BOB BURNS RADIO CELEBRITY OF THE 1940s

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

     Museum Associate Art Jacobs shares this story about radio's famous Bob Burns.

"Bob Burns a musical comedian who appeared on radio and in the movies is featured in the 1941 Radio-Movie-Guide magazine. Burns a native from Arkansas, is best known as "The Arkansas Traveler" a character that amused his audience with stories about the kinfolk back home. Burns played a novelty musical instrument of his own invention which he called the "bazooka". It consisted of a stove pipe and a whiskey funnel that created an unusual sound."

 Bob Burns, radio comic of the 1940s. Magazine photo courtesy of Art Jacobs 2014

"By 1940 Burns was nationally known on the radio and was signed as a contract player with Paramount Pictures. During the 1930's and 40's Burns began investing his money in real estate throughout the San Fernando Valley. At one time, it was said that Bob Burns owned over 800 acres of West Valley land. His ranch was located on the corner of Sherman Way and Mason in Canoga Park. 

Locally, Burns became the honorary mayor of Canoga Park and was very active in the community.

On February 1956, Bob Burns passed away in Encino, California of kidney cancer and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery."

FILM STARS RETREATS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

       Now, in mostly gated communities, film and television stars still make their homes across the San Fernando Valley. In a world of intrusive paparazzi, few well known performers live within easy public access. Before the freeways gave visitors easy access to Valley locations, things were quite different. One could drive through Toluca Lake and see Bing Crosby playing with his dog on the front lawn, Jimmy Cagney might be seen overlooking his Granada Hills horse ranch or Carol Lombard and Clark Gable waiting for their driver in Encino. 

      Carol Lombard and Clark Gable at their Encino home.

        In just a few days, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will be setting up our Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History at our exciting new Northridge location. It will feature books, magazines, playbills and much more about our film and television studios and the thousands of artists who make their living in them.

Bing Crosby in the back yard of his Toluca Lake home.

     Think about the number of artists it takes to create a motion picture, animation or television production? The Museum of the San Fernando Valley believes their stories deserve to be preserved as essential elements in our heritage. 

      Editors, story board artists, casting directors, actors, costume designers, model makers, writers, set makers............. your Museum celebrates their genius, histories and inspiration.

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Jimmy Cagney overlooking his Granada Hills horse ranch.

 Movie being made at Iverson Ranch in Chatsworth.

HARLEY DAVIDSON, CLARK GABLE, GENE AUTRY - MOTORCYCLES IN WWII

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

In 1942 America and the Western democracies were faced with war. The government of the United States worked to engage support for as many elements of society as possible. Motorcycle manufacturers and riders were encouraged to support the war effort. Motorcycle production was directed to building bikes for the US military and for our allies. The public would not have easy access to motorcycle parts or new vehicles until the war's conclusion. 

Statement in "A Magazine for Motorcyclists - The Enthusiast"  September 1942 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014. (click on statement to enlarge it.)

 Clark Gabel American actor and Encino resident - "A Magazine for Motorcyclists - The Enthusiast"  September 1942 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.

"Gene Autry of movie fame shakes hands with photographer Hank Tenny at Austin, Texas. Gene recently joined the Army, while Tenny is in the Navy. Austin American photograph."  The great cowboy actor Gene Autry lived in Studio City.

THE HISTORIC VALLEY INN IN ENCINO

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Jim Otto, first owner of the historic Valley Inn in Encino. 1947 to 1951.  Detail from original menu - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

Believe in Dreams? The Listen...   (Introduction on original menu) 

Perhaps you have just ordered dinner. While awaiting its arrival you glance at the menu. Unusual, is it not" you've noticed too that the entire atmosphere here is different. Accident/or design? Let's say, rather, that it is a dream than a reality. It is a dream that has become a reality.It happened during the earlier days of the ar. A man and his wife sat in a small room in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. She had arrived that day from Van Nuys, California, to be with him on his last weekend. Tomorrow would find him on his way to the South Pacific.Talk had been desultory  – forced. Would he be back, both thought this. Neither mentioned it. For awhile they talk of their family – three boys and a girl. That, too, wrenched. Suddenly, the wife had an idea. Casual like, she said "just what plans have you made for when you return?"" He brightened, then answered: "ever since I was a kid I've had an idea for a restaurant that would be just a little different. You know…"
Well, he came back. And you're sitting in that very restaurant. It didn't just happen, at that. There were three long years of letter writing between these two. The letter had a similarity of start and finish. The start,.
Sure! She just had another idea for his restaurant. And so it went throughout the long and uncertain wait until finally it was all over and he came home.

With a background of 15 years in this business he was anxious to get started. Building conditions, however, hampered him for quite some time.
Them, at long last, the site of this present building became available. The results are all around you.We'd like for you to study them well. Enjoy them. And on your way out say hello to your host Jim Otto, the guy who had the dream and lived to see if to see its fulfillment.

And come again won't you?

 Bar in the historic Valley Inn 2014 - Photo by Jerry Fecht

 Furnishings in the original Valley Inn c. 1948

MICHAEL JACKSON - SUPERSTAR

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Michale Jackson - Jackson's Victory Tour - Collector's Souvenir Book - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

      Easily the greatest entertainer of his era, Michael Jackson's time in the San Fernando Valley was often limited between his "gigs." When he wasn't on-the-road, Michael lived as a youth in the Jackson family compound in Encino, on Havenhurst Avenue. He attended Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, Montclair Prep. and California Preparatory High School in the Valley.

      Explore your Museum's blog by searching topics (lables) or scrolling down. When you come to an end of a section, you'll see a section called "older blogs." 

Help your Museum build our Library of Valley Entertainment Industry History.

Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

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THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

JERMAINE JACKSON - VALLEY BOY - MEGA STAR

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                 2013

Jermaine Jackson, once the lead singer for the Jackson 5, graduated from Birmingham High School in Lake Balboa. He was, for many years, the lead vocalist with his brother Michael. He attended the Jehovah's Witness facility, in what was once the Valley Music Center, in Woodland Hills and lived at the Jackson family compound in Encino.

Jermaine Jackson - detail from Jackson's Victory Tour souvenir book.

Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013.

(click on the image to enlarge it.) 

ADDITIONS TO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY RELIGIOUS HISTORY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY             2013

     The Museum of the San Fernando Valley conducts an on-going study, and collection of artifacts, related to religious institutions and practices in our diverse communities. This week the archivist of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Montebello, California is amassing the history of the once important Catholic girls school, Our Lady of Corvallis for our Library. The school, no longer in Studio City, educated hundreds of women in our region.

     Two weeks ago, Gary Fredburg, vice president of The Museum acquired five "Cabrinian" yearbooks from the 1960s for our ever-growing library. (The Museum collects artifacts and memorabilia from both secular and parochial schools.) Inside of the yearbooks from Villa Cabrini were 4th and 5th grade report cards, and a religious medal of "Our Lady of Lourdes." The silver medal invokes the protection of the mother of Jesus as well as the intercession of Saint Bernadette Soubirous. A major Catholic parish in the north San Fernando Valley is named for this story.

      (Bernadette's vision of the Virgin Mary is the basis of a very famous American film called The Song of Bernadette, a Jennifer Jones and Vincent Price movie from 1943. The film played an important role in American civilian morale during the Second World War.)

Yesterday, November 19th, a longtime friend Clem Boyland joined me on one of my exploration walks along Ventura Boulevard. We were visiting places where he grew up and went to school. Clem attended Saint Cyril of Jerusalem school and church.

Clem Boylan of West Hills examines a bronze plaque on the front doors of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic church in Encino. The two images on the main doors depict the Virgin Mary receiving the message from the Angel Gabriel that she is to be the mother of the Messiah. 

 The side of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem church in Encino, showing the small bapistry and meditation chapel at the right.

Altar housing the Eucharist (small golden box with Greek letters chi and rho. Red light signifies that the Sacrament is present in the chapel.

 Mary holding the infant Jesus in the Encino chapel.

 Terrazzo floor in the chapel.

Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, with radiant beams of the Holy Spirit. 

            Help your Museum build our San Fernando Valley Religious History Archives

Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

MARTHA RAYE WAS THE BACKBONE OF THE USO

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2013

Martha Raye 1916 to 1994

Martha Raye, who lived in Encino, could well have been the reason why vaudeville invented the term "trooper". Martha was a comic performer who left an indelible mark as the indefatigable road star for the USO. She received the Motion Picture Academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award Oscar in 1969 for her tireless volunteer support of America's troops in World War II and the Korean War.

EDWARD EVERETT HORTON - AN ACTOR FOR ALL SEASONS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                2013

Until the Ventura 101 freeway was built, there stood in the way the stately home of the actor Edward Everett Horton. I think a freeway bridge bearing his name still spans the highway in Encino there. Horton was one of the most employed performers in Hollwood from the 1920s right up to the time of his death in Encino in 1970. Much admired by Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, Horton appeared in many of their films. (Click on image to enlarge it.)

Edward Everett Horton  1886 to 1970

Mr. Horton died in Encino and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery Glendale.

LITTLE SURPRISES ALONG VENTURA BOULEVARD

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY               2013

On Day 24 of my walk of Ventura Boulevard, explored the areas east of Haskell Avenue toward Sepulveda.

Courtyard Hotel Ventura Boulevard at 405 / Sepulveda in Encino.  Historic Valley Inn Restaurant near Ventura Boulevard and the 405 freeway. 4557 Sherman Oaks Ave  Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (818) 784-1163 Rarely people pay attention to decorative ornaments such as this metal pinecone. Few passersby know that they are seeing an the ancient Roman symbol of "welcome", rather than a friendly pineapple. Placed at intersections, the sacred pinecone is sacred symbol of the God Mirtha, Lord of meeting places. Mithra is the Indo-Persian-Roman God called the "Friend" or "Visitor."    Do you suppose the colors on this Bell Telephone service hole cover have a purpose or some- one's need to introduce color to the cover's great design.   I assume that the languages on this Sepulveda and Ventura Boulevard mean something like "trash". For me, it rates right up there with Saint Nicholas Church in Encino offering services in Farsi.  Donate tax-deductible memorabilia to your Museum today. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Acquisitions Committee 21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419 Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230 THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE 1 (818) 347-9665 THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org info@TheMuseumSFV.org THE MUSEUM’S BLOG www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE www.TheMuseumSFV.org

BING CROSBY OVERPAID?

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2013

In the Big Band Era memorabilia of trumpet player Ralph Muzzillo Sr., was this priceless "payroll" document for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra  for January 20th. 1928. Each employee signed for his check (or, perhaps cash.) Among the signatures for their work at the Mosque Theatre in Newark, New Jersey were some of the greatest musical entertainers of the time: Bix Biederbecke trumpet, Bing Crosy vocalist, Jimmy Dorsey saxophone, and the great classical composer Ferde Grofe arranger. Ralph Muzzillo Sr. lived in Encino and spent his last years in Tarzana.

Jan. 20 to 28, 1928  Payroll for the Paul Whitman Orchestra.

Courtesy of Ralph Muzzillo Jr. 2013

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Library - Entertainment Industry History

Note: Make sure that you double check on this image to enlarge it. Each name on this payroll deserves to be researched, since they may well be the founding fathers of American big band era jazz.

Save America's Big Band Era History

Donate tax-deductible memorabilia to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

 

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

 

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

ENCINO'S ALVINO REY AND HIS ORCHESTRA

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

 

      Typical of big band leaders of the 1930s and 40s, Alvino Rey began his career by playing in other bands. He worked with Freddy Martin and Russ Morgan, and for seven years (1932-1939) played in the Horace Heidt's Musical Knights. (Horace Heidt lived and worked from Sherman Oaks.)
      He married Luise King (one of the King Sisters.)

Alvino Rey - Alvin McBurney    1908 - 2004

 Autographed photograph - Loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Ralph F. Muzzillo Jr. 2013 -   (click on images to enlarge them.)

"To Ralph and Eve - two real swell people. I hope we can continue working together many years. With Best Wishes, Alvino Rey."

      Alvino Rey was fascinated by electronics, developing musical instruments and working with amateur radio. He helped develop the first electronic guitar for the Gibson Corporation.  In 1939 Alvino Rey became the musical director for radio KHJ in Los Angeles. That same year he created the Alvino Rey orchestra.Rey lived at 5001 Woodley Avenue in Encino.

      During World War II Rey worked for the Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank. In 1944, he joined the US Navy. Rey's 1940, pre-war song "My Buddy" was one of the most important sons during the war.

c

Larceny With Music 1943  Universal Pictures film -  Ralph Muzzillo collection

Jeff Pirtle of NBS - Universal reminds The Museum Community that Leo Carrillo, a direct descendent of Jose' Antonio Carrillo was also in this movies. Jose' played a major role in the Treaty of Cahuenga signed in the San Fernando Valley.

Alvino Rey and his orchestra, play themselves in the Universal film, Larceny With Music 1943.
Photo courtesy of Ralph F. Muzzillo Jr. 2013. Ralph Muzzillo Sr. was a trumpeter in this orchestra. 

CLARK DENNIS WAS HEART THROB SINGER IN THE 1930s

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY           2013

Clark Dennis died at the age of 83 in Estes Park, Colorado. He began his show business career singing with America's pin up girl Betty Grable in the Ben Pollack Orchestra. Dennis and Grable remained friends when they both lived in the San Fernando Valley. Clark Dennis was known world wide for his renditions of "Spanish Granada" and "Peg O' My Heart." He got his start in Chicago in the 1930s, where he met and became life long friends with the Encino/Tarzana trumpeter Ralph F. Muzzillo. 

 Autographed photo to Ralph Muzzillo Sr. from 1930s singer Clark Dennis

After his singing career was over, Clark Dennis made his living running an entertainment industry bookstore on Ventura Boulevard.

VENTURA BOULEVARD MAGAZINE ARTICLE ON W.C. FIELD'S ENCINO HOME

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2013

A great article on the Encino home once leased by the great American cinema comic W.C. Fields is now featured in the Summer edition of Ventura Boulevard Magazine. Rachel Heller's article is a real gem. 

 W.C. Fields in his Encino study 1934

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THE NEWEST OFFICE BUILDING OF 1961

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2013

Just over 50 years ago, the "hottest" new office building in the San Fernando Valley was a three story structure at 17000 Ventura Boulevard in Encino. Actually, the building was one of the coolest, since it featured zone refrigerated air conditioning.

Commercial postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2013.

20 DAYS OF ADVENTURE ON VENTURA BOULEVARD

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                2013

From Encino Avenue to Balboa things became a lot more interesting.

 Wildflowers in the Saint Francis garden at Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino.

 Nuestra Senora de Dolores - Shrine at Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino.

 Farsi signage in front of Saint Nicholas Anglican church in Encino. Great bronze doors of the church were done by the famous San Fernando Valley artist Henry Van Wolf in 1957.

 Signature of the great artist Henry Van Wolf - 1957

 The Christina Sacrament of Baptism - sculpture by Henry Van Wolf 1957.

 Priest hearing a confession during the Sacrament of Penance, by Henry Van Wolf 1957.

 I normally peel away and put street stickers in my Valley notebooks, but this Indian at the corner of Amestoy and Ventura was too high for me to reach.

 Farm laborer in the San Fernando Valley - mosaic detail at Chase Bank in Encino.

Children's art-quilts in the window of Encino School.

 Exterior art of Chase Bank in Encino. The building was built by Home Federal Savings.

This building was constructed on the site of an ancient Tongva Indian village site. It is on the corner of Balboa Boulevard and Ventura in Encino. A stream from the hills to the right of this picture continue to supply the little pond at Los Encinos Historical Monument just north of the intersection.