VISIT WONDERFUL CAMPO DE CAHUENGA ON JAN. 9TH.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY IN 2011
During the long renovation of historic Campo de Cahuenga, it seemed that this priceless American treasure might never be opened again to the public. However, after years of really hard work, juggling government grants and regulations, restoring a delicate old structure, and facing one obsticle after another - the place is really handsome and ready for its re-debut on January 9th.
Naturally, when the working board of directors of the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Society arrived this last Saturday to pitch in, in readiness to the grand old facility's historical re-enactment on the 9th, the gods just had to throw in just one more little adventure - a flood from an ancient water heater --- nothing was damaged except for a ruffle in the group's morale.
Here are a few candid photographs taken by Campo Board member, Phyllis Hansen of the work that went on this last weekend. (Phyllis, by the way acquired the beautiful leather chairs from the great LA Shares organization. They will soon grace the library tables coming soon for the facility.)

Putting a heavy glass display case into position. In the background are paintings just returned from two long years in storage.

 Union Army General John C. Fremont looks down on Campo de Cahuenga volunteers bringing back to life this treasure of the American West. Freemont accepted the capitulation of California forces at this very site. He would later become the first Republican presidential candidate, hero of Western exploration and of the American Civil War.

 A pastel drawing of the great Mrs. Armatage Forbes surveys the building that she and her associates built to preserve the heritage of Campo de Cahuenga for future generations. You've no doubt seen one of Mrs. Forbes El Camino Real bells along Ventura Boulevard or in front of California's historic sites.
The pastel is the work of the famous California artist, Orpha Klinker.
Seen through the glass display case is Guy Weddington McCreary, whose Weddington family were the founders of the town of Lankershim - later to become North Hollywood. In the foreground it Deuk Perrin. president of the Campo Association.

 Traditional Spanish wrought iron grills have been installed, adding to the charm of the Campo. The chairs from LA Shares await the arrival of library tables. The Campo Association awaits donors to add additional grill work for this grand old meeting place.

Campo de Cahuenga and its volunteers are a prime example of how Americans are willing to pitch in, when they are encouraged to do so.

GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

Guy Weddington McCreary - Photo in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2008

Valley activist-businessman Guy Weddington McCreary stands at the site of proposed re-location of the "Mother House of North Hollywood". A direct descendent of the Weddington family who founded the city of Lankershim/Toluca, Guy's ancestors donated lands for the North Hollywood Fire Department and Federal Post Office. He also sold what is now North Hollywood Park to our city for the token sum of $10.
Saving the historic Weddington House for the San Fernando Valley has been Guy McCleary's focus for the last year. He and his wife Diane have created the Weddington Heritage Trust to make sure that the gramd old house is kept in the great condition it deserves as the "Mother House" of our Valley.
Guy and Diane are both members of the Board of the Friends of Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association, and are advisors to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

DAILY NEWS CITES RICHARD HILTON, TOM LABONGE AND GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

These are excerpts fro an article published in the March 3, 2008 edition of the Los Angeles Daily News, entitled: Valley Losing its History as Development Spreads "Activists working to save significant landmarks".

"Some say the uncertain fate of the Weddington house is symbolic of what has happened in the Valley for decades as a string of historic sites have been lost or are threatened amid the growing pressures of urbanization.
"In an attempt to revitalize an area, the history and quality of life suffer from overdevelopment," said Richard Hilton, a Valley historian.
Hilton cites the Josef von Sternberg House in Northridge. Designed in 1935, it was regarded as one of the finest pieces of work from modernist architect Richard Neutra. But it was torn down in 1972. There was also the Valley Music Theater, the area's first performing arts center, which hosted Bob Hope, Jim Morrison and other celebrities. It was demolished to make room for condominiums in 2004.
And then there was one of the original homes sold by William Paul Whitsett when the Valley pioneer laid out the blueprint for suburbanization of the region in 1923. A developer razed that home last year just days before it could be designated a historic landmark.
Grass-roots efforts, however, have been successful in preserving some sites over the years. In Van Nuys, community members helped save City Hall, Baird House and Woman's Center with historic designations.
But it remains an uphill battle.
For now, the Weddington house has become a rallying cry for preservationists.
"… at a recent Cultural Heritage Commission meeting, Valley history buffs said that plan simply won't do.
"This house should stay in North Hollywood. It's here where it has historical and political meaning," said Guy Weddington McCreary, an active Valley historian and a descendant of the original family.
City Councilman Tom LaBonge, whose district includes the site of the house, said he is making it a priority to preserve the Valley's iconic structures even though money and land remain a challenge.
Among his ideas is widening Chandler Boulevard to create an outdoor architectural museum - similar to Heritage Square - for the Valley's historic homes.
And while preservationists also worry about the fate of the Lankershim Train Depot and historic dining car Phil's Diner - designated cultural monuments that have seen little attention - LaBonge said their restoration should start soon, particularly if more community members get involved.
"It's more than just a government designation that makes a historic neighborhood successful," LaBonge said. "It's the devotion and love of the people in the area."
In the Valley, Hilton said, renewed emphasis on preservation appears to be brewing as more historical groups spring up.
And the battle now is ensuring structures are not only saved but also restored and turned into community venues.
"We are always grateful to save a structure, but we also want the public to have access to it so history can be interpreted and it can become a visceral experience," he said. "Otherwise, it's just a shell.
"If you have to fight over preserving the Lankershim depot because a developer is given the opportunity to construct higher and denser, the priority's clearly not set right."