Monthly Archives: August 2009

Matt Weinstock, Aug. 8, 1959

Posted on August 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

Mushroom Trouble For some unknown reason this has been a big year for Lapiota morgani, the poisonous plant resembling the mushroom, which grows on lawns and in shaded places. As a result, about a dozen persons, more than in preceding … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, Aug. 8, 1959

Posted on August 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

Confidential File Mash Notes and Comments (Press Release) “COOK’S MUSICAL NOTES, by Ira Cook: “If you’re statistically-minded about your music, just tune to the Ira Cook Show on KMPC, and we’ll keep you posted on the progress of the never … Continue reading →

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Comics

Posted on August 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

Ernie Bushmiller's "Nancy," Aug. 8, 1956. I usually don't spend much time thinking about the age of Nancy and Sluggo. They're cartoon characters, after all, and Bushmiller cartoon characters at that. They're sort of ageless, like the kids in "Peanuts." … Continue reading →

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Second Takes — Preston Sturges

Posted on August 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

James Curtis, author of the Preston Sturges biography "Between Flops," writes:   I was a little taken aback today when I came upon your clutch of articles on Preston Sturges, and was suddenly reminded that he died exactly 50 years … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Film, Hollywood, Obituaries, Second Takes | 1 Comment

In Mourning

Posted on August 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Aug. 8, 1899: Cut-rate mourning millinery.

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Nightmare Farm Near Verdugo Canyon

Posted on August 8, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 8, 1889: I have read some ghastly stories in these old papers, but "Hog Horror" is about the worst I have seen so far. Mrs. McFadden, one of the city's toughest prostitutes, exposes her 11-year-old daughter to the business. … Continue reading →

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Found on EBay — Angeles Abbey Mausoleum

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

I had never heard of Angeles Abbey Mausoleum in Compton before I found this brochure listed on EBay. My first reaction was horrified glee that something like this ever got built — followed quickly by the question: Is it still … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Obituaries | 1 Comment

Matt Weinstock, Aug. 7, 1959

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

Disturbed Jalopy A tired old car died suddenly Tuesday while stopped for the signal on Olympic Blvd. at Georgia St. It was first in line in the center lane with the blinkers flashing for a left turn. The driver tried … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, Aug. 7, 1959

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

Confidential File This May Make You Really Flip Fedora One of the more humiliating aspects of my personality is that I am hopelessly under the influence of advertising slogans. The persuasive power of Madison Avenue guides my destiny and shatters … Continue reading →

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Comics

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

Ernie Bushmiller's "Nancy," Aug. 7, 1955.

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Movie Star Mystery Photo

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

     Los Angeles Times file photo Update: This is Wallace MacDonald, who had a long career as an actor, writer, director and producer. Above, an undated photo of MacDonald in makeup as an old man. Just a reminder on … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | 41 Comments

L.A. Cyclists Study Bike Path to Santa Monica

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Aug. 7, 1899: "Most of the city wheelmen think that a path to Santa Monica is sure to come in time and are ready to take hold and help in its construction…." "One of the best paths of the … Continue reading →

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Doctor Held as Cocaine Fiend

Posted on August 7, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Aug. 7, 1889: "Swigart is a complete wreck from the use of the drugs, his condition being really pitiable."  

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Director John Hughes

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Feb. 20, 1985: The former National Lampoon writer is one of the few filmmakers in today's teen-crazed Hollywood who's candid enough to admit that his films — like Trix cereal — are made strictly for kids. Hughes' legendary work habits … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Found on EBay — Everett Ruess

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

A copy of the September 1938 issue of Desert magazine with an article about Everett Ruess has been listed on EBay. Ruess was a Los Angeles artist who disappeared while roaming Utah in 1934. Bidding starts at $49.

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Matt Weinstock, Aug. 6, 1959

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Of Men and Machines Man’s dependence on mechanical devices was chaotically demonstrated again the other day in a huge market in San Fernando Valley. A motorist rammed into a power pole outside the store, disrupting the electricity inside. Suddenly the … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, Aug. 6, 1959

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Confidential File Here Is How Stupid One Can Easily Get An old “fad” is making a comeback among Southern California teen-agers. It’s a seemingly harmless kick, but unless the kids are wised up, and fast, tragedy could very easily be … Continue reading →

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Comics

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Ernie Bushmiller's "Nancy," Aug. 6, 1954.

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Preston Sturges Dies

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

Preston Sturges by Bruce Russell, 1932 "Sullivan's Travels" and "Mr. Bug Goes to Town," Feb. 12, 1942.   Aug. 7, 1959 in The Times: Preston Sturges, renowned Hollywood film producer-writer-director and Broadway playwright, died of a heart attack yesterday in … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Obituaries, Stage | 1 Comment

A Curious Family Tree Rooted in the Old South

Posted on August 6, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Aug. 6, 1899: "You'se a lady …. You'se fum one er de fust famblys in Ferginy, an' you ain't a gwine to work long as I'se got two han's. Ef you'll des behave yo-seff, an be a lady, I'll … Continue reading →

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