A NEAT LEAD ON ORPHA KLINKER'S OLYPIC IMAGE

Athletic Club Magazine, "Mercury" for May 12, 1932, illustrated by Orpha Klinker.

This image is a great lead for The Museum's on-going research about the Olympic Games and the involvement of Los Angeles.
"You have to look very very closely to be able to see the masthead. Orpha likely did this because of her brother Elza (Orlene's father) being a 1928 Olympic athlete was probably involved in this. He was active with his Olympic friends all his life.

ORPHA ADDS A MYSTERY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES


Photo given to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in 2010 by Gary Fredburg.

As the Museum Community solves one historic riddle, another seems to follow immediately. Here among the records of Orpha Klinker, the great California artist, is an unknown woman. If you can give us a lead on this handsome lass, we'd appreciate it.

THE SERRA PALM OF SAN DIEGO IN THE ARCHIVES OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

The Serra Palm - from a letter sent to Orpha Klinker April 28, 1939 - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2010.

This 1939 photograph of the Serra Palm was in a letter file that once belonged to the great California artist Orpha Klinker. The great old palm tree was at the foot of Presidio Hill in San Diego was planted by the first Spanish colonists in California in 1769. It was at the place believed where Gaspar de Portola and Father Junipera Serra began their exploits in our state.
We are in hope that some curious person will investigate the Serra Palm's role in the Chicago World's Fair.
Seedling from the Serra Palm eventually were carried throughout California.

AN ORPHA KLINKER REMINDER

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Orpha Klinker in a Plumed Hat - Collection of Phyllis Hansen - digital image in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 - (click on image to enlarge)
Seeing the wonderful Orpha Klinker paintings and prints in the collection of Richard Bogy last evening, reminded me that it's high time The Museum reminds the world why our Museum Community is so interested in this great California artist. Here's a great photo image from the collection of Phyllis Hansen of Orpha.


Interested in becoming involved in America's future? Act locally by contacting your Museum to discover ways you can help bring about a great Museum for the entire San Fernando Valley. Museum's are oasis of informal education. Help us teach children Valley history and culture. Call 1 (818) 347-9665 today.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 1926- ORPHA KLINKER- THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

New Year 1926 - Greeting card by Orpha Klinker - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
The great Orpha Klinker's New Year's Resolutions card was made 83 years ago, and is as Bright, Clever, and Meaningful today as it was in the early years of the 20th. century.
We think sharing Orpha's genius today is the perfect way to open 2009 as The Year of Valley History.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE MUSEUM COMMUNITY



The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.
Call today to become part of the Museum Community - (818) 347-9665

HISTORIC IMAGES OF JOHN FRANCIS POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL REVEALED

On Friday April 21, 1939, an article entitled "Poly Gets Its History In Art" was published on the front page of the Los Angeles Herald Express. The following images are from that piece.

Original Commercial High School Image - by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

'These paintings telling the history of Polytechnic High School were presented to the school today as a memorial to the late John H. Francis, long principal. The paintings are by Orpha Klinker, a graduate. Polytechnic was the first commercial high school in the city." (LA Herald Examiner 1939)

Second Commercial High School Structure - Painting by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
"This is a painting of the old Commercial High School built in 1900. The name of the school was changed to Polytechnic and technical courses added. The painting are being given to the school by the alumni association. This painting shows the third Poly High building, which was erected on Washington Boulevard and Hope street in 1905. Now the pillared main building and the old auditorium have been replaced with modern structures." (LA Herald Examiner 1939)

First Polytechnic High School Structure - Painting by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

"This painting shows the third Poly High building, which was erected on Washington Boulevard and Hope street in 1905. Now the pillared main building and the old auditorium have been replaced with modern structures." This painting shows the third Poly High building, which was erected on Washington Boulevard and Hope street in 1905. Now the pillared main building and the old auditorium have been replaced with modern structures." (LA Herald Examiner 1939)

Second Polytechnic High School Structure - Painting by Orpha Klinker 1939 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

As the 20th century approach, the city of Los Angeles established its first technical school dedicated to business. Called Commercial High, the school was located very near today's Music Center. The school remained in that location from 1897 until 1905, when it moved into a new location on the corners of Flower/Hope Street and Washington Boulevard, in the Civic Center.
In 1935, four years before Orpha Klinker made a gift of three important paintings of the school's historic buildings, the school was renamed John H. Francis Polytechnic High School after its founding principal. It is the city's second oldest high school. A bust of John Francis is kept at the entrance of the school's auditorium.
To meet the need for additional space , Poly High was relocated to its present location in 1955. Today John Francis Polytechnic High School covers 40 acres of land. It offers academic class and important vocational opportunities. The high school was badly damaged in both the Sylmar and Northridge earthquakes, but perhaps more so by cutbacks in support of commercial and vocational education. The civic leaders of Los Angeles in 1897 understood the importance to our community and nation of vocational education. Perhaps, it is time for us to revisit its value to our future.

John H. Francis Polytechnic High School
12431 Roscoe Boulevard Sun Valley, CA 91352
tel: (818) 394-3600 fax: (818) 771-0452

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects artifacts and information about John Francis Polytechnic High School and the life and times of the great California artist Orpha Klinker. Our thanks to Phyllis Hansen for sharing these materials.
The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

THE VALUE OF A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - ORPHA KLINKER 1851

Chinese Woman - Newspaper image by Orpha Klinker - Herald Express 1951 - Gift of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
On Saturday February 24, 1951, the people of Los Angeles who paid their 7¢ for a Herald Express newspaper, read an article entitled: "Etchers Honor L.A. Artist - Orpha Klinker Gets Top Award From Cal. Society." This week the original article was donated to her Museum by Phyllis Hansen.
What is the importance of an article describing an art show held in conjunction with "High Tea" at the Ambassador Hotel? Let's take a look.
The article featured two newspaper images that document the existence of two important art works by the great California Orpha Klinker.
1) A landscape of the High Sierra country.
2) Study of a Chinese Girl
The date of the works exhibition was May 1951 at the Dolphin Court of the Ambassador Hotel. Two honors received by Orpha Klinker from the California Society of Etchers for her work "Winter Snows."

Said the article's author Alma May Cook, "Orpha Klinker probably does more work and delivers more lectures than any other woman painter in Southern California."

High Sierras - Newspaper image by Orpha Klinker - Herald Express 1951 - Gift of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)



Your Museum collects the works and information on California artists. Orpha Klinker is of special importance to our organization.

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

ZENO KLINKER'S CALIFORNIA LICENSE 1919

Phyllis Hansen's discovery of the writer/adventurer Zeno Klinker's California Automobile License, not only gives us an insight into California automotive history, but details personal information about the great radio writer. The license, which is just a heavy piece of paper (stamped and addressed on one side), tells us the exact location of Zeno's dwelling place in 1919. Zeno was the brother of the great California artist and historical preservationist Orpha Klinker. He became a well known air plane pilot and the writer for Edgar Bergan's raido show. Zeno was 19 years old when he received this document.
California Automobile Driver's License 1919 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 (click on image to enlarge)
California Automobile Driver's License 1919 - Collection of Phyllis Hansen 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

MUSEUM MEETINGS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

California Artist Orpha Klinker as Scherazade - Collection of
Phyllis Hansen 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

23 July 2008 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm (Note change in date for July)
27 August 2008 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm
24 September 2008 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm


LANKERSHIM ARTS CENTER
5108 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601

PHYLLIS HANSEN LECTURE BIG SUCCESS

Orpha Klinker Photograph - "First Flight" - Collection of Phyllis Hansen - 2008
Phyllis Hansen Lecture - April 24, 2008 - Photo in Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The photo above is one of the many priceless Orpha Klinker treasures shown during last evening's lecture by Phyllis Hansen. The lecture was sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society at the Andres Pico Adobe in Mission Hills.
CONGRATULATIONS PHYLLIS!

ORPHA KLINKER LECTURE BY PHYLLIS HANSEN TONIGHT

Rare Orpha Klinker Notebook - Collection of Phyllis Hansen

ORPHA KLINKER LECTURE
Thursday - April 24th.
Time: 7 PM (lecture begins at 7:30PM)
large crowd expected get there early for parking &
seating
Andres Pico Historic Abode
10940 Sepulveda Boulevard
Mission Hills, CA 91346
Very tricky access - go north on Sepulveda and turn
right onto Brand Avenue - it is One Way!
Go slowly and you will see immediately to the right
a Park Sign reading Andreas Pico Adobe - pull into
drive and park.
Presented by: The San Fernando Valley Historic Society
Telephone: (818) 365-7810

PHYLLIS HANSEN LECTURES ON ORPHA KLINKER TOMORROW NIGHT

Orpha Klinker Cartoon
ORPHA KLINKER LECTURE
Thursday - April 24th.
Time: 7 PM (lecture begins at 7:30PM)
large crowd expected get there early for parking &
seating
Andres Pico Historic Abode
10940 Sepulveda Boulevard
Mission Hills, CA 91346
Very tricky access - go north on Sepulveda and turn
right onto Brand Avenue - it is One Way!
Go slowly and you will see immediately to the right
a Park Sign reading Andreas Pico Adobe - pull into
drive and park.
Presented by: The San Fernando Valley Historic Society
Telephone: (818) 365-7810

PHYLLIS HANSEN LECTURES ON ORPHA KLINKER

Orpha Klinker presents portrait of L.A. Mayor Shaw. This painting hangs in the Mayors' Gallery at the top of Los Angeles City Hall.

PHYLLIS HANSEN SPEAKS on THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ORPHA KLINKER

April 24, 2008
Time: 7 PM (lecture begins at 7:30PM)
large crowd expected get there early for parking & seating
Andres Pico Historic Abode
10940 Sepulveda Boulevard Mission Hills, CA 91346
Very tricky access - go north on Sepulveda and turn
right onto Brand Avenue - it is One Way!
Go slowly and you will see immediately to the right
a Park Sign reading Andreas Pico Adobe - pull into drive and park.
Presented by: The San Fernando Valley Historic Society Telephone: (818) 365-7810

Phyllis Hansen, Klinker family member, will present Orpha Klinker's story and show examples of her artwork.
About Orpha Klinker - Artist and Historian
Renowned primarily in the art world for her paintings and etching work in the California plein air genre, Orpha Klinker (1891-1964) also left a substantial legacy of historical work. Her family fostered in her an appreciation for the past, also making her aware that she was witness to Southern California history in the making during the early days of the 20th century. She documented countless people and places through her art, recording the landmarks, the pioneers and early families, the trees and the old adobes. She worked on canvas, paper and even ceramic, preserving the stories and images for the future. Her extraordinary versatility, abilities and the vast scope of her work is unprecedented, as were her personal experiences at a time when women in general were not at the forefront of her fields.
About Phyllis Hansen -
Phyllis Hansen is a freelance writer in Los Angeles. She is on the Board of Directors of the Campo de Cahuenga (as was Orpha Klinker), and on the Board of Advisors to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Three of Orpha Klinker's historical portraits hang in Campo de Cahuenga.

ANOTHER DEDICATION PHOTO OF ANTONIO JOSE CARRILLO LOCATED

Photo shared with The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Alice Hart - April 2008
Leo Carillo unveils portrait of Antonio Carrillo
Caption:
Carrillo Picture Unveiled--Picture of Antonio Jose Carrillo, who
wrote down the Treaty of Cahuenga, is unveiled. Taking part, left to
right, Miss Orpha Klinker, artist; Leo Carrillo, taking cover off
picture of his great-great-uncle; Councilman Earle D. Baker, William
A. Allen, Campo de Cahuenga group president.
Creator/Contributor: Los Angeles Times (Firm) , Publisher
Date: January 17, 1955

LEO CARILLO UNVEILS PAINTING AT CAMPO DE CAHEUNGA

Photograph loaned to the Museum by Phyllis Hansen 2008

In 1955 one of America's favorite actors, Leo Carillo unveiled a portrait of his ancestor Don Antonio Jose Carrillo at Campo de Cahuenga. The portrait of the early "Californio", who wrote down the Treaty of Cahuenga, was done by the great California artist, Orpha Klinker here seen next to her painting.
Carillo's family history reads like a Who's Who of early California history. This photograph was taken by Mark Russek, likely during the famous Treaty Signing Re-enactment. Phyllis Hansen notes that it was likely taken in the winter due to the clothing choices.

LECTURE ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ORPHA KLINKER

Orpha Klinker sports a new "bob" haircut - date unknown - photo in the collection of Phyllis Hansen.

SAVE THIS IMPORTANT DATE
Thursday April 24, 2008
7;30 PM
Lecture on the Life and Times of California artist Orpha Klinker
by Phyllis Hansen
Sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society
Andreas Pico Adobe - Mission Hills

Phyllis is an Advisor to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Historian for the Hollywood Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Member of the Board of Directors of the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association.

THANKS FOR A GREAT BOARD MEETING

Orpha Klinker and her sister Hazel © - Photo by permission of Phyllis Hansen 2008 - This image had to have been taken in the 1920s
Thanks to all who attended the meeting of the Board of Directors and Advisors' meeting Wednesday March 26th. We were joined by Alice Hart of Valley Village, and John Heaphy of Glendale.
We'll ask Sean LeBlanc, member of The Museum's Performing Arts Committee and owner of Valentino's Costumes to see if we can get closer on the era of Orpha's clothes here.

ORPHA KLINKER'S FLAG FOR LOS ANGELES

Orpha Klinker's Flag for the City of Los Angeles - Photo by Phyllis Hansen - Advisor to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
When I wonder where the great California artist Orpha Klinker got her talent and energy, I need only to be around Phyllis Hansen, Orpha's kinswoman. Energy and hard work has to be part of this family's genetic makeup. While in the process of creating the new Campo de Cahuenga website. Phyllis played detective and discovered this silk flag's great seal of Los Angeles.
You will have to wait with me for Phyllis to tell us more about this incredible find.
Jerry Fecht

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

Watercolor by Orpha Klinker - Collection of Phyllis Hansen
Saint Patrick's Day is as good as any to make a confession, so I need to tell you that your Museum president is hopelessly superstitious. I try my best to put logic and science in the forefront of my life, then Saint Patrick's Day (or another event like it) arrives and I make sure to "wear the green", drink a little Jameson's whiskey out of a fruit jar, bring in the shamrocks from my garden, bake soda bread etc etc etc. Tonight, I'll slip off into the garden to see if there are little lights among the shrubs, just in case the Tuatha d' Danu might be down there cooking beer. No doubt, by now you understand why Museums need elections!
Be that as it may, while I was cleaning out old emails this morning, I discovered this photograph of a water color by the great California artist Orpha Klinker, sent to me by the great California human being Phyllis Hansen.
And, because it's Saint Patrick's Day, I take it as an omen of all of the good things that are to come our way.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day, and don't forget to buy wild bird seed for March 19th - Saint Joseph's Day.
Much affection Jerry Fecht

LOS ANGELES POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL c. 1905

This last weekend, I attended the really interesting Vintage Paper Collectors Show in Glendale, California. Just for fun I bought this post card of Los Angeles Polytechnic High School for the background files of Phyllis Hansen, who is building a biography of the California artist Orpha Klinker. Orpha attended Polytechnic HS sometime in the 1930s.
But, as is typical of historical exploring, the postcard itself created as many questions as it answered.
Phyllis wrote, the postcard "... is fascinating for a lots of reasons. I noticed the postmark is 1905, two years before the U.S. Postal Service sanctioned the message postcard allowing an address and a message on the back side. This was the start of the postcard boom, so cards prior to that are more rare.
Also interesting that this architect also did a building for the Chicago Exposition of 1893--but Daniel Burnham was the architect in charge of the whole fair. Cannot find if they were any relation, but the styles are so similar.
What became of this original campus, and where is the one located
today? Somewhere in the San Fernando Valley, I believe...?"
Gary Fredburg, Vice President of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, found this information on the Valley's Polytechnic High School website:
"Our school had its beginning in 1897 as a commercial branch of the only high school in our city, the Los Angeles High School, located on the present site of the Board of Education. In 1905, Polytechnic was moved to the corner of Washington Blvd. and Flower St. in what is now downtown Los Angeles. Polytechnic is the second oldest high school in our city.
To commemorate our distinguished founder and first principal, John H. Francis was added to the school's name in 1935. The bust of John H. Francis (which is presently in our school's auditorium lobby) was first unveiled at the original Poly High School in 1931.
In 1955 it was decided to move Polytechnic to a new site where it could best serve the needs of our changing city. In February of 1957 Poly moved to its present site in the San Fernando Valley and opened its doors to new students. Our present campus was built at a cost of over six million dollars and covers forty acres.
Our school is a comprehensive high school, offering courses in all academic fields and several vocational areas, but we are proud of the name Poly as are thousands who have benefited from its educational opportunities in the past."


The San Fernando Valley deserves a great Museum of history and culture.