A L.A. CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
fter several years of absence due to the pandemic, the Los Angeles City Historical Society’s Gala will return on May 19 at Taix Restaurant. The annual gala was first started in 2009 to recognize and celebrate those individuals and institutions that have made a contribution and impact on Los Angeles’ history through education, preservation, and culture.
Several awards will be handed out based on nominations LACHS received (David G. Cameron Preservation Award, J. Thomas Owen History Award, Miriam Mathews Award, and Special Recognition Award).
HERE’S WHAT SOME ATTENDEES SAID ABOUT PAST GALAS:
“ The historical society gala events gave me a chance to see places I likely would ne ver have had the opportunity to see and learn about- like the inside of St S ophia’s Church and the Bullock’s Wilshire Building”.
-G eraldine Knatz
“ What I enjoy about the LACHS Gala is that they happen at venues that I w ould either never go to as a matter of course or ones that I have become better acquainted with after learning more of its history. The Golf Clubhouse at G riffith Park is a case in point. I’m not a golfer and so I never would have been there if not for the Gala and enjoying Mike Eberts’ presentation there”.
-Mike Holland
Please Join Us for Dinner!
Date: May 19, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Taix restaurant 1911 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tickets will be offered online only. Space is limited. Check our website for details.
Dear Members,
As we step into the vibrant season of spring, I am delighted to share with you some exciting updates and highlights of our ongoing efforts at the Historical Society. Over the past months, our dedicated team has been hard at work curating enriching experiences for our members to experience.
Our renowned Marie Northrop lecture series continues to captivate audiences with its insightful exploration of pivotal moments and figures in our local history. Future engaging lectures include the “Grapes of Conquest” by Dr. Julia Ornelas-Higdon; and “LAPL Photos: The John Verzi Collection” with librarians Christina Rice and Wendy Horowitz. In addition to our lecture series, our Los Angeles City Archives exploration events have proven to be a resounding success, providing members with unique opportunities to uncover hidden gems and unearth untold stories from our past. These events not only showcase the wealth of resources available in our archives but also foster connections and conversations that enrich our collective understanding of our city’s evolution.
We also plan to delve deeper into the narratives that shape our community, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage by including more tours and events. I am thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of our recent sold-out tour of the African-American Firefighters Museum. This poignant journey through the courageous and trailblazing contributions of our city’s Black firefighters serves as a testament to their resilience and dedication. It is through such experiences that we honor and celebrate the diverse voices that shape our shared history. The Historical Society is planning to include more of these tours in the coming months.
We also look forward to seeing everyone at our LACHS Annual Gala which will be celebrated at the historic Taix Restaurant on Sunset Boulevard. At the Gala we will acknowledge the significant contributions made by individuals and organizations in the advancement of LA history. PLEASE SAVE MAY 19 ON YOUR CALENDAR.
As we continue to forge ahead with our mission of promoting our city’s rich history, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, let us embrace the spirit of spring as we embark on new adventures and discoveries.
Charley Mims President LACHS
AFRICAN AMERICAN FIREFIGHTER MUSEUM
By Danny Jensen
Los Angeles City Historical Society (LACHS) members and guests recently enjoyed a special tour of the African American Firefighter Museum in honor of Black History Month. The museum is located in historic Fire Station No. 30 on Central Avenue, which was established in 1913 and operated as one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles from 1924 to 1955. Museum historian and retired firefighter Brent Burton enlightened us with captivating stories of the courageous achievements and the widespread discrimination experienced by African American firefighters in Los Angeles and beyond over the decades.
Entering the African American Firefighter Museum, located across the street from the historic Coca-Cola Building is like taking a step back in time. The tour through the two-floor station house featured an antique horse-drawn fire truck, historic equipment, uniforms, photos of pioneering African American Los Angeles firefighters, letters, and other memorabilia
from the station and the firefighters who served there. We also learned how the station and its firefighters played a key role in securing workplace equality for African American firefighters.
If you weren’t able to join us, we highly recommend booking a tour soon. The museum is open Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. It is completely run by volunteers and also completely driven by donations. Visit www.aaffmuseum.org/ to learn more.
LACHS Archive Tour
The Los Angeles City Historical Society (LACHS) VP and City Archivist Michael Holland opened up the Los Angeles City Archives on Saturday, January 13th for the first members-only tour of 2024. But, while the city archive is open to the public during normal business hours by appointment, an archive tour includes access to materials and information (some mostly true with a few fibs) provided by Holland as the group explores the City Records Center (CRC) and the Records vault.
The limited size group of 25 visited the CRC and learned some of how the city keeps track of the 200,000 plus boxes that belong to nearly every city department. One of the highlights of the tour was the first public reveal of a model of City Hall reputed to be from the original 1928 opening but could also be from the 1953 celebration of the building’s 25 anniversary. LACHS is having a restoration expert evaluate the model and create a preservation plan. The model will be the
subject of a future fundraising effort which will be fully described at a future date.
Samples of information available to researchers were available for personal review in the reading room at the end of the tour. License registries listing specific industries such as movie theatres and restaurants, physical inventories of city offices including the animals in the old zoo from 1920, and samples of research and the published works that resulted. Physical artifacts included part of the ceremonial ribbon and scissors from the reopening of the Sixth Street Bridge.
The tours are a membership benefit and members receive the first slots to a total of 25 invitations. The next tour for the 2024 season is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at 10 AM and usually ending at noon. Notification can be found at the LACHS website where you can reserve your place.
by PEBBLA WALLACE
If you thought there was only one Great Wall in the world, you would be sadly mistaken. There is another great wall that is important to us in the City of Angeles, and that is the Great Wall of Los Angeles, which is one of the longest murals in the world.
For years, I have driven past this mural painted on the Tujunga Flood Channel in North Hollywood not knowing its real importance. Then one day, while taking a walk with my dog along this half-mile long mural and walking trail, I was quickly enveloped by the wall’s vibrant colors of red, blue and orange, and whisked into the various stories of our city. It was then that I realized – this isn’t just a
mural, its California History captured in art. The idea of this mural first began in 1974 when the U.S Army Corps of Engineers contacted Judith Baca, an educator and artist who is well known for her murals throughout Los Angeles, to create a beautification project. She organized the project by gathering a team of artists, historians, ethnologists, and scholars and employed over 400 youth and families from diverse Los Angeles communities. Baca stated in a LA Times article, “I wanted the project to be done by people who were as diverse as those in the mural”. This led her to create an arts organization called Social and Public Art
Resource Center (SPARC). The Great Wall of Los Angeles is not only a visual masterpiece, but also a testament to community collaboration and storytelling.
The actual drawing and painting of the Great Wall began in 1976, and reflected the style of the Chicano(a) mural movement of the 1970s. With vibrant colors, this 13.5 feet high, 2,754-foot-long mural is arranged in chronological order. The mural begins with the prehistory of California, illustrating the Indigenous People who lived on this land prior to colonization, and continues the story into the late 1950s. The mural is a true tribute to the people and events that shaped California history (both good and bad), and includes such events as: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, The Gold Rush, the mission system, dustbowl refugees, the Chinese Massacre, and the Zoot Suit riots. The wall also depicts historical figures such as Biddy Mason, Dr. Charles Drew,
Junipero Serra, and the founders of Los Angeles. These are just a few of the California events and figures that can be seen on the wall.
The wall was completed in 1984, with restoration done throughout the years to restore damaged due to heat, high waters, and other factors that are unique to the Los Angeles flood control channel. In 2017, the Great Wall of Los Angeles became nationally recognized, and was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of Interior.
The creation of the wall is not only an artistic and historical masterpiece, but with Baca’s leadership, it’s also a testament to community collaboration.
Future Plans for the Great Wall. There are future plans for the Great Wall, which include a bridge and solar lighting. The bridge will allow visitors of the mural to get a closer look
at the art. Plans to expand the mural beyond the 1950s to Present Day will begin this Fall. Baca and SPARC plan for the mural to be a mile long when it is completed.
Note: The Great Wall of Los Angeles is located on Coldwater Canyon between Burbank Boulevard and Oxnard Avenue. A virtual tour is available online at:
https://greatwallinstitute.sparcinla.org/virtual-tour
MARIE NORTHROP LECTURE SERIES ELECTRIC MOONS RISING
The Los Angeles City Historical Society welcomed author Dr. India Mandelkern to the Taper Auditorium for a discussion of her recent book “Electric Moons: A Social History of Street Lighting in Los Angeles” as counter-programming of a very popular sporting event on Sunday, February 11th.
Next Marie Northrop Lecture Series
APRIL 7 – “Grapes of Conquest” with author Dr. Julia Ornelas-Higdon. more info next page.
The attendees enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation followed by a Q&A between program Chair Michael Holland and Dr. Mandelkern on various topics of street lighting history, technology, and the changing role of what street lighting is and who it serves. The public art projects “Urban Lights” and “Vermonica” were also discussed and are well represented in the book which also includes a field guide to where the various surviving fixtures of the many styles used in Los Angeles can be found today.
“Electric Moons” is published by Hat & Beard Press and can be ordered through the publisher’s website at https://hatandbeard.com/ and is also available at other retail bookstores and the usual online suspects.
UPCOMING EVENTS
APRIL 7
“Grapes of Conquest” with author Dr. Julia Ornelas-Higdon. Book signing after presentation.
2:00 PM 4:00 PM Richard J. Riordan Central Library
APRIL 13
LA City Archives with LACHS Saturday, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
C. Erwin Piper Technical Center
Join LA City Archivist Michael Holland on a guided exploration of the rarely seen City Archives!
APRIL 17
Webinar - Please join us at 7:00pm for a webinar with our 2023 LACHS Scholarship recipients from Cal State Los Angeles, Araceli Ramos and Hazel Carias-Urbina.
WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Members, what would you like to see more of on our blog and newsletter? Also, is there a specific type of lecture series you would like to see the LACHS organize? Please drop us a line at info@lacityhistory.org and let us know what you would like to see. Your feedback is important to us.
MAY 19
LACHS Gala – at Taix Restaurant. Tickets will be offered online only. Space is limited. Check our website for details.
JUNE 30
“LAPL Photos: The John Verzi Collection” with Christina Rice and Wendy Horowitz All presentations take place from 2-4 pm. Book signings occur after the presentation.
2:00 PM 4:00 PM
Central Library
PAST WEBINARS NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE
Searching for Patty Hearst - A Talk with Author Roger D. Rapoport webinar featuring author Roger Rapoport and his new book, “Searching for Patty Hearst.”
Marie Northrop Lecture Series - “Electric Moons” with author Dr. India Mandelkern. This lecture series is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Historical Society and the History Department of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library. Lectures are held in the Mark Taper Auditorium, on the first floor of the Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles
LACHS OFFICERS/ BOARD
MEMBERS
Los Angeles City Historical
Society Founded 1976
NEWSLETTER
Pebbla Wallace, Editor & Contributor
CONTRIBUTORS
Michael Holland
Danny Jensen
Newsletter Design by Meridith Major
OFFICERS
Charley Mims, President
Michael Holland, Vice President
Roberto Alaniz Jr., Secretary
Luis G. Mota, Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Claudine Ajeti
Nicholas Beyelia
Ryan Cassidy
Veronica Gutierrez
Danny Jensen
Geraldine Knatz
Adam Linder
Meridith Major
Lilly Morcos
Pebbla Wallace
ADMINISTRATOR
Adam Linder
LACHS • P.O. Box 862311 • Los Angeles, CA 90086-2311
For more information, please visit: LACITYHISTORY.ORG
Please submit any comments or questions to:
info@LACityHistory.org
