The publication of 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 film industry and its pioneers in shaping Hollywood’s Fall 2014 www.hollywoodheritage.org Volume 33, Number 3 history. Honoring the Family through Donations t is always gratifying when we receive the Ed Wood production of Plan 9 From Outer original dust jackets. These photoplays are emails or letters from people who are Space. The Sekavec’s only goal with the dona- now in the bookcase that decorates the De- Iseeking to place items with us. Sometimes, tion of this material was to make sure Harold’s Mille office. we are their last - or next to last - resort. For work and name were remembered, a senti- Sometimes it takes a while to complete a the donors and their families the items they are ment shared by all recent donors. Several of good deed in that Charla McCartney and her seeking to donate have strong relationships to Harold’s projectors, after some cleaning and mother fell heir to a couple of boxes of materi- their families. Recent donations all fall into this TLC will be on display at the museum. al that Mrs. McCartney’s sister received when category. Leslie Hoban Blake and her sister Cheryl she helped manage the personal items of early A Life magazine in the early 1950’s featured Bulback from New York contacted us about movie star Beverly Bayne when Miss Bayne a photograph of Cecil B. DeMille’s desk cal- a small collection of photoplays, those nov- passed away in Arizona in 1982. They weren’t endar with its movie-heavy indications of his elizations of movies popularized by Grosset sure what to do with the boxes, since they had busy life. Member and frequent donor Ann and Dunlap and others in the ‘teens through been in the estate of Mrs. McCartney’s sister Champion who had recently donated items the 1940s. Their father, Dr. Isidore Schwartz- after that. Some Internet searching brought relating to Walter Carlton, her late husband’s man, had collected them and they wanted his our name to their attention and the items were grandfather. Ann is a prop master and set prized books to go somewhere they could be donated to our museum. The donation in- designer who appreciates small touches. A seen and their father’s name noted for his en- cludes a number of photographs, mostly per- friend of hers fell into possession of a desk thusiasm for movies. The selection included sonal family ones, including snapshots from calendar she believed to be DeMille’s from the DeMille films The Squaw Man and The Vol - Miss Bayne’s Essanay days when she first met the Life photo. She donated it to the muse- ga Boatman. The best of the lot includes their her husband, Francis X. Bushman. Unfortu- um, but the magazine photo only showed the Continued on page 4 calendar from the front, providing no details. Within a few weeks, however, we obtained another photo from 1927 showing DeMille with Jeanne MacPherson and Sid Grauman reviewing billboard art for King of Kings. In that photo was the same desk calendar, only this time from the back revealing its unique turned wood legs. We could match it to the donated calendar, so that now, in our recreat- ed DeMille office - on the desk - is DeMille’s desk calendar! We received another call from a couple from Colorado who were cleaning out the garage of the wife’s father, Harold Masser, who was a film editor at in the late 20’s and became a studio projectionist at Fox and Disney. The couple, Pam and Jay Sekavec, was panicked about what to do with Harold’s col- lection of machinery and other movie material that had accumulated for many years. Several days of going through the garage netted sev- eral projectors, projectionist publications, and as-yet undocumented reel of film fragments which may be related to the production of Cecil B. DeMille, Jeanne MacPherson and Sid Grauman review art for King of Kings in 1927. On the desk, right below what was called “the worst film ever made,” DeMille’s arm is the desk calendar donated by Ann Champion. President’s Message This and That and HHI by Brian Cooper shorts for the first round. The second outing ell it’s brought a rarely screened print of The Last finally War ning out into the open for all to enjoy. A www.hollywoodheritage.org starting special thanks must go to all of the folks who W BOARD OF DIRECTORS to feel like the fall helped make this a successful season, among weather is upon us. them HH board member Randy Haberkamp, Bryan Cooper, President And what a relief it who programmed the films, Marc Wanamak- Sue Slutzky, Vice President is! I am pleased to er, who gave tours of the grounds and Betty report that it con- Petit, who helped process ticket sales. I am Mary Mallory, Secretary tinues to be a busy already looking forward to next summer’s se- Tracy Terhune, Treasurer time for Hollywood Heritage. Many of you ries with eager anticipation! attended our July 1st Centennial Celebration Our Preservation Issues Committee will Amy Condit for The Squaw Man presented in conjunction be participating in many interesting events Denise DeCarlo with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. this fall including the LA Historic Neigh- Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan We were thrilled with the unprecedented borhoods Conference on Saturday, October Margot Gerber attendance as we opened up the barn for a 18th, which is presented in conjunction with John Girodo grand-style open house. Chamber President the Department of City Plan- Leron Gubler presented us with our very ning and the Los Angeles Conservancy at Randy Haberkamp own framed star (much like the ones you the Wilshire United Methodist Church. The John Hillman see on the ), while all-day event will offer interactive workshops Kevin Jordan Councilman Mitch O’Farrell declared it the and networking with historic preservation George Kiel day of The Squaw Man. Also in attendance was experts and community stakeholders who Christy Johnson McAvoy Betty Lasky, the daughter of our namesake, will help educate people about the impor- Jonathan Nettler who graciously shared memories of her fa- tance of protecting the unique character of mous father’s working relationship with Cecil Los Angeles’ historic neighborhoods. The Chris Nichols B. DeMille. There was also a host of food and theme of this year’s conference is “Sus- Fran Offenhauser drink stations, live music, period costumed tainable Practices” and the event is open to Bill Roschen characters, vintage cars, horses and games for anyone interested in historic districts and Alan H. Simon kids, including an opportunity to star in your neighborhood conservation. Beth Werling own silent film. KABC’s George Pennacchio You will also want to mark your calendar covered the proceedings along with Eye on for the 9th Annual Los Angeles Archives Committees & Chairs LA and the Los Angeles Times. Hopefully this Bazaar ,which will take place on Saturday, will be the first of many partnerships with our October 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Finance & Development - Amy Condit friends at the Chamber. Doheny Memorial Library on the USC Uni- Museum - Richard Adkins Speaking of the Hollywood Chamber of versity Park Campus. The event is a treasure Membership - Richard Adkins (acting chair) Commerce, we recently received a $2,500 trove for anyone interested in the region’s grant from the Hollywood Chamber of history. A broad array of institutions and Nominating - George Kiel Commerce Community Foundation, which archives will have experts on hand to show Preservation Issues - Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan will help with the restoration of the external off their collections and answer questions, Public Relations - Bryan Cooper exhibition area of museum (back deck). The including of course, Hollywood Heritage! In check was presented to Christy and Steve all, more than 70 archives will be represented Publications - Alan H. Simon McAvoy at a special reception at Hollywood at this event, which is free and open to the Silent Society - Randy Haberkamp & Highland on September 16th. This grant, public. So please be sure to stop by our table Mary Zickefoose along with additional funding from the Jack to say hello! Director of Membership Development Oakie Foundation and Universal Pictures, Finally, I want to say how proud I am to John Clifford will help us create an outdoor experience be a part of an organization that has such a Newsletter and Webmaster for visitors interested in learning about the loyal, dedicated membership. As we round Contributing to this issue with research, writing, history of silent filmmaking in Hollywood. out the year I look forward to getting to proofing, editing, graphics or photography are More details on this exciting development know more of you at upcoming events and Richard Adkins, Robert S. Birchard, Bryan Cooper, George Kiel, Mary Mallory, Christy McAvoy, Stephan are forthcoming! I hope that you’ll continue your support of McAvoy, Chris Nichols, Fran Offenhauser, Alan H. It was such a pleasure to see so many famil- Hollywood Heritage in 2015. Our strength Simon, Sue Slutzky, and Mary Zickefoose. iar faces at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura is in our numbers and as the numbers grow, Hollywood Heritage Newsletter is published for our Silent Society’s annual Silents Under the so does our voice in the community as we quarterly by Hollywood Heritage, Inc., Stars film series. Good food and friends con- join together to celebrate our unique history P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078 tributed to the already jovial atmosphere as as well as our boundless future! 323 874-4005. we laughed along with Chaplin in a series of 2 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2014 Robert Nudelman Gary Olavi Karinen Marker Unveiled here are always people behind the dation. Gary didn’t give up. He came and eptember 21st, at Hollywood Forever scenes that make things happen. supervised pouring concrete foundations Cemetery, a group gathered for the un- TEngineer Gary Olavi Karinen, who in the pouring rain. When the job wasn’t Sveiling of Robert Nudelman’s grave passed away at the age of 68 on August 11, finished, Gary and the indomitable Mari- marker. In attendance were current and past 2014, was such a man. Gary played a key an Gibbons continued pouring concrete Hollywood Heritage board members, along role in the relocation of the Lasky-DeMille during the night, in the rain, by the light with Hollywood Heritage supporters and Barn to its present site, and the restoration from their car headlights. friends. People reminisced and told stories of the building. As a structural engineer, his Mr. Karinen was born in Finland, where about Robert, some poignant, some amusing. many volunteer hours devoted to this proj- he grew up helping his family build homes, Robert’s legacy still resonates throughout our ect helped to make it possible. Moving a 90- later continuing construction in Oceanside organization and in Hollywood. foot long turn-of-the-century barn isn’t easy. with the family business after they immi- The marker acquisition was facilitated by Gary’s skills were required in drawing grated in October 1956. He graduated from Valerie Yaros, former Hollywood Heritage up plans to lift it from its old foundation, Oceanside High School in 1964, received board member and secretary, with the as- transport and set it down on a new founda- his BS in Architectural Engineering from sistance of Amy Higgins and former board tion near the Hollywood Bowl. Since it was Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and later his member, and vice-president, Claire Bradford. starting a new life as a museum, it would Masters Degree in both Civil Engineering Together they composed the epitaph on the structurally carry larger loads, need seismic and Business Administration from USC. marker. The plot, appropriately adjacent to reinforcing, and require a 7-foot addition to He had the distinction of being the young- Cecil B. DeMille, was generously donated by replicate an equal amount lost to a “short- est structural engineer in California. Hollywood Forever’s Tyler Cassity. The cre- ening’ while located at . During his distinguished career, Gary mation vault and the marker were paid for by was also a key player in saving from dem- Valerie. Theodore Hovey was the Hollywood olition and restoring the historical land- Forever liaison for both the 2009 interment marked First Congregational Church of and the 2014 marker installation, and also pro- Long Beach. vided the canopy and chairs for the unveiling. Hollywood Heritage co-founder, archi- At the conclusion of the ceremony, everyone tect Fran Offenhauser’s firm remembers raised a can of diet Coke in honor of Robert. Gary as a highly organized man “whose creativity was matched by an extraordinary memory.” “He always had an immediately solution” to any construction problem that arose. When it came to a construction site, he carried a magic briefcase with his culled answers for everything he might need, plus graph paper and his professional stamp so he could draw, stamp, and sign to satisfy the building inspector.” One could rest assured that his work translated into safe structures, and he was absolutely trusted. Gary lent his expertise to the actual con- The members of Hollywood Heritage, struction. There was major press attention and the entire community, are thankful for Holiday Party & and hoopla when the building was slated the selfless contribution that Gary Karinen to move to its new home (while being tele- made to what is now the Hollywood Heri- Annual Meeting! vised on the 11:00 p.m. news), but heavy tage Museum. rain intervened with setting the new foun- o Ho Ho !! Can you believe that it’s time for Hollywood Heritage’s Annual Members Only Meeting Hollywood Heritage Museum 2100 N. Highland Ave. Hand Holiday Party? Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14th. The free party will Hollywood, CA 90028 start at 4:00 p.m. We’re very excited once Across Highland Ave. from the Hollywood Bowl again to have our party catered by Denise DeCarlo of Grub Restaurant and As You HOURS Like It Catering (winners of this year’s Heroes Wednesday through Sunday: of Hollywood Award). A scrumptious light Noon - 4:00pm supper and festivities, including holiday music Members admitted free and a holiday raffle, will be followed by our Museum Store is open when museum is open and during all events. annual meeting, which as always promises to beHollywood full of surprises! Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2014 3 Marking Mack Sennett Studio Evening @ the Barn here is an odd bit of trivia about Honoring Hollywood. It seems that repeatedly, historic markers - particularly those Ed Edelman denotingT the sites of historic studios - have been placed in the wrong spot. Hollywood d Edelman was instrumental in find- Heritage has taken on the task of correcting ing a home for the Lasky-DeMille one of these misplaced markers, that of the Barn, on Los Angeles County prop- Mack Sennett Studio. Eerty, where it currently sits across from the When Mack Sennett was the subject of a Hollywood Bowl. As County Supervisor, This is Your Life program in 1954, a plaque Edmund G. Edelman used his skills and influ- was displayed which was intended to go ence to clear the way for the Barn to become on the location of the Sennett Studio at an early motion picture industry museum. 1712 Alessandro St. Somehow, the plaque Years earlier, the County property was cleared was placed at 1845 Alessandro instead. It by eminent domain to house such a museum. remained there until 2007 when the busi- On Wednesday, December 10th at 7:30 ness located on the site, Bertco Graphics, p.m., Hollywood Heritage will be honor- closed. At that point, former Hollywood ing Mr. Edelman at a special Evening @ Heritage Board member and President, the Barn. Robert S. Birchard asked if he could have To the residents of Los Angeles, Ed the plaque. The new owners agreed and the Edelman is nothing short of a legend. next day Bob got the plaque, even though During his thirty years of elective office, in that 24-hour period it had been embel- and his later years as a government advi- lished with graffiti. sor, Edelman produced a breathtaking list Bob brought the issue of the plaque relo- of accomplishments. cation to the Hollywood Heritage Museum During the program, we will screen Mari Committee and John Girodo, co-chair of Edelman’s documentary on her husband, The the Preservation Issues Committee, con- Passions and Politics of Ed Edelman. You will tacted Councilman Mitch O’Farrell’s office come to appreciate how Mr. Edelman’s leg- to solicit their participation. acy is born out of integrity and compassion In the meantime, using Indiegogo, Hol- and out of a desire to enrich the quality of lywood Heritage raised half the needed life of the community. His accomplishments funds, and board members donated the encompass the broadest range of humanitar- balance. The plaque is now being fabricat- ian and cultural endeavors: they have had and ed and soon we will be able to bring you will continue to produce an enduring and installation and dedication ceremony dates. DONATIONS continued from page 1 far-reaching impact on the community. nately, Miss Bayne and Mr. Bushman did not remain married and Mr. Bushman has been “edited” out of many of the donated photo- graphs! The Bayne material will be processed and sometime in the future will be available for researchers and writers. Last, but certainly not least, is a wonderful collection of menus primarily from Los An- geles and Hollywood, donated by Richard Bi- setti and his family. Mr. Bisetti’s father Mario was a chef at Musso and Franks from 1921 to 1942. He also worked at the Ambassador Ho- tel. Mario’s collection includes menus from Hollywood hot spots like Clara Bow’s “It” Cafe and Thelma Todd’s Malibu Sidewalk Café, along with the Nikabob and Henry’s and so many more. The Bisetti Collection Former Los Angeles County Supervisor Ed Edelman, will soon be on display at the museum. 3rd from left, officiates at the opening of the Hollywood Hollywood Heritage thanks all of its do- Heritage Museum, December 14, 1985. Accompanying Edelman are, from left, Richard Adkins, President of nors for contributing to the building of a Hollywood Heritage, Marian N. Gibbons, co-founder of very fine archive on Hollywood and its early Hollywood Heritage, and special guest, actor Charlton motion picture industry. Heston. 4 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2014 Evening @ The Barn Evening @ The Barn MEMBERSHIP Warner Bros. William Castle’s UPDATE History 100th Birthday n grateful recognition of their generous sup- lthough there had been experiments port, we sincerely thank the following new and with sound movies dating back to Celebration! Irenewing members who have made contribu- Thomas Edison, it took the combi- tions at the $100 level and above as of September nationA of General Electric and four brothers merican film director, producer, writ- 29, 2014. * indicates a new member. Category titles named Warner to take the risk of applying er and actor William Castle would are names of historic Hollywood Studios. sound to a feature film. Always seeking to have celebrated his 100th birthday this Majestic $2500+ take advantage of new technology, Warner pastA April, so Hollywood Heritage thought Bros. also pioneered color and were active this would be the perfect opportunity to bask Crescent Heights Palladium, LLC* in radio. in his greatness. Naturally, Castle’s films have NBC Universal Media, LLC* Although certainly successful, Warner become synonymous with Halloween, so on Paramount Studios Bros. was not considered a major studio. Sunday, October 26th, just a few days shy of Kalem $250+ They had produced a number of critical and Halloween, we will be presenting a retrospec- popular successes, such as ’s tive of his legendary work. Claire Bradford & Chris Baldwin The Marriage Circle and had placed John Bar- The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society rymore under contract starting with Beau program will begin at approximately 6:30 Triangle $100+ Brummel, but their most successful performer p.m. The evening kicks off with a screening Margaret Barrett was Rin-Tin-Tin. Warner Bros. became a ma- of the acclaimed 2007 documentary Spine jor studio with their use of sound, beginning Tingler: The William Castle Story. Director Jef- Timothy Brandt with the musical accompaniment and sound frey Schwarz will be on-hand to discuss Peggy Stern Cole effects of Don Juan, through the milestone the making of this fascinating film. Castle’s Allan Ellenberger musical The Jazz Singer, to the first all talking daughter, Terry, will share insights into her Joanna Erdos feature, The Lights of New York. In addition famous father’s life. John Girodo to sound, Warner Bros. also popularized the Following a brief intermission, author and Josh Hickman color feature film in tandem with the musical Castle expert Joe Jordan will introduce the hookshiddenhoard* film in the late 1920s and early 1930s. 1958 thriller, Macabre, courtesy of our friends Matthew Lesniak* One of the financial advantages of their at Warner Archive. Mr. Jordan has also con- Jeffery Jon Masino success was the ability to purchase and build sented to sign and sell copies of his best-sell- Jonathan Nettler theatres. Southern California is home to sev- ing book, Showmanship: The Cinema of William Outpost Estates Homeowners Assoc. eral examples of theatres built by Warner Castle. Plus, Jacqueline Scott, one of the stars Rick & Michelle Piper Bros. to exhibit and promote their studio’s of Macabre, will Robert Rochon & Kiran Uppal product. be our special Jeffrey L. Williams guest and has Margarita Wuellner* offered to share her memories of OTHER NEW MEMBERS working on this Chris Bomga* classic suspense Julie Fleischer* film. Matt Fritch* But, that’s not Jo Gibert* all! Our famous Carroll F. Grey* raffle will in- Olivia Habib* clude a host of Cilgia Halprin* William Castle Gregg Hammond* Hollywood Heritage, in partnership with DVDs compli- Marilyn Knowlden* the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Founda- ments of Warner Archive! There will also be Daniel Kosman* tion, will be presenting an evening of War- a display of memorabilia from William Cas- Jean Laughton* ner history on Wednesday, November 12th, tle’s career courtesy of the Burbank-based Sharon Lippman* with a presentation by the LAHTF on War- store, Creature Features, as well as from Ter- Robin & John Longfield* ner Theatres, including the flagship Warner ry Castle’s private collection. Finally, be sure Hollywood, and a brief presentation by Steve to come dressed as your favorite Castle mov- Nancy Meyer* Bingen, who along with Marc Wanamaker of ie character and you may win a prize in our Vincent Paterno* Bison Archives, is the author of Warner Bros.- first-ever Halloween costume contest! This James Pauley* Hollywood’s Ultimate Backlot. The museum will event is likely to sell out so reserve your tick- Patricia Procetto* also have on display an extensive exhibit of ets online now to avoid disappointment! For Glenn Reasoner* Warner Bros. material for this evening’s pre- tickets and information please go to: http:// Scott Shaw* sentation. Mark your calendar! www.brownpapertickets.com/event/878309 Alexis & Caroline Szabo* Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2014 5 Hollywood Heritage Board Third Annual Member Chris Nichols Afternoon with y family was one of the thou- When the Cinerama Dome was threat- the Authors sands that settled in Southern ened in 1998, the ModCom again teamed California in the years follow- up with Hollywood Heritage and worked Mark your Calendars! Ming World War II. My father was born in closely with Robert Nudelman. I had long n Saturday, December 6th, from Santa Monica and my mom came to sub- heard wonderful stories about the group noon until 4 p.m., Hollywood urban L.A. as a little girl. The black and from Marc Wanamaker and other historians, Heritage will hold the third an- white family photos in our family albums and in that effort, I was able to see firsthand Onual Afternoon with the Authors, our pro- were taken at googie coffee shops, early the energy and passion of the preservation- gram featuring writers whose books are on Disneyland, and Beverly Park. I grew up in ists at Hollywood Heritage. Through the Hollywood topics. the San Gabriel Valley, where things took 2000’s, the ModCom supported Hollywood As we go to press, the following authors longer to disappear, and got to experience Heritage’s efforts to save the CBS Colum- are confirmed. Many others will be added to the remnants of ’50s and ’60s life during bia Square and Palladium. We both fought the line-up, and will be listed on the Holly- the ’70s and ’80s. for the Hollywood Bowl band shell, and for wood Heritage website. the original exterior of the 1963 Sunset Vine Tower. We lost both. In 2003, the Conser- • Jon Boorstin, author of the novel vancy’s Modern Committee again teamed Mabel and Me, about silent film co- up with Hollywood Heritage to successful- medienne Mabel Normand. ly advocate for the Hanna Barbera anima- • Screenwriter Ken LaZebnik’s Hol- tion studio in the Cahuenga Pass. The two lywood Digs features stories about groups have long shared a concern about the , Jock Mahoney, Dar- Capitol Records tower, which the Modern ryl F. Zanuck and many others. Committee landmarked in 2006. • Angela Cartwright & Tom Mc- The mid-century aesthetic has been rid- Claren’s Styling the Stars, Lost Trea- ing high in popular culture for years, but sures from the Twentieth Century Fox significant modern buildings continue to Archive, a remarkable collection of be threatened. In 2011, Hollywood Heri- continuity shots of stars, including tage president Richard Adkins reached out Marilyn Monroe and . I read Alan Hess’s book Googie before I to me after we had collaborated on some re- These have never been seen before, could drive, so I made my family take me search and invited me to run for a seat on as they were internal production to Ships and Pann’s and all of the fantasti- the board. I was honored and have served photos and not intended for public cal places on those pages. I fell in love with since 2012. Last year I produced a sold-out consumption, until now! neon signs, swoopy roofs, and the dynam- evening with original Disney Imagineer Bob • Hugh O’Brian, Or What’s Left of ic, electric excitement of modern architec- Gurr, and hope to create more events and Him is the lively memoir of the ac- ture. I looked up the author in the phone continue to save significant landmarks of tor who will be present to sign his book and we became fast friends. He told postwar design. autobiography. me that the Los Angeles Conservancy • Dawn Wells, of Gilligan’s Island had a Fifties group I should look into. I fame has A Guide to Life; What would did and spent the next 25 years working to See our new Mary Ann do? Come find out, and save these places, but sadly watched most meet Dawn. of them disappear back into the Earth. Website! • Returning authors include Manny The mission of the Conservancy’s Modern ollywood Heritage has a redesigned Pacheco with his popular Lost Hol- Committee included postwar modern ar- website. It should be up by the time lywood collections, Mary Mallory chitecture, but also neon signs, streamline Hyou get this Newsletter, or within a with her Hollywoodland book, and oh moderne, and oddball buildings that didn’t week thereafter. The address has not changed, so many more. have much of a constituency. it’s still at: www.HollywoodHeritage.org. Following the Northridge earthquake of Our website will contain all of our pending Each author will speak about their book 1994, the Modern Committee (ModCom) programs and a lot more information on our and sign copies. Our Museum Store will worked with Hollywood Heritage to provide preservation efforts to save the historic Hol- also be well stocked. You will find books assistance on a number of damaged buildings lywood. We hope you check it often. that are a perfect addition to your own li- including the LaBaig courtyard apartments, On a related matter, if you are not getting brary, and make a great Christmas or Cha- designed by Case Study House architect our email blasts about our programs, be sure nukah gift. Craig Ellwood. The group also consulted on to give us your current email address. Email The event starts earlier this year in order the renovations to the Egyptian theater that it to [email protected] to be sure everyone has time to meet with all removed the 1950 late moderne addition that and ask to be put on the email blast list. the authors. hid the 1922 façade. 6 Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2014 Assistance League of Los Angeles ssistance League of Los Angeles volunteer waitresses and donated their tips and reveals, and a pediment, characterizes (formerly Assistance League of to the League. the doorway. Wide overlap siding, stucco Southern California): A complex of As the needs of the community grew in gable ends, brick stairs, and shuttered win- historicA buildings used for the philanthropic the years after World War I, Banning and dows reinforce the theme. A courtyard be- purpose. the organization expanded both programs hind the structure leads to the auditorium. Have you ever attended a Hollywood and facilities. Plays for adults and children were produced Studio District Neighborhood Council Now known as Learning Center for as a means of raising funds for the day nurs- meeting or other event at 1370 North St. Young Children, the Assistance League’s ery. Today, Theatre for Children brings live Andrews Place and wondered about the Day Nursery began in 1924 when Mrs. theatre to the children of Los Angeles. Go story behind the Assistance League or- Banning recognized that working mothers to www.nineoclockplayers.com for more in- ganization and building? The complex of needed care for their pre-school children. formation about current productions. buildings in this secluded location, and the Assistance League’s Consignment & Gift In 1961 the Assistance League of South- organization that they house, have played Shop was also started in 1924 as a Women’s ern California selected architect Paul R. a significant role in the social and philan- Williams to design the Anne Banning Com- thropic history of Hollywood. munity House, named after the founder. The Assistance League serves as an anchor Williams’ plan for the two story, colonial within Hollywood to improve the quality of revival-style Anne Banning Communi- the lives of at-risk children, families and se- ty House fulfilled the League’s need for a nior citizens by providing vital social services business environment combined with gra- in the Los Angeles Community. cious, elegant space for entertaining—teas, In 1894, prominent society women of Los luncheons and privately hosted events. The Angeles formed a new charitable organiza- spacious foyer was reminiscent of Williams’ tion named the Assistance League. Anne elegant residential designs. The lower floor Banning, the wife of Hancock Banning, was housed a large oval-shaped tearoom with a member of the small group that did local break-out space for private parties, the charitable work in an informal way. When Exchange to provide funds for its programs. Women’s Exchange where “women could Anne Ophelia Smith married Hancock Ban- In 1929, the Nine O’Clock Players Auxil- sell their handmade finery—lace, linens ning in 1890, the marriage united two estab- iary was formed, and in 1938, the Assistance and lingerie—to support their families,” lished Los Angeles families. As one of the League Playhouse was built. The Playhouse an art gallery and a Gift & Consignment city’s first power couples, Anne and Hancock seems to be a cluster of four adjoined build- Shop. The upstairs housed offices and board were a daunting team, changing the phil- ings of one and two stories, united by an rooms “where the big business of volunteer anthropic and entrepreneurial landscape of American Colonial Revival scheme typical philanthropy is conducted.” (Los Angeles the region. (BRMV Banner News, May 1992) of the 1940s. Located on the northwest cor- Times, September 11, 1964) Williams made a In 1919, Anne and a group of 12 friends ner of Fernwood Avenue and St. Andrews significant contribution to the architecture organized Assistance League of Southern Place, the southernmost section of the play- of Los Angeles; his work for the motion pic- California (now Los Angeles) to provide house is one story and residential in appear- ture community is among his best. food and clothing for local Los Angeles ance. It is gabled sided with stucco, wide The League continues its philanthrop- families severely affected by World War I. overlapping boards and has two-over two ic activities from this historic complex. In Anne Banning would serve as ALSC pres- sash framed by wooden shutters. Next to 1966, the Anne Banning Auxiliary began ident until she retired in 1948 at the age it, on the north, is a two-story stage space, Operation School Bell, providing clothing of 77. which resembles a large barn, reminiscent to children from the families in need. The In 1920, Mrs. Banning borrowed $15,000 of the Lasky-DeMille Barn. Gables face Foster Children’s Resource Center provides from local bankers to purchase a frame east, west, and north, punctuated by a cupo- new clothing and basic necessities for foster house in Hollywood where the Learning la at the center of the roof. Hipped dormers children. Center for Young Children stands today. with shuttered openings pierce the roofline The League’s expanding services led to This would be the League’s headquarters on the south, while a “hayloft” door faces a capital campaign for a new building. The until 1964 when it moved into the newly the east. The structure is stucco on its upper 22,000 sq. ft. Dorothy E. Leavey Resource constructed Anne Banning Community portion and clad with board and batten on Center opened in 1994 and houses the Family House. In 1923, ALSC was granted non- its lower level. Similar siding sheathes the Service Agency, Operation School Bell and profit charitable corporation status by the third section of the building, which looks Hollywood Senior Multipurpose Center. State of California. like a one and a half story extension of the Hollywood Heritage salutes the League The Attic Tearoom of Hollywood began barn. A raised ridgeline, which parallels the for its continuing stewardship of its historic in the attic of League headquarters. Meals street, distinguishes the gabled roof. The buildings and for its most generous role in were prepared for executives and actors who northernmost building is one story and con- providing needed services to the community. worked at the nearby studios. Rising stars, tains the entrance to the playhouse. The Co- For more information on ALLA go to such as Anne Miller, , Nor- lonial Revival, articulated by paired, fluted www.assistanceleague.net ma Shearer and served as pilasters, paneled and shuttered sidelights Hollywood Heritage Newsletter | Fall 2014 7 www.hollywoodheritage.org P.O Box 2586 Hollywood, CA 90078 Mark Your Calendar April: Mark Your Calendar HollywoodOctober: Heritage Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Gone With The Wind; The Search forHoudini Scarlett; Evening in Hollywood,@ the Barn: Wed. Evening April 9 –@ 7:30pm the Barn, Wed., Oct. 8, Hollywood7:30pm. Party, Sons of the Desert Tent; archival fi lm screening at the Lasky-DeMille Barn, Thurs., April 10 - 7:15pm William Castle’s 100th Birthday Celebration, Sun., Oct. 26, L.A.6:00 Heritage pm, at Day; the at Barn. the Pico House, El Pueblo Monument, Civic Center Los Angeles: Sun. April 27, from 11am -4pm. (free) November: May: Evening of Warner Bros. History Evening @ the Barn. Wed., “AnNov. Afternoon 12, 7:30 at Oakridge”-pm Jack Oakie Home Movies & More; Evening @ the Barn: Wed. May 14 – 7:30pm December: June: Author’s Day, at the Barn, Sat., Dec. 6th, noon to 4pm Hollywood Goes Hawaiian!; Evening @ the Barn: Wed. June 11 – 7:30pm Ed Edelman, Evening @ the Barn. Wed., Dec. 10, 7:30pm. Hollywood Party, Sons of the Desert Tent; archival fi lm screening at the Lasky-DeMille Barn:Sons Thurs., of the June Desert, 12 – 7:15pm Hollywood Party Tent, film screening. Thur., Dec. 11, 7:15pm. at the Barn. July: Press Premier: Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic. For HollywoodHollywood Chamber’s Heritage Summer members Celebration and ofinvited the Lasky-DeMille guests of presenters.Centennial – Tues. July 1, 5pm and into the evening at the Barn. Fri., Dec. 12, at the Barn. Silents Under the Stars, Paramount Ranch , at dusk. Hollywood Heritage Membership– Sun.Meeting July 20 and Holiday Party, August:at the Barn. Sun., Dec. 14, 4pm. Members only, free. Silents Under the Stars, Paramount Ranch – Sun. August 17, at dusk.

PRESERVING OUR HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE FOR MORE THAN 34 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 Benefi ts Include: I wish to pay by: • Free admission to the Hollywood Heritage Museum for two  Check Make checks payable to: Hollywood Heritage, Inc. adults and two children.  Charge Visa or MasterCard only • Ten percent discount at the Museum Store. • Advance notifi cation of special member programs. Card Number: ______• Discounts on Silent Society fi lm programs at the Hollywood Heritage Museum, UCLA, and the Paramount Ranch. Exp. Date: ______3- digit code (from back of card) ______• Quarterly Hollywood Heritage Newsletter. Signature: ______Clip and mail to: Hollywood Heritage, Inc., P.O. Box 2586, Hollywood, CA 90078