AMERICA'S COWGIRL LIVED IN CANOGA PARK

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

In 1947, the country and western signer Dale Evans married one of America's most famous movie personalities, Roy Rogers. While she had three previous marriages she remained with Roy Rogers of 51 years. Dale hit it big time when she became a regular singer on the Edgar Bergen "Charlie McCarthy radio program. She earned the status as "America's cowgirl" when she became Roy Rogers' co-star for Republic Studios in Sherman Oaks.

Dale Evans and Roy Rogers made their home prior to their retirement in Canoga Park. Many of Dale's and Roy's sequined and embroidered outfits were made by the famous "tailor to the stars" Nudie in North Hollywood.

 

Dale Evans - historic postcard - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

from Gary Fredburg 2013 -  (click on image to enlarge it.) 

A DAY WITH "PORKY" JOHNSON

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

One of the most interesting people in the San Fernando Valley is "Porky" Johnson, Country-Western Music Historian. At 86, Porky is busy in his North Hollywood workshop restoring and preserving vital elements of Valley and American music history. Filled with fascinating stories, Porky is determined to share his historical memorabilia with future generations. Here is a sample of his legacy.

 Porky was about 18 years old when this photograph was taken of him at the eastern edge of North Hollywood Park. The automobiles parked behind him are facing South on Tujunga Avenue. The telephone poles go East on Weddington Street. 

 Porky Johnson holds a blue ribbon that he won in 1939 in a bicycle race. He's pretty sure that this helped create his lifelong love of racing.(click on image to enlarge)

 Porky Johnson rewarded himself last year with the first new motorcycle he's ever owned --- for his 85th birthday.  (Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - November 2010. - click on image to enlarge)

 Doye O'Dell shirt - collection of Porky Johnson

Made for the performer Doye O'Dell, this classic cowboy shirt was made in North Hollywood by Nudie, "the tailor to the stars." Below - leather label on the inside of the shirt's collar.

ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPH OF NO HO's GREAT NUDIE

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES
       Thousands of creative women and men contribute, and have long contributed, to the San Fernando Valley's appropriate claim to be the heart of the Creative Capital of the World. The creative workforce of the Valley consists not only of television and film actors, but many other arts, crafts and trades. The legendary Nudie became world famous for the clothing he made for singers like Elvis Presley and the great cowboy stars of his era.

Nudie - Tailor to the Stars - photograph 1954 - Gift to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg - 2010. (click on image to enlarge.)

A GLIMPSE AT NUDIE'S CAR

2010    THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

In earlier postings on this blog, I've shown images of the great Nudie's car that was on display at the 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures. Here are three more photos that I took on that magical day.

Door handle of Nudie's classic car.

FORMER ACTOR TY HARDIN AT REPUBLIC PICTURES 75th ANNIVERSARY

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

                                                   Ty Hardin - Photo for the Archives of
                                                The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
                                             by Gerald Fecht   (click on images to enlarge). 
Former television actor Ty Hardin poses aside the tricked-out Cadillac of the great Nudie of North Hollywood. Ty Harden was a much admired actor and Nudie was the considered "the tailor to the stars."
A highly collectible program was produced for visitors to the 75th Anniversary of Republic Pictures. The sepia photograph of Ty Hardin above was featured in the program.