TARZAN AND THE JEWELS OF OPAR

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY              2013

In 1918 Edgar Rice Burroughs published his blockbuster novel, Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar. It was illustrated by J. Allen St. John. This illustration is among the many interesting artifacts from the career of Burroughs, the 5th most published author in human history, on exhibit at the Tarzana Community Center (corner of Ventura Boulevard and Vanalden Avenue.)

RALPH HERMAN SPEAKS OF TARZANA HISTORY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY HISTORY          2013

 Bronze bookend - Adohr Farms - Collection of Ralph Herman 2013

       Among the wonderful treasures shown today by San Fernando Valley historian at the Porter Ranch Country Club, Ralph Herman, was this handsome bronze bookend featuring the Adohr Farms Dairy. In 1916, south of Ventura Boulevard at Lindley Avenue, Merritt Adamson opened Adohr Farms. Adamson honored his wife Rhoda, by naming their farm "Rhoda", his wife's name spelled backward. The dairyman built the historic Adamson House in Malabu. Urbanization gradually squeezed out the Valley's once popular dairies.

 Photograph of the Otis / Edgar Rice Burroughs estate. Collection of Ralph Herman 2013.

Historian Ralph Herman shows rare Tarzan-related memorabilia - January 2013.

WILLARD SIMMS DIRECTS NEW PLAY ABOUT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2012

 Willard Simms

Tarzana theatrical director and playwright, Willard Simms displays the poster for his latest production of Johnny Dark's "Abraham Lincoln: American Underdog" which had its premier last week in the College of the Canyons. Mr. Simms is the Education Chairman and Board member of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Simms, who is president of Theatre of Will, recently was the master of ceremonies for the Edgar Rice Burroughs celebration at the Tarzana Community Center.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CELEBRATES EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY      2012

On Friday, August 17th, the San Fernando Valley (indeed all America) celebrated the centennial of the publishing of the original Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs with the unveiling of a new "forever" United State postage stamp.

With The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's own Willard Simms as master of ceremonies, a crowd of over 400 were treated to special music created for the occasion by Theatre of Will, biographies of Burroughs, and even a young Tarzan and one of his famous Apes. The afternoon was warm, but comfortable under a great tent provided at the Tarzana Community Center.

First Day of Issue stamp and envelope signed by members of the family of Edgar Rice Burroughs, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, California State Senator Fran Pavley, Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, and Members of the Board of Directors of The Museum. 

Mel Sofian, whose signature appears to the left within the circle, worked tirelessly to encourage the U.S. Postal Service to issue the Burroughs stamp.

 Tarzan #12, Denny Miller of Las Vegas, starred as Tarzan in the 1959 remake of "Tarzan the Ape-Man attended the special event.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley board members along with U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman enjoyed the memorable occasion. (From LtoR - Michel Stevens, Scott Sterling, Congressman Sherman, Kristine Keller, Willard Simms and Gerald Fecht)

Interested in being part of The Museum's commitment to preserving the history of Edgar Rice Burroughs?  Contact us:

Willard Simms - Chairman of The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 
Mailing Address:
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms; Tel: 1 (818) 347-9665

MUSEUM'S TARZAN PROJECT CONTINUES TO GROW

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2012

Willard Simms, member on leave from The Museum's Board of Directors, continues to direct our special Edgar Rice Burroughs collection and exhibit during the year 2012. 

Spanish language promotional poster - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.   (click on image to enlarge it.)

Interested in helping build The Museum's Burroughs' collection?

Willard Simms - Chairman of The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms              1 (818) 347-9665

EXCITING EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS EVENTS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY               2012

Though Willard Simms will be on leave from his duties as a member of The Museum's Board of Directors for several months, he will continue to head The Museum's tribute to the great American popular fiction author Edgar Rice Burroughs. Mr. Simms will coordinate and oversee The Museum's exhibits and collections of Burroughs' artifacts and records.

"You might mention some time that we have the original silent film of Tarzan, with a modern soundtrack, in our space   Simms

Willard Simms
The Edgar Rice Burroughs Project 

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 
Museum messages for Willard Simms              1 (818) 347-9665

TARZAN TREASURE SLIPPED UNDER MUSEUM'S DOOR

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

Imagine how much fun it is to see a book slipped under the door at The Museum's space in Westfield's Fashion Square Mall, and to discover that it is the gift from a visitor who saw our Edgar Rice Burroughs display.The book is dated from 1957, and may have come from a classroom at Van Nuys High School. The great Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the most published authors in history. He lived and worked on his Tarzana Ranch, from which modern Tarzana gets its name.

EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS NAMED TARZANA

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

In 1980, the Tarzana Chamber of Commerce published its Business Directory and Community Guide. The Guide is a gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in memory of lifelong Valley resident Catherine Olson.

 The great American author Edgar Rice Burroughs.

 Edgar Rice Burroughs as a young adverturer

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 Burroughs corresponded with his admirers across the world from his Tarzana office.