THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1934 THE VAN NUYS NEWS SEC. 2—PAGE 3 T^ Intere m/vcHiIH Y T jT^ tf^\ ^s O 1914 Leading U? to the Founding of Van Nt'rs and Covering- ihe JANUARY 1—Van Nuys band, with M. N. Callender director, ap- ( pears in neat in Roje -Carnival parade in Pasadena. First Five Years of Development in New Town ; JANUARY 6—High school district formed at special election. j JANUARY 19—High school trustees, D. M. Gibson, Wm. Campbsll in San Fernando Valley From 1769 to 1913 I and Mrs. H. F. Leslie, meet to organize and take first steps to secure i building. _. I JANUARY 17--:8—4.46 inches rainfall. Ccmpikd by Frank 5-?. KefTsr fcr Old-Timers' an-J Fc-jnds;rs' Bay Ceie- JANUARY 20—Nathan F. Smith chosen as high school principal 'bratlin February 22, 1934, Sponsored by Van Nays Khvanls Club i and eiee'-km ordered for $120,000 bond issue to secure site and building! .' JANUARY 24-23—Heavy rainfall. Van Nuys on main line of 17G9 i Sv. iithei n Piicifi.-. when tia:nr> luuted ever Chatswcrth branch line. Don Caspar de Forto'a, on historic exploration journey, fc-und this | JANUARY 25—First Ccrholic service in Van Nuys held by Rev. F: valley and christened it "El Valle de Sania C&ttUins dc Bc-nonia de Zos j C. F. Campbell of Burbank. Emir.'^s" (The Valley of Saint Catherine cf Ecnonia of trie Live Caks). i FEBRUARY 2—Chamber of Commerce starts move to secure protec- In'qjiins only settlers. • ' tion :'rcm storm waters. H. M. Lennox, J. H. Calhoun and Frank M. Keller n.vau-ci on committee. ,"""** 1797 j FEBRUARY 10—Southern California Edison company opens head- 'Septembcr 8. Valley renamed "SI Valie de San Fernando," when Mis-- 1 quarters lu-:v with Chas. H. Coulter as district manager. iitin San Fernando 'Ray de Espana was founded by Father P-_rmin FEBRUARY 11—Branch of county library opened with Mrs. H. S. Francisco de Lausen and Francisco Dumetz. TrciUT and Mrs. Paul F. Shepard in charge. Room in school building. FEBRUARY IS-21—Heavy rains, totalling 7.17 inches, cause flooded 1831 j condition when Pacoima Wash goes on rampage. Pio Pico victor in battle at Mission with Manuel Victoria, after VAX XUYS TOWXSITE AT IT LOOKED OX FEBRUARY 22, 19H—JUST TAVENTY-THKEE YEARS AGO TODAY i FEBRUARY 2-:—Election en S120.000 bond Issue for high cchcol. he received a large grant of land included in the Valley, | Preposition carried 118 to 0. : The above photograph was tak'.-n 1'rr.m abcut the location cf the present William Andrew building-, lucking m.-ih on Van. Xuys boulevard. The | MARCH io--c. E. Varney opens theatre in Whitson block. 1842 j auicmcbife in (he foreground is facing- east on Sylvan street. The tent is at the present, location cf (he Sulton building:. The derrick for the ! Icwn wel! can be seen ever the tent and was located about where the new Van Xuys Theatre building now stands. \V. P. Whitsctfs small of- MARCH 17—G. G. Steere starts poultry plant near Van Nuys. Grant of 126,000 acres by Pio Pico to Eulogic F. de Celis for $1-1,000. MAY 2—-Tentative, boundaries for proposed Water Works D~istrict, ! i ice building:, to the right cf the center cf the picture, a:id the large black beard, were the center cf nctivitio -. the «:>enin <•; lot sa!e being hull! I embiacing B5.545 acres in Valley, approved by Valley committee. 1854 i that day. Today (Vie Security-First Naticsial Bank building: stands at the corner occupied in the picture by Mr. Whitsctt's office. JUNE 1—First rural route established for Van Nuys postoffice. Fio Pico reoought a half interest in these lands for $15,000. JUNE 3—Van Nuys Masonic Lodge instituted with 15 members. Partial List Pioneer Business Firms, Industries, Profession etc. in the Early Development of Van Nuys Rooms in First National Bank build.ine. J. A. Bailey, W. M., L. L. 1869 -Original owner and developer W. P. Whitsett.^First Commercial Hatchery... 3. R. Holiowa-. Whitson. S. W.. L. E. Bliss, J. W., J. ~G. Hathaway, secretary, M. N. Isaac Lankershim -organized a. syndicate of San FrenciEco capitalists. IFirs t Bank. First National Bank of Van Nuys....President.XH. J. WhitleyTFirst Building Contractors J. A. Cakhvell, J. T. Ccleman. W, B. Doo" Callender, treasurer. known as The Sain Fernando Farm Homestead association and pur- i . Cashier, L. E. Bliss. little, J. W. Miles, W, R. Lehman, W. E. Young. Geo. Hunter. JUNE G—Thirty-five miles of highway lights turned on with Mardi chased 59,500 acres in the southern part of the Valley for $115.003. i.'' First Newspaper. "The Call," published by E. R. Elkins for thirteen Pioneer Real Estate Salesmen. .Prank R. Haddock. M. M. Me- Gras celebration. N. Van Nuys .was one of the large stockholders of the association. Soon weeks and purchased by The Van Nuys Publishing Co., Inc., chang- Cc:uiug-h'jy. Rebt. U. Biggert, Chas. E. Thurstcn. L. L Whitsyn. JULY 3—Block E in townsite selected for high school site. after there were formed from these lands and in the south and west ing the name to "The Van Nuys News," and establishing the first _ Paul F. Shepard. JULY 20—FiiKi surveys started to provide storm water control for parts of the Valley six large randies, known as the Sheep, Kester. printing- plant. Editor and publisher. Frank M. Keffer. ' f-hft Cement Contractors D. L. Cowan. Jos La3e!le. Vv. E. Peck , Van Nuys area. Home, Fatten, West and Workman. First Grocery Stores ...H. S. Trctter, Simgcn & Newman Fim School Ttachur . Edith Pri'scot; \ AUGUST K—Bids opened for high school building and contracts j First Hardware Store Win, Andrew Firs; School Principal .Mrs. Rhode1;-! awarded to Fred Stuhlhuth and others fcr $70,244. 1871 i First Drug Store W. E. Bechtelheimer First High School Piincipal .. Nathan F. Smith j AUGUST 10—Boundaries of Water Works district reduced to 76,030 .-Name of association changed to The San Fernando Sheep Company ! First Restaurant.: E. O. Cunningham First Ministers....R;:v. Willard Aldrich, Rev. D. F. Barnes, Rev. W. F. acres and allotment el' S2.555.104 approved as districts share of cost for when 40,000 sheep and many cattle were herdecl on the lands. ' j First Plumbers J. A. Bailey, H. O. Jett Dowd. entire Valley installation. Bond issue cf $2.GOG,000 recommended to i First- Garage F. R. Cyriacks First Sunday School Superintendent. S. T. Meyer supervisors. 1873 ! First Transfer Fred Donneliv, F. E. Willits First Church Erected AUGUST 10—State Bank cf Owensmouth chartered. First Presbyterian 1. N. Van Nuys rented a large body of the lands and pioneered the cul-| Hotel Joseph Donnelly First Chamber of Commerce President S. O. Houghton AUGUST 25—L. L. Whitson nominated for Justice of Peace at Ovation of wheat, which soon became a major industry and replaced iFirs t Lumber Dealers . G. A. Huffaker. The National Co. First Chamber ol' Commerce Secretary... Frank M. Keffer primary in close race. f sheep herding. i First Nursery C. B. Hewitt, E. W. Hewitt First Social Club Pioneer Club NOVEMBER. 10—Special election on formation of Water Works ! First Feed & Fuel Dealer ; .-j. M. Frazer First Woman's Club President .Mrs. H. S. Trotter District No. 3 and S2.GOG.OOO bond issue. Vote: Van Nuys, 431 for, 1880 ; First Physician Dr. E. E. Patten First Woman's Club Secretary ...Mrs. W. A. Bowen 8 against: Owensmouth, 78 for. 0 against; Pacoima, 79 for, 1 against; Van Nuys and Lankershims pool interests and organize The Los An-|pir£t Dentist Dr. M. N. Callender First Grammar School Trustees . Jas. Lyon, W. E, Lane, D. E. Gib-son Chatsworth 150 for. 3 against. Total, 738 for, 12 against. geles Farm and Mining ccmp'any, adding fiour milling to their extcn-i Pirst Blacksmith R. Stachowica First High School Trustees D. E. Gibson. Wm. Campbell. Mrs. H. F. DECEMBER 14—School trustees authorize installation of pipe organ sive operations > First Postmaster Z. B. Langum, A. E. Nordvcld, assistant Leslie in high school. | First Bakery P. Bobeldyk First Furniture Dealer and Undertaker J. B. Langum DECEMBER 15—Pacific Electric station opened with Mrs. X. C. 1838 . First, Dairy W. E. Lane, Chas. Lane First Child Born (October 18. 1911) V/hitley Van Nuys HufTaker j Balcom as agent. Bumper yield of 510,000 bushels of wheat raised on lands owned and' Electrician R. W. Munro First Automobile Owned and Operated * G. A. Huffaker! DECEMBER 17—Federat'ecleratioi n of Poultrymen organised in bank room. operated by the Farming and Milling comoany. !pll 'st p- E- Station Agent Mrs. X. C. Balcom First Meat Market Fred Balster ' B- . Holloway presided. First Dry Goods Store Mrs. A. V. Anabel Pioneer Ranchers .S. O. 1-Ioughton, H. J. Lindeman, C. B. BarkUi, E 1910 First Southern Pacific agent ; L. S. Moranda E. Rasor, T. J. Nelk, Geo. B. Jess, D. H. Peres, G. H. Graves. J. L 1915 December. Tract of 47,500 acres, including the six ranches named above I First Painters Win. Vincnt. A. A. Haskell Stevenson, G. L. Bov.-en. Paul Edinger. Mrs. Marston, J. H. Calhoun. i JANUARY I—Van Nuys postorfice becomes Third class office. purchased from Los Angeles Farm and Milling company by The Lcs Fu-st Expressman and Drayman B. W. Dunn F. J. Eddy, C. E. Richardson. Jos. Gilbert, Harry J. Clever, Sam Mar- JANUARY 19—Van Nuys-Owensmouth-Marian Growers and Can- Angeles Suburban Homes company, a syndicate composed of Gen. Harri- Pll-st Theatre Manager J. W. Frasei tin. Wm. Campbell, H. F. Leslie, L. A. Gilbert, Chas. Forber, J. T. ning association organized. G. G. Williamson, president; R. L. Owens, son Gray Otis, Harry Chandler, Gen. M. H. Sherman, O. F. Brant and1 First Theatre building L. E. Greenburg Russell, J. G. Lennox. C. T. Reynolds. S. V. Rehart. W. J. Petit. C. F. vice-president; L. E. Bliss, treasurer; A. J. Boulanger, secretary and H. J. V/hitley. Participating shares were issued and taken over by I First Commercial Poultrymen....C. T. Millee. C. F. Heath, A. M. Harrison Hale, J. H. Ruby, Noah Lueinbill. Jno. Imbach, R. A. Haskins. manager. many of, the prominent business men of Los Angeles and vicinity. H. FEBRUARY 27—D. M. Gibson appointed postmaster by President . J. Whitley was made manager and an extensive program of de- 1912 101,I Wilson. MARCH 20—Valley votes on annexation to Los Angeles city. Votes: velopments outlined, including the construction of Sherman Way boule- JANUARY 23—Methodist church organized by Rev. F. D. Mather. JANUARY 17—One hundred twenty-eight pupils enrolled in gram- vard and the extension of the Pacific Electric railway from Hollywood 1 First pastor, Rev. D. F. Barneo. Van Nu.vS 397 for, 14 against; Owensmouth 62 for. 0 against: Chats-' mar school. worth G9 for, 2 against; Pacoima 142 for, 7 against; Roscoo 11 for, 2 into and through the tract. The lands were surveyed by V. J. Rowan j FEBRUARY 1—Charter granted for First National Bank of Van JANUARY 27—Chamber of Commerce indorses movement to annex against. Total 681 for, 25 against. and three towusites platted, Van Nuys, Marian and Owensmouth. The! Nuys. to Los Angeles city. surrounding lands were cut up into parcels ranging from 2',i to 4Q' MARCH 31—Public reception and farewell for Dr. and Mrs. E. E. acres and an intensive .sales, campaign was projected. FEBRUARY 9—First hotel opened on Sherman Way by Joseph Don- JANUARY 31—Bids opened for Methodist church building. Fatten who leave for Maine. nelly, owner and proprietor. FEBRUARY 7—State Highway Commission authorizes bids for APRIL 5—Van Nuys Road Improvement District No. 32 created to FEBRUARY 17—Plans of Architect A. C. Smith approved by trustees paving Ventura boulevard, from Encino avenue to Calabasas. pave and curb townsite streets. County provides 815,000. District $65,000. fcr grammar school building. FEBRUARY 22—First celebration of Founders Day. Ground broken FEBRUARY 7—Grammar school building formally dedicated. for grammar school building. Evening program of entertainment and FEBRUARY 23-27—Seven inches rainfall aids farming operations. dancing at Van Nuys Hotel. ; MARCH 4—Contract awarded to John D. Marsh Co. for paving MARCH 1-12—Rains totaling 3iG2 -inches ends three weeks period Ventura boulevard, Encino to Calabasas, 10 miles for $55.555. cf wind and dust storms. MARCH 22—Pacific Electric line opened between Van Nuys and I MARCH 21—Dinner for sales force given by W. P. Whitsett at -San Fernando. ..,--.„ I i Christophers in Los "Angeles."'"Attended by many prominent business j leaders of city. -"** MARCH 29—Auto road race at Owensmouth draws crowd. Thirteen j [ MARCH 30—First National Bank of Van Nuys opened for business cars entered, including Oldflckl. Taft and Tetzlaff. H. J. Whitley, president, Lewis E. Bliss, cashier, J. H. Heinen, vice APRIL 12—Poppy Day celebrated with John McGroarty and Gen. president. H. G. Otis 0.5 speakers. Barbecue. NJW street lights turned on :'n i APRIL, 3—Woman's club organized with sixteen members. Mrs. townsite. !i H. S. Trotter, president; Mrs. J. H. Calhoun, vice-president; Mrs: W. MAY 3—P. E. O. chapter organized at home cf Mrs. J. T. Russell j A. Bowen, recording secretary; Mrs. T. E. I vie, corresponding secretary: with eleven members. j and Mrs. Ida Bailey, treasurer. MAY 12—Sam Lascll and Ernest D. Gibson organize baseball team. [ Scene en Opening: Da-y Van Nays Toivnsite APRIL 7—First Presbyterian church organized with, forty-four February ZZ, 1911 members by Rev. W. B. Noble, D. D. MAY 17—Announcement that Murray M. Harris Pipe Organ Factory APRIL 8—Announced by A. B. S. Co. officials that 6,500 acres el would locate in Van Nuys. sugar beets were under cultivation 117 Valley. MAY 30—First baseball game. Players on local nine, H. Forbes, C. VAN NTJYS DEVELOPMENT APRIL 20—Poppy Cay celebration with barbecue and sports. Forbes, Gibson. Lasell, Swaim. Nordvofd, McWilliams, Smock, Johnston. Building P. E. Railway Van Nuys Blvd., 1911 1911 APRIL'22—New highway opened from east terminus of Sherman MAY 30—Poultry excursion to Pctaluma. by local men to gather Way to Lankershirn, connecting with Lankershim boulevard. data and information for expansion of industry around Van Nuys. JANUARY—W. P. Whitsett purchased half interest in Van Nuys APRIL 29—Meeting held to organize Board of Trade. Temporary j Resulted in bringing to Van Nuys O. B. Hubbell and L. E. Rankin to APRIL 7—W. P. Whitsett purchases 24.0 acres north of Van Nuys townsite named for I. N. Van Nuys, and starts development program. and opens tract for settlement. Well drilled, water lines laid, streets graded, buildings started, and first officers. Dr. E. E. Patten, president; F. M. Keffer, secretary. assist in movement. MAY 2—Van Nuys delegation attends meeting in San Fernando to i ,TTT ,t .,_..,_ «-i »•.- t- • APRIL 19'—Contract awarded to R. H. McCray & Co. by supervisors fales mji.de in townsite and tract. Construction started en Sherman JULY 1—Chamber of Commerce files petition requesting supervisors for town«