The publication of Hollywood Heritage, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to preservation of the historic built environment in Hollywood and to education about the role of the early flim industry and its pioneers in shaping Hollywood’s Fall 2013 www.hollywoodheritage.org Volume 32, Number 3 history A Little Barn Started It All By Mary Mallory ost visitors to the Hollywood Bowl establishments, filmmakers began churning and began searching for a new location on probably don’t realize the historic out moving pictures. Astute local business- which to expand their facilities. They settled Msignificance of the little gray barn men J. J. Burns and Harry Revier leased the on 26 acres north of Melrose Ave., acquir- sitting in Parking Lot D. Cecil B. DeMille di- barn at 6284 Selma Ave. from Stern in late ing land from the Hollywood Cemetery and rected his first feature film, The Squaw Man 1912, offering it as a potential rental lot for United Studios to construct a state-of-the- outside this tiny structure a century ago, aspiring filmmakers. art film studio with ample room to grow, making it the West Coast birthplace of what Actor/director Cecil B. DeMille arrived in under the new corporate name, Paramount is now Paramount Pictures. Countless stars Los Angeles December 20, 1913, eager to start Pictures. The filmmakers earned a huge have walked through its doors over the years, shooting Edwin Milton Royle’s western saga profit selling the Vine St. lot to investors, and the building itself has appeared in many The Squaw Man on behalf of the Jesse Lasky retaining ownership of the original barn. films and television shows. For more than Feature Play Company. Subleasing the barn Carefully packed on a horse-drawn truck, 112 years, this small barn has witnessed the from Burns and Revier for $250 a month, De- the company moved the dusty little barn evolution of Hollywood from sleepy village Mille and his co-director Oscar Apfel began to the new studio in 1926, the sentimental to filmmaking capital. shooting on December 29, 1913. Upon its re- good luck charm of the new conglomerate. This small relic consecrated the beginning of Hollywood filmmaking, the start of De- Mille’s and Lasky’s illustrious careers, and the birth of Paramount Pictures. Where once horses rested and produce and grain were stored, Paramount’s stars now flexed muscles, played ping pong, and rowed ma- chines in the studio gym, known as “the gray room.” Over the next several decades, the land- mark rested peacefully next to the studio restaurant, functioning as gym, rehearsal In 1901, businessman and investor Robert lease in February, 1914, The Squaw Man earned hall, meeting room, and special event fa- Northam erected a grand mansion costing over $250,000, firmly establishing Lasky and cility for the studio. Men such as Orlando $10,000 at the southwest corner of Prospect DeMille as successful filmmakers. Perry and Jim Davies offered massages and Ave. and Vine St. for his young bride Le- The executives continued producing managed the gym. Paramount celebrated otia. Across the street and south of Selma films on stages behind the little barn, with The Squaw Man’s release in 1936 with a star- Ave., the tycoon constructed a homely barn DeMille establishing an office inside the filled luncheon held inside the unpretentious to board horses and farming equipment. facility. Merging with Adolph Zukor’s Fa- building. To honor DeMille’s 30th anniver- Northam sold the property in 1904 to real mous Players to form Famous Players-Lasky sary in motion pictures, the studio threw a estate developer Jacob Stern, who employed in 1916, the filmmakers bought the property party inside the landmark in 1942. Bob Hope the stable as a garage for his large touring outright from Stern that year to construct an emceed the event, broadcast over NBC Ra- car, one of the first in Hollywood. Within actual film studio around the original struc- dio and attended by such Paramount stars as a few years, a new industry would spring up ture. Over the next several years, DeMille Paulette Goddard and Gary Cooper. around the Stern property. and Lasky constructed a topnotch produc- The old gray barn also appeared in count- Escaping wintry weather and patent com- tion facility on nine acres stretching from less films and television shows, beginning pany detectives, film companies began de- Selma Ave. to Sunset Blvd., with the simple with its first known appearance as a dilap- scending on the small burg of Hollywood in barn now merely a storage shed. idated barn in the 1914 film The Only Son . 1909. Renting taverns and other commercial By 1926, the company outgrew their lot, continued on page 5 President’s Message Barn Centennial To

Be Celebrated www.hollywoodheritage.org by Bryan Cooper here has Ten Commandments (1923) at the Egyptian BOARD OF DIRECTORS the time Theatre. Then on Saturday, December 14th, Bryan Cooper, President gone? Hollywood Heritage will offer a brunch W Richard Adkins, Vice President As summer fades catered by Grub Restaurant, followed by a away and fall slowly tour of the Hollywood Heritage Museum. Mary Mallory, Secretary creeps in, I am re- Brunch attendees will then be given an op- Tracy Terhune, Treasurer minded how quickly portunity to take a guided walk down to the time passes during Egyptian Theater, where a new restoration the fast-paced times of Samson and Delilah (1949) will be shown Bob Blue we live in. At the end on the big screen. of this year, it will have been two years since Other centennial events include an 80th Amy Condit I assumed the Presidency of Hollywood Anniversary screening of Cleopatra (1934) Denise DeCarlo Heritage a position I have enjoyed greatly at the Egyptian Theater in October, 2014, and felt honored to serve. I have learned so and there is much, much more still in the Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan much during my tenure that is hard to put planning stages. So stay tuned for future Margot Gerber into words. But mainly I have learned from announcements. For more information on you, our members, about your expectations ticket sales, pricing and start times, please John Girodo of our organization and me. I can’t tell you visit: www.hollywoodheritage.org and Randy Haberkamp how much I appreciate your feedback. I sin- www.americancinematheque.com cerely hope I have made good on your re- Finally, I want to remind you that Hol- George Kiel quests. In fact, many of you have requested lywood Heritage is your organization. So, if Jonathan Nettler that we celebrate our centennial in grand you want to become more involved in the style. And I couldn’t agree more! To that museum and/or preservation efforts please Chris Nichols end, I have been working with our Museum let me know. We are always looking for new Fran Offenhauser Committee to bring you some truly spectac- people and fresh perspectives as we contin- ular events to celebrate the centennial of the ue to move forward with our mission. Now Alan H. Simon Barn. Here’s a teaser of what’s to come… I hope you’ll join me in wishing the Barn Sue Slutzky Speaking of time, can you believe it’s a “Happy Birthday!” on this, its centennial been 100 years since director Cecil B. De- year!! I’ll be seeing you soon… Beth Werling Mille leased the barn and studio facilities for just $250.00 a month? Together, De- Mille and Lasky established the Jesse L. Authors’ Book Committees & Chairs Lasky Feature Play Company, which later Finance & Development - Amy Condit became what is now known as Paramount Signing @ the Barn Museum - Richard Adkins Pictures. But more importantly, in Decem- ber 1913 production of The Squaw Man, the he Hollywood Heritage Museum will Membership - Richard Adkins (acting chair) first feature film to be produced in Holly- host an authors’ book signing after- Nominating - George Kiel wood, began right here in our barn! How Tnoon on Saturday, December 7th Preservation Issues - Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan many of you have seen The Squaw Man? It from noon to 4pm. This is a great oppor- runs every day our museum is open, but I tunity to stock up on unusual gift ideas for Public Relations - Bryan Cooper suspect many folks have not had a chance to the holidays and the museum is offering free Publications - Alan H. Simon view it. That’s why we’re showing it on our gift-wrapping as part of the event. Or, sim- Silent Society - Randy Haberkamp big screen as part of a special Evening @ the ply add to your personal collection and casual Mary Zickefoose Barn on Wednesday, December 11th. Prior reading. Director of Membership Development to the film, we’ll have a host of knowledge- Authors Robert S. Birchard, Manny Pa- able guests in-house to talk about the early checo, Rosemary Lord, Mary Mallory, E.J. John Clifford Hollywood studios’ rich history. Stephens, Marc Wanamaker and many more Newsletter and Web Site Editor We’ll also be joining forces with our will be on hand to speak briefly about their Hollywood Heritage Newsletter is published friends at the American Cinematheque for books. Their books will be available for pur- quarterly by Hollywood Heritage, Inc., P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078 several programs. On Wednesday Decem- chase and personalized inscribed messages 323 874-4005. ber 4th the American Cinematheque will with the author’s signature. The perfect gift, present a 90th Anniversary screening of The for the perfect person. 2 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2013 Evening @ the Barn Recent Donations Gatsby Exhibit Julie Adams To Our Archives Members Only ollywood Heritage’s archives are ctress Julie Adams has had a long and used by researchers and supply Opening Reception productive career dating back to the Hmuch of the display material in the n exhibit devoted to F. Scott Alate 1940s, during which time she has museum. Items have also been loaned to oth- Fitzgerald’s iconic American novel worked in film, television, and on the stage. er institutions for display including the Autry AThe Great Gatsby – and to its many She has played an extremely wide range of National Center, the Academy of Motion film and television dramatizations – will open, characters, from powerful career women and Picture Arts and Sciences, and even in Europe with a free preview for Hollywood Heritage duplicitous schemers to supportive wives and to the Vienna Jewish Museum. Our collection members on Thursday, October 17th at the object of men’s desires. Miss Adams has has primarily come from generous donations 7:30PM, in the Hollywood Heritage Museum. starred in everything from costume dramas of historic memorabilia by people who bring Refreshments will be served. and westerns to sitcoms and contemporary them in to us. We welcome receiving these On display will be first edition and transla- crime shows. important pieces of history that friends and tions of the 1925 book, foreign and domestic Although she’s had roles in over 200 pro- families wish to preserve and have displayed. posters, photographs, lobby cards, vintage ductions, Julie Adams is primarily known for Other items that do not fit the museum’s programs and movie “heralds” from the vast her iconic status as the white-bathing-suited collection are donated to sell in our museum collection of Hollywood Heritage member Kay Lawrence in the classic 1954 monster store. Museum store sales of new and used Nick Beck, retired professor of journalism at movie, Creature From the Black Lagoon. Her books and collectibles provide an important California State University, Los Angeles. part as the gorgeous damsel in distress has steam of revenue that helps to maintain the Dr. Beck will be available to talk to about brought her much pop culture recognition. Lasky-DeMille Barn. his collection and Fitzgerald during the pre- Despite her fame Peter Ford has donated his father’s re- view. There will be some rare items, which as the Creature’s girl- maining fine arts collection and ephemera will only be displayed on this night. The ex- friend, Miss Adams from Glenn Ford’s film career. The paintings hibit will be in the museum until the end of is much more than a will be sold with the profits going to support the year. one-role actress. But the maintenance of the Barn. In 1940, when the virtually forgotten Fitz- due to her stunning Hollywood Heritage also received a gerald died at age 44, The Great Gatsby sold only good looks and un- donation of material from the career of seven copies and Fitzgerald’s total royalties for derstated acting style, Walter Carlton, principal of the Duplex Pro- all of his published works was just $13.13. the fact that she was jector Company. Set decorator Ann Champi- After World War ll, however, a remark- one of the more tal- on made the donation. Mrs. Champion’s late able Fitzgerald “revival” was triggered by the ented performers of husband, set decorator Chris Champion, was publication of two biographies, a novel, and her generation has not been widely recog- Walter Carlton’s grandson, and the nephew a play about his tragic life. nized. Inside the “business,” her skills are of dancer-choreographer Gower Champion. well-known, which is one reason her long ca- The museum acquired ephemera regard- reer has included work with John Wayne, El- ing the history of the play The Squaw Man, vis Presley, Angela Lansbury, Jimmy Stewart, which starting in December, will be part of a Gary Sinise, Rock Hudson, Tyrone Power, Hollywood Heritage Museum display on the Barbara Stanwyck, Glenn Ford, Doris Day, filming of this historic motion picture at the Kathleen Quinlan, and Oliver Stone. Barn. The donation by Pam and Jim Elyea On Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 at also included a program from the Los Ange- 7:30pm here in the Hollywood Heritage les stage production of The Squaw Man, with Museum, writer and film historian David lead Lewis Stone, later to play Judge Hardy in Schecter will offer a look into Julie Adams’ the Andy Hardy series for M-G-M. remarkable career. Her acting style will be profiled through film clips of some of her most famous and least-known performances, We Need Your and after the presentation, Miss Adams will Email Address partake in a Q & A with the audience. This event will be a fun and fascinating showcase o longer getting Hollywood Heritage Gatsby had been a 1926 Broadway stage play into one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and emails about programs and other (directed by George Cukor) and a Paramount talented living actresses. Nhappenings? Did you change your motion picture starring Warner Baxter as Jay. Afterwards, attendees are invited to meet email address, or perhaps, you never gave it Starting in 1949, Gatsby has been played Julie Adams in person, where she will be to us? on the big screen by Alan Ladd, Robert Red- signing copies of her enjoyable autobiogra- To get Hollywood Heritage event informa- ford and this year by Leonardo DiCaprio. On phy The Lucky Southern Star: Reflections from the tion, email your name and current email ad- television, he has been portrayed by Robert Black Lagoon, co-written with her son Mitch dress to: membership@hollywoodheritage. Montgomery, Robert Ryan and Toby Ste- Danton. The book will be available for sale com. And, be sure to approve Hollywood phens (son of Dame Maggie Smith). at the museum store. Heritage in your spam filter so it isn’t rejected. This is an exhibit not to be missed. Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2013 3 Hats Off to Black-Foxe Military Institute By Mary Mallory ong before there were Tiger Moms, side of the street, and administration, class- play them. many parents stressed discipline and rooms, dining hall and dorm on the east side. The school’s strong financial backing led Lhard work to their school-age children. Foxe’s name added prestige to the program. it to assist Los Angeles when it suffered fi- Boys were often enrolled in military prep Actor Foxe possessed more than 10 years ex- nancial difficulties. When the city of Los schools to learn discipline, rigor and fortitude perience on American movie screens, includ- Angeles skipped summer school classes in through both schoolroom work and athletic ing films directed by John Ford. He claimed 1932 because of empty coffers, Black-Foxe pursuits. however, that one of his longtime ambitions Military Institute opened its summer session Several Los Angeles military academies was to open and run a military school. at low costs to all students, male and female, existed in the 1920s, and chief among them His name drew colleagues and friends to provide them educational opportunities. was Black-Foxe Military Institute. to enter their children in Black-Foxe. Early Over the next several decades, more celeb- Founded in 1929 by Hollywood real estate newspapers and yearbooks show that sons of rity children attended the institute, including tycoon C. E. Toberman and headed by for- John Ford, Victor McLaglen, Jean Hersholt, sons of Charlie Chaplin, Sol Wurtzel, Sam mer actor Earle Foxe as president and Harry William Powell, Buster Keaton, Erich von Goldwyn, Hunt Stromberg, Frances Mar- Black as commandant, the school educated Stroheim, Edward G. Robinson, Sol Wurtz- ion, Donald Ogden Stewart, Richard Bar- day pupils and boarding students at the for- el, B. P. Schulberg enrolled and attended. thelmess, George Burns and Gracie Allen, mer Urban Military Academy, established in Other celebrity fathers included Paul Bette Davis, Bing Crosby, Jane Powell, Guy 1902. Many celebrity children either attended Whiteman, Harry Carey, James Kirk- Williams, Harry Cohn, Dennis O’Keefe, and/or graduated from the institute. The in- wood, Hobart Bosworth, Alan Ladd and Samuel Fuller, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, stitution itself appeared in a few films. George Marshall. Max Factor, and Gregory Peck, with sons of Black-Foxe Military Institute, spread over Many students chafed under the strict dis- Harold Lloyd, Art Linkletter, Jerry Lewis, five acres, opened Sept. 17, 1929, at 637 N. cipline; Robinson’s son was dismissed in the Robert Aldrich, Alexander Pantages, Andy Wilcox Ave. and Melrose Avenue to provide early 1930s and many left. Devine, and Irving Cummings actually grad- young boys with a fine scholastic education Like the military, daily reveille wakened uating from the school. along with disciplined military, recreational the students, who dressed and greeted senior The May 18, 1953 Da il y Va r i e t y stated that and athletic activities in up-to-date and at- officers in their rooms before proceeding to a 7-year-old Gary Lewis was selling auto- tractive buildings, all offering great opportu- breakfast. They attended classes before head- graphed photos of his dad, Jerry Lewis, for 10 nities for educational success. Black issued a ing to the drilling field for exercises. When cents each at the school. In the early 1950s, statement to the Aug. 25, 1929, Los Angeles the whistle blew, the band and assembled baseball great Joe DiMaggio proudly visited Times about the institute’s goals and aims. cadets marched across the street and into his son on campus. “It is our purpose to provide for Southern the dining hall while all traffic halted. The In 1935, composers Harry Warren and Gus California a thoroughly modern school for school followed a strict schedule of classes, Kahn wrote and wanted to publish a school boys, with facilities and educational advan- exercise, sports and drills. song on behalf of their sons attending the tages second to none in America…. The The first year’s commencement featured school, but competing studio contracts pre- school provides an education for students John Steven McGroarty as speaker, and the vented publisher Jack Robbins from printing it. from the first to the twelfth grades, both rental of a summer camp at Lake Elsinore. Young actors Bobby Breen and Scotty boarding and day pupils.” It was fully accred- By 1931, the school leased Camp El Capinero Beckett attended the academy, and actress ited by colleges for its rigorous courses. Lodge near Sequoia National Forest for its Shirley Temple’s brother George graduat- The institute offered a full curriculum of two-month summer camps. ed. Actor Robert Wagner attended through classic education classes including languages, Outstanding teachers and coaches also the eighth grade, when he was expelled. Ac- band, orchestra, music and drama, along with lured students to the school. Some had been cording to his autobiography, Gene Wilder an extensive sports offering: fencing, swim- hired from the Los Angeles Athletic Club supposedly suffered harassment because of ming, baseball, wrestling, football, boxing, and the Ambassador Hotel. George Pilking- his Jewish heritage, with his mother quickly tennis, volleyball, cavalry, horsemanship, polo, ton, formerly of the Royal Northwest Mount- pulling him from the school. military science and aviation ground school- ed Police, led the outstanding polo team, Students from all over the world enrolled, ing. Black played these up in his statement. which played most of its matches against col- from such countries as Japan, England, “What is of particular interest to both parents leges’ junior varsity teams. Late 1930s swim Egypt, Canada and Mexico, with many sons and students is the comprehensive program of coach Clyde Swendsen had coached the two of leaders of South American countries also activities designed to provide a complete and previous United States Olympic swimming attending. thorough blending of the mental and physical teams. Black-Foxe’s football, baseball and Boys never lacked for female compan- development of our students.” basketball teams also played against colleges’ ionship, however, as they held reciprocal Such outstanding sports facilities as junior varsity teams like USC, UCLA, and dances with Marlborough, Westlake, and Wilshire Country Club and the Los Angeles Stanford. The football team invited a Hawaii Marymount Schools, along with girls of the Tennis Club occupied land adjacent to the team to come play in 1936, with Black-Foxe Wilshire Ebell Club. school, and the school itself straddled Wilcox reciprocating by playing there in 1937. The Over the years, Black-Foxe appeared in a Avenue, with the drilling field and gymnasium Boys Town team, accompanied by Father few films. In 1940, Earle Foxe played a some- with indoor Olympic-sized pool on the west Flanagan, traveled to Los Angeles in 1938 to what autobiographical role in the Columbia 4 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2013 film “Military Academy,” filmed partly at the students. A book is being written on the long focus on film and Hollywood-related history, school. Foxe served as technical adviser for history of the institute. Only a memory to- and present special film screenings both at the 1943 MGM film “Best Foot Forward,” day, Black-Foxe Military Institute provided the Barn and at the Paramount Ranch in the starring Lucille Ball, June Allyson, Gloria rich educations and experiences to lucky and summer (Silents Under the Stars). DeHaven and Harry James, which filmed on well-off young men, shaping them for lives Along with running the Museum and the school’s drilling field. Jerry Lewis em- of service and success. hosting events, Hollywood Heritage actively ployed the gymnasium in his 1961 film “The Hollywood Heritage board secretary Mary works to preserve the historic built environ- Ladies Man.” Art Linkletter shot on location Mallory originally published this article on her ment of Hollywood. Thanks to the work of for “On the Go” in 1959. L.A. Daily Mirror, Hollywood Heights blog, the group, such Hollywood icons as the El During World War II, several students http://ladailymirror.com/category/hollywood-heights/ Capitan Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, Janes served in the armed forces, with Lt. Harry House, and Roosevelt Hotel have been re- Gaver Jr., son of headmaster Harry Gaver, Barn continued from page 5 stored and preserved. perishing on the Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor. Exterior shots of the building can be seen in While 112 years old, the hardy Lasky-De- Graduates also served in the Korean conflict. the filmThe Rainmaker, Bonanza television ep- Mille Barn still gracefully welcomes visitors Ray Rosendahl, the California underwrit- isodes, and other westerns. The interior ap- to bustling Hollywood, a poignant remind- ing manager for Seaboard Surety Co. of New pears as a gym in The Devil’s Hairpin and the er of the simple farming community from York, whose sons attended Black-Foxe, ac- 1979 Henry Winkler film,The One and Only. whence it sprung. quired the school from Toberman in 1959. On December 27, 1956, the State of Cal- This article was originally published in the Sep- At the time, 225 day students and 100 resi- ifornia designated the Lasky-DeMille Barn tember issue of this year’s Hollywood Bowl program. dents attended the school. Rosendahl owned as California Historic State Landmark #554, and operated the school for three years be- recognizing the Barn as the first major film Evening @ The Barn fore passing leadership over to parents, who studio in Hollywood. formed a nonprofit organization. After a few By the late 1970s, however, Paramount Hollywood Meets the years, financial problems forced their hand, required more office space, and most of the Movies, December 11 with the rights reverting to Rosendahl. In the western backlot was scheduled for demoli- mid-1960s, students and their families paid tion. In 1979, Paramount Studios gave the ecember marks the beginning of the $900-$1,400 tuition to attend Black-Foxe. Lasky-DeMille Barn to the Hollywood His- filming ofThe Squaw Man, the first fea- By the middle of the 1960s, however, toric Trust, a cultural heritage division of Dture-length film made in Hollywood changing cultural and social attitudes de- the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The by what was to become Paramount Pictures. creased attendance and financial revenues at group moved it to a parking lot beside the As part of all military schools. Relaxing attitudes and Palace Theatre, now the Avalon, on Vine St., our centen- increasing opposition to the Vietnam War while they searched for a permanent location. nial celebra- trumpeted the death knell for Black-Foxe While the barn sat deteriorating, a new- tion of this and many similar institutions. ly formed historic preservation organiza- l a n d m a r k In 1969, Rosendahl demolished all the tion called Hollywood Heritage jumped into film, Holly- school buildings to begin condominium con- action. Leaders Marion Gibbons, Christy wood Meets the struction on the five acres. Workmen sim- McAvoy, Susan Peterson-St. Francis, Mildred Movies, Eve- ply threw trophies, pennants, photographs, Heredeen, and Frances Offenhauser rallied ning @ the plaques and books in the trash, many luckily former Supervisor John Anson Ford and Barn tells the plucked from the dumpsters by observant then-current Supervisor Edmund D. Edel- story of the alumni. man to their cause. Edelman found the struc- pre-st ud io Today, most of these treasures reside in the ture a home near the Hollywood Bowl, where Hollywood former adjutant-general’s home on Wilcox a movie museum had originally been planned. and Jesse L. Avenue. David Aguirre, a former maitre’d at In 1983, the building was transported Lasky. It be- the Magic Castle, proudly protects and ex- during the late evening so the local news sta- gins the tale hibits the small archive in his lovely restored tions could document its move to the new lo- with a panel discussion highlighting the early home, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Mon- cation, and after some sprucing up, opened to days of Hollywood with authors and histori- ument. Aguirre and fellow alumni Robert the public in 1985. Exhibits focused on early ans Robert S. Birchard, Kurt Cox of Western Sides provided me a tour of these precious Hollywood, early filmmaking, and the history Costume, Bruce Torrence, and Marc Wana- treasures. Sides later showed me fun Koda- of Paramount. Hollywood Heritage held mov- maker of Bison Archives. Each panelist will chrome and black and white film footage of ie screenings and regular events at the struc- screen a video presentation and speak to a the school over the decades, including the ture until an arson fire in 1996. part of the early Hollywood story. Northern California camp, football games After renovation and repair, the Hollywood In addition, we will show the 1914 The Squaw at the Coliseum, a day in the life of cadets, Heritage Museum opened again in 1999. Man filmed in and around the very building marching from the drill field to lunch, and Today the museum features movie props, you will be sitting in. The Lasky-DeMille graduations. costume pieces, memorabilia, archival photo- Barn is the largest and oldest Hollywood film Alumni still proudly recall their school, graphs, and original posters on display, along industry artifact in Hollywood. What a thrill! gathering for reunions. They have put to- with three short films that play continuously. Mark your calendar for December 11th at gether the website, www.bfmi.org, which Hollywood Heritage holds monthly Eve- 7:30pm to start our year-long celebration. includes yearbook photos of all graduating nings @ the Barn October through June that Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2013 5 Charlie Chaplin Comes to Hollywood By Mary Mallory inety-five years ago, comedian as one of the top architectural teams in Los denied reentry to the United States in 1952. Charlie Chaplin constructed the first Angeles, designing Ince and Goldwyn Stu- The studio stayed busy, however, appearing Nbeautiful studio lot in Hollywood, dios, and later designing Grauman’s Egyp- in the film Hollywood Story in 1951, and act- the first to offer style to filmmaking. What tian Theatre, the Montmartre Cafe and the ing as the home for many filmmakers. Stan- had been merely an industry housed in util- Hollywood Athletic Club. ley Kramer employed the location in 1954, itarian structures soon blossomed into one Per the newspaper, obstructionists orig- American International in 1960, Red Skelton that featured elegance in its buildings. inally mistakenly believed the studio would in 1962, and A & M Records in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Henson Productions occupies the site, and a giant Kermit the Frog adorns the roof, clad in oversized clothes and bowler hat, homage to the Little Tramp. • Hollywood Heritage board secretary Mary Mallory originally published this article on her L.A. Daily Mirror, Hollywood Heights blog, http://ladailymirror.com/category/holly- wood-heights/

• Editor’s note: The original Little Tramp costume is currently on display in the Be- coming Los Angeles exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park. Filmmaking was exploding around Los be erected adjacent to and behind Holly- Angeles in the 1910s as filmmakers moved wood High School, disrupting students from Evening @ the Barn west for the sunlight, varied landscape and learning. Businessmen spoke out to the City freedom from patents. Early studios were Council supporting construction. Banker Beverly Hills merely converted buildings; Nestor Film Co. Marco H. Hellman and other businessmen converted the former Blondeau Tavern into spoke out forcefully in favor of the project, Confidential, Nov. 13 a working studio in 1911 and in late Decem- noting the importance of the film industry in ollywood Heritage moves its fo- ber 1913, Lasky Feature Play Co. rented a lit- providing jobs to Los Angeles. He also stat- cus to Hollywood adjacent for the tle barn at Selma Avenue and Vine Street as ed, “Mr. Chaplin has done more in the way HNovember 13 Evening @ the Barn. A their filmmaking site. of advertising Los Angeles than probably any century of stars, scandals and murder is re- Soon, film companies began building their other man.” The council voted 8 to 1 in favor vealed in Beverly Hills Confidential. own plants, mostly plain, functional build- of construction proceeding. ings. Actor/comedian Charlie Chaplin de- The Jan. 20, 1918 Times noted that the cided to join the building boom in 1917 and new lot opened for business on Tuesday, Jan. constructed his own studio in Hollywood. 15. Writer Grace Kingsley described the spe- His would evoke class and beauty. cial tour a happy and jolly Chaplin himself The Oct. 16, 1917 Los Angeles Times re- gave her of the new facility. Chaplin told ported that Chaplin would construct his own her, “See, here’s a lemon orchard back of the studio where “the plant will be at once a stage. Think lemons must be my lucky fruit – workshop and a home for the movie idol….” can’t escape ‘em – had a lemon orchard back Chaplin and his brother Syd acquired the R. of us at Essanay and one at the Lone Star – S. McClellan estate at Sunset Boulevard and hope they keep the lemons in the orchards, La Brea Avenue as the site for their facility. though.” Chaplin stated “the fellow that The estate, constructed in 1914, consisted couldn’t be happy here would be the fellow of five acres of lemon and orange trees and that would write a want ad in heaven.” With access to Beverly Hills Police De- the “sightly ten-room colonial house set in Kingsley found the comedian charming, partment files, and extensive research, his- the midst of lawn and gardens.” This house especially in his description of his uniform of torians and investigative journalists Barbara would become their home, while the lower baggy old clothes as his “salary.” She under- Schroeder and Clark Fogg present a cast of acreage would house the studio. stood the exacting nature of his work. “Char- movie stars, gangsters and others in an eve- Architects Meyer and Holler’s plans, fea- lie’s comedy seems entirely spontaneous ning of stories and photos of the darker side tured in the paper, presented a picturesque – that’s its wonderful charm. But beneath it of the fabled Beverly Hills. little English Tudor village of buildings lin- all he has the mathematics of merriment, the The program will include a video presen- ing La Brea Avenue, to be constructed by logarithms of laughter, at his finger’s ends.” tation followed by the authors signing their Milwaukee Building Co. for approximately Chaplin spent many happy years making new book, Beverly Hills Confidential, on sale at $100,000. Meyer and Holler were recognized films at 1416 N. La Brea Ave., before being the Museum Store. 6 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2013 Annual Membership of Echo Park. The company introduced Charles Chaplin to the screen and featured MEMBERSHIP Party – December 15 such actors as Chaplin, Mabel Normand, UPDATE ollywood Heritage members are in- Ford Sterling, and Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuck- n grateful recognition of their gener- vited to the Barn for a festive mem- le, along with their trademark Keystone ous support, we sincerely thank the fol- Hbership meeting and holiday party Kops, in slapstick comedies. It later became Ilowing members who have made con- on Sunday, December 15th from 5 pm to part of Triangle Film Corporation. tributions at the $100 level and above as of 8 pm. We will be celebrating both the current Bison was the brand name of the New September 26, 2013. Category titles are names success and direction of the organization, as York Motion Picture Company when it was of historic Hollywood Studios. well as the centennial of filmmaking associat- founded in 1909. Later that year, they sent Majestic $2,500+ ed with the Lasky-DeMille Barn. a troupe west to make films released under Hollywood Heritage’s holiday party will the Bison name. The company set up shop Kilroy Realty (new membership) help kick off a year of entertaining events in Edendale before eventually losing the Paramount Pictures honoring the history of the early figures as- name in 1912. Kalem $250+ sociated with the Barn, especially Jesse L. Kalem Company, Inc. was founded in Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Lasky and Cecil B. DeMille, who shot the 1907 by George Kleine, Samuel Long, and landmark 1914 motion picture, The Squaw Frank Marion, who combined the first let- Society Man, the first feature film to be produced in ters of their last names to create their busi- Triangle $100+ the little community of Hollywood, outside ness name. Kalem produced the first film Richard Adkins the doors of this simple structure. adaption of Ben Hur in 1907. In 1910, Kene- The annual Hollywood Heritage member- an Buel brought a small contingent of play- Michael Berman ship meeting looks at the past year’s success- ers west and established a studio at Verdugo Timothy Brandt es and its exciting, vital plans for the future. Canyon in Glendale, later opening studios Violet & William Cavitt A review of the preservation activities of the in Santa Monica and Hollywood. past year is always of interest. Triangle Film Corporation was founded Allan Ellenberger Capping the evening is an elegant soiree by Roy and Harry Aitken in 1915 to produce Susanna Erdos filled with tasty hors’ d’oeuvres, drinks, and and release motion pictures by filmmakers Gina Garza lovely conversations between new and re- D. W. Griffith, Thomas H. Ince, and Mack turning members of Hollywood Heritage. Sennett, until they left the company. It Josh Hickman Come and enjoy the celebration with old ceased operations in 1919. Jonathan Nettler friends while making many new ones! Lubin Manufacturing Company was Outpost Estates Homeowners Association founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Sigmund Lubin in 1896. Lubin factors in the Betty Petitt barn story in that he was the veteran that Maria Fant Schellhardt Membership the Lasky Company turned to when they Levels realized the sprocket holes that had been punched into the final composite print of Welcome New Members! ave you ever wondered about the The Squaw Man had been perforated on an Jackie Goldfield names associated with the differ- English sprocketer and could not be used Michael Clark Hent levels of Hollywood Heritage on an American projector system. Goldwyn Louis Nese membership? Each membership classifica- took the film on the train in a pillowcase to tion represents an early motion picture stu- Lubin who re-stripped and re-sprocketed it Alan Rode dio with a Hollywood connection. The mem- so a working final negative and print could Kalyn Weaver bership application on the back page tells the be made. studio name each Hollywood Heritage mem- Artcraft Pictures Corporation was found- bership fee falls under. If you are not famil- ed in 1916 by Famous Players-Lasky Corpo- iar with these studios, continue reading. ration to release Mary Pickford films, but Majestic Motion Picture Company was later handled the release of any major Para- founded in 1911 by Harry Aitken to make mount film, until is was disbanded in 1922. Mary Pickford films, before she returned to Selig was the first film studio to perma- Biograph in 1912. Moving to Los Angeles nently locate in Los Angeles, later moving in 1913, the company joined Reliance Mo- to Edendale in 1909. Founded by William tion Picture Company at their 4500 Sunset Selig in Chicago in 1896 as the Selig Poly- Blvd., Hollywood studio under the name, scope Company, the company introduced Reliance-Majestic Studio, until the creation Tom Mix and Hobart Bosworth to the of Fine Arts Studio in 1915. screen. The company operated the Selig Keystone Film Company was founded Zoo on Mission Road in East Los Angeles, by Mack Sennett in 1912, and was based in and when it closed, these animals became the Edendale section of Los Angeles, north part of the nucleus of the Los Angeles Zoo.

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2013 7 www.hollywoodheritage.org P.O Box 2586 Hollywood, CA 90078 Mark Your Calendar Advance tickets for events: www.BrownPaperTickets.com, (800) 838-3006 October: A Tribute to Julie Adams; Evening @ the Barn: Oct. 9 – 7:30pm Holiday Party, Sons of the Desert Tent Classic Films from the Hal Roach Era: Oct. 10, 7:15pm at the Lasky-DeMille Barn Great Gatsby exhibit members only preview: Oct. 17 – 7:30pm – At the Lasky-DeMille Barn. November: Beverly Hills Confidential; Evening @ the Barn: Nov. 13 – 7:30pm December: Egyptian screening of The Ten Commandments (1923): Dec. 4 Author’s Day @ the Barn: Dec. 7 – 12 to 4pm Hollywood Meets the Movies; Evening @ the Barn: Dec. 11 – 7:30pm Holiday Party, Sons of the Desert Tent screenings at the Lasky-DeMille Barn. Dec. 12, 7:15pm Museum tour, brunch, Hollywood walk to the Egyptian with screening of Samson and Delilah (1949): Dec. 14 – 11am Annual Membership Meeting and Holiday Party: Dec. 15 – 4pm - at the Lasky-DeMille Barn.

PRESERVING OUR HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE FOR MORE THAN 32 YEARS • Wattles Mansion and Gardens • Hollywood Heritage Museum/Lasky-DeMille Barn • • Silent Society: Motion Picture History and Preservation • Architectural Preservation, Advocacy, and Education •

Membership Application

YES! I would like to become a member of Hollywood Heritage, Inc. $2,500 Majestic $1,000 Keystone $500 Bison Name: ______$250 Kalem $100 Triangle** $50 Household / Lubin Address: ______$40 Individual / Artcraft $25 Senior (65+) / Selig **Join at the $100 Triangle level or above, and receive a 23” x 29” collectible City:______State:____ Zip: ______reproduction poster, A Map of Hollywood from the Best Surveys of the Time, 1926. E-mail Address: ______Membership Benefits Include: I wish to pay by: • Free admission to the Hollywood Heritage Museum for two  Check Please make checks payable to adults and two children. Hollywood Heritage, Inc. • Ten percent discount at the Museum Store. • Advance notification of special member programs. Charge my:  Visa  MasterCard • Discounts on Silent Society film programs at the Hollywood Heritage Museum, UCLA, and the Paramount Ranch. Card Number:______Exp. Date:______• Quarterly Hollywood Heritage Newsletter. Signature:______Clip and mail to: Hollywood Heritage, Inc., P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078