A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL STEVENS

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Wooden Steamship frieze - US Post Office San Fernando California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

When I was studying the handsome wooden friezes in the United States Post Office in San Fernando, the image that I thought was most symbolic of Michael Stevens was this panel of a ocean liner going "full steam ahead." Perfectly suited for his role as Vice President for Museum Development, Michael propels his Museum constantly forward. His high standards and demand for the Museum's progress are inspiring. Our December meeting of the Museum's Boards of Directors and Advisors, for example, will focus entirely on ways of raising money for our many projects while having fun in the process.
This is the perfect time of the year to offer our sincere thanks to Michael Stevens for his service to the Museum and to future generations living in the San Fernando Valley.

Join Michael Stevens and the increasing numbers of dedicated members of the Museum Community, by calling 1 (818) 347-9665.

RICHARD BOGY DESERVES OUR THANKS

United States Eagle Relief Carving - US Post Office San Fernando California - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

Always ready to lend a hand or good advice, Richard Bogy of Toluca Lake is pillar of the Museum Community. Working to preserve the Weddington House, protecting the Valley's most precious treasure - Campo de Cahuenga, boosting a fire station, working for the YMCA, or organizing a bus tour of historic Toluca Lake ---- Richard Bogy is the man of the hour.
Thanks Richard for all that you have done to bring about a great Museum of history and culture for our Valley.

VAQUERO RELIEF CARVING - SAN FERNANDO CALIFORNIA

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Mexican Vaquero - San Fernando Post Office - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht November 2009

Today, as I did one of my walks in the San Fernando Valley, I decided to stroll through the San Fernando mall. I have never seen so many wedding stores in an area outside of Broadway, downtown Los Angeles. It was one of those quiet, warm afternoons when the hills seemed miles closer and traffic had better places to go.
I never pass up a U.S. Post Office on my walks, just in case President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's WPA legacy might be seen there. In San Fernando I was not to be disappointed.
Make sure that you included this post office on any visit to the oldest city in the Valley. The hand-carved wooden panels surrounding the post-master's office are truly beautiful.
Since The Museum of the San Fernando Valley has a special interest in our Latino heritage, this panel of a vaquero working on one of the Spanish ranches is a real treasure.