SNAPSHOTS FROM MOVIE NIGHT IN NORTHRIDGE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011                       Northridge100

Willard Simms, member of The Museum's Board, sends these photographs taken at "Movie Night" this last Saturday in Northridge. The event was sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

 Rania Pallad, Treasurer of The Museum, blows welcoming bubbles to let the children attending Movie Night, to The Museum's "coloring station."  Kids were provided crayons and cartoon maps of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge).

 Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith observes children before Movie Night at The Museum's "coloring station."  In the back ground, in red shirt, is Museum Board Member Richard Hilton, director of The Museum's tour programs.

 A warm welcome. on a chilly night, to Movie Night by Councilman Smith and Museum leaders.

Scott Sterling, Chairman of The Public Arts Committee, and Narrating Lives (Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley), welcomes families at Movie Night. Sterling, owner of Sterling Construction in Northridge, leads the very successful effort by The Museum Community to secure the histories of Valley residents for future generations.

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JANET GAYNOR - SUNNY SIDE UP - 1929

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

One of the most successful actors of her era, Janet Gaynor was among the few who made an effective transition from silent movies to the talkies.
The Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has just acquired the sheet music for Ms. Gaynor's 1929 hit film entitled "Sunny Side Up." The film co-starred actor Charles Farrell. (click on image to enlarge - refer to image 1948) Janet Gaynor, her husband and son lived at the South-West corner of Devonshire and Reseda Boulevard.

Sunny Side Up - sheet music 1929 

gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

The San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry Library is part of the Museum's on-going effort to celebrate and document our Valley's amazing creative heritage. If you have books, music or artifacts that you wish to share today and with future generations related to the Entertainment Industry please call 1 (818) 347-9665.  Donations to your Museum are tax deductible.

THE GREAT HUNTSINGER TURKEY RANCE OF NORTHRIDGE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100
Fred Huntsinger with one of his prize turkeys.
In the 1950s the Huntsinger family built one of America's most successful turkey ranches in Northridge. The ranch was located at 9741 Lassen Street.

MYSTERY IN JACK OAKIE'S BEDROOM

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100

Bedroom Mystery Oakridge Estate (click on image to enlarge)

When I looked carefully at the markings behind where once hung a mirror or was covered with stonework, above the fireplace in Jack Oakie's bedroom, I saw these pencil markings. At first blush, I considered that it may have been a worker's message, likely in a foreign script. But, with more thought, the lines may not be in an unknown alphabet, but may have been simple measuring directions.

LIVING ROOM OF THE OAKRIDGE ESTATE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100
Living Room and Murals of Oakridge Estate - photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.
(click on images to enlarge)
With some of the windows unboarded, a visitor to the manor house of the Oakridge Estate can begin to feel what this splendid old dwelling might become if fully restored.

NORTHRIDGE FESTIVAL BRINGS MEMORIES OF DEVONSHIRE DOWNS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Remember Devonshire Downs and the many events that took place there? The "Downs" played a big part in life in the San Fernando Valley. From the San Fernando Valley Fair to rock and roll concerts, Devonshire Downs made history. What are your memories of it?


Devonshire Downs - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Don't forget to put this year's Northridge Festival on your calendar. Come by and say hello at The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's table. Bring copies of your favorite times in Northridge and Porter Ranch (or, anywhere in the Valley). Become part of Valley history.

Your Museum can be reached at: 1 (818) 347-9665

THREE RARE PHOTOS OF NORTHRIDGE WHEN IT WAS ZELZAH

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100

Zelzah Super Service Gas Station
Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
Zelzah School c. 1911
This one room, once a bunkhouse in old Zelzah, school had one teacher. It was roughly where Canby and Rayen Streets in modern Northridge.
Owl Trucking around 1900 bringing barrels to a Pickle Factory.

Before it was Northridge, the north Valley community including Porter Ranch was first called Zelzah, North Los Angeles, and then Northridge Village.

GIL' S MUFFLER SHOP PART OF NORTHRIDGE HISTORY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES NORTHRIDGE100

Future home of Gil’s Muffler Shop 1954 – Photo donated to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gil Schirmester 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
Gil Schirmester (81) in front of old photo's in his shop.
Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Art Jacobs - March 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
Gil and Dale Schirmester - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Art Jacobs - March 2010. (click on image to enlarge)

Gil's Muffler Shop sign - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Art Jacobs - March 2010. (click on image to enlarge)
A note from Art Jacobs about Gil’s Muffler Shop:
“Gil’s Muffler shop has been specializing in exhaust systems for the past 55 years. Its owner, Gil Schirmester moved to the San Fernando Valley in 1946. He opened up shop in 1953 in Reseda, California until he moved in 1955, to his current Northridge location at 18437 Roscoe Boulevard.
Gil who is 81 and retired remembers when he opened the Roscoe location. He said, “Northridge Hospital wasn’t across the street, just bean and tomato fields.” His son Dale, started working for his dad in 1977 and currently operates the family business. In fact, many Schirmester family memories are captured through old photo’s hanging on the walls.
Dale also recalls Northridge’s early agriculture days. He used to ride his bike through orange groves, which is now the location of the Northridge Fashion Center.
Thanks Gil and Dale for allowing us into your shop and reflecting on the Good Ole Days,” Art Jacobs

A note from Jerry
Because, until now, there was no Museum of history and culture for the whole San Fernando Valley, much of our history is lost every day. Our endangered history is, for the most part tucked away in storage units, in garages, and if we are lucky on the walls of our businesses and schools. The Museum Community believes that small businesses like Gil's Muffler Shop in Northridge ultimately constitute a lion's share of Valley history. We will use this blog, and our new website, to relate the important role of small business and encourage the public to understand and share this history with us.

TREE PLANTING MAKES NEW NORTHRIDGE HISTORY

Join us for our Second Centennial Tree Planting!

When: Saturday, April 10th
Where: Northridge South (Exact location disclosed upon sign up with TreePeople)
Time: 9 a.m. - Noon
Sign up & Breakfast: 8:30 - 8:45 a.m.

What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, closed-toe shoes and a sun hat. Please help us to reduce waste by bringing your own re-usable water bottle, refills will be provided. This is a rain or shine event!

Sign up at www.treepeople.org. For more information, email: volunteer@treepeople.org

Hope to see you there!

--
-Northridge100

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www.northridge100.org

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DALE'S MARKET IN NORTHRIDGE

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
Image contributed to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Art Jacobs - 2010

"This is an advertisement Dales Market used on their grocery bags in the 1970s. Dales Market was a family owned market. Northridge had a Dales Market in the Corbin and Parthenia Shopping Center. It opened up back in the 1960’s and closed in the 1980’s."

FAITH BIBLE CHURCH - A NORTHRIDGE LANDMARK

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
In-tourists on the Northridge Centennial bus tour - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - by Gerald Fecht (click on images to enlarge)
Encouraging residents of the San Fernando Valley to get out and see the seemingly endless treasures of our communities, is a major objective of your Museum.
Stained glass window of Faith Bible Church in Northridge.
My photographs of the exterior of old Faith Bible Church in Northridge were awful, so I'm depending on one of you folks to supply me with one for the blog. In the meanwhile, here are two interior images of this 1917 Protestant Church.
Founded by Norwegians, the building was called originally the Norsk Evangelisk Luther's Kirke, it was constructed in what has become known as the American Dakotas' Gothic Revival style. One only has to climb the steep front stairs of the church to realize that its builders were likely expecting a deep snow.
The original altar is gone, but would have been made of carved wood, similar to the original altar seen on The Museum's walking tour of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in North Hollywood.
Faith Bible Church at 18531 Gresham Street in Northridge, is Los Angeles Cultural Monument # 152.

NORTHRIDGE TOUR DAY - WHAT DID YOU SEE?

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
First Leaves and Tree Blossoms - Grounds of Rancho Cordellera del Norte - Photo by Linda K. Moore 2010
Corner Sculpture - Rancho Cordellera del Norte - Photo by Linda K. Moore 2010
Eskimo Art Plaque - Rancho Cordellera del Norte - Photo by Linda K. Moore 2010
(left) Director of The Museum's Tour and Conservation Issues Richard Hilton and Gerald Fecht, president of The Museum, on the steps of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge. Aside from organizing the Northridge Centennial Tour, Richard is a professional actor and breeder of champion level dogs.
Photo by Linda K. Moore 2010.
What did you see on our Tour of Historic Nortridge Day?
An event, such as Northridge100, not only offers a chance for local residents to enjoy some of their own history, but it also brings attention to the community by people from outside as well.
These a few of the candid photographs taken by film educator and world traveler Linda K. Moore of Westlake Village who joined us for the day. Trained to see the details that make films important and sometimes great, Linda's attention to details are readily demonstrated in her photographs.

HIGHLIGHTS OF RANCHO CORDELLERA DEL NORTE

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
Tunisian Carpet - Rancho Cordellera del Norte - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010

Often visitors to a theatrical center such as Rancho Cordellera del Norte miss some of the most important aspects of the stay. Since the Rancho does not have connections to well known celebrities or major historical events, folks skip over the many treasures presented from a lifetime of memorabilia collecting.
During my visit to the Rancho, I saw things that deserve study and attention. For example, in the theater there is a Tunisian carpet of endless surprises. Each segment of the hand-made rug deservedly included in the Op-Art genre so famous just a few years ago. Behind each knot lies a story of labor, often by children, to make such a treasure.
Visitors to the Theater of Rancho Cordellera del Norte - Northridge100 Centennial Bus Tour presented by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.
Medieval Lion - Guarding the entrance of the Theater of Rancho Cordellera del Norte

Northridge treasures to share? Contact your Museum today. 1 (818) 347-9665

A SPECIAL VISIT TO EL ENCANTO - NORTHRIDGE100

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
Los Angeles Cultural Monument #782 - El Encanto historic barn-home - Chase Street in Northridge. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010 (click on images to enlarge)
Interior of El Encanto barn-house A portion of the original Bess Farm.
Owner of El Encanto historic barn-house in Northridge, explaining the history of the Cultural Monument to visitors on the Northridge100 Centennial bus tour.

Among the most rewarding things about working to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for all of the San Fernando Valley, are the endless surprises encountered. I've lived in the Valley for most of my adult life and never heard of, or visited the wonderful old barn/home El Encanto. Thanks to the Northridge100 Tour Committee, today the farm of Major General Harris Marcy McLasky (1893-1972) came alive with our visit to the last remaining element of the historic farm, its barn. Now a very livable home, the barn rightfully deserves the farm's name, El Encanto - The Delight.

To our in-tourists' pleasure and surprise, snacks were provided in handy tote bags by the Sterling Construction Company (serving residential and commercial Los Angeles for 80 years.) Sterling Construction is located at 8860 Corbin Avenue Unit 242 in Northridge. The company's telephone is 1(818)700-8883
You can email them at scott@sterlingconstruction.us

You can telephone your Museum at: 1 (818) 347-9665

TOMORROW IS TREE PLANTING WEATHER

Dear Northridge100 Friends,


Due to rain, we will be planting on Sunday, Feb. 28th, instead of Saturday.

Same Time, Same Place!

Where: 7726 Lasaine Ave. Northridge, 91325

When: Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Sign up and Breakfast: 8:30-8:45


Hope to see you on SUNDAY!

HISTORIC MEGA CONCERT IN NORTHRIDGE

2010 --- The Year of Valley History --- Northridge100
(click on image to enlarge)
Just in case people tell you that there isn’t much history in the San Fernando Valley, you might wish to remind them about a few “minor” performances on three days at Devonshire Downs in Northridge

Friday June 20th, 1969

Jimi Hendrix --- Spirit --- Joe Cocker --- Southwind --- Taj Mahal --- Albert King --- Edwin Hawkins Singas --- Ike and Tina Turner ---
Jerry Lauderdale

Saturday June 21, 1969

Creedence Crearwater --- Steppenwolf --- Jethro Tull --- Erik Burden
Buffe St. Marie --- Friends of Distinction ---Charity --- Sweetwater --- Lee Michaels --- Albert Collins --- Love --- Brenton Wood

Sunday June 22, 1969

Chambers Brothers --- Marvin Gaye --- Grass Roots --- Three Dog Night --- Johnny Winter --- Byaos --- Poco --- Mother Earth --- Flock
--- The Rascals

In reality the San Fernando Valley’s “fair grounds”, historic Devonshire Downs was home all sorts of outdoor activities. Once a track for horse racing, (remember, Northridge and Granada Hills had some of the finest horse breeding ranches in California) Devonshire Downs was host to The San Fernando Valley Fair, oversized graduations, classic car shows and yes.......... one of the most famous rock and roll weekends of all time.

ZELZAH - TOWN OF MYSTERIES

2010 - The Year of Valley History - Northridge100
Zelzah Train Station 1914 (click on image to enlarge)
Before it gained its present name, Northridge was called originally Zelzah (some say it was Zelzah Colony) and later North Los Angeles.
Zelzah Bunkhouses 1919
Credit for these photographs hasn't yet been fully established, and mysteries surround the origin of the name Zelzah. What or who these "bunkhouses" served is yet to be discovered.

Note: If you find an error on this blog, or among other presentation by your Museum, pick up the telephone and let us know. Our number is 1 (818) 347-9665. The Museum appreciates your wisdom and support.

MORE LO PRISTI FAMILY PHOTOS OF 1994 EARTHQUAKE

2010 - The Year of Valley Adventures - Northridge100
Water Heater crashes into the Lo Presti's service porch
Destruction in the Lo Pristi family's kitchen.
Special thanks to Patricia Lo Pristi for sharing these graphic reminders of what transpired in the San Fernando Valley in only seconds in 1994.
For those of us, who make our homes here, it is not "if" another earthquake will occur, but "when." We've learned to live with baby safety latches on our cupboards and discovered the importance of a common telephone contact outside of town. Most important, we learned how important our friends and neighbors are to us. And, for the sake of history, how important it is to scan our photographs and protect our records.

Share your images of the 1994 earthquake and your life in the San Fernando Valley. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 to see how you can get involved in The Museum Community.

NEIL BUCKNAM SHARES NORTHRIDGE PHOTOS FROM THE 1950s

2010 The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
“Steve Bucknam built his home on the corner of Lindley Avenue and Rayen Street in Northridge, California. Steve is standing on the slab of the house that he built himself. He is standing with his oldest son. The picture was taken in the spring of 1951. That is Lindley Avenue in the background. Steve passed away in 2004, the house remains in the family.”

A snapshot of Northridge Elementary in 1957. The school stood on the corner of Nordhoff and Reseda.
Neil Buckman, a Northridge native, shares these photographs as part of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Northridge, the Zelzah Colony and Porter Ranch.

NORTHRIDGE100 TREE PLANTING EVENT

2010 -- The Year of Valley Adventures -- Northridge100
Why We Live In The Valley - Photo Feb. 2010 - For the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - (click on image to enlarge)

Please join us for our first Northridge100 tree planting event
Saturday, February 27th -- 9 am - 12 pm -- Location: Northridge South

What to bring:
Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes. Bring a water bottles, sun hat and positive energy!
How to Sign Up:
All volunteers must individually pre-register to attend.
You can register at http://www.treepeople.org/volunteer-registration
If you would like to register a group, please contact Lisa Sotelo at volunteer@treepeople.org or call (818) 623-4879. This is a first come first served opportunity.

Our next tree planting will be held in April. If you or your group is interested in a tree planting event in your neighborhood, email us and we'll show you how to get started!

Hope to see you there!
-Northridge100
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