Santa Monica Conservancy

ensuring that the past has a future Vol 8 No 2 JUNE 2010 discover palisades park on june 13 by Ruthann Lehrer

The pergola is one of Palisades Parkʼs best-known features and is used in the logo of the Conservancy. Palisades Park is one of Santa Monica’s most Ocean Avenue. The tour will conclude with in remembrance of familiar places... and is almost as old as the an exhibition of historic postcards and water- max palevsky by Sherrill Kushner City itself. But how much do you really know colors in the Senior Center, where refresh- about it? On Sunday June 13, 3 - 6 pm, you ments will be served. are invited to a docent-led tour of this rich Tour tickets are $10 for members, and cultural landscape, including its history and $15 for nonmembers. Shuttle buses will take development, geology, landscape design participants to the north end of the park in and plants, commemorative monuments order to begin the one-way southbound tour. and historic structures. Ticket information can be found on the Back Palisades Park, which has been a City land- Cover and at www.smconservancy.org. mark since 2007, sits on land donated by Santa This program has been made possible in Monica’s founders and held permanently in part by a grant from the City of Santa Monica the public domain. It encompasses breathtak- and the Santa Monica Arts Commission. ing views of both coastline and mountains. Jonathan Froines, a student in USC’s historic This brand-new and comprehensive tour will preservation program, researched both the allow participants to explore the park’s many geology and horticulture of the Park. Additional facets, from trees and planting beds, especially research and tour development was provided native and drought-tolerant plants, to its geol- by Mary Ann Hays, Nancy O’Neill and ogy, and the adjacent landmark buildings on Kay Pattison.

Max Palevsky, computer visionary, fi lm santa monica to host preservation producer, art collector, political activist and conference in the spring of 2011 major philanthropist, died of heart failure on The California Preservation Foundation has Angeles Heritage Alliance, La Senora May 5. In the late 1990s his donation saved selected Santa Monica to be the site of the Research Institute, and local chapters of the endangered Aero Theater, which has annual California Preservation Conference the Society of Architectural Historians and been restored and is now managed by the in the Spring of 2011. The Santa Monica the US Green Building Council. The Santa American Cinematheque. Conservancy played a leadership role in Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, as bringing the Conference to Santa Monica, well as members of the City’s Planning and The Santa Monica Conservancy honored and will serve as local host organization Community Development and Community Palevsky in July 2006 at a screening of the fi lm working with the California Preservation and Cultural Services departments are also “Fun with Dick and Jane,” which he produced. The honor was offered in recognition of Foundation and local partners including participating in the planning. continued on page 3 the Conservancy, the Los continued on page 3

www.smconservancy.org page 2 the conservancy board of directors message from Our board comes from neighborhoods the president Carol Lemlein throughout the city and includes:

Carol Lemlein, President Over the past few months, the the signifi cance of culturally and histori- John Zinner, Vice-President Conservancy Board has been focusing on cally important structures and places. Our Tom Cleys, Treasurer making the Preservation Resource Center conclusion was that it was better to be Susan McCarthy, Secretary at the Shotgun House a reality. One aspect concise than to be comprehensive. The of this work has been talking to members resulting focus is on architecture – to be Sarah Barnard and other prospective supporters about broadly interpreted as the built environment. Ken Breisch how best to communicate the purpose The tagline - “Celebrating our Architec- Bruce Cameron and mission of the Conservancy. Several tural Heritage” - was developed with the Mike Deasy consultants have offered their services assistance of member Elizabeth Riel. Our Michael W. Folonis, FAIA pro bono to help us achieve this goal. new logo, developed with Chris Preston and Peter Simpson Cook, is a more graphic Mario Fonda-Bonardi An important outcome of this effort representation of Joan Charles’ delight- Nina Fresco is a new logo and tagline, which you are beginning to see on Conservancy ful pergola drawing that has been our logo David Kaplan material. You may have already noticed it until now. You’ll see more of the work we Sherrill Kushner on invitations to the Palisades Park tour and did with Chris and Peter over the coming Ruthann Lehrer at our booth at the Santa Monica Festival. months as their graphics are incorporated into both the website and newsletter de- Nancy O’Neill The Board and the Communications sign. We hope you will be as pleased as Barbara Whitney Committee talked at great length about what the Conservancy stands for and we are with the Conservancy’s new look. Doris Sosin, Emeritus how that should be represented in the il- lustration and tagline. This was really hard Thank you to all. Membership Dues work! We wanted to fi nd a way to include Individual Membership $35 Household Membership $45 Low Income Membership $15 photo quiz See page 6 for the answer. Sustaining Membership $100 Supporting Membership $250

To support the Conservancy at higher levels, or with a business membership, call (310) 496-3146. The News Staff Alice Allen Margaret Bach Sherrill Kushner Ruthann Lehrer Nancy O’Neill Dick Orton Kay Pattison Judy Parsons Barbara Whitney Susan Zinner

how to contact the santa monica conservancy Phone us at (310) 496-3146 -and leave a message. Website www.smconservancy.org E-mail [email protected] Do you recognize this house? Itʼs no longer in its original location but youʼve driven by it many times. Mail address: Santa Monica Conservancy See page 6 for the answer. Photo courtesy of the Santa Monica Public Library Image Archives. P.O.Box 653, Santa Monica, CA 90406 page 3 volunteer profile by Sherrill Kushner cpf conference MARY ANN HAYS continued from page 1 ica which they bought in 1999. “It was love The Conference will offer four days of at first sight,” says Mary Ann about the house. workshops, educational sessions, tours and “Old houses have charm and mystery that new meetings on the theme “Preservation on the houses don’t.” The Hays residence was one of Edge.” It presents an opportunity to show- the homes featured on the Conservancy Ade- case preservation, sustainability and heritage laide Drive tour in 2008 and their gardens were tourism initiatives in the City of Santa Mon- part of our Landscapes tour in 2009. Through ica and the region, and will give members the years, Mary Ann and Tom have enhanced of the Santa Monica community, City staff their home with a collection of decorative arts and public officials the opportunity to learn — from textiles to pottery to fine art. from and network with their counterparts Not only is Mary Ann an admirer, she’s a from other cities and organizations across hands-on craftsman herself. “I’m drawn to the state. Recognizing the educational and crafts because it is fascinating to see how dif- financial benefits to the local community, the ferent cultures beautify their surroundings and Santa Monica City Council recently voted solve problems. Crafts originated with people’s unanimously to support the Conference as usage. It’s what connects them to daily life and a sponsor. Mary Ann Hays grew up in a house in makes it appealing and intriguing.” She has tried Cincinnati that had been built by her her hand at creating pottery, wood carving, be part of the conference grandfather in 1894 and inherited by drawing, model ship building, fabric dying, and her father. Since then she has always felt even some furniture building. She believes that Conservancy members and others comfortable in old houses and her children learning what skills are needed to do craft work interested in making proposals for now live in older homes. Mary Ann’s family makes you appreciate it all the more. Conference sessions and workshops split their time between Ohio and Southern The Conservancy has benefited from Mary may download information and the California, with homes in both places. She Ann’s dedication and hard work as a member application at spent summers working as a hospital aide at of the Program Committee and on the Board www.californiapreservation.org. Santa Monica Hospital and went on fishing nominating committee. “I like working with the Prospective volunteers for the boats out of Santa Monica. Conservancy because I believe in valuing our Conference should send email to Mary Ann’s dad enjoyed art and traveled heritage...that’s what we are. It’s like respecting [email protected] widely, collecting along the way. She has fol- your elders. I owe my town that kind of respect or call 310-496-3146. lowed that tradition. She and her husband Tom and honoring and saving things that are valu- live in a stately Craftsman home in Santa Mon- able, like architecture, is a good part of that.” palevsky, continued from page 1

Conservancy tribute to Max Palevsky at the Aero Theater, July 17, 2006, moderator Peter Bart, Ed McMahon, Jane Fonda, Max Palevsky and George Segal. Palevsky’s financial support of the historic the people of Los Angeles. His generous of Arts & Crafts furniture and Japanese prints Aero Theatre in Santa Monica which now contribution enabled us to reopen the Aero to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. bears his name. Theatre, which in just five short years has The Conservancy extends its condolences The American Cinematheque noted that become a beloved institution for film lovers.” to his wife, Jodie Evans, and his family. This it was “eternally grateful to Max Palevsky A resident of Los Angeles since 1950, the generous man will surely be missed. for sharing his passion for the movies with longtime art collector bequeathed his collection www.smconservancy.org page 4 designated landmark: gussie moran house a steeply pitched roof with a prominent front gable and an expansive L-shaped front porch. The walls were covered with plain and fi shs- cale shingles, adding texture and interest to fl at surfaces. A few years later a whimsical tower with a conical roof was added to this “domestic castle.” This house is notable as well for its famous resident—Gertrude “Gorgeous Gussie” Mo- ran. Born in Santa Monica, Gussie Moran took up tennis early, won several single and doubles championships, and by 1949 was playing on the Centre Court at Wimbledon. Moran wasn’t just a tennis champion, she was “one of the great originals.” At Wimble- don she created a scandal by wearing a shock- ingly short skirt with matching, visible lace pant- ies. While tournament offi cials debated her ouster, photographers scrambled for the best shots of her risqué attire. When newspapers around the world published the photos, Gussie Moran became known worldwide and atten- dance at women’s tennis matches soared. Mo- Gussie Moran House, located at 1323 Ocean Avenue, was built between 1887 and 1891. The architect is unknown. It was designated a landmark January 27, 1979. Photo from the Santa Monica Library Image Archives ran later toured professionally, played herself in the movies, and worked as a radio host. She Imagine the little town of Santa Monica in Victorian homes. lived in the house until 1986. the late 1880s. Although many structures At 1323 Ocean Avenue, the house that Today a modern building occupies the back were architecturally undistinguished, presti- was started in 1887 contained hallmarks of the portion of the lot, but a tidy front garden calls to gious Ocean Avenue fi lled up with imposing popular Queen Anne style. The house had mind the Victorian neighborhood. unexpectednexpected conservancy at 3rd annual santasanta mmonicaonica la heritage day by Carol Lemlein

• Haveave yyouou eeverver vvisitedisited tthehe ooffiffi cesces aboveabove the Carousel at the Pier?

• Do you know how to fi nd the grave Intern Elizabeth Gallo and Nelson White greeting visitors to the Conservancy exhibit at LA Heritage Day. Carol of the creator of Popeye at Lemlein and Eric Natwig also participated. Woodlawn Cemetery? • Did you realize there are artist studios Conservancy volunteers joined dozens of par- The L.A. Heritage Alliance was formed at the Santa Monica airport? ticipating preservation organizations, museums in 2008 to help leverage the efforts of the and historical societies at the 3rd Annual Los region’s more than 200 historical organizations, These are just some of the unique Angeles Heritage Day, held April 11 at the societies, and museums dedicated to preserving locations that will be featured on a self- Heritage Square Museum off the Arroyo Seco and promoting the rich and varied histories, guided tour of hidden treasures of Santa Parkway (110 Freeway) in Los Angeles. Over industries, and individuals that helped Southern Monica. Mark your calendar for August 1,200 people attended from as far away as California become the place it is today. 15 and be prepared to see your home Newport Beach and Santa Barbara. For more information see: town in a whole new light. http://laheritage.blogspot.com. page 5

MEET THE INTERNS the San Francisco Institute of Architecture. The students are assisting the Conservancy with special projects such as preparing presen- tation materials for community events, develop- ing a historic preservation glossary for elemen- VOLUNTEERS tary school students and serving along side other Conservancy volunteers at events like the NEEDED! lecture series and Los Angeles Heritage Day. Support the Conservancy by donating Elizabeth Gullo and Wendell Keller The internship program has benefi ts your time and skills The Conservancy is pleased to welcome for the students as well, helping to build a our fi rst student interns: Elizabeth Gullo, new generation of preservationists. When • Newsletter a 4th year interior design student from asked about his internship experience so far, • Event and tour planning Villa Maria College in Buffalo, NY, and Wendell explained that “working with the • Other aspects of our programs. Wendell Keller, a LEED-AP (Leadership in Conservancy has given [him] more insight Energy and Evironmental Design Acreditted and appreciation for historic preservation call 310-496-3146 www.smconservancy.org Professional) currently pursuing his MBA at and its relevance for a sustainable future.” news from the annenberg community beach house by Ruthann Lehrer beach house summer schedule

Until June 20 Beach House open weekends Marion Davies Guest House staffed by docents 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Guided tours 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm No reservations required for tours June 5 Guest House closed for a special event June 21 to labor day Beach House open every day except Wednesdays Marion Davies Guest House staffed by docents 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Guided tours 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm Docents react to seeing Marion Davies on screen in the silent comedy, “The Patsy.” No reservations required for tours New docent trainees and the public were who had served for the year since the Beach June 22 – september 7 treated to three lectures on the cultural House opened. The highlight of the evening Cultural programs each Tuesday and architectural history of the Annenberg was a screening of “The Patsy,” a 1928 evening at 6:30 pm Community Beach House in March. The silent fi lm comedy starring Marion Davies. Programs are free, but reservations Conservancy is grateful to volunteers Sarah Nan Friedman, Manager of the Beach are required Barnard, Ursula Kress, Diane Locklear, House, thanked the volunteers for their Tour of the Guest House at 5:15 pm Nancy O’Neill, Judy Parsons and intern invaluable work as tour guides and for making July 21 – 23 and 28 – 30 Elizabeth Gullo who each helped with the visitor experience both more personal 4:30 – 6:00 pm the program. and educational. The City presented “Shakespeare Santa Monica” performance The new docents will soon begin giving certifi cates of appreciation to the docents for in the Guest House their dedicated service to the Beach House. Program is free, but reservations free guided tours of the site. The Conservancy are required is proud of its role as the City’s partner in The Conservancy sends its thanks to providing interpretative services with this Fred Deni, proprietor of Back on the Beach Check the City’s website: enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers. Cafe, who provided a lavish spread of [email protected], On April 26, the docents gathered for hors d’oeuvres for the party. Thanks also for up-to-date information about hours, events and planning your visit. a social evening, in anticipation of the busy go to Eileen Kawas, who handles docent summer season ahead. New docents-in- scheduling, for her contributions to this event. training had an opportunity to meet those

www.smconservancy.org page 6 landmarks commission report upcoming reuse as a computer network facility. One preservation original jail cell will be retained and restored events in place, as an artifact of times gone by and as a small exhibition space. The project “Their Rights and mitigation (required by the Federal project Nothing Less”: funding) stipulated that all salvageable items A Celebration of be offered to the public, free-of-charge. Women’s Suffrage The result: three salvaged door knob sets Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, found their way to new owners: the Santa June 5 - September 26, 12-4 pm Monica Historical Museum; the Santa Heritage Square Museum Monica Police Department archives; and a (323) 225-2700 http://www.heritagesquare.org/ Onion Dome to return to the Looff Hippodrome Building long-time employee of the department, now set to retire. Santa Monica residents will be calendar_of_events.htm by Margaret Bach relieved to learn that the City still maintains evolving landmarks a jail located in the new Public Safety and 10th Annual Antique & Santa Monica’s landmarks continue to Police Building. Contemporary Tile Sale evolve in response to changing needs or The Onion Dome returns to the Saturday, June 12, 9 am-4 pm Looff Hippodrome Building through efforts to renovate and restore. California Heritage Museum The Commission approved plans to re- Several matters coming before the (310) 392-8537 construct the original onion dome atop the Landmarks Commission recently highlight http://web.mac.com/calmuseum/Site/ landmark 1916 carousel building on the the Commission’s role in stewardship of the Upcoming.html City’s Landmarks. Santa Monica Pier (originally the Looff Hip- doing time at the santa monica podrome Building). The replacement dome city hall has been designed to match the profile and celebration on the The Commission reviewed and approved massing of the original feature. It will bring colorado street Bridge a salvage report for the now-shuttered City the building closer to its original fanciful Saturday, July 10, 6 pm - 11 pm Hall Jail, currently undergoing adaptive blend of Moorish and Byzantine elements. Pasadena Heritage (626) 441-6333 march with http://www.pasadenaheritage.org us july 4th! downtown sunset tours Be a part of the July 14 - August 25, 5:30 pm Los Angeles Conservancy 4th of July (213) 623-2489 Main Street Parade http://laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main. php4 To volunteer, call 310-496-3146 or old spanish days email: [email protected] fiesta 2010 August 4 - 8, 2010 Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc., photo quiz answer Santa Barbara Trust for Angel’s Attic Historic Preservation (805) 962-8101 516 Colorado Avenue http://www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org/ The Kuns residence was originally located at the NW corner of 4th and Wilshire. Today it is a museum of exhibition antique dollhouses, miniatures, dolls, and “home lands, How toys sponsored by the Angels for Autistic Women Made the West” Children for the benefit of the Julia Ann Ongoing through August 22 Singer Center. Next time you are in the Autry National Center neighborhood, stop by. (323) 667-2000 http://theautry.org/exhibitions/home-lands page 7 dwt docents walk into fourth year june 2010 new members Ben Allen

Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc.*

Carolyn Coughlin-Grimm

Jan Fryer

Madeline Heller

Nancy and Richard Strick

Jane Wiedlea Koehler The colorful, early days of Santa Monica come to life in the Downtown Walking Tours by Kay Pattison showcase the treasures of our downtown. Margarita Wuellner, Ph. D., PCR Services * It may be hard to believe, but we have been If you have taken the tour in the past, we leading walking tours through downtown recommend you come back to explore the * New Business Members Santa Monica for three years. So far this year new route. The tour now includes Ocean 45 people have taken our weekly tour, and Avenue ending at the Georgian Hotel. It cov- in the past year our docents hosted over 200 ers two blocks of Palisades Park where we talk people. about the Pier, the Gold Coast and the Battle june 2010 Our docents have also conducted tours of Santa Monica Bay. We also visit the Hotel business members Adamm’s Windowfor special Ad 2:Layout groups. We1 2/10/10 led a 7:15 Mystery PM Page Desti -1 Carmel and The Shangri La, in addition to the nation tour for 30 people who did not know Georgian Hotel. Adamm’s Stained Glass * where they were going or what they were It’s easy to join the tour. You can go to the Kate Bransfield, going to do until they arrived at the destina- website: www.smconservancy.org reserve Coldwell Banker tion. (They loved it!) We led a tour for the online using your credit card. Non-mem- Chattel Architecture, wives of the Regents of Pepperdine Univer- bers pay $10, and members pay only $5. Planning & Preservation, Inc. sity, one for students at Santa Monica Col- While we recommend making reservations, Julie Chambers L Ac lege studying Urban Planning, and one for we also accommodate walk-ups whenever the Roving Ambassadors of Santa Monica to space is available. David Forbes Hibbert, AIA * Morley Builders * Eric Natwig, New West Partners Pankow Preservation Arts Spectra Company Margarita Wuellner, Ph. D., PCR Services

* Sponsor Member or higher

S TA I N E D G L A S S & G A L L E R Y

STAINED GLASS RESTORATION ORIGINAL DESIGNS HISTORIC RESTORATION HOLLYHOCK HOUSE We are proud to have been chosen to restore the stained glass windows at the 2nd Church of Christ Scientist, 946 W. Adams Blvd. 1426 4TH STREE T, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401 • 310.451.9390 • ADAMMSGALLERY.COM

www.smconservancy.org page 8 Santa Monica Conservancy Nonprofi t Org U.S. Postage PAID look what’s inside! Santa Monica,CA Permit No. 36 Page 1 Palisades Tour CA Preservation Conference P.O. Box 653 Santa Monica, CA 90406-0653 Max Palevsky Remembered

Page 2 Message from the President City Photo Quiz

Page 3 Volunteer Profi le

Page 4 Gussie Moran House Unexpected Santa Monica Tour LA Heritage Day

Page 5 Meet the Interns Annenberg Beach House News

Page 6 Landmarks Commission Report Preservation Events

Page 7 DWT Starts 4th Year New Members Business Members

Page 8 More on March Photo Quiz Palisades Park Tour Ticket Information

MORE ON THE MARCH CITY PHOTO QUIZ palisades park tour ticket information tickets $10 for members $15 for nonmembers. Become a fi rst-time Conservancy member at a discounted rate ($10 for individuals; $15 for households) and purchase tour tickets at the Photo dated: February 17, 1938. Photo Courtesy of the Photo dated: May 31, 2010. Photo by Dick Orton member’s price. Los Angeles Public Library Photo Archive by Debbie Bernstein In 1993, the 401 Partnership purchased the ticket Editor’s note: building, which had been slated for demolition. purchase options The City Photo Quiz for March asked mem- During excavation for reinforcement and (advance tickets recommended): preservation, the discovery of massive footings bers to locate the Security-First National • mail: the tear-off from your fl yer Bank shown in the photo of the Bay Area suggested the original building was intended Transit Co. bus. Member Debbie Bernstein’s to be much more substantial, perhaps a high- • online: www.smconservancy.org father was one of the partners who rehabili- rise. Those plans were likely curtailed by the • on tour day: ask at Conservancy tated the building. Our thanks to Debbie for fi nancial constraints of the Great Depression. check-in table near the Visitor Center sharing her insights. Today the building’s white brick exterior, after 2pm. (subject to availability) The photo was taken on Fourth Street at Santa though concealed by Shotcrete, a seismic Monica Blvd. The Security-First National upgrading compound, remains much the Parking in city lots or on the street. Bank building still stands. Originally located same as it did in the 1920’s. However, it’s Visitor Center is located at 50 feet east of Fourth Street on the northeast now home to local retailers and several high 1400 Ocean Avenue. corner along Santa Monica Blvd, it had a profi le entertainment companies that enjoy parking lot on the west side along Fourth. In the complete interior renovation/restoration 1925 the storefronts along Fourth were added. done in 1993. www.smconservancy.org