HEROES OF SAN FERNANDO VALLEY HISTORY - DIANA AND GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY    2012

Diana and Guy Weddington McCreary at North Hollywood High School's Class of 1955's 25th Reunion. Few San Fernando Valley residents have done more to preserve our history than these two people.  Images are courtesy of Richard E. Holmes 2012. Both are Board Members of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association, and supporters of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

MUSEUM PRODUCES NORTH HOLLYWOOD WALKING TOUR BOOKLET

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Written by Museum Board Member Richard Hilton, "A Historic Walking Tour of North Hollywood 'Home of the Peach'" has just been produced by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. What began as a small souvenir for those who participate in the bi-monthly walking tour of the NoHo, has evolved into a handsome 20-page booklet with many delightful photographs and stories of the Valley city once known as "the Home of the Peach."

(click on image to enlarge)

With photographs generously loaned by Guy Weddington McCreary and images from the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley and from the collection of the author Richard Hilton, the booklet features images that haven't been seen for nearly a century.

Edited in part by Museum Board Member Phyllis Hansen, the work was also edited and produced by Michel Stevens. Graphic design, creative and layout services were provided by Graphic Elements. The brochure was funded by the Mid-town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council and in part by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

For the last two years, The Museum's historic walking tours have been graciously sponsored by the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

In 2012, The Museum plans on producing two more tour booklets; one for the Van Nuys historic walking tour and a self-guided automobile tour of the Northridge, Porter Ranch and Granada Hills areas of the San Fernando Valley.

ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW WITH GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

As part of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley", Guy Weddington McCreary was interviewed this May at historic Campo de Cahuenga in North Hollywood. Funded by the Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Los Angeles, The Museum's oral histories project is building an archive of interviews of men and women who have made significant impacts on San Fernando Valley culture and history. 

 Guy Weddington McCreary at his interview for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Photo for the Archives of The Museum by Gerald Fecht 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

Guy Weddington McCreary was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He is a descendant of Wilson Weddington, the founder of North Hollywood (once called Lankershim). Guy attended Lankershim Elementary School and North Hollywood High School. His memories include the World War II era and observations of a Valley that experienced an explosion of growth during the 1950s and '60s. Among his significant achievements was being the Executive Director of the Republican Party for Los Angeles County in the 1970s. 

As the president of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association, Guy McCreary was instrumental in saving and restoring the Campo for future generations.

A VOTE OF THANKS TO DIANE & GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Carved Steam Engine Relief - US Post Office - San Fernando California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The entire San Fernando Valley, and places far beyond, owe Diane and Guy Weddington McCreary a large vote of thanks for their never-tiring efforts to save the historical treasures of our community. Their work to save the historic Lankershim Train Station from disappearing into a bureaucratic radar screen means that future generations may yet get to know the vital role railroads have played in our history. Secondly, the preservation and moving of the priceless Weddington House to a safe place in North Hollywood, will be directly a result of their efforts.
So, when we are thinking of our Valley, and those to we owe thanks, let's make sure to include the McCrearys. The Museum's 2nd Annual "Walk It Off" walking tour of historic North Hollywood will begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Amerlia Earhart statue in North Hollywood Park - erected and preserved, in large measure, because of Guy Weddington McCreary and Diane McCreary.
For all that you have done and are doing, our Museum Community is grateful.