Vintage Glendale Postcard: Broadway, Looking East

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Glendale Avenue and Broadway

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Glendale Public Library

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Panoramic View from Woodberry Hill

Mystery of "Foothill Home" Postcard Solved!

From the comments on my previous post showcasing a vintage postcard of a beautiful unidentified Glendale estate:

V. Keshishian said...

I think this house is at 1605 Arbor Dr. and is somehow related to the Los Angeles Times bombing of 1910.

1605 Arbor is also the location of the Brockman Clock Tower, which is on the Glendale Historic Register (PDF).

Is the house related to the LA Times bombing of 1910? Yes!

From this "Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture" site:

Brockman had the house built in the style of the Bwick Reim Villa located in Hessen, Germany, his birthplace. The influence of the Prairie and Craftsman Styles are evident everywhere: large porches and public rooms, massive fireplaces, and rich wood paneling.

I had the pleasure of visiting this remarkable property in July 2006, when it came up for sale for the first time in twenty-three years. The realtor who has the listing, Maureen Bush, had done quite a bit of research on the history of the estate. 'In the 1930s, the house was purchased by a prominent attorney, W. Joseph Ford, whose many famous trials include the notorious 1910 McNamara case where union members, The McNamara Brothers, bombed the Los Angeles Times Building (killing 22). The brothers also attempted to bomb the home of Otis, erstwhile Times owner. The defending attorney in the case was Clarence Darrow, who hoped to save the defendents from the death penalty.

Interesting!

Profile Of Jorge Acevedo

A nice profile of super volunteer Jorge Acevedo has been published in the GCC Insider. I met Jorge during my Glendale PD Citizen's Academy class last year. He's an astonishing guy. You can read the profile here.

Glendale News-Press Now Blogging

Times Community News has quietly launched a couple of Glendale News-Press blogs-

• TCN North Now: Regional Real Time News
• Jewel City Juice: Analysis and News Updates
• Going Overtime: The Sporting Life
• Tasty Edits: Insight From the Editors
• PicBits: The Photographers' Eyes

So far there isn't much "there" there that you wouldn't have already gotten if you read the News-Press. The meatiest entry thus far is on the Tasty Edits blog, and regards the ethics of printing of the names of the deceased in a fatal traffic accident in La Crescenta.

The PicBits blog would be fun if it contained larger sized images (as in the Boston Globe's wonderful Big Picture Blog) rather than just linking to the relevant articles. I hope the other blogs are updated regularly and evolve in interesting ways.

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Union High School

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Industrial District

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Intermediate School

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Louise Street, looking toward mountains

Adventures In Public Comment

From the Santa Cruz City Council -

Nutjob speakers aside, Santa Cruz has a lovely network of bike lanes and trails.

(via Cynical-C)

Nice Night Out In Atwater

Good turnout for tonight's "Summer Nights on the Boulevard" event in Atwater Village. Baracoa was packed so I got a few tacos at Hugo's (meh) and a surprisingly tasty non-dairy soft serve cone, then enjoyed the street life before eventually hanging out and reading at Kaldi Coffee while several good bands played just outside the door. I especially enjoyed Gaby Moreno.

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Orange Street and First Street

“I don’t think people have to fear that this was a random act”**

There are way more details (and a grisly photo) regarding this morning's murder in Veronica Rocha's latest report in the News-Press:

• victim was 35 year old North Hollywood man
• was killed by several shots through driver's side window
• it appears victim was targeted specifically
• gunman "was wearing a blue-striped T-shirt and blue jeans", and, according to a witness, escaped in a "blue, four-door Ford sedan with tinted windows"

*Victim identified: Ara Terunyan, 35, of North Hollywood

**More details from the police press release:

"The shooter was described as a male African American. After the shooting the suspect fled the location by running south through the parking lot and entered the passenger door of a blue American made sedan. The driver of this vehicle was also described as a male African American.

The victim had accompanied his wife to an appointment at a medical office located at the address. While sitting in their vehicle the suspect appeared and began firing at the victim, striking him several times. His wife was left unharmed.

Detectives and Forensic Specialists of the Glendale Police Department were called to the scene and combed the area for evidence and witnesses.

Preliminarily, Detectives do not believe that this was a random act, however are not ruling out any motive and are cautious not to jump to any conclusion. Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance. Should anyone have information regarding the identities of the suspects, the suspected getaway-vehicle or any information that may assist the Detectives, they are requested to call the Homicide Detectives at 818-548-3987. Anonymous Tips can be phoned into the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 818-507-STOP. Tips may be eligible for a cash reward.

This is the first homicide for the City of Glendale in 2009.
2008, 3 Homicides
2007, 2 Homicides
2006, 2 Homicides
2005, 19 Homicides (11 attributed to Metrolink)
2004, 5 Homicides
2003, 6 Homicides
2002, 9 Homicides
2001, 5 Homicides "

Murder On Colorado

I saw the CBS helicopter hovering near the Americana at lunch today and wondered what was up. It was covering Glendale's first homicide of the year - the victim is 40-something male who was shot multiple times in a black Lexus GX470 SUV behind AllState Insurance at 318 W. Colorado Blvd., just south of the Glendale Galleria.

According to the News-Press, police are searching for a black male who fled towards the 5 Freeway on foot.

• Glendale News-Press
• L.A. Now (LA Times blog)
• CBS2 (with video)
• Google News
• LA Observed

Vintage Glendale Postcard: A Beauty Spot in the Foothills

Summer Nights In Atwater Village, Thursday 07/23

Sounds like a fun night in Atwater Village this Thursday from 6-10pm. I love Glendale Blvd- if you haven't been to 55 Degree Wine, Baracoa, Tacos Villa Corona, Kaldi Coffee, Canele, and Viet you're missing out. From the Atwater Village Chamber of Commerce:

Live music, dancers, and more will be entertaining late into the evening (well, at least until 10PM) up and down the entire stretch of Glendale Boulevard. Summer Nights on the Boulevard is about to happen on Thursday, July 23, 6-10PM.

Stores will be open late. Restaurants will offer sidewalk dining. And there’s more! The Complex, located just east of the Gas Mart, will feature live bands, dancers, and art exhibits. The parking lot at 3111 Glendale Blvd.(Starbucks, 55 Degree Wine, Crispy Crust) will have a dj, art exhibit, massages, and dancers. The Madera bump out will have no less than 10 bands, live dancers, and a cd release party. In front of The Little Knittery will be even more live music as well as live jazz in front of Hugo’s Tacos. Our homeless four-legged friends will be up for adoption via DAWS in front of Woof Dog Boutique. AND, in-between all of this excitement will be even more excitement. Yes, once again the Los Angeles spotlight will be shining brightly on our wonderful Village of Atwater.

Crime Wave Screening in Brand Park: Sunday, August 23rd*

what: an outdoor screening of the 1954 film noir Crime Wave
when: August 23rd, 7:30pm
where: Brand Park, on the grass in front of the Doctors House

I will be presenting a slideshow about the film's Glendale locations after the screening. (I'll also be giving tours of the Doctors House that afternoon from 2-4pm). There will also be a photo show featuring images from the archives of the Glendale Police Department.

UPDATE: Actually, I will be in Europe on August 23rd, so I'll be missing the screening! I'll give my slides to someone from the Historical Society and they will do the slideshow.

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Foothill Home Overlooking Glendale*

Does anyone know anything about this house?

*7/28/09 update: Thanks to a helpful comment, the mystery is solved!

Kyochon Chicken: Not Open Yet!*

The folks at supposedly tasty Korean fried chicken chain Kyochon Chicken might want to make sure their chickens are in a row before sending out press releases. Despite a big article in the News-Press last week proclaiming Friday 07/16 their Grand Opening day in the Glendale Galleria food court, they are definitely not open for business yet. My co-workers and I made a special (rare) trip to the mall to try it today, but upon finding Kyochon closed ventured to the amusingly 80's Nordstrom Cafe instead.

* Update: Still not open as of 7/27/09

Vintage Glendale Postcard: Broadway, Looking East From Isabel

"Glendale: The City Beautiful" Historic Postcards

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting scans from a scenic folder I've acquired which contains numerous vintage Glendale postcards. I believe the scenic folder was produced by the Glendale chamber of commerce in the mid to late teens. If you have any interesting historical info about the contents of any of the postcards, please comment!

Here is the accompanying text, which gives an idealized overview of life in Glendale in the early twentieth century:

GLENDALE, THE CITY BEAUTIFUL

The words "glen" and "dale" are synonymous, each meaning a valley surrounded by hills. By combining the two words into one, the meaning is intensified - a charming valley encircled by inspiring mountains - a definition that seems particularly apt to those who have seen the city of Glendale, California.
A more beautiful setting for a modern city could hardly be imagined.
Situated in the eastern part of the level and fertile San Fernando Valley, encircled by rugged and towering hills, the azure sky above, semi-tropical fruits and perennial flowers on every hand - such is a picture of Glendale, the Beautiful.

SALIENT POINTS

The location of Glendale is ideal. The gentle slope to the southwest gives it perfect drainage. The mountains to the north and east protect it from winds, and yet aid in precipitating and conserving the moisture needed for vineyards, fields and citrus groves that enrich the community.
An altitude of about 600 feet above the level of the sea removes the lassitude so often felt in tropical climes. The healthfulness of this section has brought to our midst several sanitariums, notably a thriving branch of the famous Battle Creek institution.
Pure mountain water in abundance is conserved in the natural gravel beds of Verdugo canon and in artificial reservoirs for domestic and other use.

CAR SERVICE

Eight miles by rapid transit over a scenic route, occupying 25 minutes, takes one to the heart of Los Angeles. The business men of Los Angeles can thus have their homes in this charming suburb, and bring up their families under ideal conditions.

FACILITIES

Besides enjoying every benefit of the great city that lies at its very threshold, Glendale has-
Three strong, well managed banks.
Fine retail establishments representing all lines of business.
Two railroads - the Southern Pacific and the Salt Lake
Two interurban street car systems
One daily and two weekly newspapers
Fifty-five miles of paved and improved streets
A municipal lighting plant furnishing current at one third the usual rate.
A gas rate of 70c per thousand, soon to be further reduced by the piping of natural gas.
A Merchants' Association that commands results.
An active Chamber of Commerce with 450 members, whose Secretary will be glad to answer further inquiries.

MORAL AND SOCIAL LIFE

The leading religious denominations are each represented by one or more thriving churches, with able pastors.
No saloons or other contaminating influences are countenanced in the community.
The musical and literary tastes of our people are well satisfied by clubs and societies, some of which are soon to erect their own exclusive homes.
Fraternal organizations are numerous and prosperous. The Masons and Odd Fellows have imposing buildings of their own. Others are in contemplations, the Elks having bought lots on which they soon will erect a modern clubhouse.
An atmosphere of home and home loving surrounds the community. Nearly every family owns its own home. You meet here delightful people from every corner of the globe. Newcomers receive a hearty welcome.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

Glendale is justly proud of its schools. The best talent is employed in its teaching force. Imposing buildings are being erected to meet the rapidly growing demands. The capacity of the High School is being trebled. New Grammar Schools are being provided for. Pupils have every modern facility.

A commodius Public Library has just been completed.
Occidental College is only a few minutes ride by trolley from the heart of Glendale. Numerous colleges and universities, including the new State Normal School, are of easy access by trolley.

HISTORY

The San Rafael ranch was an immense tract of land which remained in the hands of the Spanish Verdugo family when California was ceded to the Union. These old Spanish dons gave their time to horse racing, cock fighting and gambling, with the inevitable result that their lands gradually passed out of their hands. Out of the wreck of this vast estate was carved the San Fernando Valley, a beautiful stretch of fertile land adjoining Los Angeles on the north.
The Patterson, Byram and Phelon families settled in this valley in 1883 and laid the foundation for the community which later grew into the city of Glendale.
In 1886 the town was laid out and the next year a narrow gauge railroad was built from the new town to Los Angeles. In 1906 the village, having grown to about 700 souls, was incorporated. The subsequent rapid growth is best told in the pictures herewith presented. The Glendale directory compiled in June, 1913, shows 8,000 inhabitants.

Community Garden and Cruise Night Photos

Here are some pictures from Saturday's very nice Monterey Community Garden Grand Opening and Glendale Cruise Night. In related news, Pat Boone is nuts!

Bike Ride to Community Garden Grand Opening Tomorrow

Tomorrow, July 18th is the Grand Opening of the Monterey Road Community Garden. The garden opens at 10am and speakers and events begin at about 10:30. I will be meeting some friends in front of the Glendale Central Library at 9:30am and we will ride our bikes to the garden. We might also do an easy group ride afterwards if it's not too hot. Anyone is welcome to join us.

The garden is just west of the 134 and Glendale Avenue at 870 Monterey Road. Hope to see you there tomorrow.

Robbery and Shooting At Old Gyumri

From the News-Press, another another attempted robbery and shooting at a restaurant in my immediate neighborhood, this time by two masked men:

Shortly after midnight Saturday, two armed and masked suspects entered the Old Gyumry Restaurant in the 4400 block of San Fernando Road and demanded money, police said.


The restaurant owner, Levon Taryn, refused to cooperate, and a struggle ensued.


During the scuffle, one of the suspects opened fire and struck the owner in the abdomen, hand and leg.

He's out of the hospital and doing well. Scary. Old Gyumri is pretty good and the family running it are very nice. Off the top of my head, other similar crimes nearby include a cash register theft at Tacos El Sauz across San Fernando Road, an attempted robbery at the Dominos Pizza on Central, and another robbery at gunpoint at Hamburger Central, also on Central. And of course, a female employee was shot during a robbery at Pizza Hut on Central.

Glendale History Walk Photos

Yesterday Arlene Vidor of the Glendale Historical Society and myself led 90(!) people on a 2.5 mile loop of interesting historical sites near downtown and central Glendale as part of the Glendale Safe and Healthy Streets project. Fortunately the day was not as hot as it might have been, and except for some technical difficulties with an obstinate bullhorn, everything went pretty smoothly. The route we took was basically my afternoon coffee break route. Highlights included stops at the Howard Street power sub-station, the Goode House, The Cave Wine Storage (in the basement of the historic Hotel Glendale), and 108 N. Brand, which, built in 1905, is downtown Glendale's oldest and least appreciated historic building. Here are some pictures from the event.

Thanks of course to Colin Bogart, Dave Ahearn, Jen Heaslip (of The Cave Wine Storage), Ramon Abueg (GWP) and Marc Stirdivant of the Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.





Graeme Whifler has a much more complete set of photos from the event here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28282563@N05/sets/72157621310286908/

Here is the handout given to participants, if you'd like to recreate the walk:

Tomorrow Is the Glendale History Walk

Late notice, but I've been so busy lately that I haven't even been posting about events that I'm directly involved in! Tomorrow morning Arlene Vidor of the Glendale Historical Society and myself will be leading a walking tour of downtown and central Glendale as part of the Glendale Safe and Healthy Streets project. We've also recently gotten word that parking in the Orange Street garage will be validated for those on the tour. Meet at 9:30am at the Chess Park across from the Alex Theater.