HARRY JAMES BIG BAND LEADER LIVED IN WOODLAND HILLS

 Harry James - historic postcard 

 Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012

 (click on image to enlarge)

The great Harry James was one of the most important performers of the Big Band Era in the late 1930s and 1940s. His trumpet was recognized world-wide. James' band began in Philadelphia and was the first to employ the amazing Frank Sinatra.
Harry James lived in Woodland Hills, with his wife the equally famous Betty Grable. Race horses bred on their ranch were American champions.  James often collaborated with Frank Sinatra who lived in Toluca Lake at the time.

BETTY GRABLE AND HARRY JAMES WERE WORLD FAMOUS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

Harry James and Betty Grable - Vintage Postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2012.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

"Harry James, famed band leader, and lovely 20th Century Fox star, Betty Grable were married in 1943. Victoria Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, was born March 3, 1944 and Jessica on May 2o, 1947. Look for Betty in "The Beautiful Blond from Bashful Bend."

AMERICA'S FAVORITE PIN UP GIRL IN WWII

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY

Betty Grable, vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011 -  (click on image to enlarge it)

Betty Grable was considered the number one pin-up girl for American GIs during World War II. Her beautiful legs were insured by Lloyds of London for a $1,000,000 - a fantastic sum of money in those days. She was married to the famous big band leader Harry James, until their divorce in 1965. Betty and Harry had a horse ranch near Pierce College in Woodland Hills,

BETTY GRABLE AND HARRY JAMES - BABY J. RANCH

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

In the 1940s, two of America's most famous entertainment personalities were Betty Grable and her big band leader husband Harry James.  The celebrity couple owned property called Baby J Ranch on Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

 Baby J. Ranch in Woodland Hills, California - Elizabeth M. Falk Collection  (click on image to enlarge) 

Breeding record  of mares owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harry James, bred on the Falk Ranch in 1961. (click on image to enlarge)  Collection of Elizabeth Falk 2011.

HARRY JAMES AND BETTY GRABLE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   -  2011

When we first began to really look at a calendar of San Fernando Valley notables, Steve Falk a founder of the Maple Leaf Society, said: "Well, Betty Grable and Harry James used to board their horses at our ranch." The Falk Ranch was at the top of the hill in Granada Hills. Steve added that the famous couple lived in Northridge nearby.
Note: In March 2011, we discovered that the Betty Grable - Harry James "Baby J. Ranch" was actually between Woodland Hills and Calabasas.
Harry James was considered in the Swing Era to be one of the world's greatest trumpet players. His big band enriched the lives of "the greatest generation." Betty Grable was the pin up girl of World War II.

Harry James, holding his trademark trumpet, speaks with an unknown man from the stage. Photo is a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011, courtesy of Schwartz Collectibles in Westlake Village. (click on image to enlarge) Refer to photo 2312

HORSE BREEDING WAS ONCE A MAJOR SAN FERNANDO VALLEY ENTERPRISE

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Once horse ranches extended all across the North part of the San Fernando Valley. Owning a race horse was very much a part of one's status as a film or recording star. The Falk Ranch at the top of Balboa Boulevard at Lassen Street boasted many fine horses used for racing and pleasure riding.
Photo from Race Souvenir Tray - Gift to The Museum from Steve Falk 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
The 6th Race at Hollywood Park, May 29, 1956. World famous jockey Willy Shoemaker rides "First Aid Kit" to victory for the Falk Stables in Granada Hills.
The Falk family (Sue - holding a white purse, husband Steve - in dark suit holding little son Steven, watch as Steve's mother greets her winning steed at a Del Mar race. The Falk Ranch boarded the riding horses of Betty Grable and her bandleader husband Harry James.