ORAL HISTORIES of the SFV at RANCHO CORDILLERA DEL NORTE

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

The following article appeared in the recent edition of the SFV West Valley News.

Notable American architects Dion Neutra (standing) and Eric Lloyd Wright (sitting), who is the grandson of the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, with Willard Simms (holding certificate), Board member and director of education of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.  (click on image to enlarge)

 There couldn't be a better backdrop for the staging of the initial phase of Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley - presented by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - than Rancho Cordillera del Norte, the original home of a valley pioneer family, Elizabeth Waldo, a composer, violinist, producer, whose late husband Carl Dentzel developed and named Northridge (Northridge is English translation of Cordillera del Norte), still lives within the expansive ranch. She has her own New Mission Theatre where she holds plays the reflect the Valley's history.

On Sunday, August 14, 2011, nearly 140 guests answered the call to attend a special reception to highlight and showcase the first phase of video vignettes from interviews of pioneering San Fernando Valley residents. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, hot and humid, typical of an August day in the Valley. The lush beautiful gardens welcomed the guests who gathered around to meet and greet while a Spanish troubadour walked around playing his guitar and quietluy singing. Some guests chatted under the Spanish tile patio cover of the New Mission Theatre, others sat around tables arranged near the Spanish rancho style outdoor cantina a few yards away. In the spirit of historic diversity of the Valley, a multi-cultural buffet and refreshments catered by Sabroso Mexican Restaurant of Winnetka, was served.

Event organizers patiently waited until all guests had enough to eat to start the afternoon program. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Board member, Richard Hilton was the m.c. for the event, Among the special guests were former Councilman Greig Smith, Porky Johjnson and Montie Montana Jr.

"It was very exciting having the two architects Eric Lloyd Write and Dion Neutra, with their impeccable bloodlines there, lots of people were talking about that afterwards," commended Willard Simms, who apprears in a photo above.

The Museum has some fascinating architectural events planned for the Fall. Contact Gerald Fecht, President for more information at 818-347-9665. Or, visit www.theMuseumSFV.irg

PANEL ON ORAL HISTORIES

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

As part of the culmination event for the first stage of The Museum's Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley, a panel presented an overview of this highly successful project. 

 

left: Scott Sterling- Narrating Lives Chairman, Gerald Fecht (with microphone) President of The Museum, Liane Schirmer, Richard Hilton, Melissa Brown Bitterman, Willard Simms and moderator Rania Pallad. (click on image to enlarge)

ORAL HISTORIES COMMITTEE TAKES TIME OUT AT THE DODGERS

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley Committee takes in the Dodgers.

Following The Museum's concept of "making history - while preserving history", Scott Sterling (with glasses on his shirt) treated members of the Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley committee to an evening at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The boys in blue didn't win this one... oh well, there's always next time.,

ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW WITH GUY WEDDINGTON McCREARY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

As part of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley", Guy Weddington McCreary was interviewed this May at historic Campo de Cahuenga in North Hollywood. Funded by the Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Los Angeles, The Museum's oral histories project is building an archive of interviews of men and women who have made significant impacts on San Fernando Valley culture and history. 

 Guy Weddington McCreary at his interview for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Photo for the Archives of The Museum by Gerald Fecht 2011. (click on image to enlarge)

Guy Weddington McCreary was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He is a descendant of Wilson Weddington, the founder of North Hollywood (once called Lankershim). Guy attended Lankershim Elementary School and North Hollywood High School. His memories include the World War II era and observations of a Valley that experienced an explosion of growth during the 1950s and '60s. Among his significant achievements was being the Executive Director of the Republican Party for Los Angeles County in the 1970s. 

As the president of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association, Guy McCreary was instrumental in saving and restoring the Campo for future generations.

CHRISTINA PARK VOLUNTEER FOR NARRATING LIVES - ORAL HISTORIES OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY    2011

A special note of thanks to Christina Park, who is working as the volunteer secretary for The Museum's "Narrating Lives - Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley" project. Christina, who is in the process of applying to graduate school, wanted to do something productive for The Museum, during her wait. Christina Park is working as a Museum intern with committee members Scott Sterling, Semee Park, Rania Pallad, Richard Hilton, Jerry Fecht and Willard Simms. Christina is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley.