Water and Power Associates Informing the Public about Critical Water and Energy Issues facing Los Angeles and California

Historical Notes

Opening and Growth: The station opened in 1895 and was instrumental in the development of North Hollywood. It facilitated transportation and commerce, contributing to the area's growth.

Pacific Electric Railway: The station was part of the extensive Pacific Electric Railway system, known for its "Red Cars," which connected various parts of Los Angeles and surrounding counties. The line running through North Hollywood connected to downtown Los Angeles via Universal City.

Executive Car 1299: In the 1950s, the station featured the Southern Pacific executive car 1299, a notable inspection car that had been rebuilt in 1929 for executive use. This car was often seen at the station, highlighting its importance in the Pacific Electric network.

Transition to Buses: By the early 1950s, the Pacific Electric Railway began transitioning from rail to bus services. This shift was evident at the North Hollywood station, where white buses started to replace the iconic Red Cars.

The station still stands and is in use as a coffee house. It is located at Lankershim and Chandler Boulevards. The former Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way along Chandler has been converted into a bus rapid transit line.

Historical Notes

When it first opened in 1895, the train depot at the corner of Lankershim Boulevard and Chandler Boulevard was crucial to the rapid growth of the town that was first called Toluca, then Lankershim, and finally, North Hollywood.

The depot still stands today, is one of the oldest existing structures in the San Fernando Valley.  It has been named a cultural and historic monument by the city of Los Angeles and is slated to be restored.

Click HERE to see earlier views of the above station, when it was called Lankershim Station.

Historical Notes

The line ran from North Hollywood through Universal City to the Subway Terminal Building in downtown Los Angeles.

Historical Notes

Operation of the Pacific Electric Red Car through to Owensmouth and San Fernando began in 1911 and was terminated in 1938; thereafter the terminus was at Van Nuys Boulevard and North Sherman Way.  On December 28, 1952, busses over the Hollywood Freeway replaced all rail service to the San Fernando Valley on this line.

Historical Notes

Pacific Electric Railway trolleys ran down the center of the Hollywood Freeway through Chauenga Pass until 1952.

Historical Notes

This Valley Times photo-diagram shows where rail lines will be relocated down the center of the new freeway link. Traffic leading into the Valley will follow the lane on the right of the tracks; that leading to Hollywood will stream down a parkway at the left of the rail lines. Lankershim boulevard traffic onto the freeway's Hollywood-bound lane will go under the freeway and rise on a looped ramp as shown at left. Lankershim traffic into the Valley-bound freeway lane will follow the road at upper right. To get onto Lankershim from the right hand freeway lane, cars will use the road shown in right lower foreground.

Historical Notes

The bridge/tunnel was built as part of the Cahuenga Freeway; it is now known as the Lankershim/101 Freeway Bridge and Tunnel.

Historical Notes

The bridge/tunnel was built in 1948 as part of the Cahuenga Freeway; it is now known as the Lankershim/101 Freeway Bridge and Tunnel.

The corner where the billboard is seen (left of center) was named Yitzhak Rabin Square in 1995 in honor of the slain Israeli Prime Minister.*

Historical Notes

Signal Gasoline company was founded by Samuel B. Mosher in 1922. It renamed itself to Signal Gas & Oil in 1928 to reflect its expanding businesses; by the 1950s, Signal was the largest independent oil company on the West Coast of the United States and Mosher held large stakes in American President Lines and Flying Tiger Line. In 1964, Signal merged with the Garrett Corporation, an aerospace company, and the combined company adopted "The Signal Companies" as its corporate name in 1968.

The merger of Allied and Signal made aerospace the new company's largest business sector.  The combined company adopted the name Allied-Signal in 1985. It dropped the hyphen to become AlliedSignal in 1993 to reinforce a one-company image and signify the full integration of all of its businesses. In 1999, AlliedSignal acquired Honeywell for $15 billion and took its more-recognizable name.*^

Historical Notes

Builders Emporium was started in the San Fernando Valley in 1946.   Victor M. Carter bought the ailing Van Nuys hardware store in 1949. He introduced the concept of a self-service hardware store with a "do it yourself" training component that became the model for The Home Depot. Carter built Builder’s Emporium into a leading self-serve retail operation and the largest hardware store in the United States, selling it in 1956, to acquire controlling interest in Republic Pictures just a few years later. The chain was later acquired by Wickes which dismantled its operation in 1989. Builders Emporium was forced to close in 1993 after its former parent had a number of financial problems during the previous decade.*^

Historical Notes

During the 1870s, Adolphus Busch toured Europe and studied the changes in brewing methods which were taking place at the time, particularly the success of pilsner beer, which included a locally popular example brewed in Budweis (largest city in the South Bohemian Region of what is now Czech Republic). In 1876, Busch introduced Budweiser, with the ambition of transcending regional tastes. The ability to transport bottles made Budweiser America's first national beer brand, and it was marketed as a "premium" beer.*^

Historical Notes

Woodley Avenue was named for Frank A. Woodley, a county supervisor and state legislator. Laid out as Alvarado Avenue north of Roscoe Boulevard in 1916.

Roscoe Boulevard derives from the town of Roscoe, now Sun Valley. The thoroughfare originated as a plowed furrow that extended the length of the Valley and marked the boundary between the Lankershim Ranch on the south and the Maclay-Porter ranches on the north.^*

Click HERE to see more SFV Street Name Origins.

Historical Notes

Founded in 1852, and incorporated in 1875, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. is the largest brewing company in the United States, and the world's largest brewing company based on revenue. The then-small St. Louis, Missouri brewery was owned and operated by Eberhard Anheuser, who brought in his son-in-law Adolphus Busch as a partner in 1869. In 1876, Busch introduced America's first national beer brand: Budweiser, followed (years later) by several other brands, such as Busch, Michelob, and Bud Light to name a few. With the death of Anheuser in 1880, Busch became president of the company, subsequently becoming the first U.S. brewer to use pasteurization to keep beer fresh, the first to use artificial refrigeration and refrigerated railroad cars, and the first to bottle beer extensively.*

In 1955 the airport was still known as the San Fernando Valley Airport. It would be renamed Van Nuys Airport in 1957.*^#

Historical Notes

By 1957, Anheuser-Busch had become the largest brewer in the United States.*

In 1966, Anheuser-Busch transformed a cabbage patch adjacent to the Van Nuys brewery into a tropical beer garden and bird sanctuary. Click HERE to see more on Busch Gardens.

Historical Notes

Rennie’s Theatre was opened in 1925. In the early-1960’s it was operating as the Crest Theatre. It was still open as a movie theatre in the San Fernando Valley as of January 20, 1980, showing Spanish language films and re-named Azteca Theatre. It is now operating as the Living Hope Community Church. Click HERE to see current (2016) view.

Historical Notes

One of the valley’s first Chevrolet dealerships was opened Dec 1, 1937 by partners Martin Pollard and Thomas C Carrell. Pollard, with various partners, went on to own seven car dealerships in the valley. Both Pollard and Carrell got heavily involved in politics; Carrell served as an assemblyman and state senator in the 60’s and 70’s. In the 1960’s, Carrell bought out Pollard, renaming the San Fernando dealership Tom Carrell Chevrolet.

The dealership changed hands a few more times, including: Dan Hedrick Chevrolet (1983), Bill Murphy Chevrolet (1991) and Rydell Chevrolet.

Historical Notes

The junction of State Route 118 with State Routes 99 and 6 was at Maclay and San Fernando. The 118 proceeded north on Maclay to Foothill and then to the La Crescenta Valley and Pasadena.

The City of San Fernando was founded in 1874. Click HERE to see San Fernando in the 1800s.

Historical Notes

The store closed its doors in July 2012 despite having historical significance to the San Fernando community.  J.C. Penney has had a store open in San Fernando since 1920.*^^^

Historical Notes

By 1950, Reseda had over 16,000 residents and in the early 1950s, a population explosion took place, making Reseda one of the most popular and populated of all Valley communities. Because of this, Reseda's merchants provided bus service to transport shoppers throughout the busy downtown Reseda areas.*^

Historical Notes

Russell C. Wendell, a doughnut machine salesman, created the Big Donut Drive-in. There were 10 locations, built over the course of the 1950s. At least five Big Donuts survive: they are Kindle's Donuts in unincorporated Westmont (this is the original location, built in 1950), (2) Randy's Donuts in Inglewood near LAX, the Donut King II in Gardena (3), Dale's Donuts in Compton (5), and Bellflower Bagels in Bellflower (8). Each features the distinctive giant doughnut constructed of rolled steel bars covered with gunite, a material used in swimming pools. Five Big Donuts have been demolished. They were located in Culver City (4), North Hollywood (6), Inglewood (on Imperial Hwy, 7), Van Nuys (9) and Reseda (10).

The building style dates to a period in the early 20th century that saw a proliferation of Programmatic Architecture throughout Southern California. This style had its heyday from the mid-1920s to the mid-1930s. By the 1950s however, the trend of designing structures in the shape of the product sold there had changed to focus on signs rather than architecture itself.*^

Click HERE to see more examples of Programmatic Architecture.

Historical Notes

The Reseda Theatre carries the original design of famed architect S. Charles Lee, 1948.  The upper facade was a picture frame, a design element found in a couple of Lee’s post-WW II designs.  In lieu of a marquee, the Reseda carried a sign board, placed for reading by passing cars.  Lee’s works included the Los Angeles & Tower Theatres in downtown LA, the Inglewood Academy Theatre, the Beverly Hills Fox Wilshire Theatre (today, Saban Theatre) and the stunningly beautiful San Luis Obispo Fremont. 

Lee’s born name was Simeon Charles Levi.  Levi/Lee’s parents bought a furniture store from a Mr. Lee.  Rather    than change the store’s name, the family changed their name. - Shel Weisbach, author of Pathways of the San Fernando Valley

Historical Notes

The Reseda Theatre was opened in 1948 and closed in 1988. The marquee of the Reseda Theatre was seen in the 1997 film “Boogie Nights”.

In June 2016 plans were announced to convert the theatre into a multiscreen cinema which will be operated by Laemmle.^**^

Historical Notes

Photo title reads, "Aerial view shows new $5,000,000 Reseda High School, the first complete high school plant constructed in Los Angeles since before World War II. It will open to 1,500 sophomores and juniors Monday at 18230 Kittridge St. Dr. Lowell McGinnis, former principal of John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, will head school. Plant eventually will house 2,500 students. Athletic field with seating for 3,000 spectators and night lighting system is included in facilities." On the right is the Los Angeles River.  Photo Date:  September 10, 1955 – Valley Times*

Historical Notes

This reactor was part of the Sodium Reactor Experiment, a nuclear power plant built by Atomics International of North American Aviation at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, in the Santa Susana Mountains. The reactor was active from 1957 to 1964. *

Historical Notes

The Sodium Reactor Experiment-SRE was an experimental nuclear reactor which operated from 1957 to 1964 and was the first commercial power plant in the world to experience a core meltdown.*^

Historical Notes

This was the first commercial power plant in the world to experience a core meltdown. There was a decades-long cover-up by the US Department of Energy. The operation predated environmental regulation, so early disposal techniques are not recorded in detail. Thousands of pounds of sodium coolant from the time of the meltdown are not yet accounted for. The reactor and support systems were removed in 1981 and the building torn down in 1999.*^

Historical Notes

In its earliest days, Agoura Hills was nothing more than a stagecoach stop and was referred to as "Vejar Junction." In the early 1920s, after Paramount Studios purchased a ranch in the neighborhood, the community became known briefly as "Picture City." But neither name stuck. In 1928, a group of residents formed a Chamber of Commerce which, as one of its first actions, asked to have a permanent post office established in the community. The Postal Department informed the chamber that it would need to submit a list of ten potential names for the town. One of the area's more colorful early landowners had been a man by the name of Pierre Agoure. Though French by birth and a shepherd in his youth, he favored Spanish costumes and adopted the moniker Don Pedro Agoure. In compiling a list of possible names, the townspeople inserted "Agoure" in the tenth spot. Bob Boyd, the town's first postmaster, later recalled that the tenth name was selected because it was the shortest. How the "e" became an "a" remains an unsettled issue. Some say it was done intentionally for ease of spelling, others lay blame at the door of the post office, arguing that the modification was simply an error.

Historical Notes

Ventura Boulevard was originally part of El Camino Real. It now continues as Calabasas Road (running parallel to the 101 Freeway). A stage line, run by Flint, Bixby and Butterfield, operated during the 19th century along it.

Historical Notes

Sing reads:  1000 Acres of Elbow Room - Live in HIDDEN HILLS where Living is Fun! Full Acre Lots $4750.

The "1000 acres" were composed of the following purchases: 1) in 1949, 700 acres acquired from E.E. Hurlbutt; 2) in 1950, 160 acres purchased from Nace, et al; 20 acres from Mrs. Lasher; 119 acres from the Straubinger family; and 5.6 acres from Spinks — a total of 1004.6 acres.

Historical Notes

By 1957, the cost of a three- or four-bedroom home on a one-acre site was $27,500 – $47,500. One- to five-acre home sites were selling for $7,950 – $12,500.

Historical Notes

The Hidden Hills Community was designed and developed in the 1950s by A.E. Hanson, a renowned Southern California landscape architect and planned community developer. His earlier projects included Rolling Hills and Palos Verdes Estates, and the 1920s Beverly Hills Harold Lloyd Estate 'Greenacres'.

Historical Notes

Hidden Hills is bordered on the north by the nature reserve and greenbelt of the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, a park with miles of equestrian, hiking, and mountain biking trails. Nearby to the south is the pioneer Leonis Adobe National Historic Landmark, with gardens and a historical Museum. It's across the historic El Camino Real of the Spanish Las Californias and Mexican Alta California eras, now U.S. Route 101.

Historical Notes

In the spring of 1961, civic leaders in the tiny community of Hidden Hills launched a drive to form a city. They were faced with the prospect of being annexed to the City of Los Angeles and having Burbank Boulevard extended through the community. The petition for cityhood was signed by 79% of the voters, and in spite of the fact that the Los Angeles City Council's Planning Committee opposed the incorporation, it was approved by the Board of Supervisors.

September 19, 1961 was designated as election day, when a total of 358 votes were cast for incorporation (83% of registered voters), with 71 votes against. The area of the new city was approximately 1.3 square miles, with a population of a little over 1,000 and an assessed valuation of $2,681,910. On October 19, 1961, Hidden Hills became the 73rd city in the County.

Historical Notes

In the 1950s, Old Town Calabasas was a small, rural community with a rich history rooted in its days as a stagecoach town in the Wild West. Known for its rustic charm, the area featured several historic structures, most notably the Leonis Adobe, built in the 1840s as part of Rancho El Escorpion and associated with Basque settler Miguel Leonis. This adobe, now a living history museum, was central to preservation efforts during the 1950s, narrowly avoiding demolition for new developments. Calabasas had been a significant stop on the Flint, Bixby, and Butterfield stage line in the mid-19th century, connecting Los Angeles and Monterey and serving as a hub for travelers. Despite the broader growth in California, Calabasas retained its rugged, frontier spirit, with its small population and limited interaction with outsiders. The town's cultural fabric was further enriched by the establishment of Park Moderne, an artists' colony from the 1920s. Community life also featured landmarks like the "Hangman's Tree," a white oak tied to local folklore, which was eventually removed to accommodate infrastructure development. Overall, Old Town Calabasas in the 1950s was a place where history and rural charm coexisted amidst the pressures of modernization.

Historical Notes

Archie Hanson, Jr. developed Hidden Hills as well as Rolling Hills, CA. Mr. Hanson renovated the Leonis Adobe and lived there with his family for a few years. He also designed the gardens at the Getty House in Los Angeles and the gardens of the Harold Lloyd Estate among other projects. The photo is part of the Leonis Adobe Museum and Plummer House Collection. Courtesy of CSUN Oviatt Digital Library.

Historical Notes

Today, Old Town Calabasas is a charming area that blends historical sites with modern attractions. A key feature is the Leonis Adobe Museum, a historic site dating back to 1844, offering a glimpse into 19th-century ranch life. Nearby, Calabasas Creek Park provides a picturesque setting with antique ironwork, gardens, and a creek, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. The area is also known for its dining and shopping options, including popular spots like Sagebrush Cantina, Pedalers Fork, and The Six Restaurant. Additionally, the Old Town Calabasas Farmers Market, held every Saturday, is a vibrant local hub for fresh produce and baked goods, making it a popular social and shopping destination.

Historical Notes

Fallbrook Market was initially built and opened by the Lookabaugh Family in 1946, when Fallbrook Avenue was nothing but a rough-hewn dirt road, and the area was home to more nuts than people. It is one of the oldest businesses and certainly the longest continuously running market in the West San Fernando Valley.

Historical Notes

It operated as small grocery until 1951, when Jim McQuaid rented space in what was then a 40’x40’ building. He immediately installed a meat counter and became the store’s first butcher until 1958, when he purchased the market outright. Over the next 20 years, Jim renamed, remodeled and reconfigured the store to what it is today.

Historical Notes

After Jim McQuaid retired in 1978, sons Mike and Pat took over the store, splitting the meat-cutting/grocery duties. Pat retired in 2010 and  Mike’s son, Cory, would soon join the operation.

Jim’s Fallbrook Market, with over 50 years of a McQuaid at the helm, is the longest continuously running market in the West San Fernando Valley.

Historical Notes

The complex, originally known as Fallbrook Square, opened between November 1963 and November 1966. Housing eighty stores and services in an open-air format, it was anchored by large Sears and J.C. Penney locations and included F.W. Woolworth, Ontra Cafeteria, House of Sight and Sound, Karl's Toys, Nibblers Restaurant, and a Market Basket supermarket.

An enclosing renovation was done between April 1984 and July 1986. Target and Mervyn's anchors were added and the complex was renamed Fallbrook Mall. Damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and in decline by the late 1990s, the shopping venue was redeveloped between August 2001 and November 2003, emerging as the 1,200,000-square-foot Fallbrook Center of today.

Historical Notes

The Fallbrook Square Sears, at 330,000 square feet, was said to be the largest store in the Chicago-based chain when it was built.

The Sears, which had re-opened at the nearby Westfield Topanga in 1996, was divided between Big Kmart (upper level) and Burlington Coat Factory (lower level). These opened in 1997. The Big Kmart closed and re-opened, as a Wal-Mart (currently branded as Walmart), in January 2004.

Historical Notes

The existing Penney's structure, vacated in April 2001, was retenanted by Kohl's.

Today, the 75-acre Fallbrook Center is an open-air, 880,000-square-foot shopping center with retailers including Wal-Mart, Trader Joe's, Home Depot, Target, Ross Dress for Less, 24 Hour Fitness, Michael's, and Petco. *^

Historical Notes

The Fox Fallbrook Theatre was opened March 16, 1966 by National General Theatres with Richard Burton in “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold”. The Fallbrook was like the smaller single story neighborhood version of the National Theatre in Westwood.

The theater was designed by J. Arthur Driellma, built by Ernest W Hahn Inc, and seated 874 persons. It would later get twinned, with Mann Theaters operating there in its final years. The last film shown here was November 1987, and the theater sat vacant for a couple of years, before being razed for a Chuck E Cheese.

Historical Notes

This building still exists today and is now called Altadena Express Market. Click HERE for contemporary view.

Historical Notes

The Giacopuzzi family was one of the founding families of Owensmouth, which would later become Canoga Park. Brothers Mario and Guido Giacopuzzi ran the dairy farm from the 1950s with over 500 cows.  Over the years the dairy farm received numerous awards from both the Los Angeles and Ventura County Fairs Boards for its quality production and award winning milk. The dairy herd was sold in 1983.^

Historical Notes

John Giacopuzzi, along wife Rosie and daughter Marie, immigrated from Italy in the very early 1900’s, and set up dairy farming in Los Angeles City, where more children were born. During this time, Antonio Giacopuzzi (aka Tony, and unrelated – Giacopuzzi was a common name in that part of Italy) also immigrated from the same area of Italy, and married Marie. Both families moved to the SFV, settling on two 10-acre plots of land at Vanowen and Corbin in Canoga Park in the early 1920’s, with a dairy farm, and some of the acreage devoted to other crops. Houses were built at 6841 Corbin Ave (John & Rosie) and at 19801 Vanowen (Tony & Marie). Tony’s sons Guido and Mario continued the family business for decades.

In 1927, John purchased another ten acres along Sherman Way, farming this acreage as well. Eventually another 10 acres was acquired at the SE corner of Fallbrook and Strathern for dairy farming. Over time, the families opened up a couple more drive-thru dairies in the West Valley, as well as Thousand Oaks and Simi to sell their products.

In the early 1950’s, the 10 acres at the corner of Corbin and Vanowen was leased to Canoga Dairy Farms, which eventually became Lindo Giacopuzzi's Corbin Dairy until 1967, when zoning on the property changed, and a shopping center was built. Circa 1967, the cows from both the Vanowen and Fallbrook Giacopuzzi locations were moved to a 48 acre dairy in El Rio, where the operation continued.^^

Historical Notes

Around the time the Syndicate was selling lots in the town of Owensmouth, they also sold larger lots in the adjoining area. The property at Tenth Street (Saticoy) and Santa Ana Avenue (Woodlake), was purchased by a John T Hadley in 1911. He built a barn on the property, but no house. After his passing, his wife sold the property to a Virgil W Deaver; he also did not build a house.

Historical Notes

The two-story Dutch Colonial Revival Home was built for Frank Stewart Howard, a Buick distributer, in 1927 at the cost of $8,500.00. Frank founded The Howard Motor Company and had dealerships in Pasadena and Hollywood. He hired J.H. Hillard to build the house, a garage and 14 chicken coops of varying sizes to house exotic birds, and other animals including thoroughbred horses. The largest coop was 108 feet long.

Unfortunately, Frank was a drinker and during a family argument in which he was choking his wife, his 12 year old son shot him and Frank died before he reached the hospital. The Howard Estate deeded the property to George Chambers on October 18, 1930.

George and his wife, Mary retired to the ranch until George passed away in 1940. Mary sold the ranch to May Carreaud, who leased it to Grenville Stratton, a Douglas Aircraft executive who was well known for breeding horses, in 1944. Grenville built a guest house and turned the largest chicken coop into a barn.

Grenville W. Stratton purchased the property (38.5 acres) from May in 1947. As the new owner, he changed the name of the property to Circle S Stables to suit the needs of his thriving horse racing and breeding business. *

Historical Notes

The Circle S Ranch became widely recognized as a landmark on the southeast corner of Tenth Street and Santa Ana Avenue, later changed to Saticoy Street and Woodlake Avenue. Under Grenville's ownership, the Circle S Ranch made a name for itself in the horse racing industry.

When Grenville's wife passed away, his stepdaughter sued him for half of the estate. In 1954, the cost of the long, drawn out lawsuit and Greenville’s bad health forced him to close the ranch.

In 1956 the ranch was subdivided into 207 home site lots and one 3.46 acre lot for the remaining ranch buildings. The 100 foot horse barn was removed from the property and later razed when its new location was subdivided. The original barn was moved to a location on Zelzah but was also demolished to make way for an apartment building. Greenville’s second wife, Janice, sold the remaining property to William & Joy Ross in 1972. In 1990 it was put in a family trust in which it still remains today.

Historical Notes

Shoup Avenue was named after Paul Shoup, a vice president of the Southern Pacific Railroad and president of the Pacific Electric Railway Co.

Vanowen Street was coined because it was the direct route across the Valley between the towns of Van Nuys and Owensmouth.

Click HERE to see more SFV Street Name Origins.

Historical Notes

Shoup Avenue was named after Paul Shoup, a vice president of the Southern Pacific Railroad and president of the Pacific Electric Railway Co.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard - The name 'Topanga' evidently means 'above' with reference to the village site being above the high water of Topanga Creek. The 'nga' with which the name ends means 'place' and the entire name apparently means 'above place' or, as we would say in current English, merely 'above'. The name is an old Shoshonean word and can also be used in reference to the sky or heaven.

Click HERE to see more SFV Street Name Origins.

Historical Notes

The bulldozers are parked on the Topanga North off-ramp of the westbound 101. Across the street the cut for the Topanga South off-ramp can be seen. The hill in background is still there and is topped by the private homes on Como Circle. The bus is driving north on Topanga approaching Burbank Boulevard.

Historical Notes

During the 1950s, it was not uncommon to see large flocks of sheep being herded through the San Fernando Valley. Sheep ranchers would often move their flocks from one grazing area to another, allowing the animals to feed on fresh pasture.

However, as the population grew and urban development expanded in the following decades, the agricultural landscape of the San Fernando Valley underwent significant changes. The demand for housing and commercial spaces led to the conversion of farmland into residential and industrial areas, resulting in the decline of sheep farming in the region.

Historical Notes

A short article in the Oct. 18, 1955, Los Angeles Times explains:

Historical Notes

Lindley Bothwell was born in L.A. in 1901. He was a USC graduate, prosperous Southern California orange grower, a citrus agriculturalist from his Lindley Bothwell Ranch located at 5300 Oakdale Avenue in Woodland Hills, and an antique automobile collector and racer.^

Historical Notes

Bothwell collected antique cars and created vintage racing in the US in the 40s & 50s. By 1954, he was the owner of the largest private antique automobiles collection in the country. His impressive collection included the 1911 Rolls-Royce of the last tzar of Russia. At its peak the Bothwell collection numbered 88 cars. He served as the Los Angeles regional executive of the Sports Car Club of America.^

Historical Notes

On November 11, 2017 An auction of the Bothwell collection brought in over $13 million in sales, including the significant 1914 Peugeot grand prix race car that topped the charts at $7.26 million.^

Historical Notes

In addition to the antique cars, Brothwell also collected, trains, horse-drawn streetcars and had the only private collection in the world at the time. Bothwell built a rail line and a tram barn on his ranch, to keep them in working order and entertain guests.

Historical Notes

The 14-acre orange ranch is the last commercial orange grove in the Valley. Brothwell died in 1986 and his widow, Ann, looked after the ranch and his collections until her death in 2016. The ranch has been passed down to their grandchildren as she outlived her children.^

Historical Notes

Photograph caption dated December 26, 1956 reads "Ventura boulevard cuts through famous hills that divide East Woodland Hills from Woodland Hills. Area to south of cut is earmarked for $6 million high school in future. Plans call for a facility similar to Reseda High School with room for some 2,500 students, modern buildings and athletic fields. Southeast of this location is remainder of large estates which once made up much of residential area. Beautiful home and spacious grounds of Lindley Bothwell on Oakdale avenue are example of 'what used to be.' Other sections of area fell under 'urban yoke' and modern structures are addin every day to medern look of community."

Historical Notes

The CPHS website mentions snows in 1915, 1923, 1932, 1941, 1949, 1957 and 1989.

Historical Notes

In 1922, Austrian Rudolph Francis Langraf purchased twelve acres on Chalk Hill, and soon after earned his nickname ‘The Kaiser of Chalk Hill’. He and his wife, operated a Chalk Hill rest stop and gas station for three decades. Known as the “Drinking Post,” it became the eastern gate for what would eventually be called Woodland Hills.#^*^

Historical Notes

Click HERE to see more early views of Chalk Hill.

Historical Notes

Pierce College was founded in 1947 through the efforts of Clarence W. Pierce, M.D. The land for the college was purchased by the L.A. City School District (now the L.A. Unified School District). The original name of the college was the Clarence W. Pierce School of Agriculture. Two hundred and twelve WWII veterans entered the first classes.

Historical Notes

By the early 1970's the college had 2,000 students taking classes in agriculture. Four hundred and fifty head of cattle (114 dairy cattle), 250 head of sheep, 250 of swine and 6,000 poultry made up the livestock portion of the college farm. A fifteen acre orchard, green houses and fields of alfalfa, oats, pumpkins, melons and various other field crops were used to educate our students. In 1947, Los Angeles County was the leading agriculture county in the United States.*

Historical Notes

As the San Fernando Valley grew, the need for a comprehensive community college to serve the region was apparent. The college changed its name and its mission when it became Pierce College. The college’s core buildings were constructed and enrollment grew from a hundred or so in 1947 to more than 25,000 at its peak in the early 1980s.*

Historical Notes

The Christmas spirit on Candy Cane Lane dates back to 1951, according to Daily News archives, when the newly built neighborhood was surrounded by walnut groves and the 101 Freeway didn’t stretch farther west than Sepulveda Boulevard. More contemporary accounts date the tradition to 1952. The Valley News & Green Sheet, predecessor to the Daily News, credits the themed decorations up and down Lubao Avenue to a Helen Couzens in December 1953.

A neighbor asked everyone to meet and to bring their own coffee cups. During the kaffeeklatsch, residents decided they would decorate their homes for Christmas, planting stovepipe candy canes along the curb.

Themes developed for local streets. Lubao Avenue came to be dubbed Candy Cane Lane. Jumilla Avenue came to be called Avenue of the Bells. Oakdale Avenue became Candlelight Lane. And nearby Penfield Avenue turned into Caroler’s Way. Homes further afield followed suit.

Neighborhood celebrities from actor Mickey Rooney to Chuck Connors supported it, residents say. Actor Sean Penn grew up on Lubao Avenue.^

Historical Notes

“Bazooka" Bob Burns was a radio personality from the 1930’s – early 1950’s who made Canoga Park his home. He owned quite the acreage of property at the NW corner of Sherman Way and Mason. He named this ranch “Bazooka Berk” and raised prize-winning Berkshire swine here, as well as many agricultural crops. The ranch he called home included anywhere from 60-200 acres, according to various sources, which dwindled to 10 acres at the time of his death in 1956. He owned additional acreage in the valley; as much as 500-600 acres according to some sources. He was well-liked in the town, serving as its honorary mayor for a number of years in the late 1940’s – early 1950’s. After his death in February 1956, the estate traded a piece of the property to First Baptist Church for another parcel just west of Cozycroft, for which to build their church.

Another note about the property. In an interview, Bob Burns said that he designed the whole site all by himself, without the aid of an archictect or contractor.

Historical Notes

Mr & Mrs Carter lived on Chase St in Canoga Park, as seen in city directories in 1937 & 1939, as well as the US Census in 1940.

Today, a Chevron station is located on the NW corner of Roscoe and Canoga. Click HERE to see Contemporary View.

Historical Notes

HANCOCK Oil Company was headquartered in Los Angeles. In the 1850’s, lawyer Henry Hancock helped the Rocha family establish their legal claim to Rancho La Brea, but they ended up owing him so much in fees that they gave him part of the rancho in payment. In 1860 Hancock and his brother bought the rest of the rancho. Hancock began to sell asphalt produced from the famous tar pits that gave the rancho its name. This was the beginning of the Hancock Oil Company. In 1885 Hancock’s widow leased part of the rancho to eastern oil men who went bust by 1888. But in 1902, Mrs. Hancock leased part of the rancho to the Salt Lake Oil Company, which proved a great success. Henry Hancock’s son, George A. Hancock, who had learned the oil business working for Salt Lake, established his own company in 1906. By February 1907, he had over 70 wells producing nearly 300 barrels a day, making the Hancock's one of California’s wealthiest families. The Hancock family built Hancock Park, a large upscale apartment community. The Hancock Oil Company was sold to Signal Oil in 1958. In 1965 Signal was sold to Humble, and both the Hancock and Signal brands vanished.*

Click HERE to see more Early LA Gas Stations.

Historical Notes

Only after Los Angeles annexed Owensmouth in 1917 did aqueduct water flow into town.  The arrival of Owens Valley water made citrus groves and other forms of intensive agriculture possible.  Sunkist used the Canoga name, which previously referred to a watering hole at the site of the town.

The town was located on the site of an old well used by stagecoaches and local settlers. When the Southern Pacific built a branch line through the area, it designated the spot Canoga, after the town of Canoga, New York, which in turn took its name from the Indian village of Ganogeh ("place of floating oil").**^^

Historical Notes

The Canoga Citrus Association plant was located near the northeast corner of Roscoe & Canoga. It began packing oranges in 1927, with at least 25 brands packaged at this site.*^^^

Historical Notes

*In the late 1920s, residents and business leaders suggested that their town's name revert back to Canoga, complaining that Owensmouth suggested a location hundreds of miles away in the Owens Valley. Concerns about the community's image may have inspired the campaign, too; the older suburbs of East Los Angeles and Sherman had recently changed their names to Lincoln Heights and West Hollywood, respectively.

In 1931, Owensmouth became Canoga Park. (The Post Office insisted on adding "Park" to avoid confusion with Canoga, New York.)**^^

Historical Notes

Burning bright above the San Fernando Valley and L.A. Basin at dusk were the red, 40-foot tall "T's" - the iconic logo of the late, great Thriftimart supermarket chain. These gigantic signs emerged on the local landscape through the 50's and 60's.

The company that would eventually be named Thriftimart, Inc. was created in 1930 when a group of former A&P managers headed by Roger Laverty, Sr. purchased a company called Fitzsimmons Stores, Ltd. (the name the company would bear until well into the 1950's). In its earlier years, the company grew through acquisitions, including the 9-store "Thriftimart" and the 17-store Roberts Markets chains in the 1940's. In 1955, the company purchased the Smart & Final Iris Company, which at the time was strictly a wholesale operation.

By 1961, the company had over 60 stores and had renamed itself after its famous trademark.*

Historical Notes

This iconic Canoga Park business was opened in October 1946 at 21420 Sherman Way by partners Dale Bergquist and Errol Newton, when Canoga Park was little more than 100 homes. The town grew, and in 1953, Green Thumb moved a few blocks west to the SW corner of Sherman Way and Jordan., where it continues to this day. In interviews, Bergquist credited his company's success to the growth of Canoga Park and the west San Fernando Valley and the demand for landscaping materials. Green Thumb eventually added stores in other communities, including Santa Clarita and Ventura, while Dale’s brothers Bob and Max later started and operated the Green Arrow Nursery, also in the Valley.

This 1951 photo of the original location came by way of Canoga Park High School yearbook. #^*^

Historical Notes

The Arcade Block (originally called Syndicate Block) was built circa 1912. It was the first commercial building constructed in the town of Owensmouth after the Owensmouth Station.

The California Bank was originally occupied by Owensmouth Bank.

Click HERE to see more early views of the Syndicate Block.

Historical Notes

In top photo, Canoga Sporting Goods is just west of the Post Office. Further west can be seen the Mar-Wick Food Mart.

In bottom photo, Follow Your Heart is at the far left where Mar-Wick Food Mart was once located.

Historical Notes

Before Follow Your Heart, there was Larrie's Butcher Shop.
Before Larrie's Butcher Shop, there was Mar-Wick Food Mart.
Before Mar-wick Food Mart, there was Chef's Pastry Shop.

Chef's Pastry Shop opened in May 1949. Mar-wick Food Mart was in business by fall of 1950, and Larrie's opened up inside of Mar-Wick in January 1951.

Larrie's soon expanded to include the entire building, and in 1958, enlarged the building by adding 50 feet to its depth. Follow Your Heart moved in in the mid 1970's. #^*^

Click HERE to see contemporary view.

Historical Notes

The Valley Refrigeration Co. Store opened in the mid 1940’s.  Today, the building is occupied by Work Boot Warehouse.  Click HERE for contemporary view.

Historical Notes

"PE 842 has arrived at Topanga Canyon Road, now Boulevard, at the end of the Canoga Park line. Both trolley poles are down, so they will test out of service for a while. The number 121 in the right corner of the streetcar is its train number. Per PE employee timetable 13 effective 3:30 am of July 21, 1937, train 121 departed Daily except Sunday from Los Angeles (Subway Terminal) at 2-20 pm and arrived at Topanga Canyon Road at 3.48 pm. The trip was 29.10 miles in length. The image is dated July 1937."

Historical Notes

In the 1941 photo (top), the Pacific Electric Cars had already been discontinued; replaced by motorized buses, which evidently utilized the center of the street, with the tracks still in the ground.

Historical Notes

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins from the merging of their respective ice cream parlors, in Glendale, California. Burt Baskin owned Burton's Ice Cream Shop (opened in 1945) and Irv Robbins owned Snowbird Ice Cream (opened in 1946). Snowbird Ice Cream offered 21 flavors, a novel concept at that time. When the separate companies merged in 1953, the number of flavors was expanded to 31 flavors.

By 1948, Burt and Irv had opened six stores. Today, Baskin-Robbins has more than 7,300 shop locations in nearly 50 countries.*^

Historical Notes

Today, Bank of America is still located on the southwest corner of Topanga and Sherman Way, while Conroy’s Flowers occupies the building where Topanga Café used to be.  Click HERE for contemporary view.

Historical Notes

The ranch began as a dry-land wheat farm owned by the San Fernando Homestead Association led by Isaac Lankershim and Isaac Van Nuys. Albert Workman, an Australian immigrant, began as the superintendent of Van Nuys' Los Angeles Farm and Milling Company. After 1869 Workman purchased the 9,000-acre ranch, and cultivated it with another 4,000 acres nearby. The ranch also had a thousand head of cattle at one time. Workman imported Australian Blue Gum eucalyptus tree seeds from his homeland and planted them on the ranch. Some claim the numerous eucalyptus trees in California of that species, Eucalyptus globulus, originate from the Workman Ranch groves.*^

Historical Notes

The site has multiple Hollywood connections. In the 1930s the Workman Ranch was acquired by Colin Clements and Florence Ryerson, a couple who were screenwriters for the film studio. Ryerson co-wrote the screenplay for the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz' while living there. She renamed the estate Shadow Ranch for the amount of shade provided by the numerous large eucalyptus trees, originally planted during the Workman era.

Historical Notes

In the 1950's, Shadow Ranch served as a private girls school called Robinnaire. Today, it is part of the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Department. #^

Historical Notes

Today, the historic Shadow Ranch residence stands on a 13 acres parcel, the remaining undeveloped land of the original ranch that is an L.A. city park. The structure is used as a recreational facility and events venue. When the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission was formed in 1962, Shadow Ranch was one of the first ten properties to be designated as a city Historic-Cultural Monument No. 9 (Click HERE to see complete listing).*^

Historical Notes

The Chatsworth Reservoir was completed in 1919 and used to store water for the West San Fernando Valley for over 52 years. After the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake it was placed out-of-service and pemanently retired.*

Click HERE to see more in Early Los Angeles Water Reservoirs.

Historical Notes

Lakeside came into existence in 1928/1929 and was comprised of 2 major subdivisions ~ Tract #'s 9889 & 9683.  At its eastern base, along Valley Circle was a Park, seen in the center of the image. #^*^

Notes

Color photos were included for better contrast.

Notes

Click HERE to see more Early Views of the Chatsworth Reservoir.

Historical Notes

Nordhoff Street was named for famed 19th-century health seeker and writer Charles Nordhoff.  Hired by Southern Pacific rail baron Henry Huntington in 1873, journalist Charles Nordhoff wrote the book California for Health, Pleasure and Residence.

Click HERE to see more SFV Street Name Origins.

Historical Notes

In 1958, at top of Browns Canyon at the end of De Soto Avenue there existed an Army base with Nike Hercules missiles armed with nuclear warheads. The Nike Missile Base LA-88 located in Chatsworth on Oat Mountain was part of the “Ring of Steel” that protected Los Angeles from 1958 to 1974.

The Cold War, between the Communist World (the Soviet Union and its allies) and the Western World (the United States and its allies), lasted from 1946 to 1991.

During this time of political, military and economic conflict, various strategies were undertaken by the United States to defend against a nuclear attack.  Nike Missile bases provided that defense. They were initially equipped with anti-aircraft missiles (Nike-Ajax in 1953), followed by the Nike-Hercules in 1958, which was armed with nuclear warheads and could intercept ballistic missiles.^#

Historical Notes

By 1958, the Army had established over 200 Nike missile bases within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).  Los Angeles was defended by a ring of 16 Nike sites, referred to as a “Ring of Steel”. To protect its aerospace industries, Los Angeles received extensive air defenses.

Oat Mountain towers over the San Fernando Valley and provides visibility in all four directions and far out into the Pacific Ocean. LA-88 was the last of the scheduled 16 Los Angeles Nike sites to be completed due to the rugged terrain and only one usable road through Browns Canyon. Construction difficulties leveling a mountain peak and also digging deep into the ground for the three underground launchers caused delays. The site was completed and operational as of August 26, 1956.^#

Historical Notes

Originally called Chatsworth Park, the facility was one of several parks and recreation centers that were financed under a bond measure approved by Los Angeles voters in 1957. Plans to develop a new park in Chatsworth, which was experiencing rapid residential growth at the time and was poorly served by park facilities, were approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission in 1960. The Commission also approved the annexation of 7.4 acres of county-owned land located adjacent to the proposed park, which were subsequently acquired and incorporated into the facility.^

Historical Notes

Conceptual plans for the park were developed by the Los Angeles-based landscape architectural firm of Cornell, Bridgers and Troller. Partner Ralph Cornell had a well-established reputation and was known for designing landscapes that thoughtfully incorporated indigenous plantings. Accordingly, the area’s abundant sandstone outcroppings and existing oak trees were integrated into the park’s design, which was approved by the city in 1961. Contractor P.J. Robert and Co. was retained to develop the park in 1962, and the site was formally dedicated and incorporated into the city’s park system in 1963.^

Historical Notes

Chatsworth Park was expanded in 1978, when an additional 72 acres to the south of the original site were acquired by the city and subsequently developed as parkland. The expansion, which had been used as a skeet shooting range prior to its development, is the site of Homestead Acre (HCM #92) and the Old Stagecoach Trail (HCM #133). However, since the two sections of the park were separated by private property that was never successfully acquired, they remained noncontiguous and were treated as two separate entities: Chatsworth Park North and Chatsworth Park South.^

Historical Notes

The 1950s saw such a rapid growth in the San Fernando Valley that it forced the Department of Water and Power to construct one of the largest steam plants in the country in Sun Valley.

Historical Notes

Photo caption reads, "Valley Steam Plant glows with thousands of lights during nighttime operation. Pipes and valves in foreground are part of fuel lines leading to plant. Built on 150-acre site in Sun Valley at cost of $80,000,000, Valley Steam Plant has total generating capacity of 512,000 kilowatts of electricity. Because of mild climate, plant is virtually open to the air with complete housing only for operating personnel and most delicate equipment. Electricity is generated by means of turbines which are powered by super-heated steam, heated in boilers using either gas or oil as fuel."  Valley Times - August 1, 1956*

Historical Notes

Click HERE to see more Early Power Generation.

Historical Notes

Today, BMW Clinic is at the LAPD site and the Reseda Drug Store has been replaced by Alan’s Flowers and a side parking lot. #^*^

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