Hollywood Heritage is a non- profit organization dedicated to preservation of the historic built environment in Hollywood and to education about the early film industry and the role its pioneers played in shaping September 2006 www.hollywoodheritage.org Volume 25, Number 2 Hollywood’s history.

Preservation Updates City “Re-Interpretation” of Redevelopment Plan Jeopardizes 200+ Historic Properties by Robert W. Nudelman The MND is used to avoid a more of the structures for an amount of 000-6012 Carlton Way: In a costly, time consuming, and detailed time that no one seems to remember 6continuing series of illegal miti- Environmental Impact Report (EIR). now. All of the FEMA support and gated negative declarations (MND) The MND, in essence, says that there national significance was ignored in issued in Hollywood by the city, this are negative impacts, but that they the MND. Instead, another bogus report was commissioned by the owner to say that the previous reports, adopted by the CRA and the LA City Council, as part of the CEQA approvals of the Hollywood Redevelopment Project, were now wrong. No such process for this claim of fraud by the developer against the city’s reports exists under CEQA or the Redevelopment Plan. In fact, it clearly spells out the pro- cedure which is required in a de-des- ignation process including an EIR. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo has determined that he can have a “dif- ferent interpretation” of the Redevel- opment Plans’ protection of over 200 buildings, as one of his attorneys told Hollywood Heritage. Through this newly created loop One of the Carlton Way homes endangered by illegal demolition. photo by Marc Wanamaker hole, MNDs pass one way, and most group of 4 Craftsman style houses can be mitigated and an EIR is not assuredly, campaign contributions (built between 1909 and 1915) and required. What triggered the review pass the other. Hollywood Heritage a 1915 2-story apartment building here was the Community Redevelop- continued on page  were to be demolished for another ment Agency (CRA) reports in 1986 condominium project. The MND, and again in 2003 that gave historic part of a state mandated review of importance to these five structures. Part 1 of historic, or potentially historic, struc- Furthermore, after the 1994 North- Allan Ellenberger’s tures is required under the California ridge earthquake, FEMA gave his- Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). toric restoration funds to repair all 2 Part Biography This review is done for new projects five, due to their national historic of Gurdon Wattles. above a certain size or for demoli- significance. Additionally, use of Special Pull-Out Section tions as previously noted. those funds mandate the preservation President’s Message What’s Going On Around Here??!! www.hollywoodheritage.org by Kay Tornborg please read his important coverage BOARD OF DIRECTORS t is the steadfast position of of these issues and offer to write to Kay Tornborg IHollywood Heritage that laws Councilmen LaBonge and Garcetti. President (however flimsy) protect the many Please let them know that you sup- Libby Simon older structures along Hollywood port our position(s) on these issues. Vice President Blvd., and that developers and their We all want a ‘better’ Hollywood John Clifford ‘enablers’ cannot simply find ways but not at the expense of we for Secretary to sweep those laws aside in favor of whom older means better. Marian Gibbons replacing ‘old’ buildings with more Treasurer profitable condos, an effort which we see being made daily. Important Annual Keith Anderson It’s not the profit that we are op- Meeting Coming Nick Beck posed to. It is the destruction of less- Tyler Cassity tangible but no less real resources: Up November 21 Phil Dockter the inspiration, information, sense he Hollywood Heritage annual Aaron Epstein of community (and sometimes even Tmeetings are always interest- David Greim public safety) created by having ing and, dare we say it, fun! This Randy Haberkamp historic buildings co-exist with the year, the annual meeting will be George Kiel new and available to any passerby especially important as we look to Fran Offenhauser who wants to take the time to evalu- replace seven of our board members Jeffrey Rouze ate and learn from its appearance, who have served for 6 full years. Richard Rownak look into its history or perhaps draw Among those who will be “termed Andrew Schwartz inspiration for a poem, a painting, out” are some of the individuals who Arnold Schwartzman a novel, another building, or just have held important leadership roles Thaddeus Smith strength to persevere in a changing within Hollywood Heritage, seeing it Marc Wanamaker world. Historic buildings are special. through the most important rebuild- Valerie Yaros They have all these other attributes, ing of the organization. Those who Robert W. Nudelman besides just being a building. Of are to be replaced are: current presi- Preservation Issues Director course creative thinking has to be dent Kay Tornborg, who will con- Stephen Sylvester applied to adaptively re-use older tinue to work as the Special Projects Executive Director Jualita/Wattles Mansion structures! But context and a sense Director after leaving the board; cur- The Wattles Mansion of community cannot be brushed rent secretary John Clifford, who will 1824 N. Curson Ave., Hollywood, CA 90046 aside as unimportant just because continue in his dual roles of web- Randy Haberkamp they aren’t courses at Real Estate master and newsletter editor; current Silent Society Director College. The preservation of those vice president Libby Simon; Arnold Mary Sullivan values is why our community must Schwartzman; Philip Dockter, who Director of Membership Development take an active interest in what hap- has promised to continue helping out John Clifford pens to the built environment around at the Barn; and Tyler Cassity. Newsletter and Web Site Editor us...or we will wind up looking like While Hollywood Heritage will cer- Riyadh. tainly miss those who must leave, we Kay Tornborg So what’s happening around us? look forward to new board members Special Projects Director Admittedly, it can be bewildering. who will bring fresh blood to our or- Web site donated and maintained by GTS/TechBooks Our Director for Preservation Issues, ganization. The current board is meet- www.techbooks.com Robert W. Nudelman, is doing yeo- ing in early October to look at possible Printed by Nonstop Printing man’s work researching, evaluating, candidates for the board and for other 6140 Hollywood Blvd., assessing and arguing against the ways to improve the best preserva- Hollywood, CA 90028 demolition threats that arise almost tion group in the country. If you have Hollywood Heritage Newsletter is published DAILY. If you live in Hollywood, suggestions for candidates, please call by Hollywood Heritage, Inc., P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078 or even if you only CARE about it, Kay at (323)467-0287. (323) 874-4005.  Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Hollywood Heritage Museum Update by Robert W. Nudelman Other Hollywood Heritage mem- several items on display for their 80th esides 10-12 programs at the bers have generously donated anniversary tribute to Vitaphone. The Bmuseum each year, new exhibits important items to the museum exhibit has a number of rare items are constantly added to the collec- recently. Veronica Chavez donated on display and we highly recom- tion. The museum’s archives now an outstanding collection of rare mend that you make a visit to view number over 11,000 items, all on candy and chocolate boxes, as well these. The items are on view through a computer inventory system with as advertising materials from the December 3 during Academy screen- descriptions and photographs. These Pig ’n Whistle Restaurant. Famed ings, including Monday’s Oscar-Win- items are carefully stored in archi- author Tony Slide has donated nu- ning Documentaries series produced val containers. Our system is based merous books to our library, as well by Hollywood Heritage board mem- on the one used by the Smithsonian as to be sold in our gift shop. Jim ber Randy Haberkamp. Institution, and all 11,000 entries Craig of Chicago, gave an original Archive materials have been re- were cataloged by Amy Higgins over photo of the Egyptian Theater from cently used by KNBC-TV as they the past 3 years, in this on-going pro- the opening of Pal Joey (1957). Jim had no archives of their original gram. Displays are changed through- also donated a number of important Sunset and Vine studios. Archive out the year, with special displays 1920s-30s items from the Roosevelt materials have been used to help mounted on the nights of museum Hotel. Filamena D’Amore donated preserve the CBS/KNX studios programs (Evenings @ The Barn) to papers from her family’s famed Vil- building on Sunset Boulevard, as reflect the program that evening. la Capri Restaurant. Morris Everett well as the Spaghetti Factory build- The Hollywood Heritage Museum of Columbus, Ohio donated a large ing (KNX prior to 1938), the Los has had much support to make this collection of movie studio and dis- Feliz Brown Derby, and additional possible. As described last year, the tribution company letterheads from research for the on-going restoration Rigler-Deutsch Foundation made a the 1920s. These are but a few of the of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. challenge grant to the museum of items donated to our archives, with Current projects include creating $10,000 for acquisitions to be made others to be described in upcoming an exhibit on the history of the 1927 part of the archive as the “Rigler newsletters. Vine Street / KNX-CBS Radio / Collection.” This September, the The museum’s artifacts have been Huntington Hartford / James A. Doo- foundation has agreed to donate displayed several times over the little / Ricardo Montalban Theater. another $5,000 to the museum for past year at the Academy of Motion Mr. Montalban recently viewed some additional acquisition for the Rigler Picture Arts and Sciences Goldwyn of the materials on his theater in our Collection, some of which is cur- Theater. The Goldwyn displays in- archive and is eager to put together rently on display at the museum. cluded several items for the Olivia a display, with Hollywood Heritage, Hollywood Heritage gratefully de Havilland tribute, and the Dunn on its history in the theater lobby for thanks the Rigler-Deutsch Founda- Theater at the Academy’s Pickford next year’s 80th anniversary. tion and its director Jaimie Rigler Center on Vine St. in Hollywood, has for their continuing support. The en- thusiasm for the museum by Jaimie and his uncle, the late Lloyd Rigler, have made it possible to preserve im- portant historical and entertainment related material on Hollywood for future reference and public enjoy- ment, through exhibition at the mu- seum and elsewhere. Claire Bradford’s family, who helped to develop early Hollywood with C.E. Toberman, just donated a new display case. The case will feature exhibits on hotels in, and as- sociated with, Hollywood, including A working museum. East-West Studios, featured in our last newsletter, is up and recording. Owner the 1906 Alexandria Hotel, Roos- Doug Rogers and legendary engineer/producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, Elton John, David Bowie, evelt Hotel, Hollywood Hotel, Chris- etc.) are seen here at the controls of the restored Abbey Roads Studios mixing panel, (part of the tie Hotel, Plaza Hotel, and more. largest collection of restored classic 1950s/60s tube-based studio equipment in use today) used for such albums as Abbey Road and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. photo by Marc Wanamaker Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006  Docent Council Announced At Celebration Honoring Volunteers actually does whatever needs to be done...and this includes everything from legal strategizing, speaking at hearings on behalf of the many en- dangered historic structures in Hol- lywood, writing a good deal of the newsletter, vacuuming the Barn after events and stocking the bathrooms with toilet paper and hand towels. For his efforts ‘above and beyond,’ he was given a single award desig- nated In a Class by Himself: Robert W. Nudelman. This year’s party was an evening affair, with ‘happy hour,’ dining al Volunteers enjoy dinner as they are acknowledged for all of the work that they do during the year. fresco, the awards presentation and a by Kay Tornborg a celebration of ourselves, in a way. short Laurel and Hardy film, Angora recent Resolution by your Others recognized for their signifi- Love, which Bob Birchard had de- Aboard created the Docent cant ‘extra’ contributions were: Bob scribed as Stan & Ollie with a horse Council, members of which make Birchard, Allan Ellenberger, Anne but it actually involves a very droll up the corps that keeps our Museum Epstein, Joel Fisher, Amy Higgins, goat. open every weekend and staff Dave Monks, Fran Offenhauser, Catering by Kay and delicious Evenings @ The Barn. Docent par- Marvin Paige, Betty Petitt, Arnold ­desserts donated…and delivered!… ticipation in these two events has Schwartzman, Isolde Schwartzman, by Thad Smith. If you’re undecided made the Barn a success story and Alan Simon, Sue Slutzky, Steve Syl- about volunteering maybe an invita- we should all be proud of these vester, Stan Taffel, Mary Zickefoose. tion to next year’s party will encour- members that have volunteered so tirelessly to make this happen. On The Docent Council 2006-07 are Tim Atzei, Nick Beck, Glenn Dismuke, Phil Dockter, Dave Greim, George Kiel, Mary Mallory, Adriana Patti, Tracy Terhune and Bosco, and Peter Weber. In addition to its special ‘cre- dentials,’ the Docent Council will formulate other ‘Barn-centered’ activities, similar to George Kiel’s recently resumed Hollywood Boule- vard Walking Tour on Sunday morn- ings (for more about THAT, see page 5). The formation of the Council was announced by President Kay Torn- borg at the annual Volunteer Party at Wattles Mansion on Sunday Au- Hollywood Heritage volunteers, including Dave Monks (center) and Tim Atzii (right) gust 6. Since 99.99% of members Anyone who participates in Holly- age you. More docents and other are volunteers, the evening attended wood Heritage at all would be aware serious and committed volunteers by the board and the docents (with of the extraordinary contribution are more than welcome. spouses or significant others), was made by Robert W. Nudelman, who  Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 City Cultural Evenings @ The Barn We Get Letters Hollywood Heritage Heritage Officer, Upcoming Activities… Walking Tour Guide Jay Oren Retires Barn and Beyond! Receives Fan Mail by Robert W. Nudelman UST IN CASE: A benefit of The moving force (and ‘Golden fter 32 years of public ser- Jmembership is the little reminder Voice’) behind our recently-revived Hollywood Boulevard Walking vice in the Los Angeles City card you get a month before each A event. Always check the date, since Tour, George Kiel, impressed one Planning Department, with over 20 we make EVERY EFFORT to have of his charges sufficiently for her to of those years at Cultural Heritage, the newsletter up-to-date but chang- dash off the following e-mail: the city’s leading public figure for es happen, we can’t always prevent “On Saturday I had the most won- historic preservation is retiring. His it, and the card and website offer the derful experience learning the his- last day, on August 17, included definitive date. tory of Hollywood. It was absolutely tributes from the Mayor’s office Once again, all Evenings…will fascinating to learn the architectural and preservationists, including start at 7:30 PM (SHARP!!) and developmental history of a city Hollywood Heritage. Sunday, October 29th: Special that captivates tourists and Califor- During Jay’s tenure, half of the TIME! Author Harry Medved will nians alike. My letter serves to tell city’s landmarks were designated. lead a 4:00 pm tour through Bronson you that George is an incredible am- He has advised the Cultural Heri- Caves (north end of Bronson above bassador for your city. He knows it, tage Commission on nominations Franklin). This will be followed at loves it, and truly respects it. In ad- dition, he acknowledges all the peo- during this time with his staff re- 6:00 pm by slides and film clips at the Barn covering the movie and TV ple in your organization that work ports that would carefully review history of the famed location and a so hard to preserve it. My tour was a all aspects of a nomination, includ- book signing. highlight of my summer experience ing any opposition. Thursday, November 16th: Hugh which I will highly recommend to Jay’s greatest attribute though was Neely will talk about the making of, others and do my best to become an his willingness to reconsider a staff and screen, his Theda Bara documen- unofficial ambassador as well. report if additional information tary, The Woman With the Hungry Thank you for your efforts was provided or a more substantive Eyes. Marc Wanamaker will present and for supporting a ‘tour’ pro- argument was presented during the related slides on her and Fox Studios. gram. My ‘brown derby’ is off to site inspection or at the final vote. Tuesday, November 21st: Annual George!!!!!!!!!!” He was always open to change a Meeting and Special Program. As -Lydia Friedlich (Mon. Aug. 7, negative report to a positive one if usual, we will have a brief business 2006) the evidence was presented. This meeting and annual board elections. flexibility helped to save many All members are not only welcome… they are encouraged to come!! buildings as city landmarks when Our Special Guest for the evening the original opinion would have op- will be Diane Kanner, who will talk posed designation. Even if he didn’t about her new book, WALLACE always agree with you, he was open NEFF and the Grand Houses of the to whatever you had to say and was Golden State. Neff was ‘architect to fair. That type of integrity is today the stars’ and did many significant in short supply at city hall (it may homes for film industry giants. Books have always been) . will be available for signing. The past few years Jay has been Thursday, December 14th: Tom assisted by Lambert Geisinger, who Sito will guest with a presentation has done an excellent job in protect- of many rare images from his new ing the city’s landmarks. Lambert book, Drawing the Line: The Untold has the same dedication and integ- Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson. A complex rity as Jay and we can only hope view of local and labor history, that Jay’s replacement is cut from the Hollywood Blacklist, the 1945 the same fabric (why not promote filmworkers’ riot, the LAPD Red Call (323) 465-6716 Lambert to the position?). Squad…something for everyone. to book your tour Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006  Historic Landmarks Marred by “Super Blight” Signage by Robert W. Nudelman isual integrity in historic VHollywood is being system- atically destroyed. The recent sign code changes have encouraged a flood of new signs and variances for even more than the new code al- lows. Then add the vast amount of illegal signage that City Attorney Delgadillo refuses to deal with, thus making the city codes meaningless. These problems were discussed in the last newsletter in the story con- cerning 1800 N. Highland Avenue. Just recently, another example occurred when the city approved a supergraphic sign on the side of the building at Hollywood and McCad- den (northwest corner) approximate- ly 45’ x 70’ in size. The owner had been locating these signs up there for over 2 years, plus a smaller bill- Super Blight signage with women wearing only makeup, illegally covers eight stories of the National board sign on the top of the build- Register Landmark Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Photo by Marc Wanamaker ing, approximately 10’ x 20’ in size. times larger or not. What incentive down, although the Factor Building Both were illegal and frequently is there to building owners and sign put another one up a few weeks later, cited. But as the city code gives companies to obey the law? Vari- which is still there. an owner 90 days to “correct” the ances within the new sign code en- The Roosevelt made no effort to problem, all they have to do is take courage this form of cheating so that remove the two huge super blight it down and put a different one up arguments can be made concerning ads that covered both the east and within the 90 day period. The cita- the length of time, the type of ten- west facing walls, defacing 8 stories tion then has to be re-filed for the ants, size and other formulas so that of the 1927 landmark. The owners new sign (same place and size). Sign several of these large “supergraph- had requested permission required contracts are normally for 60-90 ics,” or “super blight”,” are showing to do this from both the CRA and days, so the owner, at worst, is fined up all over Hollywood and then the the Cultural Heritage Department, a few hundred dollars, while the city has to argue over when the vari- and were refused by both. But they monthly rental is in the tens of thou- ance loopholes can justify it. If not, went ahead anyway, after getting a sands of dollars. Therefore there is leave it up and pay the paltry fine. City Planning Department employee no legal/financial incentive to obey In August, three city landmarks, all to illegally sign off. The west facing the law (let’s not even talk about an part of the National Register Historic ad for Victoria’s Secret Make-up, ethical or moral incentive). District, were defaced with these ex- features a number of 40’-60’ tall un- Recently the city agreed to permit amples of “super blight”; The Secu- clothed women welcoming visitors the large illegal sign if the owner did rity Pacific Building (Hollywood and to the “new” (nude?) Hollywood. not use the small illegal one. Thus, Highland), the Max Factor Building, Meanwhile, half a block away from the city has said that it’s OK to steal and the Roosevelt Hotel. The CRA the Roosevelt, the former Seven Seas a dollar, but only if you agree to not and Councilman Garcetti’s office Restaurant building (1920) is to be steal the dime next to it. The point is were immediately notified by Hol- purchased by CIM, a longtime cham- that the signs are illegal and a blight, lywood Heritage and they contacted pion of billboards in Hollywood. and removing one is not justification the city’s Building and Safety De- CIM has agreed to do a quality resto- to allow the others, whether it is 10 partment. Within a month two came continued on page 18

 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Fran Offenhauser Hollywood Hoofbeats Program Named To Fill Board Vacancy At Evening @ The Barn by Marc Wanamaker has enjoyed a long career in the aving been recently appoint- nother in the long list of inter- limelight. During the silent film era, ed to the Los Angeles City H esting programs of the 2006 1893-1930, the horse achieved a type Planning Commission, long time A schedule was Hollywood Hoofbeats of stardom that seems unbeliev- Hollywood Heritage board member about the many ‘star’ horses of mo- able today. Even more remarkable, Bill Roschen, resigned his position, tion pictures. Presented to a full his star power endured for decades. a little over two months prior to the election of new board members in November. Bill has been a valued resource for Hollywood Heritage as an architect and designer who has worked on many restoration/preser- vation projects within the city. At the regular board meeting in September, the board of directors appointed former board member, co-founder of Hollywood Heri- tage, and immediate past president Fran Offenhauser to serve the unexpired portion of Bill’s term. While not a board member, Fran has worked with the board during the past year on many of the issues that have faced Hollywood Heri- tage and the city. Petrine Mitchum holds her book, Hollywood Hoofbeats, during a book signing as part of the Evening @ The Barn program Photo by Alan Simon Hollywood Heritage house at An Evening @ The Barn Spurring that rise was the creation Receives Honor by Petrine Day Mitchum with ad- of the cowboy-horse partnership. ollywood Heritage is the ditional photographs from Marc The right man paired with the right Hproud recipient of a California Wanamaker, the program included horse could make both idols of the Preservation Foundation 2006 the feature film,Just Tony (1922) silver screen. For some Western Preservation Design Award! In that starred Tom Mix and his horse fans, the horse was the bigger box the “Cultural Resources Studies/ Tony from the Robert S. Birchard office attraction.” Reports” category, our exceptional collection. work performed under two Getty The evening was planned as a pro- “Preserve LA” grants has been rec- gram and book signing of Petrine’s ognized. Our pair of reports–the new book, Hollywood Hoofbeats- “Cultural Landscape Report” and Trails Blazed Across the Silver the “Conservation Study”–identified Screen. Sue Slutzky designed a won- and explained the great significance derful program booklet with color of the overall Wattles Estate and its reproductions of old movie posters component orchards, lawns and gar- making it a collectors item. dens, as well as showing practical The program featured the horse and sensitive methods to protect it stars, films and cowboy stars that from periodic flooding. gave us our movie western heritage. Hollywood Heritage will receive Such stars included Roy Rogers and the prestigious award at a ceremony Trigger, Tom Mix and Tony, Gene on October 15 at the Beverly Hilton Autry and Champion and many oth- Hotel. More on this exciting honor ers. An excerpt from Petrine’s book said; “Since his auspicious debut in Roy Roger and his horse “Trigger,” one of the in our next newsletter! subjects of Petrine Mitchum’s book Hollywood the birth of cinema, the movie horse Hoofbeats. Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006  Preservation Continued from page  nomination to include the members have seen versions of this echo chambers, which are story over the past year as the city several feet below the ad- attorney has launched an assault on jacent parking lot. Hollywood’s historically designated The 1956 structure, structures (according to the 1986 designed by the Welton and 2003 surveys). By declaring that Becket firm, was always a building is no longer historic, for to be a circular office whatever concocted reasons given, if building, the world’s first, any, the MND can be issued accord- even before Capitol Re- ing to Delgadillo. The reasoning is cords was to be the tenant. that demolition is mitigated because Therefore, the legend that the building is now not historic. it was designed to resem- This is what happened when Holly­ ble a stack of records with wood Heritage challenged these a needle on top was noth- findings (see our web site for our ing more than a legend, or letter responding to this MND), and an amazing coincidence. the CRA says it is further review- During the Cultural ing the structures. We have held two Heritage Commission’s meetings with the CRA, Council- 2-hour tour of the tower, member Garcetti’s office, and the many of the 1950s details city attorney’s office to attempt to could still be seen in the rectify this situation. Our argument interior. The recording The Art Deco Gogerty building is seen in the foreground with the is to have the 2003 Hollywood Re- continued on page 15 Capital Records tower in the background development Plan and its associated EIR followed as the law requires. The city attorney argues for his re- ATTENTION HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE SHOPPERS interpretation, and the CRA and Final chance to get your 2006 calendars NOW! Beautiful, informative, council offices sit in the middle. practical, affordable, makes a great gift!! The calendar features the Lasky- These meetings were held at the DeMille Barn, inside and out, in its 4 sites and many functions over the city’s request to avoid possible liti- years. Interesting historical data keyed to dates. Holi- gation by Hollywood Heritage to days, too! Also available: Hollywood Heritage’s book get the city to enforce its own rules HISTORIC HOLLYWOOD: A Centennial History by (a shocking thought to the city at- Robert W. Nudelman and Marc Wanamaker torney). If the demolition permits Instead of cutting up your newsletter, jot your continue without following the ap- name on a piece of paper and enclose your proved legal procedures, and the city check. cannot come up with an adequate Historic Hollywood: ____copies @ $31.45 (members’ response to reign in Delgadillo, legal rate w. 10% discount) action is all that is left. If buildings S&H 5.75 recognized and funded because of Tax 2.59 their national significance, such as Book total 39.79 Carlton Way, can be demolished by Order Early for Holiday Giving! Your Purchase Benefits Hollywood Heritage!! an MND, then no building is safe. Capitol Records: The Capitol Name ______Records Tower on Vine Street, Mailing Address ______City ______State ___ Zip ______just north of Hollywood Boule- □ My check for $ ______is enclosed. vard received approval for City Cultural Historic Landmark status or by the Cultural Heritage Commis- □ VISA # ______□ MasterCard # ______Exp. date ______sion on August 17. The nomination Name as it appears on card was prepared by the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Modern Commit- Phone day ______evening ______You may also go to our website www.hollywoodheritage.org and click on PayPal to order books tee by Daniel Paul. At the hearing, online (calendars not available online) Hollywood Heritage amended the

 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Part One–for the upcoming Wattles Centennial GURDON WALLACE WATTLES By Allan R. Ellenberger to stay with relatives until the family “My first ambition was to succeed could join them. After a short stay, in every undertaking, whether a busi- they continued on in a covered wag- ness venture or a public service; my on, moving from farm to farm until second desire was to do all the good arriving in Glidden, Iowa in March, to others within my power.” 1– Gur- 1868. A nearby farm, which was don Wallace Wattles. small and never profitable, would be evotion to the public was a driv- their home for the next nine years. Ding force in Gurdon Wallace After attending high school, Gur- Wattles’ life. A friend of presidents, don earned a certificate to teach sum- a financier, philanthropist, and ad- mer school at thirty dollars a month. Gurdon Wattles and son photo from the mitted capitalist, Wattles believed in “When I received my salary for the Hollywood Heritage Archives taking an active part in the neighbor- first month,” he later recalled, “it pated when he, like his two siblings hood. Through charitable gifts and seemed so wonderful that at recess before him, came down with con- many public works, to the beautiful I often went behind the schoolhouse sumption.6 Doctors left little hope for gardens at his beloved winter home, and counted the bills over for sheer his recovery; however, with a regi- Jualita, Wattles proved how impor- pleasure and to make sure that none 3 men of deep-breathing exercises he tant it was to make your community had been lost.” enlarged his chest and overcame the the best it could be. Regardless of his success, tragedy disease. As a result, he now thought He was born Gurdon Wattles, the struck in the spring of 1875, when of marriage and a family. While in third son of James and Betsy Ann Wattles’ older brother, Mason, died of school, he had made the acquain- (Whiting) Wattles, on May 12, 1855 consumption. Two years later, his sis- tance of a certain young lady, Jennie in the small town of Richford, New ter Phoebe died of the same disease. Leete, with whom he corresponded York. The Wattles family lived on Despite such family tragedies, during vacations. “Not until I was a hilly expanse of sixty-three acres Gurdon was eager to make a life for thoroughly convinced, however, that that Betsy Wattles inherited from her himself. He began planning for a col- we had much in common,” Wattles father. Wattles’ childhood was not lege education even though he was later wrote, “and that she possessed an easy one, and the Panic of 1857 aware that his father might not have a happy disposition and an even tem- brought hard times to everyone. The the means to help out. Indeed, shortly perament, did I pay court to her and family suffered one hardship after thereafter Mr. Wattles announced secure her consent to become my another until finally Mr. Wattles an- that no financial assistance would be wife.”7 nounced that he couldn’t pay the forthcoming. Undaunted, Gurdon de- They married on October 20, 1882 interest on the farm’s mortgage. clared that he would not accept help in Jennie’s hometown of Clarksville, Compounding matters, the Union from anyone under any circumstanc- Iowa, settling in Carroll, Iowa in a Army called Mr. Wattles into service, es. “I am going as far as I can in the honeymoon cottage that Wattles had leaving his wife alone with the chil- world on my own resources,” he told built. At first, their life was simple. dren. In order to pay the debts, Mrs. his father. “When these are exhausted 4 Jennie helped in a solid, old fash- Wattles sold the livestock and moved I will stop.” ioned way to build his business. the family to a rented house four With that approach, Wattles at- 5 After completing his legal studies miles away. tended Iowa Agricultural College in and passing the bar, Wattles briefly As the Civil War raged on, Mrs. April, 1876, where he met students joined a law office in Carroll. Af- Wattles made do with what little she who became lifelong friends. Like terward, he accepted a partnership could. “I cannot say that I ever actu- many collegiates, he joined the Delta with a local bank and was eventu- ally suffered from want,” Gurdon Tau Delta fraternity and the Crescent ally made president following an wrote, “but the food and clothing of Society, a debating team. While do- internal reorganization. It was then our family during my childhood was ing various jobs during the school 2 that Wattles took the middle name of the simplest kind.” year, Wattles paid all of his school of Wallace, after Sumner Wallace, When Mr. Wattles returned from expenses – and had the impressive a former business associate that he the war in February, 1865, he de- amount of twenty dollars left at the deeply respected. cided to move the family “out West.” end of the year. As Wattles’ career flourished, the Wattles left immediately for Illinois Wattles’ college dreams were dissi- young couple became the parents of Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006  a son, Frederick Leete Wattles. But land at 320 South 37th Street, and had often been mentioned as a can- despite their joy, the pregnancy had contracted the respected architect, didate for the Senate. However, a po- taken a physical toll on Jennie. Doc- Thomas Rogers Kimball to design his tential run for the office was aborted, tors warned her that she could have home. The house, which is still stand- mainly because of his connection to no more children. ing, is perhaps the finest example of the Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Around this time, Wattles con- the Chateauesque style in Omaha.9 Railway Company. Wattles felt that vinced his parents to join them in Over the next thirty years, Wattles’ he was not radical enough for most Carroll. Mrs. Wattles, a deeply reli- public life prospered. He served as of the Republicans in Nebraska, and gious woman and lifelong member of president, and chairman of the board refused to change his philosophy the Episcopal Church, had not been of the United States National Bank to conform to accepted Republican able to attend services for years. Even of Omaha from 1905-1920, and in dogma. He decided, therefore, not to though he had at some point soured 1904 he helped to set up – and be- become a candidate. on religion, Wattles still respected his came president of – the Omaha Grain He did, however, continue to take mother’s beliefs. He bought a vacant Exchange. That same year, he was an active part in public affairs. For lot and presented it to the few Episco- instrumental in creating an exhibit of two years, he served as president of palians who lived in Carroll so they Nebraska’s assets at the Louisiana- the National Corn Exposition, and could build a church. Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, as chairman of the committee to cel- Just past the age of three, Freder- suggesting the use of motion pictures ebrate Nebraska’s 50th anniversary ick contracted diphtheria. So did his to show evidence of the state’s major of its admission into the Union. As father. Though Wattles recovered, industries. Thus, farms, ranches and chairman of the local chapter of the Frederick died of the disease. The other chief businesses were filmed Red Cross, Wattles was responsible loss of his son would have been too by the Selig Company, of Chicago. for raising $110,000 for the Belgian much to bear had it not been for the “Until that time little had been done War Relief Fund. strong support of his wife. “The ner- in advertising with motion pictures,” But the project that brought Wattles vous shock brought on insomnia,” Wattles wrote, “and our project was national fame, however, was his par- Wattles recalled, “and for two years the first, so far as I know, to enter this ticipation in the Trans-Mississippi I was on the verge of mental and field.”10 and International Exposition. After the disasters of the Panic of 1893, a resolution favoring an exposition in Omaha was supported. Representa- tives from larger cities in the states west of the Mississippi founded the Trans-Mississippi Commercial Con- gress to sponsor the event. Wattles was made president, and from the beginning, he became one of the enterprises’ most active pro- moters. Through his leadership, over 2.6 million people viewed the 4,062 exhibits during the four months of the Exposition. When President McKin- ley visited, Wattles introduced him The Wattles Home in Omaha, Nebraska photo from the Hollywood Heritage Archives to the nearly 100,000 assembled on the plaza. “My entertainment here physical collapse. But through it all, Wattles’ political life started to has been most royal,” McKinley later forgetful of her own sufferings, her develop when, as an elected delegate told Wattles. “My day in Omaha will constant thought was of me, as it was to the Republican National Conven- 8 be counted the best time I have had all through her life.” tion, he voted for Theodore Roosevelt since I became President.”11 When Wattles’ bank bought an in- for President. Later, as a member In the spring of 1903, Wattles made terest in the Union National Bank of of the notification committee from one of his first trips to Southern Cali- Omaha, he accepted a position there Nebraska, he visited Roosevelt at his fornia to visit Jennie’s parents who as vice president so he could forget home in Oyster Bay, New York. The had moved from Iowa to Santa Bar- his past life in Carroll. He and Jen- meeting became the foundation of a bara. Their trip, however, was not to nie moved to that city in April, 1892. friendship between the two men that Wattles’ liking since it rained nearly Within a couple years, Wattles bought continued until Roosevelt’s death. every day for two weeks. “I came During this time, Wattles’ name 10 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 home quite disgusted with Califor- struction, the Los Angeles Times fea- Jualita. nia,” Wattles wrote.12 tured an article on the Wattles home: The grounds of the estate became Even so, the following spring, “What will be one of the show- a showplace, rivaling the gardens of Wattles and Jennie returned to Cali- places of Southern California is the famed painter Paul De Longpre, fornia and found the typical sunshine slowly developing under the hands and the water lilies ponds of Edmund and fresh air. It was this weather that of two Los Angeles architects at Sturtevant. Not only did Wattles Display Ad 95 -- No Title Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Mar 1, 1925; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985) subsequently appealed to him. Look- Hollywood. The California home pg. F4 develop the ing ahead to the time when he would of G. W. Wattles a wealthy Omaha south end as retire, Wattles determined that South- banker fronting on Prospect Avenue an agricultural ern California had all of what he was in the beautiful foothill suburb soon area, he also looking for. will be ready for occupancy and expanded the With a friend’s help, in April 1905, when completed will undoubtedly be gardens north he bought ninety acres in the foothills one of the most notable showplaces of the formal of the small community of Holly- of the Pacific Coast.”18 walled garden. wood, just northwest of Los Angeles. The total cost of the house and Soon an exten- The land13 extended northward from walled gardens, when completed sive rose gar- Prospect Avenue [now Hollywood around the beginning of 1908, was den, and Italian Blvd.] between Pacific Avenue [now reported to be $50,000.19 At that and American Sierra Bonita Avenue] and Curson point, Wattles hired the services of gardens, began Avenue, and back into a spur of the Alexander Urquhart20 to supervise to take shape. Santa Monica Mountains, including the development of the estate. Ar- Reproduced withEvery permission of the copyright component owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. of the Japanese two small canyons. riving in America around 1903 from garden came over from Japan by ship The following year, Wattles retained his native Scotland, Urquhart was a – trees, plantings, marbles, sculpture the services of architects Myron Hunt prizewinning gardener, horticulturist for the pergola, giant urns and lan- and Elmer Grey. Together, Hunt and and landscape architect. This well- terns. Wattles hired Fugio, a Japanese Grey were responsible for designing respected reputation is what brought landscape designer, to supervise eigh- many of the city’s homes and build- him to Wattles attention. Urquhart’s teen California-born Japanese gar- ings, such as the Huntington estate in wife also made extra money by sell- deners over the next two years.22 A San Marino, the Pasadena Playhouse, ing colored postcards to the tourists, specialty of Wattles gardens were the and the Beverly Hills Hotel. five for 10 cents.21 chrysanthemums, which Alex Urqu- Hunt and Grey’s design for the During the construction of the hart entered in several flower shows.23 Wattles home had a distinctive touch, house and gardens, Wattles chose to Jennie’s health had been poor since which the architects termed an take his wife on an extended vaca- the birth of their son Frederick. In the “American adaptation of the Mexi- tion. Both he and Jennie had been autumn of 1915 her condition wors- can type.”14 With a hint of Southern outside the country before for short ened. While on a trip to Chicago, Spain and the Moorish architecture trips to Europe, Cuba, and Mexico, where she was to consult with doc- of northern Africa, the keynote of but this journey would take them tors, Jennie took a turn for the worse. the architects’ design consisted of a around the world. With a group of On Thursday, May 25, 1916, shortly garden, which, by a succession of ter- twelve in their company, they sailed after being admitted to Presbyterian races, followed the natural rise of the from San Francisco on the Siberia Hospital, Jennie Leete Wattles passed foothills. on March 10, 1908. For the next sev- away from what was reported as With more than enough wealth for en months, they visited a wide range heart failure. their needs, around this time the Wat- of places around the globe. While Arabella Wattles Teal, who is Gur- tles decided to extend their immediate in Japan, Wattles grew to love the don Wattles’ granddaughter, suggests family. Once the decision was made beauty of that country’s art forms that Jennie’s death may have been to adopt an orphan girl from Philadel- and decided to import a Japanese from other causes. “I have the feel- phia, they received a telegram that the garden to Jualita. ing from reading various accounts girl, Margaret Elizabeth, had an only The Wattles returned to the United that she died of some cancer – either sister, Mary Louise, from whom she States in the fall of 1908. The follow- breast cancer or ovarian cancer,” Ara- was inseparable. “Bring them both,”15 ing spring, the house – now furnished bella said. “In those days you did not was Wattles reply. with Stickley furniture – and the sur- talk about such matters.”24 Shortly after the death of his fa- rounding grounds were ready for oc- Jennie’s death had a grievous ef- ther,16 Wattles began construction17 on cupancy. Over the next thirteen years, fect on Wattles and their daughters. his winter home, which he christened the Wattles family would spend a few Margaret and Mary were becom- “Jualita” [Wah-LEE-ta]. During con- months and a part of each summer at ing young adults, and would miss

Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 11 the guidance a mother could offer. considered marrying Wattles. tinued success for Wattles. However, To further their education, Wattles “While my grandparents’ marriage nothing amounted to his joy on learn- placed them in Dana Hall School was a love match, Grandmother was ing that Julia was expecting a baby. at Wellesley, Massachusetts, where a suffragist, she was independent, and Hopeful that the child’s birth would their day-to-day needs would be the she’d worked hard to become a full occur in California, the couple left responsibility of others. professor at the college,” Arabella for Hollywood in January, 1920. Now alone, Wattles relied on the said. “She was in her later 30s and her Five months later, Gurdon Wallace kindness of friends and relatives to life was set. So suddenly she gave up Wattles, Jr. was born on May 5, 1920 help around the house. To ease the everything to marry this much older at Jualita. loneliness, he threw himself into his man and turn herself from an aca- “To me the whole world seemed to work, resuming his daily tasks at the demic into a social hostess.”28 rejoice with us,” Wattles wrote. “Let- United States National Bank. Even This is a role that Julia was never ters and telegrams of congratulation so, he found little pleasure in doing comfortable with and her friends poured in from friends and relatives things alone, even spending time at knew that. She wrote them letters in many parts of the world.”31 Wattles Jualita, which used to give him much apologizing: “I’ll still be the same desire for a child came at a cost; he enjoyment. “I wandered through the person.” Wattles, for his part, con- found out that Julia had the baby gardens and among the flowers,” he tinued to work on her. It took several against her doctor’s advice, risking would recall, “but I could not appre- months of persuading Julia that he her life while doing so. ciate their beauty.”25 needed help in his work, while also 1. Wattles, Gurdon Wallace. “Autobiography of With the country now enmeshed needing someone to care for him as Gurdon Wallace Wattles,” p. 138. in World War I, Wattles accepted an well. 2. Ibid., p. 12. 3. Ibid., p. 32. appointment as the Federal Food Ad- Finally, on June 26, 1918, Julia con- 4. Ibid., p. 35. ministrator for Nebraska from Her- sented to marriage at a ceremony per- 5. It is now called Iowa State University. 26 6. Twenty-seven years later, Iowa State University bert Hoover . He became absorbed formed in the presence of friends and would confer upon Wattles the honorary degree of in his duties and apparently forgot family under the shade of a great tree Master of Philosophy. 7. Wattles, “Autobiography of Gurdon Wallace his personal problems; however he on a mountain in Estes Park, Colo- Wattles, p. 134. dismissed any hope of ever finding rado. For their honeymoon, Wattles 8. Ibid., p. 135. 9. The Gurdon Wattles House was designated an love again. took his new bride to Jualita, where Omaha Landmark on April 11, 1995. One day he spoke at a luncheon for they enjoyed the summer. “We shall 10. Wattles, “Autobiography of Gurdon Wallace Wattles, p. 78 the Rotary Club at Lincoln, where a spend two months here,” he told a 11. Ibid., p. 71. group of professors from the Univer- reporter in Los Angeles. “My wife is 12. Ibid., p. 141. 13. Wattles paid $3,000 to William Holler and Mrs. E. sity of Nebraska were in attendance. paying her first real visit to this state, A. Moore for the land. It was here that he first met Julia and she is charged with Southern 14. “Like Dream of Old Granada, is Hollywood Show Place,” Los Angeles Times, February 2, 1908. 29 Vance, the director of the home eco- California.” 15. Wattles, Autobiography of Gurdon Wallace Wattles, p. 139. nomics department, who had also In September they arrived back in 16. James Wattles died on June 4, 1907. been appointed to the Food Adminis- Omaha, where Wattles returned to his 17. The Alta Planing Mill Company supervised the construction while the plumbing contract trative Committee. Working together, duties at the bank. By all accounts, was awarded to the Newell Brothers. “Building Julia’s pleasing smile, affable man- it appeared as if Wattles’ Omaha Contracts Let,” Los Angeles Times, July 7, 1907. 18. “Like Dream of Old Granada, is Hollywood Show ner, and intelligence at once caught friends and relatives had accepted Ju- Place,” Los Angeles Times, February 2, 1908. his eye. lia. In this instance, however, appear- 19. Ibid. 20. Alexander Urquhart (1864-1949) “The thoroughness of her work, the ances were deceiving. 21. “Tough Row to Hoe in the Restoration of a graciousness of her presence, and her “I think it shocked both groups of Garden,” Los Angeles Times, November 11, 1968. 22. Ibid.. independence and broad intelligence their friends, who did not approve 23. “New Beauty at Flower Show,” Los Angeles soon convinced me that in her I had of their marriage,” Arabella noted. Times, October 27, 1915. 24. Telephone interview with Arabella Wattles Teal, found all the qualities necessary for “Grandmother was an unknown April 29, 2006. marital happiness,” Wattles wrote. quantity to the social set of the people 25. Wattles, Autobiography of Gurdon Wallace Wattles, p. 152. “But to win her love and gain her in Omaha, who knew my grandfather 26. Hoover was the National Food Administrator. consent to marriage was another and well. And she was different from 27. Wattles, Autobiography of Gurdon Wallace 27 Wattles, p. 153. more difficult matter.” his first wife. They also thought that 28. Telephone interview with Arabella Wattles Teal, Julia felt that some believed she maybe she was looking to marry a April 29, 2006. 29. “Meet In Federal Food Work, Fall in Love, Wed,” was marrying Wattles for money and rich man; so they had those appre- Los Angeles Times, June 30, 1918. 30. Telephone interview with Arabella Wattles Teal, position – even though she had sup- hensions on his behalf, although they April 29, 2006. ported herself comfortably for years. kept telling him, from the time Jenny 31. Wattles, Autobiography of Gurdon Wallace 30 Wattles, p. 156. And because of his age, Julia’s own died, that he should remarry.” friends were appalled that she even The next two years brought con-

12 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Evenings @ The Barn Virginia Davis Recounts 1923-5 With Disney ctress and Disney legend Virginia for playing a key role in AVirginia Davis, and author/his- making that a reality. torian Michael Brogie presented a Michael’s father, Roger, was the program of the origins of the Disney mechanical wizard for WED, the movie company and the Disney company Walt started to build the theme parks on June 22. new concepts for his theme parks Virginia was there as Disney’s in the 1950s. Michael’s recent book first star in 1923 with the title role Walt Disney’s Railroad Story lav- in the Alice in Cartoonland series, ishly illustrates the history of Walt’s making several short films until (and many of his fellow animators’, 1925 (Disney’s second star was an fascination with trains and how this animated mouse in 1928). Starting lead to his new theme park ideas. with Walt in Kansas City where the Part of Michael’s talk stressed the 1923 Alice film was made, she was similarities between the Disney brought to Hollywood when the dis- Barn in Griffith Park and the Lasky- tributor agreed to buy Walt’s series DeMille Barn in Hollywood. Visit only if Virginia played Alice. Walt their web site at www.carolwood. directed, Roy Disney was the cam- com eraman, and her father helped on the Slide programs, by Marc Wana- Virginia Davis and a copy of a poster from her set. The success of these short films maker, on the early Disney studios 1924 film. photo by Alan Simon got Walt and Roy Disney started in and, Michael’s on early Disneyland lighted this evening presentation of Hollywood and we have to thank and Walt’s miniature railroads high- living history.

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Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 13 In Memorium Realtor, Hwd Heritage Friend Robert T. Crane obert Travis Crane, 79, passed of Los Angeles’ most serene and studio, the Wattles estate and other Raway quietly under hospice care beautiful assets. He researched, landmarks. In 1980, he co-authored in Key West, Florida, on June 27, photographed and documented the Hollywood Land & Legend, docu- 2006, after a three-year battle with reservoir and its valley and then, menting the history of Hollywood non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. with local and City Council sup- in its own right, as distinct from Bob Crane was born in Carmel, port, successfully proposed to the its being known solely as the film N.Y., in the heart of the Hudson Cultural Heritage Commission that capital of the world. It was very well Valley, in 1927. He attended public Lake Hollywood, including William received at the time and is now an schools in Yonkers, N.Y., and en- Mulholland’s Mission style dam, be important part of the literature on listed in the Army in the waning awarded cultural heritage status. It the real estate of Hollywood. Marian days of World War II, serving with Gibbons, co-founder of Hollywood the 82nd Airborne Division in oc- Heritage, which has successfully cupied Germany. Upon discharge, he spearheaded the preservation of entered Amherst College, majoring many of the landmarks associ- in history, English literature, and ated with Hollywood and the German, and graduated in 1950 film industry, acknowledges Bob with a Bachelor of Arts degree and Crane’s contributions to historical a certificate in foreign studies from preservation. “He was there from the University of Zurich. the beginning, eager to share his In the late sixties, Crane turned knowledge and his resources to real estate and launched Bob to the fulfillment of our goals. Crane & Associates in the then- He was quite passionate about sleepy Los Angeles real estate preserving our history and help- market. By the time L.A. real ing many of our buildings to estate began its rapid rise in the achieve landmark status.” early 1970s, he held a comfort- Crane and his partner, able market share across the was so designated and became Los Thomas R. McClay, opted for early Hollywood Hills. He attributed a Angeles Cultural Heritage site No. retirement in 1982 and later moved good measure of his success to an 421 in 1989. His friend, fellow pres- permanently to Key West, Florida. early introduction to his neighbor, ervationist and Beachwood Canyon In 1990 he made possible the build- Julius Schulman, now regarded neighbor, Chris O’Brien, remembers ing of a hospice center, providing as one of the 20th century’s great another example of Crane’s concern the Hospice of the Florida Keys & architectural photographers. He for land use. “Bob was instrumental Visiting Nurse Association with a said, “Julius lent his encouragement in developing The Hollywood Spe- permanent home. and expertise to the creation of our cific Plan, a city-planning/zoning Crane’s life-long interest in archi- prize-winning, marketing cam- ordinance which took five years to tecture led to his restoring unique paigns, celebrating Southern Cali- develop, becoming effective in 1992. homes and buildings in Key West, fornia’s rich inventory of world-class It established construction criteria Paris and Los Angeles, most re- architecture. His enthusiasm and en- for the Hollywoodland community cently overseeing the restoration of ergy were contagious. He made you in terms of front-yards/fences, roof a classic neo-Georgian building on a believer. It was joy working with appurtenances and any increase in the Sunset Strip that was a home him during our years in business.” habitable, living square footage. of the Screen Actors Guild during In the mid-80s, when roofing Because of Bob’s efforts, new home Hollywood’s Golden Years. It was Lake Hollywood reservoir was construction required residential acknowledged “Best Restoration of announced by the Department of development regulations, including the Year” by the City of West Hol- Water and Power (DWP) as an op- issues of setbacks, roofing and mass- lywood. tion for meeting new federal clean- ing.” He is survived by Thomas R. water standards, Crane organized a Crane was an early supporter McClay, his devoted partner of 31 “Save Lake Hollywood” campaign of Hollywood Heritage and its ef- years, and his goddaughter, Alma to move the DWP toward an alter- forts to save the DeMille Barn, Selvaggia Rinaldi of Florence, Italy. native solution and preserve one Hollywood’s oldest surviving movie

14 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Preservation Continued from page  “furniture.” However, they are being Tower and the views of it. Hopefully, studios were going full steam with well taken care of. The echo cham- we will not see plans for a building Michael Bolton and Barry Manilow bers are the same as they were when resembling a giant iPod on this lot. making new records and Jimi Hen- the studio opened them. Designed 1810 Whitley Ave.: As described drix being worked on for yet another by famed musician Les Paul, his in our last newsletter, this 1921 Medi- previously unreleased recording original electronics are still in use terranean style two-story four-plex that was using the echo chambers. there. This protection is important was slated for demolition to build a Upstairs Dean Martin’s Christmas as any construction on the lot could five-story condo project in the “mod- record was being remixed for duets impact them. ern style” (as was the similarly styled newly recorded with contemporary Finally, the echo chambers are the 1919 apartment adjacent to the light stars with great effectiveness. Rose- closest of any US locales for The in the photo). Again, through an ille- mary Clooney, Merle Haggard, and Beatles’ studio recordings that can gal MND, the way for the demolition others were being remixed and re- be evidenced. Here the reverb/echo was cleared, even though it admitted stored for upcoming reissues and the effect was recorded for their Capitol that the building was in remarkably Tower was definitely alive with the releases that gave them a distinc- original condition. sound of music, as well as some rap. tively different sound, unlike the The CRA surveys in 1986 and The demonstration of current music European versions. Recently their 2003 said that the structure was and the restoration of music going original Capitol mixes have been “eligible for local landmark desig- back to the 1940s was an important made available on CDs as Ameri- nation” and Hollywood Heritage example of Capitol’s renowned cul- cans first heard them, courtesy of agreed. A nomination was prepared tural heritage (other companies are those chambers buried beneath a by Dave Monks and Robert W. utilizing the talent here for their mu- parking lot a few feet from Holly- Nudelman and submitted to the sic restoration projects as well). wood and Vine. Cultural Heritage Commission. The The nomination also included the Capitol, through its parent com- commission voted 4-0 to review the Art Deco Gogerty Building adja- pany, EMI, has just sold the prop- building and it had support from the cent to the Tower at Yucca and Vine erty to New York-based developer staff recommendation by Jay Oren streets. Built in 1931, and designed by famed architect H.L. Gogerty, it is today used for office space and a board room by Capitol. But in 1997, demolition was proposed for the two-story building. Hollywood Heritage invoked the protective status given it in the Hollywood Redevelopment Plan’s 1986 historic survey and the CRA helped to make Capitol restore and reuse instead of demolish the soon-to-be city land- mark. The restoration was superbly done, including additional space, by then board member Barry Milofsky. Had the conditions we are fight- ing now as described in the Carlton Way story, above, been in effect, this building would be a parking lot today. This is strong evidence as to 1810 Whitley, center, as it appeared in May 1926. photo from Hollywood Heritage Museum Archives why the laws need to be followed. The nomination will now go to the Argent Ventures for approximately for nomination as well as support of City Council and has the support of $50 million with Capitol signed to a the neighbors and the Los Angeles Capitol Records. Also, Nat “King” long-term lease-back. Argent’s plan Conservancy. All of this was much Cole’s Steinway piano and the stool is to develop the adjacent parking lot to the consternation of the owners Frank Sinatra recorded from are still while protecting the landmark build- as it would block demolition for one in the recording studio, but unfortu- ings. Hollywood Heritage’s oversight year. nately could not be included in the will be used to make certain that The commission tour of the site nomination as they are considered any new structures do not blight the continued on page 16 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 15 Preservation Continued from page 15 tion by staff unless the tour proved An Evening @ the Barn took place on August 3, joined by the building to not be what had been Hollywood Heritage’s Robert W. presented in the nomination. Obvi- Jim Pauley & the Nudelman and co-founder Christy ously, in this case, the tour showed McAvoy, whose office is a city land- the building to be better than de- Three Stooges mark of similar style 1/2 block away. scribed in the nomination as we had by Marc Wanamaker The tour of the interior revealed it no access to the interior prior to the ollywood Heritage Evening to be also remarkably intact from tour. The staff report now repeated H@ the Barn presented a Three woodwork to original built-ins/fix- the arguments of the developer and Stooges program hosted by Marc tures, and a Batchelder tile fireplace said nothing as to why the original Wanamaker and Stooges historian in each of the four two-bedroom opinion was now incorrect. and Hollywood Heritage member units. None of the tour members The basic argument was that the Jim Pauley, who flew in specially could remember seeing such details two main “areas of significance,” from Philadelphia. intact inside and out from 1921 that Hollywood Heritage raised in Jim Pauley of the Three Stooges in any other apartment buildings. the nomination, context and integ- fan association came to Hollywood The tour continued with a stop at rity, were not important. Hollywood with his extensive documentation of various Los Angeles sites where the Stooges filmed (he is working on a book of 3-Stooges filming sites). Hollywood Heritage historian Marc Wanamaker prepared a slide show of the different studios where the Stooges worked and some be- hind the scenes photographs of the Stooges productions. Jim Pauley arranged for special guests Beverly Warren and Moe Howard’s daughter, Joan Howard, Maurer to speak during the program. Pauley showed several short films 1810 Whitley as it appears today and its two surviving neighbors. Photo by Robert Birchard during the evening, including, Three Christy’s courtyard building, where Heritage argued against this position Loan Wolves (1946) in which Bev- she pointed out this landmark, while by pointing out that lack of integrity erly Warren appeared. excellent, was not as intact inside as (how much of the original structure is Hollywood Heritage program the now vacant 1810 Whitley. intact) is the most common argument designer Sue Slutzky prepared a All seemed fine as to placing his- made to defeat landmark designa- beautiful program with histori- toric landmark status on the build- tions. The significance of integrity is cal photographs of various Three ing. But things are not always as therefore tantamount to the approval Stooges filming locations giving the they seem, especially with historic process. Quotes were then read from event a special touch. The evening preservation in Hollywood. The National Register Bulletin 15 where it was sold out as over 130 Stooges city’s newly appointed Office of states “The significance of a historic fans filled the barn with laughter and Historic Resources manager, Ken property can be judged and explained a new attendance record. Bernstein (previously with the Los only when it is evaluated within its Angeles Conservancy) submitted historic context.” And “The concept a revised letter to the commission of historic context…has been funda- recommending to “NOT DECLARE mental to the study of history since the building a Historic/Cultural the 18th century…” Monument and adopt the report Somehow the staff report ignored findings” (his report, not the previ- this and based its findings on condi- ous one in favor by Jay Oren). tions that only a handful of current Having attended many, many, Cul- city landmark buildings would meet. tural Heritage Commission meetings Apparently, a new policy to toughen since 1979 and the Wiltern Theater, city historic designation standards I have never seen a reversal of a to a new level, tightens them to a previously favorable recommenda- continued on page 18 16 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Happy Birthday Rambova / Valentino Delmar Watson! by Stephen Sylvester Bungalow Razed by Allan Ellenberger according to Ivano, Valentino woke elmar Watson, long time as- atacha Rambova’s bungalow him – panic stricken and completely Dsociate of Hollywood Heritage Nwas razed in August. Here is nude. Natacha had passed out during and former board member, cel- the aftermath. It’s true that the sur- lovemaking, and Valentino was sure ebrated his ‘39th birthday’ at the viving bungalow no longer resem- that he had killed her. Ivano revived Hollywood Heritage Museum on bled its appearance of the 1920s, her by sponging her face with water. June 24th. but it was still historically signifi- It was also here that the trio devised

Delmar hams it up before enjoying his birthday cake The event was a complete surprise to Delmar as family and friends cant, if not packed the museum to wish this architectur- great guy all the best! ally, in film If a man’s true wealth is measured history. by those that love him, then Delmar This is is a Billionaire! from the Hol- For he’s a jolly good fellow! lywood Tour section of my book, The Valentino Mystique: Natacha Before and After. The former home of actress, Natacha Rambova and Rudolph Rambova’s Valentino. Bungalow, 6612 Sunset Blvd., south a scheme to make extra money by side between Cherokee Avenue and peddling signed autograph pictures Seward Street. of Valentino to his adoring fans. At “ ‘Rudy would come out and do all one point, Natacha bought a lion cub sorts of handy jobs about the house that they named Zela, who lived in for me. He’d do electric wiring and the bungalow along with an assort- he’d make little perfume tables and ment of other animals. smoking stands and hang all of my “One night Zela bit the leg of an prints and pictures.’ – Natacha Ram- intruder that turned out to be a pri- bova. vate detective hired by Jean Acker. “Natacha rented this one-bedroom Though converted into offices, the Valerie Yaros, Hollywood Heritage board bungalow, and shared it with Val- original bungalow still survives.” member and historian for the Screen Actors entino and Paul Ivano. One night, [Not any more] Guild, shares a moment with Delmar. Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 17 Signage Continued from page  This leads to another report for the her personal knowledge of the build- next newsletter, but visit Hollywood ing and its architectural importance. ration of the building’s historic facade Boulevard, then Pasadena and Santa The Commission heard our state- and first floor interiors. Monica and see which of the three is ments and the somewhat smug, For the past several months, this fa- working, both economically and in probably due to overconfidence, cade has been covered with a “super protecting their heritage. rebuttal by the developer’s attorney, wherein he was very pleased by the Preservation Continued from page 16 new staff report, and ignored all of level even tighter than the National the statements from the commu- Register. This did not bode well for nity. The Commission then voted historic preservation in Los Angeles. with only three of the five members Hollywood Heritage argued strong present, meaning a unanimous vote support for the nomination and to was necessary for approval. Com- protect the future of city landmark missioner Barron hesitated on his designations in general. Christy support, but a rousing speech by McAvoy wrote a strong letter of sup- Commissioner Singer, and strong Current photo of the site of the former Seven port that was read to the commission support from Commission president Seas Restaurant photo by Marc Wanamaker by Dave Monks, and Hollywood Martin, helped to answer his con- blight” sign over the top two stories Heritage board member and Screen cerns and the nomination was ap- for the length of the building (by the Actors Guild historian, Valerie proved 3-0. current owner, not CIM). As the cur- Yaros, submitted an article from The approval now goes to the rent photo shows, the city has been the Hollywood Reporter (9/30/06) City Council where a committee unable, or unwilling, to do anything where Alan Coulter, director of the vote and a full council vote will be about it. current release, Hollywoodland, ex- required to get final recognition. There is a billboard on top of the plained why he filmed in Toronto, Councilmember LaBonge represents building now, about 12’ x 32’ long. because of “…the city’s intact 1950s the area and has been a strong sup- CIM proposes to build a tower on top architecture and also buildings from porter of historic preservation issues to replace that billboard with two ver- the decades leading up to the ’50s. in Hollywood, where the recent tical billboards in a V-shaped posi- The production found that it could Los Feliz Brown Derby was nomi- tion. They would each be 42 feet tall shoot a 1950s interior apartment nated. His planning deputy, Doug and about 20 feet wide, located in a and have a 1920s style apartment in Mensman said that the councilman framework even larger. the background.” Other 2006 Los did not oppose the nomination. Hol- These billboards are as tall as the Angeles-based films, The Black lywood Heritage, 1810 Whitley’s 3-story building itself and would Dahlia and Angel’s Flight, were neighbors, and the many others that block the view of the El Capitan filmed in Bulgaria and South Africa supported the nomination expect Theater, which is two buildings to respectively, as filmmakers leave that Tom will continue his position the east. They would be across from Los Angeles to make movies about of protecting Hollywood’s historic the Chinese Theater and become the it. Valerie pointed out the the loss of resources, as the CRA studies and dominant design element in the area, our history is also costing jobs in the the Cultural Heritage Commission overpowering these two landmark entertainment industry. have all declared that 1810 Whitley theaters, never mind the Seven Seas Jay Platt, of the Los Angeles Avenue is one of these important building. This requires variances Conservancy, spoke of the Conser- resources. from the city codes and the city is vancy’s continued support of the Hollywood Heritage thanks all trying to do that now, which will be nomination and its overall impor- those mentioned here for their sup- opposed by Hollywood Heritage. tance in the preservation of Hol- port over a two month span to get Our “civic leaders” need to quit lywood, disagreeing with the staff the nomination through, and who looking at Times Square for their report. Hollywood Heritage member are all continuing to help through blighted vision. Look at Old Pasade- Ted Otis, who lives across the street the City Council’s vote in October. na or 3rd Street Promenade in Santa from the nominee, brought a peti- We also thank the Cultural Heritage Monica. No billboards, very few bars tion, quickly gathered from dozens Commissioners who supported a and nightclubs, and yet they are a of neighbors supporting the nomina- building that, while not an “architec- major success. Hollywood Boulevard tion and was joined by area resident tural gem,” nevertheless spoke of the continues to struggle to attract retail Leila Roldan in speaking for the history of Hollywood’s development tenants, other than numerous tattoo nomination. Historian Anne Marie and housing in a way that no other parlors and the aforementioned bars. Brooks also spoke in favor, citing building could.

18 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 Dale C. Olson MEMBERSHIP Betty Petitt Hwd. Heritage UPDATE Fran & Bill Reichenbach Board Member n grateful recognition of their generous Lois Surmi Isupport, we sincerely thank the follow- Don Taylor Appointed British ing renewing members who have made Kay Tornborg “Royal Designer” contributions at the $100 level and above Norman Triplett as of September 2006. Category titles are Jan Westman enowned graphic designer and names of historic Hollywood Studios. RAcademy Award®-winning WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! documentary filmmaker Arnold KEYSTONE ($1000+) Joseph Acevedo Schwartzman has been accorded Ted E. C. Bulthaup III - Hollywood Joan & Joel Adler Lenson Alchangian one of the most prestigious awards Boulevard Cinema LLC Angela Aleiss, Ph.D. in the design world. In recogni- BISON ($500+) Reda Alili tion of his achievements in graphic Ed Collins - Buena Vista Theatres Kay Armour Barbara Bartman design he has been conferred the Art Laboe Foundation Susan Bech distinction of “Royal Designer for Cynthia & Chapin Nolen Bill Bowers Industry” (RDI) by Britain’s old- Thaddeus Smith - Music Box Theater Marcos Bowers est arts society, RSA (The Royal Peter Brosnan KALEM ($250+) John Bryson Society for the Bill Condon & Jack Morrissey Daryl Cameron Encouragement Todd Holland & Scotch Ellis Loring John Cannon of Arts, Milt Larsen - Magic Castle Laural & Bartolo Carrillo Manufactures Los Angeles Fire Department Risk Castenado Historical Society Gary Cleff and Commerce), Steve Paolozzi James Curtis founded in 1754. Steve Scott & Bob Eicholz Jeanne DePass London-born Steve Sylvester Mary Lynn & Mike Donoghue Jane Drucker Schwartzman TRIANGLE ($100+) The Event Department began his career Leith Adams Todd Fisher in British television, moving to Los Joan & Joel Adler Marijean Galloway Angeles in 1978 to become Design Angela Aleiss, Ph.D. Rodolfo Garavagno Jere Guldin Director for Saul Bass & Associ- Alice Allen Gabriel Guy ates. In 1982 he received an Oscar® Dan Barham Tim Hyde Jane & Richard Bartholomew for producing and directing the Joan Johnson documentary feature Genocide. The Nick Beck Gary R. Jones Timothy Brandt Kevin Jones same year he was appointed Direc- Elizabeth & Richard Brill Laurel Jones tor of Design for the 1984 Los An- Bert Cassan Helga Kasimoff geles Olympic Games. Violet & William Cavitt Peggy Kelly & Paul Pondella He is the designer of several Acad- Susan Charchuk Margaret Kerry John & Deborah Clifford Janet Klein & Robert Loveless emy Awards commemorative posters Gini Colvig Michelle Malik and presentation programs, and pro- James Cremin Dave Minnihan ducer of a number of the Academy’s George Crittenden Cheryl Minor theatrical trailers. He is also the au- Jessica & Tommy Dangcil Hazel Mulqueen Chris Nichols thor of numerous books. Johnathon Daugherty Ted Otis Gregg Davidson Schwartzman was elected to the Richard S. Paddor Alliance Graphique Internationale Allan Ellenberger Pangea Agency, Inc. Peter Gutzmer Gene Porter in 1974. A Governor and past Chair- Allison Denman Holland Steve Reeser man of the Board of the British Margrete & Edward Johnson Kelly Ruf Academy of Film and Television James Karen & Alba Francesca Karl Schmidt Arts/Los Angeles® (BAFTA/LA®), Martin Kearns & Ken Richardson Ross Schwartz Jean & William Kelly Terry Scott he is also a past Chair of the Docu- George Kelly Gwen Serna mentary Executive Committee of Patty & Joe Kowal The Silver Spoon the Academy of Motion Picture Arts Mary Lambert Tom Sutherland Les Thomsen and Sciences. Rolf Larsen In 2002 he was appointed an Of- Mrs. Hilary F. MacKendrick Michael Torgan MANN Theatres Mark Tracy ficer of the Order of the British C. Jeanne Van Dusen-Smith Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth Beatrice & Al Marsella Marge Weatherford Sally McKibbin Judith L. Williams II for services to the British film in- Myron Meisel dustry in the USA. Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | September 2006 19 www.hollywoodheritage.org P.O Box 2586 Hollywood, CA 90078 Mark Your Calendar Sunday, October 29th: Special Program! Author Har- ry Medved will lead a 4:00 pm tour through Bronson Caves (north end of Bronson above Franklin), followed at 6:00 pm by slides and film clips at the Barn cover- ing the movie and TV history of the famed location. Thursday, November 16th: Hugh Neely will talk about the making of, and screen, his Theda Bara documentary, The Woman With the Hungry Eyes. Marc Wanamaker will present related slides. 7:30 pm at The Barn Tuesday, November 21st: Annual Meeting And Spe- cial Program. As usual, we will have a brief business meeting and annual board elections. Our Special Guest for the evening will be Diane Kanner, who will talk about her new book, Wallace Neff and the Grand Houses of the Golden State. 7:30 pm at The Barn Thursday, December 14th: Tom Sito will guest with a presentation of many rare images from his new book, Drawing the Line: The Untold Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson. 7:30 pm at The Barn

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