OFF THE BEATEN PATH - MUSUEM REVIEW

OFF THE BEATEN PATH, by Bronwyn Ralph, with photography by Joseph L. Rubin
Second Edition, Published by the Markwin Press, Silver Springs, Nevada, 2009

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is proud to have as one of its friends the author of a local guidebook that exudes enthusiasm for historical and cultural landmarks throughout our Valley. There are thirty capsule descriptions here, each with an accompanying photograph or map, and visiting details. There is also a general reference map.

Some of the locations described are of significance far beyond this valley, including Campo de Cahuenga, where the treaty ending the Mexican-American War in California was signed. A lesser known place is the huge Portal of Folded Wings at Valhalla Memorial Park, a shrine to aviation and aviators (with a small museum inside). Sites of mainly local interest include the 1903 Pioneer Church in Chatsworth, erected long before the tract homes or lthe citrus groves which preceded tham. This too-small book just whets the appetite for a future guide to not just dozens, but hundreds, of significant historical, cultural and architectural points of interest in an area covering more than half of the city of Los Angeles..

Fred A. Berk
Librarian, Museum of the San Fernando Valley