MONTIE MONTANA - BELOVED SAN FERNANDO VALLEY COWBOY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100

Montie Montana - Beloved Valley Cowboy Star - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010

Among the major celebrities who have lived and worked in the San Fernando Valley was Owen Harlen Mickel, better known as America's beloved Montie Montana. From his ranch home in Northridge, Montie worked at the world famous Republic Studios in Studio City and many other film studios in the Valley and Los Angeles.

Montie Montana was born on the 21st of June 1910, appropriately in Montana. He died on the 15th of December 2009 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth. Montana's amazing riding and roping skills not only won him many roles in film but also caused him to be elected to the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Always willing to lend his name and presence to Northridge charity events, Montie Montana is perhaps best known for his surprise, with the new president's permission, of roping Dwight D. Eisenhower during the inaugural parade.

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.

THANKS FOR JOINING US AT THE FIRST NORTHRIDGE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS SERIES TALK

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY HISTORY -- Northridge100

Tongva Woman San Fernando Mission - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Thanks to our neighbors and friends who joined at this last Tuesday evening at the first of the Northridge100 Distinguished Speakers Series.

WHY VETERANS' INTERVIEWS ARE A PRIORITY FOR YOUR MUSEUM

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES --Northirdge100

Soldier of the 96th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, World War II - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010.

I have seldom seen any group of individuals working harder than the Board of Directors and Advisers to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Just about the time when it looks like we can coast for awhile, something new and often urgent arises. Securing the histories of our World War II and Korean War veterans takes real precedence in The Museum's efforts. Yesterday's interview with 91 year old Paul Cohen, who served in the United States Army in the Philippines and in the battle for Okinawa, is a significant example.

Some of the other things the Museum has going:

On Saturday May 1st, The Museum presents to the LA Heritage Alliance (meeting at the Pierce College Farm Center) our plans for a Greater Los Angeles Fall Cleaning Garage Sale for dozens of LA historical groups. It should be one of the biggest events of the year and raise money for historical organizations all over our vast city.

On Sunday May2nd, your Museum will be part of the BIG FAMILY DAY at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) downtown LA. (It's a giant family centered day with the arts at the MOCA museum info: 1 (213) 621-1745. We'll have coloring maps of the San Fernando Valley for kids to enjoy..... and, learn more about our fabulous Valley.

And, on Saturday May 8th, we'll be taking Valley residents and visitors on a special guided walking tour of historic Van Nuys.

BUT.................. an Interview with VALLEY HERO, PAUL COHEN went to the top of our list of things to accomplish.

In The Museum's last Board meeting, we agreed to partner with the young and accomplished blogger and photographer, Andy Hurvitz to seek support for a joint effort to acquire the photos and stories of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the Jewish American War Veterans. In the process, The Museum is developing an interview process applicable to interviewing of all veterans and other Valley notables. The interview with Paul Cohen gave us the opportunity to try out our questioning techniques, photography skills and because our recording device failed, our ability to record Paul's history by hand.

WANT TO HELP? Call Jerry Fecht (fate) at 1 (818) 347-9665 and ask about one of the above projects, or our upcoming work on the 75th Anniversary of Republic Studios, our efforts to make the 100th Anniversary of Northridge (Northridge100) a grand success, our Speakers in Historic Places talks, the preservation and appropriate use of the historic Idle Hour Cafe in the NoHo, securing the history of Our Lady of Corvallis High School in Studio City and many other efforts.

AN INVITATION TO HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

If you represent an historical/cultural organization - Here's a way to make money, and have fun.

THE FIRST ANNUAL ALL L.A. HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS GREAT FALL CLEANING AND GARAGE SALE

The Event: A fund-raising garage sale featuring treasures and bargains from the many historical organizations from greater Los Angeles. The purpose is to boost the finances of these community groups and to expand awareness of the history of Southern California and the San Fernando Valley.

ALL HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS CAN PARTICIPATE!
Preliminary Meeting: All historical/cultural organizations wishing to participate in the Great Fall Cleaning and Garage Sale - May 1st at 10:30 am (about 1 ½ hours) at the Pierce College Farm Center (address below)

Dates of Joint Garage/Yard Sale
Saturday – September 11, 2010 10am to 6pm
Sunday – September 12, 2010 10am to 6pm

Location: Pierce College Farm Center
20800 Victory Blvd. at the corner of De Soto Avenue in Woodland Hills

Free Parking: Free: Entrance off Victory Boulevard
Orange Line Access: DeSoto Ave. Station
Admission is Free to the Public

Sponsored by:
The Foundation for Pierce College - contact Dennis Washburn
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley – contact Gary Fredburg
LA Heritage Alliance - contact John Bwarie

Proceeds: Proceeds go to the non-profit historical/cultural groups.
Event Chairman: Gary E. Fredburg - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Contact Telephone: 1 (818) 347-9665

Each day about 130,000 cars pass through the intersection of Victory Boulevard and DeSoto Avenue.

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Here in Van Nuys

HELP PRESERVE CRAFTSMEN/WOMEN'S HISTORY OF REPUBLIC STUDIOS

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Recognize these houses? You just might, since they have been used in dozens of films and television programs over the years. They are on the back lot of the CBS Studio Center in Studio City.
Back lot of CBS Studios in Studio City - Photos for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010.

Back lot of CBS Studios 2010 - You will likely see these houses during the 75th Anniversary of Republic Studios tour this coming Fall.


The Museum's effort to discover the histories of the craftsmen/women who worked at Republic Studios is underway. Republic Studios once was located in Studio City where the CBS Studio Center is now located. We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council (great people). If you are interested in helping on this Community Project of The Museum, contact us today.

1 (818) 347-9665

1933 CCC VOLUNTEERS BOARDING TRAIN IN GLENDALE

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100

Young men leaving for CCC work - Photo courtesty of Ron Magneson 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
Glendale Motorcycle Officer Supervising the Departure of a CCC train 1933
CCC Train 1933 Glendale, California

Valuable connections in San Fernando Valley history are often made by photos tucked away in a drawer or in one of those magical old boxes in a guest room. Here Glendale resident Ron Magneson shares three classic photographs of young Americans in the Civilian Construction Corps (the CCC). The photos, taken in 1933, show CCC "boys" (as they were called, heading to either a training camp or to one of the thousands of environmental projects in rural America. CCC recruits planted over 3 billion trees across the United States, changing the nation's ecology.
Ron Magneson comments:
"The photo's are from the LA County Fire Department archives and show a train near the intersection of Glendale Ave and Broadway ....across from the old Glendale resident Hotel...which still stands."
"As I remember the track ended about two block to the north east on Glendale Ave...at what is now the Whole Foods Market. Back in the 1930's and 1940's there was a lumber yard there. Fox Woodsum Lumber Company, I think it was called and covered the area from Wilson Ave to Lexington Avenue along Glendale Avenue. The spur track connected onto the main line somewhere between Brand Boulevard and Fletcher Drive."

Thanks Ron, you have added important pieces of San Fernando Valley history. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley serves all parts of the greater Valley, including Burbank and Glendale.

THE MUSEUM BEGINS PREPARATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC STUDIOS

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES - Northridge100

Sculpture at the entrance to the CBS Studio Center in Studio City - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Working with the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is gearing up for an effort to locate and tell the histories of the talented craftsmen and women who made Republic Studios' stars look great. We need the help of the public to prepare these stories for the 75th Anniversary of Republic Studios.
The CBS Studio Center located at 4024 Radford Avenue in Studio City is seldom open to the public, but will host the 75th Anniversary of Republic Studios in September 2010. The historic place was once the home of Mack Sennett's Keystone Kops, Mary Tyler Moore and great movies like The Quiet Man with John Wayne.
The Museum will need help to make this the success it rightfully deserves.

INVITATION TO JOIN SEARCH FOR SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLES

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100

Valley of the Stars Marker - Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010. (click on image to enlarge)

A few years ago, a promotion of the San Fernando Valley entitled Valley of the Stars was created. Your Museum Community believes that the Valley is in the very heart of the Creative Capital of the World... and, that a Valley of the Stars is an actuality.

Your Museum has a really fun and interesting project going on, in conjunction with our Historic Walking Tours and new Speakers Series. Called at present, SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLES, it's a calendar of famous people (or, people who deserve to be famous) who had or have San Fernando Valley connections. Right now our calendar has only 16 days in which there is no notable listed.

If you went to school with a person worthy of recognition as a Valley Notable, why not let us know. We're looking for people who've made a difference in the fine arts, film, television, academics, the sciences, and government service ... and, more. In conjunction with our efforts to make the 75th Anniversary of Republic Studios a big success, we'd like to know about the artists and crafts-people who made Republic movies great.
Email us, give us a call 1-818-347-9665 or comment on our Facebook page.

HISTORIC POSTCARD OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SAN FERNANDO IDENTIFIED

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Historic postcard of the First Presbyterian Church of San Fernando - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg. (click on image to enlarge)

Thanks to Ron Gramanz, one more piece in the puzzle of San Fernando Valley history has been solved. Thanks Ron for helping out.

Ron wrote: "The church in picture is 1st Presbyterian church. I’m sure it’s been identified by now." With Ron Gramanz' help the church is now identified.

THE LAST MAILING FROM NORTH LOS ANGELES

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Last Postal Cancellation North Los Angeles 1938 - Image shared by Melissa Brown with the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010. (click on image to enlarge)

Melissa Brown shares this priceless postal cancellation from the final day of North Los Angeles and the first day of the community newly named Northridge. The envelop was sent to Melissa’s grandfather David Crane Brown at the family’s 12 acre ranch on the Southeast corner of Devonshire and Reseda.

Link to Northridge100 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northridge-CA/Northridge100

Note to Blog Readers: Andy Hurvitz is teaching me how to highlight items within a posting so that readers, like you, might just click and access a useful location.
Please have patience with me, as you can see - I have yet to master the idea. Jerry

SNOW BLANKETS THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY IN 1948

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES Northridge100

The Snow of 1948 - Photo gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

On the lookout for photographs and memorabilia of historic Northridge, Zelzah and Porter Ranch, Gary Fredburg discovered this great image of the great snow of "February 1948."
The photo is marked as having been taken "Looking south on Lindley (Avenue) from Nordoff (Street).

MORE IMAGES OF THE NORTHRIDGE WOMEN'S CLUB

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100
Members of the Northridge Women's Club prepare for their Salad Buffet - August 1962. From the left: "Mrs William Sherman, Clyde Seymour and George Wilson Jr."
Women of the Northridge Women's Club prepare boxes for US service personnel 1965. From the Club's scrapbook.

MORE INFO ON WESTERN BOYS BASEBALL ASSOCIATION 1959

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100
Western Boys Baseball Assn. 1959 - Program gift tothe Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010
A few months ago The Museum was contacted by a woman seeking information about her brother’s Western Boys Baseball Association team’s location. Gary Fredburg, the Secretary of The Museum went to work looking for memorabilia related to the association, and came up with this great little playoff program.
Here’s some of the information we discovered from this August 1959 program:

Northridge League
Chuck Ferrero was manager, Roy Vanwich was the coach
Players included: Craig McGarraugh, Jimmy Denman, Mike Young, David Beres, Donald Crisp, David Murray, Mike Koeller, Jay Lombardi, John Cleveland, Lorrie Walkuw, Chuck Ferrero, Keith McGrew, Mike Gierman and Tommy Workman.

Northridge All Stars
Joseph Sieler was the manager - coach was Murray Lifft
Players were: Gregg Wood, Terry Benson, Dave Whitson, John Foeneris, Mike Milner, Bob Caldwell, Leil Ball, Mike Cannata, John Hicks, Paul Anderson, Joe Flippo, Larry Lynoff, Larry Swanson and Jim Rikel

East Van Nuys Team
Bud Adams was manager and Harrold Bahrke was the coach.
The players were: Jim Walker, Brian Safian, Kenny Chandler, Gary Adams, Ronnie Pettigrew, Richard Bahrke, Tyler Hancock, Robbie Boulger, Dave Bridenstine, Robbie Swink, Richard Schafer, John Bolognia, Kerry Casey and Scott Purcell.

Woodland Hills Team
Manager R.S. Bingham, and coach Phil Stevens
Players were: Tom Dunderdale, Pete Hallenbeck, Gregg Sterbins, Rick Havland, Gary Bingham, Rick Gouin, Rick Haynes, Keith Clapp, Bruce Stevens, John Smith, Larry Holmes, Erland Gulbrand, Jack Haller and Jim Smith.

Your Museum collects and exhibits information about San Fernando Valley sports. If you have memorabilia to contribute to the Archives of The Museum, contact us at:
1 (818) 347-9665

TALE OF NORTHRIDGE RAILROAD STATION NAMES

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100


Originally called Zelzah, the town that we call Northridge today was renamed North Los Angeles on July 1, 1929. In 1938, this area of the San Fernando Valley was renamed Northridge Village. Few evidences of the "village" remain.

With a new name, the Northridge Southern Pacific Railroad Station graced the north Valley until 1961. (click on image to enlarge)

ROBERT MORTON ORGAN CO. VAN NUYS

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY HISTORY
1959 newspaper photograph - Morton Organ Company - Article in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Beth Perrin 2010

In 1913, E.S. Johnson purchased the Los Angeles based Murray Harris Organ Company. Johnson moved the organ plant to Van Nuys and resold it to the California Organ Company in 1915. In 1917. the plant was sold yet again to Robert Morton. In three years, the Morton Organ Company was the second largest producer of theater and home organs in the United States. In 1933, the Robert Morton Organ Company closed its door permanently.

What would have caused the collapse of the Robert Morton Organ Company? Did this occur with the spread of home record players and "talkie" films?

Join your Museum on Saturday May 8th at 10:am, on our first historic walking tour of Van Nuys. Led by Richard Hilton, Chair of The Museum's Tour Programs, it will be a big adventure. $10 suggested donation - call 1 (818) 347-9665 for details and reservations.

OUR LADY OF HOPE IN HISTORIC NORTH HOLLYWOOD

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Our Lady of Hope - Statue - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

One of the most interesting new works of art in the San Fernando Valley is this image entitled Our Lady of Hope in North Hollywood. Part of the Holy Family Services Center just off Lankershim Boulevard, and across the street from Saint Charles Catholic Church, the statue is one of several art works at the site.

MUSEUM BEGINS RESEARCH ON THE LIFE OF THE HERO JOHN DAMSKI

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Hero-Athlete John Damski 1938 - Photo in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

A few faded amateur paintings and metals from a long ago war have led your Museum to begin investigating the heroic life of one time Van Nuys resident John Damski. The life and times of Damski are the stuff of which great films are made. A courageous young athlete who in the face of Nazi oppression in his Polish homeland, saved many lives including his future bride.

John Damski

Visit the Blog of The Museum of the San Fernando in the future as we discover more about John Damski.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

WALT DISNEY'S BARN - CAROLWOOD PACIFIC RAILROAD ASSOCIATION

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Decal of Carolwood Pacific Railroad Association and the Walt Disney Barn - gift to The Museum 2010
A special note of thanks to the members of the Carolwood Pacific Railroad Association who volunteered their time at The Museum's presentation of Michael Broggie's talk on Walt Disney and San Fernando Valley railroads. The Carolwood folks really made the first talk in our Speakers Series a great success.

TORMENTED - ARTIST IN THE NO HO

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Beyond Tatoo Art Galley
The Artist "Tormented" - photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley April 2010.
Resurrection Art - photos by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley April 2010. Detail from The Temptations of Saint Anthony by the artist "Tormented".

I have never understood the term "killing time", not when there are so many amazing things to do in the San Fernando Valley. While waiting for a board meeting of Campo de Cahuenga on Monday, I discovered a terrific young artist who calls himself "Tormented" in the NoHo. He generously showed me exciting works of art that Valley folks really ought to see.

Check out tormented's art at Beyond Tatoo Art Gallery
4427 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, just down the block from Saint Charles Catholic Church.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD PARK - A PRINCE OF A PLACE

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Photo of Prince Ranch – now North Hollywood Park – gift of Beth Perrin for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

In 1890, when the Lankershim Water and Development Company divided its San Fernando Valley lands into ranches for growing fruit, Alfred and Harry purchased 200 acres. The Princes were among the first pioneer American families who settled in the Valley. With the promise of Owens River water, the Princes planted their first fruit tree orchard. Like NoHo actors today, the Princes took secondary jobs until the trees matured. Almost a decade passed began to make money on North Hollywood produced fruit.
In 1909, Harry and Alfred Prince began drying their own produce and fruit from other ranches in the Valley. Soon great drying racks appeared on their lands.
In 1927 North Hollywood citizens began an effort to create a great park for their community. The land originally had 93 acres but much was lost during the construction of the divisive extension of the Hollywood Freeway north.
Emma Prince, Alfred’s widow, stated in 1971 that the stately eucalyptus trees that still stand in North Hollywood Park were there when the Prince brothers purchased the land.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley’s walking tour of historic NoHo, begins at the statue of heroic Amelia Earhart in beautiful North Hollywood Park.

If you or your friends are interested in The Museum’s coming walking tour of the NoHo, give us a call to be on our contact list: 1 (818) 347-9665

EL CAMINO REAL BELL AT HISTORIC CAMPO DE CAHUENGA

In January 1972, San Fernando Valley’s Campo de Cahuenga received two important gifts. They were an El Camino Real bell and a painting in oil of Governor Pio Pico. They were presented to the Campo as part of the 22nd annual observance of the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga.
The bell, which still marks the great importance of the Campo, was a gift from the Mission Trails Woman’s Club (a chapter of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs).
The portrait of Governor Pico was painted by the Women’s Club’s art chair Pauline Pico. Ms. Pico is the wife of the grandson of the Governor.
Others who made the bell a reality were the North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, Campo’s neighbor University Studios, Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association, the Peyton Randolph Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the North Hollywood Rotary Club and the Native Daughters of the Golden West.

RARE PHOTOGRAPHS OF EARLY SAN FERNANDO

Newspaper photo of San Fernando Road in 1882. Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Beth Perrin 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
The Porter House was a hotel and dining establishment. Next to it was a billard parlor and saloon, and the clapboard covered Maclay Moffitt store. Corner of Maclay and San Fernando Road.
The W.B. Shaug Saloon 1904 - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Beth Perrin 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
John "Jack" Wilson, in front of the Mission San Fernando c. 1883 - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Beth Perrin 2010 (click on image to enlarge)



Special thanks to Beth Perrin for these early newspaper clippings of San Fernando.

THANKS FOR A TERRIFIC START FOR THE MUSEUM'S SPEAKER SERIES

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Walt Disney's Barn in Griffith Park - Photo by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010. Guests for The Museum's first speaker in an historic site.
The little building where Walt Disney invented some of his most wonderful ideas.

I'm hoping that other folks' pictures of the inaugural event of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's lecture series came out better than mine. I'll publish pictures of our special guest speaker, Michael Broggie as soon as someone shares them with me. In the meanwhile, sincere congratulations to the Speakers Series Committee for a splendid start of The Museum to bring special talks to historic sites across the Valley.

ANDY HURVITZ ON NOHO HISTORIIC WALKING TOUR

2010 -- THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Andy Hurvitz in the Historic NoHo - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
Among the "In-Tourists" on April's NoHo Historic Walking Tour was Andy Hurvitz, blogger of "Here In Van Nuys". Andy is a fine art photographer and writer.
Check out his comments about Richard Hilton and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's tour on his blogsite.

MUSEUM'S SIGNS GO UP ON LA HERITAGE DAY.

Gary Fredburg, Secretary of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, sets up display tent at LA Heritage Day. Nine members of our Museum Community participated in the event that drew over a 1000 visitors.

Thanks Gary for having the signs made.

SAVE DATE for NORTHRIDGE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS SERIES

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- NORTHRIDGE100
Excerpt from early Northridge postcard - Northridge Mall

SAVE THIS DATE TUESDAY APRIL 27th First of the Northridge100 Distinguished Speakers Series at Northridge Library.

Excerpt from early Northridge postcard - Northridge Mall

MUSEUM MEETING ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 21st

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Entrance to the Sagebrush Cantino - Calabasas 2010 - photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Hi
Just a reminder that your Museum's Boards meet on Wednesday April 21st.
Museum meets at: 5:30 pm informal meeting 6: pm regular meeting
The Valley Economic Alliance
5121 Van Nuys Blvd. - Board Room
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-1497

Interested in being part of the newly forming Friends of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley? Give your Museum Community a call and make 2010 a year to remember.
1 (818) 347-9665

SPECIAL TALK AT WALT DISNEY'S BARN THIS SATURDAY

The Museum SFV - Speaker Series April 17th @ 7:00 p.m. Griffith Park- please join us

Saturday, April 17, 2010
7:00 p.m. Reception
7:30 p.m. Lecture
Carolwood Barn, Griffith Park, 5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Presenter: Michael Broggie, Ph.D.
$10 suggested donation per person (at door)

Presenter: Michael Broggie
Carolwood Pacific Historical Society and author of Walt Disney’s Railroad Story, winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for the best biography. Mr. Broggie is a past featured speaker for World’s Greatest Hobby, a national tour sponsored by the Model Train Industry Association.



Join train enthusiasts, collectors, and fellow local historians as we trace the fascinating history of trains in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Did you know that in the mid-nineteenth century, the San Fernando Valley was primarily an agricultural community that supplied California with a variety of produce, most of which was shipped out by railroad?



The lecture will take place at the historic Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park adjacent to Travel Town. Carolwood Barn is the very building in which Walt Disney built his famous Carolwood Pacific Railroad. Many fun and amusing facts about Walt Disney and his lifelong fascination with trains will also be covered.



Directions: Carolwood Barn - 5202 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027; on Zoo Drive, approx. half way between Forest Lawn Drive and Victory Exit. Traveling east on 134, exit Victory Blvd.; turn right on to Zoo drive; look for parking lot and barn on left. If traveling west on 134, exit Forest Lawn Drive., turn left on Zoo Drive; look for parking lot and barn on right.


Historic Talks in Special Places

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is pleased to announce the launch of its Speaker Series, a bi-monthly program which will offer dynamic thematic talks about the many aspects of the history of the San Fernando Valley and will be led by noted historians, experts, and educators.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational and cultural institution. Its purpose is to acquire, display, and preserve artifacts, documents and records related to the San Fernando Valley and its residents. It strives to accomplish this through interactive exhibits, website, tours for schools, organizations and the general public, performances, lectures and an artifact loan program for San Fernando Valley schools. (www.TheMuseumSFV.org)

Topics will vary, locations of lectures will be spread around all areas of the San Fernando Valley and each will delight audiences of all ages.

To RSVP and for more information, please contact Speaker Series Chair Willard Simms at 818.347.9665 or via e-mail at willard.simms@TheMuseumSFV.org.

PETER HASKELL, ACTOR AND ADVISOR TO THE MUSEUM HAS DIED

The great Peter Haskell, performing arts advisor to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, has died. A well known film and television actor, Peter delighted his friends and admirers by billing himself as a performer and part time wheel chair repairman.
Peter, who stepped forward as one of the earliest advisors to The Museum, was born in 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts. After his service in the United States Army, He entered Harvard University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Mr. Haskell’s acting career began in an off-Broadway play called The Love Nest, starring Sally Kirkland and James Earl Jones. Though the play managed to stay afloat for only 13 performances, it was enough to persuade Peter not to go on to law school as he had planned. Traveling west, he began his Hollywood career in television’s Death Valley Days. Other exciting opportunities came with roles in; The Outer Limits, The Man from U,N.C.L.E, The Fugitive, Dr. Kildare, Ben Casey, and Charlie’s Angeles.
Introduced to The Museum by actor-playwright Willard Simms, Peter was a member of the organization’s Performing Arts Committee. He is included in The Museum’s list of notable residents in the Northridge100 centennial anniversary of Northridge, Porter Ranch and historic Zelzah.
Known as a “working actor”, Peter appeared regularly on television daytime serials such as Ryan’s Hope and Search For Tomorrow. He also performed in Bracken’s World, and the prime-time dramatic series Rich Man, Poor Man. Peter had an unforgettable face and demeanor that made him easily recognized. This was reinforced by roles on The Big Valley, Mannix, Barnably Joones, JAG, The Closer, Cold Case and Frasier. He will be much missed.
Peter Haskell (October 15, 1934 – April 12, 2010)

You may add your condolences and memories of Peter Haskell here or express them by telephone at 1 (818) 347-9665

THEFT FROM THE VALLEY'S PIONEER CEMETERY

PIONEER CEMETERY

Just another metal theft for a quick buck from a scrap yard. Hardly!
In April 2010, the theft of a bronze valve regulating the water supply of the San Fernando Valley’s precious Pioneer Cemetery not only damaged the upkeep of the historic landmark, but violated the very space where many of our Valley’s founding families are buried.

The thieves will make $500 at best for their crime, but the cost of replacing (and, securing) the fixture will create hours and hours of grief to the all-volunteer San Fernando Valley Historical Society (a sister non-profit organization to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.)

Sadly, when the Cemetery’s most important visitors’ day comes about on Memorial Day, many of the expensive plants and flowers at the sight will show the effects of water deprivation. (Memorial Day was originally celebrated as “Decoration Day,” honoring the lives and services of those men and women who gave their lives in combat for the American Republic).

The people who care for the Pioneer Cemetery will survive this vulgar interlude, despite this discouraging crime. Alas, there will be other setbacks to come. But preserving the past and defending our heritage is the price of civilization.
Jerry Fecht

The following is an article by Ms. Jacky Walker, the co-chair of the San Fernando Valley Historical Society’s Pioneer Cemetery commitment.

April 30, 2010
Thieves Steal Irrigation Pipe from Pioneer Cemetery
Monday we filed a police report because at least two someones broke into Pioneer Cemetery and stole the irrigation valve piping that brings city water to the site.
The Adam Henry perpatrators cut the pipe, lifted it over the fence, and made off with what will be scrap worth about $500, so we’ve been told. That was pipe the DWP and City installed years ago when Edie Reber was still the caretaker and had a $5,000 water bill because of an underground leak that was allegedly caused by city personnel.

So, I don’t know if the city is also a victim here. I will argue to heck against paying for any extra water costs due to these AH’s though.

I do know the all-volunteer non-profit San Fernando Valley Historical Society is a victim, and the 600-plus resident citizens of the cemetery are victims as well. They won’t look so good come Memorial Day when we try to make a good impression on visitors.
The cemetery water is shut down until we can fix the problem. Our trees won’t be given their usual drink by devoted volunteer David Vasquez, or the roses in the front entrance either. They won’t have anything to drink unless we cart in water from our homes. Well, Edie Reber used to lug water from her house a few blocks away all by herself. She did that for years (when she was but an octogenarian). I guess we’ll have to do the same until we can find the money to fix the valves and replace the parts.

I know times are tough, but stealing from the dead is about as low as you can go. – Jacky Walker"

EDDIE BRANDT'S HUGE COLLECTION OF VIDEOS AND FILMS IN THE NO HO

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
Flying Mouse mural at Eddie Brandt's in the NoHo - photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010
A portion of the Eddie Brandt's video collection
Muralist has a kick at Eddie Brandt's Video in the NoHo.

I'm embarrassed to admit that until Dakin Matthews took me to Eddie Brand's Saturday Matinee Vidoe - Photos store, I knew little or nothing about this paradise for collectors and fans of film and Hollywood photography.
5006 Vineland Avenue - North Hollywood just south of Magnolia.

EXPLORING VALLEY HISTORY ON THE WALLS OF STORES, SHOPS AND CAFES

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY HISTORY
One of the things I like most about Art Jacobs' photographs of historic Northridge is the amount of Valley history that shows up on the wall of a muffler shop or a coffee shop. Someday an enterprising student or historian will tell the story of the Valley, just through such walls.
Here are two of my favorite places in the NoHo that have such treasures.Movie Fliers - Eddie Brandt's Video North Hollywood - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht 2010
Thanks to Dakin Matthews for showing me Eddie Brandt's wonderful video store on Vineland in North Hollywood. I never have seen so many titles in one place outside of Buckingham Palace.
Wall of North Hollywood's Movie and Recording Stars in Andrew's North Hollywood Diner

HISTORIC LANKERSHIM READING ROOM DEDICATION

Dedication & Public Grand Opening of Historic Lankershim
Reading Room Set May 1 at Andres Pico Adobe Park

Mission Hills, CA – The San Fernando Valley Historical Society (SFVHS) will dedicate the restored Lankershim Reading Room, a new city cultural-historic monument and one of the last remaining structures from the vast Lankershim Ranch, at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010 in Andres Pico Adobe Park, 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills (across from the Mission Hills Post Office at Brand Boulevard). This community event is free and open to the general public.

The Lankershim Reading Room was recently designated cultural-historic landmark No. 978 by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. Built in 1904, the gazebo-style octagonal building represents a time span in Valley history when cattle and sheep ranches gave way to golden wheat farms and agriculture, and finally to home subdivisions and commercial development. The Lankershim Ranch once encompassed most of the southern half of the San Fernando Valley, extending south of Roscoe Boulevard down into the southern hills below Ventura Boulevard and across from Toluca Lake to Woodland Hills.

The Lankershim Reading Room will be formally dedicated to the late James B. Gulbranson, a past president of SFVHS, who is credited with saving the building from a bulldozer back in 2001. At the time, the building was located at Chapel in the Canyon on Topanga Boulevard and was subsequently moved to Andres Pico Adobe Park for restoration. The restored building now houses a collection of memorabilia from the nearly 60,000-acre Lankershim Ranch, which was purchased in 1869 by prominent investor Isaac Lankershim from Pio Pico (last governor of Mexican-ruled California) for approximately $115,000.

Highlights of the dedication ceremony will include presentations by civic leaders, historical speakers, and special performances by the Yesteryears Dancers. Complimentary refreshments will be served. For additional information, please contact the San Fernando Valley Historical Society at 818-365-7810.

THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE WAT THAI IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY HISTORY
Umbrellas Awaiting the Festival - Wat Thai - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
The Buddha Enshrined - Wat Thai - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
Guardian Spirit at the Entrance of Wat Thai - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
Guardian Spirit Protecting Meditating Monk - Wat Thai - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010
The Goddess of Mercy - Wat Thai - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2010