2009 - The Year of Valley History
In the early 1950s, the Anheuser-Busch Company's decision to build a major brewery in the San Fernando Valley created a major boost to the economy of the Valley and Southern California. Hundreds of construction workers and business suppliers shared in the infusion of over $20,000,000.
Budweiser Plant - vintage postcard - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
In 1952 popular beers in America were still being made, very much, in European traditions. Companies like Budweiser prided themselves, not only on the quality of their products, but a sense of "family" among their workers.
border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830669470147138" /> Budweiser Brewing Building - vintage postcard - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
One of the great traditions of German breweries was the presence of nearby beer gardens. The sports complex next to the Budweiser plant in Saint Louis, Missouri is an example of that tradition. Busch Gardens next to the San Fernando Valley brewery became a major landmark in Los Angeles and remained such until the end of the 1970s. Old timers in the north Valley still tell stories of visits to their backyards of exotic birds on holiday from Busch Gardens.
Busch Gardens - vintage postcard - Gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
Fred Berk, Librarian of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, wants to remind you to donate your vintage postcards of the San Fernando Valley (or, allow The Museum to scan and utilize your collection). Call 1 (818) 347-9665
The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.
border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319830669470147138" />