FELLOWS Gala to be Celebrated at The Huntington

HSSC will honor five individuals for direction, the company averaged six their uncommon lifetime achievements new titles a year for flfty years until his in the pursuit of history on Thursday retirement in 1984. Working closely Jane Apostol evening, March 21 in the Friends Hall with authors such as LeRoy Hafen, at The Huntington in San Marino. Juanita Brooks, Clifford Drury, The FELLOWS Award, inaugurated in Charles Outland, Sheldon Jackson, 1988, is the flagship ofHSSC' s awards Gloria Lothrop, Janet Fireman and Iris program and is the highest honor the Engstrand, Art Clark exemplifies the Society bestows. publisher as historian, making history The 1996 FELLOWS are: attractive and available to the general Jane Apostol, Arthur H. Clark Jr., public as well as to the specialist. Norris Hundley Jr. , Gloria R. Lothrop and Robert A Skotheim. Norris Hundley Jr. has tackled one of the more complex and Jane Apostol has earned a lasting controversial issues of reputation as a prize-winning local history-the supply and use of water. historian. She is the author of seven In three books, including his books since 1987, including centennial comprehensive The Great Thirst, histories of South Pasadena, the Hundley both documents the history of Historical Society of Southern water in the west and projects a vision California, Vroman's of Pasadena and for its future in California. As author the South Pasadena Public Library. of more than 65 books and articles­ She is currently working on a including co-author of California: centennial history of the Judson History of a Remarkable State­ Norris Hundley Jr. Studios. In addition to her books, teacher, administrator, and editor of Apostol has contributed two dozen the Pacific Historical Review from articles to scholarly journals and serves 1978 to 1995, Norris Hundley has as a volunteer in the historical deepened our understanding of our photograph collection at The state's rich historical heritage with his Huntington. Jane Apostol's productive and exemplary scholarship. outpouring of scholarship has sharpened our sense of place and Gloria R. Lothrop has enjoyed an personal identity as Southern active and productive career as teacher, Californians, particularly in the scholar and civic professional. She has Gloria R. Lothrop historically important region known as taught the history of California and the the Arroyo. American West since 1970. Currently she holds the W.P. Whitsett Chair in In 1934 Arthur H. Clark Jr. California History at California State joined the company his father had University, Northridge. Specializing founded in Cleveland in 1902. He in women's history, the history of quickly assumed responsibility for European minorities and the cultural manuscript selection, editing and the clash between the missionary and the production of The Arthur H. Clark American Indian, Lothrop has Company's publications. Under his Robert A. Skotheim Continued on page 3 Californiana Garden Fair Features Vignettes

50 Years Ago oin the celebration of the Lummis This Decade Garden's tenth year on Sw1day, J April 14. Vignettes created by garden he 1940s produced a designers and landscape architects will Tnumber of important books about the Golden State. dot the groW1ds illustrating waterwise Research must have flourished ideas and products. during the Depression Decade, See what Toyon Design, Hortus and because it flowered during Matilija Nursery do with fountains, Word War II and immediately pavers, potted plants, hammocks and after. native plants. Be tempted by the garden John Caughey launched the gifts offered by Sheridan Gardens impressive parade of published Nursery. Come and enjoy the artistry of works in 1941 with his one­ Water garden by volume text, California, a year these and other Southern California Toyon Design. which also brought us Farewell, garden designers. My Lovely by Raymond The popular garden walk/talks led by who helped install the garden. Chandler. ex'J)erts, including Bob Perry and Lili Although the Garden Fair is free, a The other headliners of 1941 Singer, will return. And in the donation of $3 .00 per person is include Robert G. Cleland, The afternoon, during a brief program, suggested. Proceeds will benefit the Cattle on a Thousand Hills; HSSC will honor the original volunteers garden. Adele Ogden, The California Sea Otter Trade, 1784-1848; George R. MacMinn, The Theater of the Golden Era in Artists Show and Sell at Museums Day California; Henry R. Wagner, outhern Californians are invited to about the five museums. Noted author Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and celebrate the rich artistic and and historian Jane Apostol will be on Budd Schulberg, What Makes Scultural history of the Arroyo Seco hand to sign copies of the book. Both Sammy Run? on Sunday, May 19, 1996. book and video will be available in the In 1942, Helen S. Giffen and The LW11mis Home and Garden will El Alisal Book Shop. Arthur Woodward combined their talents on The Story of El feature more than thirty local artists and The Southwest Museum, Heritage Tejon, which was followed by craftspeople who will display as we!J as Square Museum, Pasadena Historical Sherburn F. Cook, The Conflict sell their work. Because of the record MuseW11 and the Gamble House join the Between the California Indian attendance and success of last year's Lumrnis Home in sponsoring Museums and White Civilization ( 1943 ), premiere event, more of the Arroyo Day. Glenn Dumke, The Boom of the Mu'P"I'> artists than ever are ARROlO Each museum will be open free to Eighties in Southern California participating. the public and each will provide unique (1944), and Myrtle M. HSSC will also activities and entertainment. Be sure to McKittrick, Vallejo: Son of California, ( 1944 ). celebrate the debut of take advantage of the free shuttle The middle years of this Museums A long the between each location. For more war-disrupted decade produced Arroyo-a combined information, call the LW11mis Home. four classics of the state's gold book and video guide (213) 222-0546 rush literature: Irene D. Paden, In the Wake of the Prarie Schooner (1943); John H. History Conference Draws Capacity Crowd Kemble, The Panama Route, ore than 200 people attended the main ofPh.D.s and scholars. Neither 1849-1869 (1943); Georgia M 1996 History Conference at the the professional nor the layperson Read and Ruth Gaines (eds.), Autry Museum of Western Heritage on should be isolated. They should Gold Rush: The Journals, January 20. interact." Drawings and Other Papers of J. Goldsborough Bruff (2 vols. The conference-which has been Conference Coordinator Robert 1944 ), and David M. Potter the dream of Tom Andrews for more Blew notes this year's conference re­ ( ed. ), Trail to California ( 1945 ). than nine years-was designed to flected this concept in the makeup of Without question, the books bring together historians and history both the audience, and the speakers of the 1940s are worth reading enthusiasts, public and private school and panelists. and worth collecting. How teachers. Next year's conference on January many are your favorites? "History is inclusive," says 18 will continue exploring the essence Andrews. "It is not the exclusive do- of as a community. 2 Meet HSSC Director Peter Mauk

ntil his retirement in 1986, received special certificates designed by Peter Mauk was a popular Peter which were printed in the school's U teacher of dramatic arts at graphic arts department. Valley College where he taught from The certificates were Peter's first 1959, serving as department chair the introduction to the art of printing. In last twenty years. Although Peter's 1983 he offered to assist ailing master specialty is the history of theater, he also printer Richard Hoffman and began an taught the technical aspects of theater, involvement in the intricacies of fine including lighting, set design, acting printing. Eventually Peter bought and direction. hundreds of cases of type and four hand Each semester Peter's classes staged presses. Today the Peter 's Press three or four shows, putting into practice imprint on keepsakes is highly prized by their classroom experience. Many of his his fortunate friends. students went on to successful careers Peter is an outstanding cook and and include singer Viki Carr, actor and grows a bountiful garden-his ' mums director Victor French, designer Bob and roses are legendary. Peter Mauk Mackie and actress Jill St. John. brings to the board of the historical Along the way, Peter established society his love of history and an cinema and theater awards-"Oliviers" enthusiasm for working in its cause. PeterMauk he calls them. Nominees and finalists

HSSC FELLOWS Gala Continuedfrompage l published more than seventy books, University of Washington, he wrote efforts displaying privately held articles and reviews. In demand as a American Intellectual Histories and materials. As cultural leader, historian speaker, and consultant, Gloria Lothrop Historians. This seminal work was Skotheim has been able to reach an even has used her scholarship in the service followed by four others, including larger audience for history. of the community at large, thus bridging Historical Scholarship in the United the gap between the academic specialist States and The Historian and the The 1996 FELLOWs reflect the and the educated laypublic. Climate ofOpinion. In 1988 Skotheim variety of roles that generate a more came to the Huntington Library. Under immediate, personal and compelling Historian Robert A. Skotbeim is a his leadership as president, The sense of history. Join us in honoring man of distinguished accomplishments Huntington has increased its outreach to these individuals who have honed our as teacher, scholar, and administrator. the schools and the number of its sense of place and brought distinction to While professor of history at the exhibitions, including cooperative Southern California in the process.

THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN is published quarterly by the Historical Society Staff Promotions ofSouthern California which is a California non-profit organization (50/)(c)(J) MARGARET DICKERSON, a staff member since 1987, has been Executive Director Thomas F. Andrews The offices ofthe Historical Socitty of Southern appointed Assistant Director of California are located in the Lummis Home. Operations. She will be responsible 200 East Avenue 43, Los Angeles, CA 90031 Consultant Denise J Martin (213)222-0546 for the day-to-day functions of the Historical Society. Editor Carole Dougherty MICHAEL SANBORN who has HSSC OffiCe Hours Monday- Friday 9-5 been promoted to Assistant Director Contributors Robert Blew Margaretihckerson of Marketing will develop programs LummisHome Open to the Public for membership and publications. Michael Sanborn Friday - SWJday 12-4 Drawing on his experience in historic preservation, he will also Design Consultant Margaret Yasuda oversee conservation of the Lummis Group Tours Friday morning Home. Printing & Mai/ingLicher Inrect Mail by appointment

3 LocAL HisTORY ~ on Tour by Christopher Morales here was a time in the history of Novik:off played for the Angels in the when only umpires early '40s, and was famous not only Tcalled strikes, grass and flannel for his bat, but for installing his wife were the norm, and just movie stars in a box seat close enough for him to hired agents. There was also a time hear her taunts and jeers during his when major league basebaii existed at-bats. He claimed her taunts only east of the Mississippi. inspired him to win the Triple Crown Shortly after the tum of the century, in 1940. the West Coast harbored the best kept Stars -catcher secret in baseball. From its inception was legendary for in 1903, until the migration of the outrageous showmanship. Frustrated Dodgers and the Giants to California in with one ump's calls, Bragan 1958. the Pacific Coast League was slammed his chest protector into the baseball's "third major league." The dirt. Then ignoring the umpire's PCL combined a high level of play, order to retrieve it, he instead intense rivalries, loyal fans and a removed-one at a time- his mask, unique blend of skilled veterans and glove and shin guards before being promising youngsters. "It was," ejected. Bragan continued his remembered former player Chuck striptease from the dugout, tossing Stevens, "the greatest minor league of garments onto the field in Gypsy Rose them all." In 1949, at age 34, Luke Lee fashion-much to the delight of Easter joined the fans. "Runs, Hits and an Era: Padres. He was considered In a multimedia exhibit entitled The Pacific Coast League the greatest natural hitter the "Runs, Hits and an Era: The Pacific Coast League 1903-58 ," the Autry 1903-58" Pacific Coast League had seen since Ted Williams. Museum of Western Heritage brings back memories of the Pacific Coast The Autry Museum of Western Photo: Dick Dobbins League- the legends Jigger Statz, Heritage League and went on to Hall of Fame and Max West; a World February 17 careers in the majors. Legendary War I era game in San Francisco's to managers like Casey Stengel, Billy wild and woolly Rec Park; the May 12 Martin and Lefty O'Doul all learned infamous 1953 Stars-Angels brawl; their craft on the coast. and "recreated" games on radio. The years from the mid-1920s to Wrigley and are no Eight teams comprised the league: the early ' 50s were a high point for more, but from February 17 through the , the West Coast baseball. Baseball was May 12, baseball fans old and young Hollywood Stars, the San Diego the only professional sport at the time will have a rare opportunity to Padres, the San Francisco Seals, the and attracted the best athletes. Most experience basebaii at its best, when it Oakland Oaks, the , of the PCL teams were independents was a game played with only the fans the and the Seattle and therefore not controlled by a in mind. Rainiers. Excellent weather, intimate major league parent club. The PCL ballparks and devoted fans produced a tended to develop and retain its Christopher Morales is prestigious and competitive Coast players. In addition, the salaries were a Santa Barbara League circuit. often higher than the American or based free-lance The glory days of the PCL produced National Leagues' and travel and writer. He is a some of the greatest talent in the scheduling were much better. graduate of UC Santa history of the game. Joe DiMaggio, Many Southern Californians Barbara, and a Ted Williams, , Tony remember the rich and varied member of the Pacific Lazzeri were but a few of the players characters who distinguished the Coast League Histon·cal Society. who began their careers in the Coast teams. Lou "The Mad Russian" 4 WOMEN OF THE ARROYO

Margaret Collier Graham by Mary Helen Wayne argaret Collier Graham, Aunt M Margaret, or even Maggie. What a host ofimages this name brings to me: author; free thinker; preservationist; founder ofa library; women's rights advocate; charming hostess; friend of John Muir, Charles Lummis, Theodore Hittell, Ina Coolbrith; a resident ofSouth Pasadena and the Arroyo-from all reports, a delightful person. My big regret is she died before I was born and I never got to know her.

argaret, the youngest of the three Collier children, M graduated from Monmouth College in Illinois in 1869-the same year as her older brother and sister. At Wynyate shortly after completion in 1887. Donald Graham, Monmouth, she met her future husband, Margaret's husband is standing on the left side of the stairs. Donald Graham, who developed Wynyate is listed on the National Register of Historical Places tuberculosis shortly after graduation. Photo: The Huntington Following their marriage, the Grahams on a hill overlooking South Pasadena and Margaret Collier Graham was years settled in Bloomington, Illinois, but with a view toward the San Gabriel ahead of her time in her support of Margaret realized that the climate was mountains. Margaret lived there until women's rights, her zeal in preserving ill-advised for her husband and her death in 191 0. The home still stands California's heritage and her respect for engineered a move to California in 1876. and is beautifully maintained by its non-traditional religious viewpoints. present owners. The family was a bit in awe of her After settling in South Pasadena, success in writing and of her contacts "I have lived in California Margaret became active in civic affairs. with famous people. She knew and since 1876 She helped found the South Pasadena corresponded with John Muir, Lummis, and have, in consequence, Woman's Improvement Association­ Caroline Severance, Charles Walter no desire to go to heaven." which later became the Woman's Club; Stetson-who painted her portrait-and and also was a founder of the South Mary Halleck Foote. Margaret Collier Graham Pasadena Lyceum, which became the She maintained a Sunday afternoon South Pasadena Public Library. She "open house" and I still have the huge served as president of the Friday Morning punch bowl used on those occasions. She Margaret, her sister Jane and Don set Club in Los Angeles and as vice­ established a tradition for Christmas out by train for San Francisco. In July president of the Landmarks Club, where celebrations at Wynyate which lasted they sailed down the coast on the steamer she became fast friends with Charles F. long into my childhood. She loved the Ancon to Los Angeles. Letters written by Lummis. Arroyo and said: "I have lived in the sisters between 1876 and 1880 After Don's death in 1890, Margaret California since 1876 and have, in recounting their experiences in California began to write seriously. In 1895, consequence, no desire to go to heaven." have been published in the book We Houghton Miffiin published Stories of the Three Came West. Foothills which today is widely acclaimed Margaret and Don spent several years as a classic of early California literature. Maty Helen Wayne, a former president of in Pasadena and later moved to Los Other stories were published in the HSSC, was the city Angeles, where Margaret taught school. Atlantic and Century magazines, and a librarian ofSouth Don' s real estate interests eventually column, "The Angle of Reflection," Pasadena from 1972 realized enough profit for them to build a appeared in the California publication, unti/1978. rather elegant Victorian home, Wynyate, Land ofSunshine.

5 SOUTHLAND CHRONICLES ~ Hollywood and Vine ... Once it Glittered

his is the first in a series called famous crossroads reveals what exists define shop. The Ship Ahoy, at 1634 Yz T "Southland today as opposed to what used to be. is a nail parlor. On Vine Street's west Chronicles" Use your imagination and walk into the side, Clara Bow's It Cafe opened in written by HSSC past. 1943 off the lobby of the Hollywood member Willis On Osborne for The the north side of Hollywood Plaza Hotel, which today is a locked­ Southern Boulevard, just west of Vine, an X-rated residence hotel. Mike Lyman's Grille is Californian. movie theater sits on the site of a parking lot at 1623. Today's Osborne Sardi's-a famous restaurant of the '30s Huntington Hartford at 1615 opened as earned MA and and '40s. Next door, at 6321-25 was Wilke's Vine Street Theater in 1927. MS degrees Henri's Cafe and Delicatessen, a Charlie Across Selma was the second floor from USC where Chaplin hangout of the 1920s. Today, it Hollywood Roof Ballroom. Also on the he nurtured a life-long love of his native houses the Vine Street Theater. same block were Club La Conga at 1551 city and state. Retired after teaching for Harry Houdini and his wife agreed and the Celebrity Theater at 1541- 44 years, he now enjoys writing about California and the southwest. to try to contact each other ten years to which later became Tom Brenneman's the day following his death. The seance, Lanes. The Tropics at 1525 Vine with many guests, was held atop the became the home of Brenneman's ollywood and Vine, one of the Knickerbocker Hotel on Ivar, just north famous radio show Breakfast in world's most famous of the boulevard. The attempt failed. Hollywood. All were located in H intersections, is nondescript Just north of the intersection, the buildings destroyed by fire earlier this today, but it was not always so. In 1941, Hollywood Palace is a night club hosting year. the WP A-sponsored Southern California special events. More famous stars have Also within two or three blocks of Writer's Project Guide, Los Angeles, appeared here than at any other club in the Hollywood and Vine intersection described the spot as Southern Hollywood. Originally the Hollywood were NBC studios, the Hollywood California's "Times Square, an Playhouse in the '20s, Ken Murray's Palladium, Earl Carroll's, AI Levy's, inexhaustible source of comic and tragic Blackouts played here when it was the and Coffee Dan's. West of Vine near material for columnists, romancers, El Capitan. Television's Hollywood the still-beautiful Pantages Theater were debunkers, and serious novelists." Palace also originated here. two popular eateries-The Toad in the The description also related to the South of the boulevard the famous Hole and Vallera Italian Kitchen. The area's exciting night life. Today's Brown Derby was at 1621 Vine Street. former building no longer exists, the unremarkable intersection was a center It is now a parking lot. The Sea Food latter is empty. Hollywood and Vine­ of activity during the '20s, '30s, and Grotto, popular in the 1930s, at 1652 at one time certainly earned its fame. '40s. A pleasant walk around the houses World A Culture-a hard-to-

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOUNDED 1883

For fast convenient renewing call 1 (800) 99 HISTORY All Members Receive ... Please enroll me as a member in the Historical Society o[Southern California in the category checked. Annual subscription to the SOUiliERN CALIFORNIA QUARTERLY Annual subscription The Southern Californian Check enclosed, payable to the Historical Society ofS outhern California. I 00/o Discount in the El Alisal Book Shop Charge my credit card: _ Visa _ MasterCard Free Lunnnis Garden Fair and December Holiday Open House 8 Credit card number______Expiration date ______Additional Benefits for: SigJlature______$50 Regular Members $500 Benefactor Members Discounted program and event _ NEW MEMBER _ RENEWAL _ GIFT MEMBERSHIP All of the above plus ... tickers for family members A Docent-led tour of the Lummis NAME ______Home and Garden for four $100 Contributing Members All of the benefirs above plus ... ADDRESS ______$1,000 President's Circle One special publication All of the above plus ... Lectures and receptions for CITY ______,STATE ___,ZIP ___ _ $250 Patron Members President's Circle members All of the above plus ... featuring noted Southern Two special publications TELEPHONE(_)------California historians Membership contributions are tax-deductible within the limits allowed by law. For fwther information call HSSC at (213) 222-0546.

6 In Memoriam Jack Smith

embers of the Historical Society M joined southern Californians in sorrow on January 9 when columnist Jack Smith died On April 22, 1994 the Historical So­ ciety presented Jack with its Community Enrichment Award. Historian Gloria Lothrop said in tribute to Jack: "We have come to treasure Jack Smith for so deftly holding up the mirror to nature, for frankly facing the plastic side of our exis­ Dutch Holland Ward Ritchie tence, and then going beyond to capture the humanity, for mocking Iwood William "Dutch" Holland, ard Ritchie, prolific and our foibles-our loss of memory, former president of HSSC, world-renowned printer, book our illnesses, our impatience with E possessed a dry wit, an unerring W collector, writer and historian garden blowers-but giving to all instinct for taking prudent steps and of the book arts, who wrote nearly 100 the redeeming common denomina­ making haste slowly. We will miss him. books, designed about 750, published tor of our endearing humanness." Dutch graduated from the University thousands, and spent his retirement of Southern California in 1930 with a meticulously printing more than two We will miss his honest voice. degree in engineering. He later recalled dozen volumes on an 1835 Albion hand that his elective courses were all in the press, has died. humanities, and the most rewarding All printers print, but Ward did Victor Plukas course was California history. His first more. He immortalized the history and engineering job was with the beauty of printing by writing about it ictor Plukas, former HSSC Metropolitan Water District. Assigned eloquently. president, died on January 24 in V to the Beaumont field office, Dutch "Ward Ritchie is a marvelous writer Santa Monica. mapped the topography and aqueduct and raconteur, especially of the history Plukas left Lithuania as a refugee construction. Later, as a Lieutenant in of fine printing and book making as a and came to the United States after the Corps of Engineers Reserve he Los Angeles tradition. He opens the earning a bachelor of economics degree entered active duty with a survey door to the past and invites us to step from the Swiss School of Economics and company in the Colorado desert. inside," Tom Andrews said in a tribute Business Administration. From his early experiences in the for Ritchie's 90th birthday last year. Settling in California, Plukas joined desert, Dutch developed an interest in Ritchie studied art, literature and Security Pacific National Bank where he lost mines and their legends-an poetry. He graduated from Occidental administered its extensive early interest that led to book collecting. College and studied law for one California and Los Angeles photo Dutch read all of the books he semester at USC, but decided he would collection. His stewardship helped collected. He did not specifically collect rather do "something creative." preserve an important visual record of rare books, for rarity as such had little "I didn't think I could write the Southern California history. appeal to him but rather he focused on Great American Novel," he told The out of print books whose subjects Times in 1976, "and I didn't think I FOR LOVE OF IDSTORY interested him. Along the way he could paint as well as Matisse or TRIBUTES developed an interest in fine printing. Picasso-but I thought I could combine Dutch enjoyed good company, these two ambitions in printing." IN MEMORY OF conversation, and had an abiding In the last ten years Ritchie designed Elwood W. "Dutch" HoUand appreciation for the intricacies and six books for HSSC. We will miss him Tom Andrews diversity of the history of Southern for his joy in life and for his marvelous Gloria Lothrop California and the west. gifts to the art of printing. E. Peter Mauk Jr. His wife of 62 years, and fellow book Doyce B. Nunis Jr. collector, Marion Louise Holland From an article by Myrna Oliver for Louise Spretnagel survives him. the Los Angeles Times Jan Visser by Larry Burgess

7 Non-Profit U.S. Postage THE SOUTHERN PAID Pasadena, CA CALIFORNIAN Pennit #559

Historical Society of Southern California •• p •• -~ .~.-- •••• Save These Dates

MARCH 21 6 pm FELLOWS Gala The Friends Hall The Huntington

APRIL 14 11 am- 5 pm Tenth Annual Garden Fair Lummis Home Honoring the late Elna Bakker Waterwise displays by garden designers and architects

MAY 19 11 am - 5 pm Museums of the Arroyo Day Lummis Home Displays by more than 30 artists and craftsmen

JUNE 1 10 am- 4 pm Book Sale Lummis Home

Cruise Through History

Join us on a fascinating voyage through 150 years of Southern California's maritime past. Our day-long adventure includes:

All-new tours through the elegant A lavish and leisurely Dinner Cruise 1864 Phineas Banning Residence, through the harbor, with commentary home of the father of Los Angeles's by Maritime Museum director. modern port. William "Pete" Lee.

A Victorian Luncheon on the When: Saturday May II , 1996 Banning Mansion green. 9:30am -8:30 pm Where: Board a luxury coach in Private tours of the treasure-packed Pasadena (or possibly a second Los Angeles Maritime Museum, location near the harbor) with maritime historians and old Tickets: $100 HSSC members harbor "salts." $125 non-members Pay by check, VISA or An exclusive visit to Fort Mastercard MacArthur, America's Pacific defense during WW II, including RSVP: By April 12, 1995 rare exhibits housed inside massive gun emplacements. Seats limited. Don't miss the boat!