MUSEUM PREPARES 100 YEARS OF VAN NUYS HIGH SCHOOL EXHIBIT

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Van Nuys High School, The Museum Community is preparing a special commemoration exhibit about this famous school and its students. We are seeking donations of the following to support this special exhibit:  photographs of students and related events, sports memorabilia (such as football programs), theatrical and graduation programs, recordings,year books and class memorabilia, items related to on-campus and off-campus clubs report cards, pins, trophies, medals, family photographs and scrapbooks. 
If you can volunteer to help on this projects, or to donate artifacts or financial help, contact:

Jerry Fecht - The Van Nuys High School Exhibit

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 

Plaza De La Cordillera

18860 Nordhoff Street 

2nd Floor 

Northridge, CA 91324

(818) 347-9665

Remember, the artifacts and financial support given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley are tax deductible.
Here are a couple of examples donated for the Van Nuys High School exhibit thus far:

 "Vanettes" letter - Van Nuys High School Music Department - 1959 - Courtesy of Janne Fecht

 Van Nuys High School Girls Athletic Association letter - 1959 - courtesy of Janne Fecht

 

 Pins on the pocket of a Van Nuys High School Girls Athletic Association sweater 1959.  The middle row has Girl Scouts and "Brownies" pins." Courtesy of Janne Fecht - Sweater pins were considered a measure of a girl's popularity.

1944 Van Nuys High School class sweater that delonged to Daisy Lee Moseley. Made by Criterion Mills. Donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ellen Carpenter 2014.

 1939 Van Nuys High School class sweater

 Spring 1958 "D'Artagnans" Van Nuys High School class sweater. Courtesy of Janne Fecht 2014.

AMIEE SEMPLE McPHERSON WAS A FAMOUS FAITH HEALER

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In the late 1930s and mid 1940s, Amiee Semple McPherson was one of the most successful Protestant religious leaders in the United States. "Sister Amiee" utilized modern stage and motion picture technologies to reach her revival-like audiences.  Four Valley Four Square churches were created by her followers, including the mega Church on the Way in Van Nuys.Amiee McPherson is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale.

 AMIEE SEMPLE McPHERSON

Oct. 1890 - September 1944

Amiee Semple McPherson - two collector's postcards - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

A WORLD WAR II LETTER FROM THE PHILIPPINES IN 1944

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

The veterans who built the San Fernando Valley at the conclusion of World War brought with them incredible memories almost incomprehensible to the modern generation. Bit by bit, by photographs, diaries, letters and our archive of oral histories, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley continues our never-ending work to record their lives and their impact on us today.

Recently an important friend of The Museum gave us a collection of Valley memorabilia, in which there was tucked away this letter to Ethel from a soldier named Ralph. (Trust me, we will not give up until we find who Ethel and Ralph were.) The letter is now in the archives of your Museum and another evidence of our American journey. 

APO # 72

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

27 Nov. 1944

Dear Ethel,

Lots of water has passed under the bridge since you have last heard from me and many things have occurred. In the first place I went to the Admiralty Islands again for last minute preparations and then got started on the long boat trip which finally land(ed) me in the Philippine Islands. the trip there was really quite a nice siesta. In the first place we ate like kings (perhaps fattening us up for the kill.) We had steaks, chick, turkey, US hamburger and even had sundaes and Coke Cola every day. Boy, it was like seventh heaven after years of missing such delicious food - I really made the most of it. 

Took sun baths every day and enjoyed the scenery which was beautiful. Our convoy was more than the mind can imagine, for miles it spread out so you thought that your vision of ships would never end. We listened to the news every day and heard of the Jap Fleet not too far away and our victories in Europe and etc. but we had a job to perform and just clamped our teeth harder.

When "D" day came - there was hardly any interference - I watch with breathless awe the display put on by our Navy and Air Force as the battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and etc. shelled the Island with everything including rockets.  It seemed impossible that any human being could ever stand such a bombardment and live to tell about it. 

After they finished, our planes from the carriers went to work strafing and bombing in order to knock out remaining strongholds. It was one of the most spectacular sights I've ever seen. 

I was given order to debark with my section one hour after the initial landing.

I got some sandwiches of salami for the boys, and we then proceeded to climb down that rope ladder with a full pack - boy, that was no fun.

We got one of the small boats and wend in for a landing. (Incredibly, I was not nervous in the least - guess I was just too excited.) 

The beach wasn't good enough to allow the boat to hit the shore so we had to wade in about 7 Ft water holding our rifles about our heads in order to get through. Lots of boys lost their rifles.

Half swimming - half running, I finally made it and boy was I relieved. 

As I hit the shore all I could see were dead Japs littered all over the beach - trees knocked down - debris, and almost every pillbox and strong point knocked out. Little grass huts had been knocked all over the place. For awhile the stench and sight of all those dead made me a little sick to my stomach, but I soon got used to it. There's so many sights that I could describe, but censorship forbids, so you'll just have to wait until I get to see you.

The first thing we did was to dig in - and some even used their hands and nails to make foxholes. After a while I took 3 clerks with me and went a little inland where I could handle casualty reports. We stayed well behind the infantry and went through the grass huts where the Japs had lived. What a surprise I had when I discovered that they had more  US products than their own it seemed - Skrip ink, Lifebuoy soap, pencil sharpeners and etc. Of course we started to pick up all sorts of souvenirs - and there was plenty.

I had just found a "1000 stitch Jap belt" which they wear around the body as a good luck charm from their sweetheart - when, "Ping, Ping, Ping" and some shells went through the hut. Boy, let me tell you, I really hit that floor. It was a Jap sniper somewhere, and it really gave me a shock. After awhile we could hear him scurry away - the infantry probably took care of him. That incident ended any desire I had for souvenirs, so I went back to my fox hole and took it easy.That night three of us dug a deep hole and stood guard each two hours.

The next three days were more like a nightmare - thank God, I was lucky. Ceaselessly Jap bombers would come over to bomb and harass us. As might it was impossible to sleep as they were always over us. Together with our Ack Ack was impossible to sleep as they were always over us"

Note:  This is a type written letter, possibly a duplicate sent to several people. "Ethel" in the salutation was in clear type while the rest appears to be a carbon copy.  The conclusion of the letter has two lines that are blurred and possibly repeated. A second page designated as Page Three" is clearly a typed original. It has a dozen paragraphs each addressing a different person. Toward the conclusion there are two interesting comments:

"We have Tokyo Rose over the Radio and at all times she tries and hurt our morale. Here's one she pulled a few days ago - a little vulgar, but quite cute. Quote: 'I'm getting mine' 'The girls in the States are getting theirs' 'The girls in Australia are getting theirs'  'Are you getting yours?'

Another one she cracked was that in Australia they were making a new town and calling it "Yankville" and putting all the American children in it. She it's probably double the population. Oh well, she does put on the best music on the air and gives us a laugh at times."

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WINS WORLD WAR II

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

The San Fernando Valley's population played a major part in America's victory in World War II.War plants, such as Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, simply out produced the weapons made by the enemy.

 Lockheed Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow -  propaganda document - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift from Gary Fredburg 2012. (click to enlarge this image)

Lockheed's PV 1 -  A versatile, all-purpose patrol bomber -  made in Burbank

The historical documents from this era in The Museum's archives are filled with ethnic and racial slurs directed toward the enemy, especially the Japanese.

LOCKHEED MEMORABILIA FOR MUSEUM EXHIBIT

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2012

Almost immediately after Kristine Keller and Willard Simms (Museum Board Members) announced their upcoming exhibit on San Fernando Valley Aerospace History, artifacts and information began to arrive.  Here two small items add their part of history's treasured puzzle.

Paycheck Record Statement - October 1944 - Lockheed Aircraft Corporation - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

Our "Rosie the Riveter", Mary Ann  worked 40 hours for her take home pay of $ 29.94.  Her earnings and out of the house job began a major change in American history. Mary Ann earned a whopping  95¢ an hour. Her gross earnings were $ 41.80, out of which $ 3.75 went to purchase of war bonds.

Kristine Keller     Aerospace Exhibit

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Kristine Keller

1 (818) 347-9665 PST

JAMES CAGNEY SANG GEORGE M. COHAN'S OVER THERE IN 1942

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY  2012

This last week, I spoke to the Van Nuys Rotary Club at the 94th Aero Squdron restaurant next to the Van Nuys Airport. Since there were young people from Birmingham High School at the luncheon, I changed my usual Museum talk to the building of Birmingham Hospital, the strategic important of Van Nuys Airport in World War II, the making of the film Casablanca. Don't worry, I made sure to include vital information about The Museum as well. 

Sheet music for "Over There: by George M. Cohan - group dining area of the 94th Aero Squdron restaurant in Van Nuys  (click on image to enlarge it)

Had there been students from Granada Hills, I most likely would have used this great old music sheet cover to talk about the great old time actor James Cagney and his role in 1944 of George M. Cohan. Jimmy Cagney had a ranch in Granada Hills, and inspired America with the great old WWI song

The Museum plans to create a mobile exhibit on the life and times of James Cagney. Don't you agree that kids today should get to hear and see Cagney performing, "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy?"

STAR OF FILM AND TELEVISION - DINAH SHORE LIVED IN ENCINO

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY      2011

In 1943, the beloved American singer Dinah Shore moved to Encino with her new husband, the actor George Montgomery. Dinah was much impressed with the beautiful birds of the historic Bird Wonderland Collection not far from her new home. In 1944, one of the first songs presented on The Dinah Shore Show on radio was "The San Fernando Valley."

Dinah Shore with friends from Bird Wonderland in Encino.  Photo gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jean Putney 2011.  (click on the image to enlarge it. Refer to photo number 4028)

HENRY VAN WOLF SCULPTURES GRACE MANY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY VENUES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY

In the 1950s this gateway to the studio of the San Fernando Valley sculptor, Henry Van Wolf, graced the corner of Chandler Boulevard and Hazeltine Street in Van Nuys. The gate was a major landmark for those looking north on Chandler.  Henry Wolf and his wife Veronica moved to Van Nuys from New York in 1944. Four years later, he founded the Valley Artists Guild.

 Entrance way to the home and studio of Henry and Veronica Van Wolf in Van Nuys, California. This photo is a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Joseph Van Wolf 2011.  Refer to photo 4092 - click on image to enlarge.

Bronze sculptures of an American antelope and mountain goat, that once graced the entrance of the Van Wolf home and studio on Chandler Boulevard. They were moved to the artist's studio when the Chandler property was sold. Photographs by Gerald Fecht for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2011. 

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ACTRESS MARGARET O'BRIEN WAS HONORED IN 1996

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

In September 1996, the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters honored the actress Margaret O'Brien at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City.

Margaret O'Brien from a program of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Barbara Silva 2011.  (click on image to enlarge)

Margaret O'Brien got her first big break in film, as a child star, in the 1945 hit film, Meet Me In Saint Louis." You can her handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

ACTOR ALAN LADD in 1944

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Alan Ladd - Photograph 1944 - Gift to the Museum from Gary Fredburg 2011. (click on image to enlarge) Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History.

This wrinkled, but otherwise good image of the North Hollywood actor, Alan Ladd was a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg at the Centennial of Van Nuys festival this last Friday. This publicity photograph was taken for Paramount Pictures in 1944. Awaiting archival preparation, the picture was not subjected to pressure, resulting in the light colors across the image.

LAST OF THE GREAT BIRMINGHAM HOSPITAL PHTOGRAPHS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Unfortunately, many of the people who would remember these celebrities, are not computer literate. So, if you have an elderly friend about, why not show them this series of photographs from Birmingham Hospital. 

Excerpts from the Birmingham Reporter - May 1944 - Gift to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2010  - (click on images to enlarge)

Recognize the young soldier above right?  In less than a decade after this publicity photo was taken at Birmingham Hospital, this San Fernando Valley-based performer would become one of the most popular celebrities in the world.

"Fondly know as the 'Pearly Gate Quartet', Sgt Cully Richards, Cpl. Lilio Chiodi, Lt. Harold Boswick, and S/Sgt Desi Arnez make with the rhythm on 'Birmingham Showtime'."

Two of the biggest celebrities of this era stand by this soldier in Birmingham Hospital in 1944. They are Basil Rathbone (who played both the good and bad guy in many films, including the role of Sherlock Holmes) and Mary Pickford. Mary had world wide recognition for her silent and talking picture roles. 

"Sgt. James G. Saines, one of BGH's first patients, enjoys a visit with screen starts Basil Rathbone and Mary Pickford."

Here's a trio who stumped me, I'd never heard of them before I discovered this photograph in Myron Ross's donation to The Museum.Originally called the Bagelman Sisters, the three young women gained recognition as the Barry Sisters. They fused Yiddish sounds and energy into jazz during the 1940s and 50s.

"Clarence Nash, the voice of famed Donald Duck, greets Pfc.Frank Martinez, BGH patient. Mr. Nash participated in the fine Walt Disney show put on here at the Rec. Hall on 18 April 1944.

LINDA DARNELL AND AL PEARCE AT BIRGMINGHAM HOSPITAL 1944

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Excerpt from Birmingham Reporter May 1944 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

In the 1940s, radio was the chief way Americans got their news and daily entertainment.  Al Pearce (at the left) was widely known by his character-name "Elmer Blurt".  Linda Darnell had just burst into stardom in her 1940s role in Song of the Islands. The film was shown often aboard US Navy ships and on military bases in the South Pacific. She was part of many a young serviceman's fantasies of what their battle torn islands could someday be like. With Pearce and Darnell was Harold Bostwick who went on to work in Broadway productions in New York.

"Al "Elmer Blurt: Pearce, Linda Darnell and Lt. Harold Bostwick, theatre officer, cook up a few quips for the usual Wednesday night fun-fest."

PUBLICITY PHOTOS AT BIRMINGHAM HOSPITAL 1944

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Motion picture celebrities were considered of great value in the "war effort" propaganda of 1944.  The morale of the civilian population, as well as the military, was a high priority in the administration of Franklin Roosevelt.  Birmingham Hospital (originally called Van Nuys Hospital) and its nearness to the motion picture studios throughout the San Fernando Valley was an ideal photo location.

Excerpt from the Birmingham Reporter May 1944 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2011 (click on images to enlarge)

 "Movie mother" Fay Holden cheers Pfc. Robert D'Angelillo, recently speeded to recovery by miracle drug penicillin, on one the VACS' usual Tuesday visits."

Note that Private First Class D'Angelillo was provided by the hospital with non-filtered cigarettes, a practice that continued well into the 1970s.

 "Just back from a South Pacific tour, screen star Phyllis Brooks talks, "eye to eye" with South Pacific casualties Sgt. Kenneth F. Reimer and Pfc. Robert Cassidy, both BGH patients."

 "Screen lovely Merle Oberon thrills T/5 Vernon Tilford BGH battle casualty, and army nurse Lt. Thelma Blumentahl. Says Miss Oberon, 'The boys look fine; I think this San Fernando (Valley) climate agrees with them."

Celebrities, and the general public, were not exposed to the critically wounded or massively disfigured soldiers.

"Rudy Vallee, of stage, screen and radio fame, smiles a welcome to Birminghamites who packed the Recreation Hall to hear his fine variety show."

CELEBRITY INSIGHTS ABOUT BIRMINGHAM HOSPITAL IN 1944

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

Among the items donated this week to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Myron Ross of Heroes and Legends, was a 10 May 1944 hospital newspaper called the Birmingham Reporter. Here are three great pictures:

 

Clipping from Birmingham Hospital Reporter  May 1944 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

"Captain Ronald Reagan, Sergeant Cully Richards, and singing star Ann Jeffires, smile over their script in 'Birmingham Showtime' series, which is presented at 6:30 p.m. every Saturday over KFWB."

Detail from Birmingham Hospital Reporter  May 1944 - Jimmy Stewart -  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

"Congratulations - Lt. Leon Schwartz, 1st Lt, D.C. upon the award of the Air Medal to your (note - may have mean 'his') brother, Lt. Col, Paul Schwartz, shown congratulating Major Jimmy Stewart, who also received the Air Medal.  -  Lt. Col. Schwartz is deputy commander of a heavy bombardment group of the 8th Air Force, operating from Great Britain. He entered the Army as a cadet at Randolph Field in 1938, and previous to his present assignment, was CO of the B-24 Group at Pocatello Air Base, Idaho.

We are proud to have the brother of such a man to take care of some of our dental problems here at Birmingham."

The Charioteers - Detail from Birmingham Hospital Reporter  May 1944 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)

Note: It was customary in the American press during the World War II era to identify people by their race.

"Fresh from a jivy rendition of "Ride, Red, Ride", stand the famed Charioteers. The five Negroes were stellar participant in "Birmingham Showtime", BGH's own radio program."

RARE IMAGES OF BIRMINGHAM HOSPITAL May 1944

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Encino Businessman, Myron Ross continually surprises The Museum Community by his unique and important additions to our collections. Mr Ross, who is the owner of Heroes and Legends a company specializing in autographed celebrity memorabilia, adds these splendid examples of Valley history during World War II to The Museum's Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History. 

View of Birmingham Hospital from car window, 1944 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Myron Ross 2011  (click on image to enlarge)

This important photograph of Birmingham Hospital in 1944 may well have been illicit. At the time, the hospital was preparing for a massive influx of wounded American service personnel from the invasion of the Japanese homeland. Some projections estimated that the invasion might produce as many as a million American casualties. It had room for 1777 beds.
The hospital also housed prisoner-patients, who were combat enemies of the United States. Photographing military installations in 1944 would have been considered a serious offense.

DON AMECHE POSTCARD from 1944

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY       2011

On September 2, 1944, at the height of World War II, Ruby wrote her friend Miss Virginia Scott a post card from Los Angeles. Virginia's address was 3518 Lindenwood Avenue in Dallas "5" Texas. But, Virginia had moved to Kinnersville, NC Route # 2, care of G. P. Combs.
"Hello Virginia, Enjoyed your card. Hope you are having one.  Miss you very much. I am at Sally's today. It it very hot here today. Enjoyed the afternoon with Sally. -- Didn't work Friday and Saturday. We'll go to work Monday. --- Write me soon. Give my love to Mabel.  Love Ruby"

Home of Don Ameche North Hollywood, California - vintage postcard - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

WARNER BROTHERS BURBANK c. 1944

2010   THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

During the Second World War, Ralph Skoll sent a Hollywood "accordion" postcard souvenir to Carolyn Murchison in Hays, Kansas. This "Home of Warner Brothers and First National Pictures" was among the cards. Hard to imagine the 134 Freeway from this image.

ENGLISH EDITION OF SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BY GORDON JENKINS

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

Sheet music for San Fernando Valley - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Marc Wanamaker 2010 (click on image to enlarge)

Gordon Jenkin's song San Fernando Valley gave a huge boost to the visibility of the Valley, just as WWII veterans came home. This is a rare addition to The Museum's archives of the English edition of the work.
Mayfair Music Corp., N.Y.
Chappell and Co. Ltd. 50 New Bond Street, London W 1
“Authorized for sale only in the British Empire (except Canada, Newfoundland, and the Continent of Europe” Made in England
Signature at top Zena Turner 1944

SMALL MEMORIES OF A LONG AGO WAR

Clifton's Cafeteria Newsletter 1944 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2010
Recently we had our home re-carpeted. We’re still disrupted and I’m using the ordeal as an opportunity to sort through old books and prepare for a trip to Out of the Closet or packing up treasures for the next Museum garage sale.
Among the books was a biography of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes that I will be giving to a lifelong friend, Burnet Brown. When I was cleaning it, I discovered three small historic treasures. Two were documents from the now defunct Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Iowa dated June 30 and December 14, 1943. The third is a folded newsletter entitled “Food for Thot” published on June 1, 1944 by the beloved Los Angeles landmark cafeteria called “Clifton’s” 618 South Olive / 648 South Broadway.
Because your Museum is working with the young Van Nuys photographer Andy Hurvitz to secure the histories of the Valley’s Jewish-American WWII veterans, the discovery of the Clifton’s and Home Federal documents seemed especially timely.
Look at the Home Federal documents to see the intense patriotism the dangers to America generated in 1943. Here are two excerpts from the Clifton’s newsletter that speak about the “spirit of the times” in the summer of 1944:
“Personal War and Post-War Planning
The more you can travel under your own steam, the more national steam is left for the war and post-war effort. This nation was built by sturdy individuals solving their own problems. It can be strengthened by individuals and communities breaking big problems into little ones and solving them one by one. “Rip Van Winkle” days are over for America, for all of us. It isn’t hard to find something that needs doing. When you do it – that’s progress. When you and your fellow citizens do it together – that’s democracy. When you let George do it, that’s an invitation to a dictator.”

A question to Clifton’s: “With government urging we eat more eggs and the price of eggs greatly reduced why do you still charge 7¢ an egg?"

From Two Marines –
“... a few months ago we dined at your cafeteria and we unable to pay the check. We intended to fulfill our obligation the following week, but do to circumstances it could not be done. Enclosed in this letter is a money order to take care of the check and the remainder we would like to donate to the fund which we understand you have, to cover such cases as ours. Our meal was about $1.80. We hope that this long but unavoidable delay has not lessened your confidence in us, or in any other servicemen, who in the future might be confronted with the same situation.”
Answer:
Such letters as yours are the finest source of inspiration and encouragement to us in our service policy. We acknowledge with sincere thanks the receipt of your money order for $5.00 in return for the $1.80 meal checks you were unable to pay on your visit to us. What we did was not merely fulfilling Clifton’s policy but also the policy of thousands of friends and guests who support us in that policy, just as you have done.
You are not the first nor the last who have repaid us many fold for our desire to be of service to people in a pinch. So were are taking your five dollars, adding to it five dollars of our own, and putting it in the fund reserved for “other servicemen who in the future may be confronted with the same situation.” Thus your bread on the waters is returned doubled (plus the original investment of $1.80) for the service of the next soldier, sailor or marine who makes port at Clifton’s “in the same boat”.
Patriotism in 1943 - Documents from Home Federal Savings of Iowa - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gerald Fecht 2010.

VALLEY VETERAN JAMES FECHT DONATED MONEY FROM IWO JIM TO YOUR MUSEUM

Currency from WWII - Gift from James L. Fecht to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2007 (click on image to enlarge)
Two (likely) Japanese bills given to your Museum from James Fecht just before his death. Jim acquired these bills on Iwo Jima.