MONICA CONTINUES HER EXPLORATION OF GLENDALE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

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Brand Library and Brand Park

by Monica Corpuz - CSUN graduate student

       Brand Library got its name from Leslie Coombs Brand who helped build Glendale in the early 1900’s. He built his house, which he called Miradero, roughly translated from Spanish means  ‘vantage point’, by the Verdugo Mountains in Glendale. Upon his death in 1925 he donated his 5,000 square foot house and the surrounding land to the city. It then became a public library and the adjoining land became Brand Park. 

Arched entrance to Brand Park, Glendale, California. Photo by Monica Corpuz. (click to enlarge imgages)

        The library is much more than a library, however, since it also boasts art galleries and recital spaces. The library specializes in music and the arts, so most of the collections that it houses and the events that it hosts have to do with both. The library also recently underwent an extensive restoration project. You can see the photos from the project here: http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/library-arts-culture/brand-library-art-center/renovation-information-. The library has since been a cultural destination for the residents of Glendale. Most of the programs and events offered by the library are free.

       Brand Park is a beautiful sprawling estate. There is a parking lot that is central to both the Doctor’s House Museum and the Library. The park is also home to many hiking trailheads that lead into the Verdugo Mountains. There are sculptures and plaques everywhere, telling visitors about the history and heritage of the land. Since there is so much to see and do at the park, it’s a great way to spend a day

GLENDALE'S BRAND AVENUE

                       

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

BRAND AVENUE – GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

by Monica Corpuz - Graduate Student CSUN

        Glendale’s Brand Boulevard is a main hub of activity today, with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, businesses and cultural landmarks. The street is named after Leslie Coombs Brand (1859-1925), who helped to develop Glendale by helping to build and facilitate transportation and real estate in the city. 

         Glendale officially became a town in 1887 when it comprised only about 150 acres worth of land. In the early 1900’s Edgar D. Goode and D.W. Hunt also helped to develop Glendale by bringing the railroad through the city. Both of these men also have streets named after them, and they’re all by Brand Boulevard. Finally, Glendale became a city in 1906, and due partly to the glamorous and popular Alex Theater, which is located on the street, Brand Boulevard quickly became an important part of the city.

      It wasn’t until a surge of immigrants in the 80’s and 90’s that really diversified Brand Boulevard. Different types of cuisine and shops popped up which only increased the street’s popularity. Today it is a central hub of Glendale. It is located close to the Glendale Galleria, the Americana, art galleries and large corporate headquarters. Shopping, dining, looking at art and then catching a show at the Alex- what a great way to spend a day in Glendale!