THE LITTLE BROWN CHURCH WAS OPENED IN 1939

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

The Little Brown Church Studio City - 1939 - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Three years before the San Fernando Valley found itself part of the Second World War, a tiny Protestant chapel was established in Studio City. Today, the historic structure is primarily a wedding site but still houses a small and devoted congregation. The wedding place of President Ronald Regan and his wife Nancy, the modest chapel has been host to many celebrity marriages.

ACTOR WILLIAM HOLDEN BECOMES RONALD REAGAN'S BEST MAN IN STUDIO CITY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

When Ronald Reagan married his second wife Nancy in the Little Brown Church in Studio City, the actor William Holden acted as his best man. Ardis Holden, William's wife acted as Nancy Reagan's matron of honor.

 William Holden, film actor. Vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on images to enlarge)

Ardis Holden, Ronald and Nancy Davis Reagan and William Holden - Studio City, California.

A Facebook response to this posting states:

"Bill Holden lived on our street at this time. It was on Addison between Whitsett and Coldwater in what is now Valley Village. He sold the house to a family who then sold it in the early 60's to James and Kitty Franciscus. My dad had just built our house on Addison when the Holdens were there. I wasn't born yet,but I understand the Reagans had a small reception in the Holden house.

I do remember the Franciscus family. At the time they had 2 daughters Jamie and Kelly and their mom was so sweet! She was William Wellmans daughter. The house did have a tragic history as several people including James Franciscus and William Holden died tragic deaths later on."