ROSEMARY RYAN MONTROSE INTERVIEWED FOR THE MUSEUM'S ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley appreciated the opportunity to interview Rosemary Ryan Montrose as part of its ongoing Narrating Lives: Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley program.

Rosemary's family lived next door to the Oakridge House, in a house once owned by Zeppo Marx. J. H. Ryan, Rosemary's father, owned and trained many thoroughbred race horses, which ran locally at Del Mar, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita, as well as nationally. They often entertained large parties on the grounds adjoining the two houses. Their A-list guests included Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Jimmy Durante, and Ronald Reagan among others.

The favorite race horse of the Ryan family was Style Prince, who won that race at the Hollywood Turf Club.  Style Prince was a legend in racing circles, because after every race he liked to drink a bottle of champagne.

To learn more about the program, please visit: http://www.themuseumsfv.org/events/oral-histories-of-the-sfv, contact Willard Simms or Lee Davis at (818) 347-9665 or narratinglives@gmail.com.

THINGS ARE CALMING DOWN FOR JERRY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                    2013

     The last couple of weeks have been busy and exciting for me. The Big Read - Grand Souk festival, sponsored by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs was a charming success, but it was lots of work. Elements of the festival will be presented on this blog over the next few weeks, as our Board member Lee Davis completes the processing of the event's photographs.

     Almost immediately after the Grand Souk festival, my family and I began the work needed to ready our role in the AIDS Lifecycle bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This year we were all "roadies" (part of the support team for the event's 2,200 riders.) The riders and roadies for this classic fund raiser, raised over 14.2 million dollars Many of the roadies, like Barry Edleman member of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council, were from the San Fernando Valley. 

     For the next few days, I'll be posting a few things I have on my desk, while I catch up on my Museum responsibilities. Here are four postcards just sent to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg - Hope you enjoy them, and enjoy our efforts to preserve the history and culture of the Valley.    Jerry Fecht

Canoga Park - "Fabulous San Fernando Valley - Looking east on Sherman Way. This prosperous and bustling community, is located in the midst of many famous estates and horse breeding farms."

Brand Boulevard - Glendale, California - "new modern shops on Glendale's main thoroughfare. A city beautiful nestled in California mountains."

Glendale, California - "Looking northward on Brand Boulevard in the heart of Glendale's shopping district, with beautiful foothills in the background."

San Fernando, California  - "Brand Boulevard leading to downtown San Fernando, lined with beautiful tall palms typical of many Southern California cities. In the background are the San Gabriel Mountains."

4th MUSEUM WALKING TOUR A SUCCESS

2009 - the Year of Valley History

Auction Bill - Horses and Mules from Lankershim and Van Nuys Ranches. No Ho Chamber of Commerce booklet

Thanks to Richard Hilton and supporting Board Member, the 4th Walking Tour of NoHo historic district was a big success today. 25 "in-tourists" braved the warm July weather to discover the amazing secrets of one of the Valley's oldest communities.
If you or your friends would like to be alerted about the next No HO tour, or upcoming tours of Studio City and Van Nuys, give your Museum a call: 1 (818) 347-9665)

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

MOVIE STAR HORSES - FREE LECTURE AT WM. S. HART HALL

Hollywood at Hart
Wonder Horses that Built Hollywood
Saturday, November 1st 4:00 pm Hart Hall

America's first movie stars were horses, as author Deanne Stillman writes about in her acclaimed new book Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West. Join us for her talk about Hollywood horses, including Fritz, the beloved and celebrated partner of silent film star William S. Hart. The talk and book signing will be held in the William S. Hart Park ’s Hart Hall. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 661-254-4584. FREE ADMISSION

Limited supply of Stillman’s latest book will be made available for $25. To pre-order Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West please contact the Hart Museum at 661-254-4584.