THE VALLEY'S GAIL DAVIS BECAME A MEGA-TV STAR

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

The actress Gail Davis lived and worked out of the San Fernando Valley. Her early career was in motion pictures, chiefly in western films. She began by working with Roy Rogers and later became a "regular" in Gene Autry productions. Gail Davis' most significant role was that of Annie Oakley in a syndicated television series. Gail is buried in Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills above Burbank. 

Gail Davis - film and television actress - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

AMERICA'S COWGIRL LIVED IN CANOGA PARK

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

In 1947, the country and western signer Dale Evans married one of America's most famous movie personalities, Roy Rogers. While she had three previous marriages she remained with Roy Rogers of 51 years. Dale hit it big time when she became a regular singer on the Edgar Bergen "Charlie McCarthy radio program. She earned the status as "America's cowgirl" when she became Roy Rogers' co-star for Republic Studios in Sherman Oaks.

Dale Evans and Roy Rogers made their home prior to their retirement in Canoga Park. Many of Dale's and Roy's sequined and embroidered outfits were made by the famous "tailor to the stars" Nudie in North Hollywood.

 

Dale Evans - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

from Gary Fredburg 2013 -  (click on image to enlarge it.) 

ANDY DIVINE FILES REVEAL MORE VALLEY CELEBRITIES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

So many important actors have lived and worked in the San Fernando Valley, that publicity photographs of one will often include other famous residents. These photographs given to The Museum by Gary Fredburg in November of 2011, were part of an effort to build our files on the Van Nuys actor Andy Divine, but his celebrity neighbors quickly add to the history of the entertainment industry in the Valley.

 Character actor Andy Divine lived with his family in Van Nuys, very near Van Nuys High School.

Andy Divine and Roy Rogers in :The Far Frontier" - Republic Picture.  Roy Rogers and Dale Evans lived on a ranch between Chatsworth and Canoga Park. The film was made in the San Fernando Valley in 1948.

 Andy Divine and Roy Rogers costarred with the singer Jane Frazee and Mexican actor Tito Guizar in the Republic Pictures production of "On the Old Spanish Trail"  1947

 Roy Rogers, Andy Divine and Tito Guizar in tehj Republic Pictures production of "On the Old Spanish Trail"  1947

DALE EVANS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF WEST HILLS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

When the singer-actress Dale Evans acquired a ranch in Canoga Park, she and her famous cow-boy performer Roy Rogers made an important contribution to the development of what is today the San Fernando Valley community of West Hills.

Dale Evans - vintage postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011.  (click on the image to enlarge it.)

THE CHAPEL IN THE CANYON

-->DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

For many years, a small chapel existed in Canoga Park on Topanga Canyon. Called The Chapel in the Canyon, became a favorite site for weddings. The Chapel was located back from the street in rancho-like setting. The Western film and recording stars Dale Evans and Roy Rogers were important supporters for the church.

 Interior of The Chapel of the Canyon 1960 

Photo courtesy of Paul Estavillo 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

In August, 1964, a bus with children from the Chapel was involved in a crash in Tijuana, Mexico where the group had been on some sort of missionary activity. The daughter of the Rogers, Debbie was among the eight members of the church who died. The Chapel was sold and the group who worshipped there disbanded.

Chapel in the Canyon

9012 Topanga Canyon

Canoga Park, CA