, nearly all of the men and women featured in the publication are gone. Even the youngest of these military heroes 71 years later would be in their 90s.  Your Museum is determined to recognize the service of every single person whose lives related to the Valley - a huge, and likley a never ending task. But, because their lives were put in harms way for our liberties, we think the effort is worth it. 

     Recently, and much to our good fortune, Mr. Dennis Spiegelman donated a priceless pbulication, the Valley Times Honor Roll, published in 1943 by the Valley News Corporation in North Hollywood. The soft bound book contains the names, a short history and even the address of over 100 Valley service men and women. Here are some of our Valley neighbors who put their lives on the line for us.

 F. Arnold Bratton

Pharmacist's mate, 3rd class, who joined the US Navy on April 27, 1942. He left the jopb of assistant manger of the Studio City Theatre. He lived on Weddington Street in North Hollywood.

 Donald G. Ingalls

Aviation cadet, Donald Ingalls was a civil service accountant before entering the US Army Air Corps on December 12, 1942.  He was at this time stationed at Kelly Field, Texas. He lived on Beck Avenue in North Hollywood.  (click on images to enlarge them.) 

 Chris Jensen Jr.

A private in the US Army Air Force, Chris Jensen entered the service on January 19, 1943. In civilian life he was a plasterer, living with his parents on Ben Avenue in North Hollywood.

 Fred R. Nehen

An electrician's mate aboard the USS Maddox, Fred Nehen enlisted in the US Navy on December 26, 1941. He was 22 years old when this photograph was published.

Before entering the service Fred was a carpenter living with his family on Hazelhurst Place in North Hollywood. He attended Navy electrical and sound motion picture schools in San Diego.

 Richard R. Porter Jr.

Technical corporal in the 736th Tank Battalion, Richard Porter lived on Wilkinson Avenue in North Hollywood before entering the service on January 19th, 1943. He was a service station attendant at the Standard Oil Service Station when he attended North Hollywood High School. He graduated in the Class of 1942. He was the student foreman of the school's sheet metal shop.

THE GREAT FILM CASABLANCA WAS MADE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2013

Casablanca, was a very important, anti-fascist film made during the Second World War. It's theme song "As Time Goes By" has become the credits theme for today's Warner Brothers films.

 

Arthur "Dooley" Wilson played the role of "Sam" the piano player in the great classic film "Casablanca" made in 1942 in the San Fernando Valley. Stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman made the film for Warner Brothers in Burbank. The exterior air port scenes were filmed at the historic Van Nuys Airport.  - ps ........ No one ever said, "play it again Sam."

Dooley Wilson was a long time friend of Ralph Muzzillo Sr, from whose collection this photograph was borrowed, courtesy of Ralph Muzzillo Jr. 

This entry is part of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's effort to preserve and present the history and culture of our region of Southern California. If you have artifacts or photos to share with The Museum's collection of Film and Television - Entertainment Industry History, contact your Museum today.

Donate tax-deductible memorabilia 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

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MUSEUM IN NEED OF A LARGE IMAGE SCANNER.

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2013

This great music score for the 1942 motion picture "Now Voyager" is a great example of why The Museum could really use the donation of a scanner that can do large images. The film produced by Hal Wallace was his first in Hollywood. Starring life-long Toluca Lake resident, the great Bette Davis, it featured the music of Valley composer Max Steiner for Warner Brothers headquartered in Burbank. Ms. Davis' tomb is at the top of a hill in Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills. From her grave one can see the sprawling Warner Brothers studios below.

Sheet music for "It Can't Be Wrong" with lyrics by Kim Cannon for the motion picture "Now Voyager".  1942 - Gift to the Entertainment Industry of the San Fernando Valley collection of the Library of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - from Gary Fredburg 2013.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

WILD BILL ELLIOTT AND TEX RITTER

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                    2013

In January 1942, Columbia Studios released to a war-frightened America the "formula" cowboy movie, The Lone Star Vigilantes. Two great San Fernando Valley actor-artists, Will Bill Elliott and Tex Ritter starred in this great old time oater.

Movie flyer - The Lone Star Vigilantes 1942 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

RICHARD HILTON INTERVIEWS THE TAMARA FAMILY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

On Monday, December 8, 1941 two Japanese-American farm kids went as usual to their classes at San Fernando High School. There they heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the impending war between the United States and the Empire of Japan. By March of 1942 they would find their lives turned upside down as their families were sent to the U.S. internment camp in Manzanar. 

One of the first things that young Americans of Japanese descent did at Manzanar was to establish a baseball league. One of the teams in the league was the San Fernando Valley Aces. Only two members of that historic team remain in 2012.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

 George Tamura of Mission Hills holds a photograph of his San Fernando Valley Aces team.

As part of The Museum's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley, Richard Hilton relaxes after his interview with the Tamura family. Left to right are William Tamura (nephew of George Tamara, whose father was a member of the San Fernando Valley Aces), Miye Tamura, George Tamura and Museum Board member Richard Hilton. Miye and George were married shortly after their families were released from Manzinar.

Miye Tamura was the first of her family to return to their farm house near San Fernando. She became a beautician after her release from Manzanar.

William Tamura holds a photograph of his father and his uncle George Tamura, members of the San Fernando Valley Aces at the Manzinar camp. William is a retired science teacher.

Wall screen in the home of Miye and George Tamura in Mission Hills.

Interested in being part of the Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley project?

CONTACT

Richard Hilton - Chair - Narrating Lives

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

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
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THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
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info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

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THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

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RICHARD DENNING AND HELEN GILBERT SHARED STARDOM WITH JACKIE THE LION

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

Richard Denning was one of the big "hunk" stars of the 1940s. Here he poses with the Paramount starlette Helen Gilbert in the Dorothy Lamour film, "Malaya"  Jackie the Lion (famous as the Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo star) lived and was trained for the movies in Bird Wonderland in what is now Encino, California.

Helen Gilbert, Jackie the Lion and Richard Denning - 1942 - Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joan Putney Nov. 2011.  (Click on images to enlarge)  Image 4276 - P15

 Image 4276 - P15   Helen Gilbert was a cellist prior to entering films.

Richard Denning - Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joan Putney Nov. 2011.  (Click on images to enlarge)  Image 4276 - P15  All of the birds and animals used in this Paramount film were provided by Bird Wonderland in Encino, California.  (click on image to enlarge) Image 4275-P 14

Richard Denning wrestles Jackie the Lion in the film Malaya.  Image number 4277-P16

HOLLYWOOD DURING WWII - 1942

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

When Catherine Olson took these docile photographs of Hollywood landmarks, the world was a long way from peace. 

The west coast headquarters of NBC radio was located on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, when this photo was taken on June 4, 1942. The image was developed the same day the United States Navy was engaged with the ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Battle of Midway. Photo 3876

Taken also at the time of the Battle of Midway, this photograph shows the facade of the very famous Earl Carroll Theatre on Sunset Boulevard. A note on the back of the photo indicates that the iconic neon lighted sign was the image of Beryl Wallace.  Catherine Olson noted that the address was 6230 Sunset Boulevard.  June 4, 1942   -  Photo number 3877

Ciro's Nightclub, July 2, 1942.  Photo donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from the estate of Catherine Olson 2011, by her daughter Mary Olson Friedman.  (click on images to enlarge) Photo number 3875

At the time this photograph was taken, and processed at the Campus Camera Shop in Westwood, the Battle of El Alamein was going on in North Africa. I am not sure, but I think automobiles were no longer being manufactured in America by this time.

1942 A MISSOURI BOY FIRST ENCOUNTERS THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Photographs often tell more than viewers realize.

Family snapshots often tell more history than meets a casual glance. Here are three photographs that were among my brother James Fecht's effects, when he died last year. In three short years he went from a high school altar boy to a United States Marine in combat in the South Pacific. 

Altar servers at Saint Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico, Missouri - 1940.  (click on image to enlarge)  Photo 2853 - l to r: James Fecht, Joe Enslen, Jim Torrance, Don McLaughlin and Bob Phillips.

 In 1941, James Fecht was a recent high school graduate. anxious to make his mark in the world. This photograph was taken in Mexico, Missouri shortly before the outbreak of World War II. His hands were still swollen from an amateur boxing match earlier in the week. He boxed as a Marine recruit at Camp Pendleton the next year.  (photo 2854)

1942 on Elmer Avenue in North Hollywood, California.  (photo 2855) 

On his first leave after boot camp, Jim Fecht and his Marine buddy Webb McKelvey went to Los Angeles, where Webb introduced Jim to his cousin Joye Barnes from North Hollywood. Jim met Joye and several of her friends from Corvallis High School in Studio City, at the USO Cantina in Hollywood. Jim was dazzled. After the war, Jim and Joye were married and made the San Fernando Valley their home.

BOB WATERFIELD VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HERO

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY          2011                    Van Nuys 100

For the next year, The Museum of the San Fernando will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Van Nuys, California.
Bob Waterfield was a football hero at Van Nuys High School. In 1942, he was an "All-Coast" and "All American" quarterback for UCLA. That year he lead the Bruins to their first-ever win over the Trojans of USC in the Rose Bowl. His college career was interrupted by military service, after which he returned to lead the UCLA team. After college, Bob Waterfield played for the "Cleveland" Rams.

Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

VETERANS DAY 2010

Brendan Patrick Fecht took this picture today in Herald Square in New York City. He was greatly moved, and so are we all. Below is a United State Marine Corps recruit graduation photograph taken at Camp Pendleton, California in 1942. In the picture was Brendan's, now deceased Uncle Jimmy just before being shipped to the South Pacific.

LOCKEED FIRE DEPARTMENT DURING WORLD WAR II

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures
Lockeed Aircraft Fire Department 1942, Station Number 2 - Photograph gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jim Rowe, Cincinnati, Ohio 2010.(click on images to enlarge)
Note the camouflage netting above the fire station, and the aircraft being built in the hanger at the far right. Jim Rowe’s father, Chief Earl Rowe was a member of the Lockheed Fire Department (Chief Rowe is the 3rd.fireman from the left).
Photograph gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jim Rowe, Cincinnati, Ohio 2010. Jim Rowe with his dad’s Fire Chief Car. The boy Jim was born in North Hollywood.

Note: These two photographs were shared by Jim Rowe by email transmission. They were sent as a test to check on the process of scanning images and sending them by the Internet. Thanks Jim, you've added to The Museum's visual knowledge of the Valley during World War II, and both fire protection services and automotive history.

WHY THE MUSEUM COLLECTS VALLEY YEARBOOKS

El Portal Yearbook 1942 - Verdugo Hills High School - Tujunga, California - Gift to The Museum from Gary Fredburg - February 2010.
Sports and body conditioning took on a different meaning to students and coaches who knew that they (including the young coach) could well be serving in the Armed Forces at the end of the school year.
Despite these smiling faces, what must the feelings of these girls and boy have been reading the message "The Enemy is Listening" "Defense Window - Buy Savings Stamps" "Protect Your Future - Learn a Trade" These girls may not have known it, but they would be the first generation to follow their mothers into defense factories and begin their journey to financial independence.

WHY THE MUSEUM COLLECTS VALLEY YEARBOOKS

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures
Red Cross Nurse - Drawing by J. Cauthen for the El Portal Yearbook - 1942 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg February 2010
Why does your Museum go to the trouble and expense of collecting school yearbooks from the San Fernando Valley and related areas? Well, aside from the obvious record of students who attended Valley schools, year books reveal amazing details about the lives and times of those growing up in our communities. What were the visions of students graduating from high school in 1942?

Take a moment to look at these images taken from a 1942 El Portal yearbook from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, California.
What would be the destinies of the boys and girls graduating from VHHS in June of 1942?

Many students at Verdugo Hills High School in 1942 had friends and relatives already serving in the Armed Forces. Here, home on leave, a newly minted soldier poses in front of his Tujunga home.


Share your stories about growing up in the San Fernando Valley today and with future generations. Don't let your yearbooks or school memorabilia end up in a trash bin or forgotten in some hidden attic. Contact your Museum today, and stay a part of the history that you helped create. 1 (818) 347-9665

BING CROSBY AND THE ROMANCE OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY 1942

2009 The Year of Valley History

Historic Bing Crosby postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2009
Bing Crosby Residence Toluca Lake – 1942 (postcard)
“Greetings from Hollywood”

Los Angeles June 13, ‘42
Dear Miss Thelma. I was glad to get a card from you indeed. Yes, I will be glad to exchange cards with you, being you are such a lovely young lady with brown eyes. I have brown eyes too, and I am a bachelor and more than twice your age. I operate gum and peanut machines, and I also work some in the movies as an extra. (blurred) Frank B. H--- 433 Hill Street.”

RARE WORLD WAR II PHOTO AT TIMM AIRCRAFT

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Workers at Timm Aircraft 1942 - Photo loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Dave High July 2009 (click on image to enlarge).
Early “barnstormers” after World War I thrilled the world with their aero-acrobatics. One of the best of these was Otto Timm. His love of flight and dedication to his craft caused him to begin the O.W. Timm Aircraft Company in Glendale, California in 1928. One of his first achievements was the building of an enclosed biplane aircraft, the precursor of modern commercial passenger aircraft. He renamed his business the Timm Aircraft Company in 1934.
(Otto’s brother, Wallace Timm was responsible for much of the early aerial photography of the movie business.)
As World War II approached Timm Aircraft geared up for the coming conflict. By 1942, when this photograph of “Skeets” High and a fellow worker was taken, Timm Aircraft was in full scale production.
Skeets is the young man at the right of the photograph. He left the Timm company shortly after this photo was taken, to serve as a training sergeant in the United States Army at Camp Roberts, near Paso Robles, California.
Dave High, who loaned this photograph to The Museum, recalls living just off the military base with his mom in a converted gasoline station, not an uncommon occurrence when construction came to a halt for the war effort.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.