Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Mickey Cohen Arrested

Posted on December 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

Mickey Cohen is booked on suspicion of murder in the shooting of Jack “the Enforcer” Whalen, along with George Piscitelle and Sandy Hashagen, 18, who was found by The Times at 2284 1/2 Holly Drive. Above, Holly Drive as shown … Continue reading →

Posted in Front Pages, Mickey Cohen | 1 Comment

Hole in Brain Doesn’t Kill

Posted on December 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

  “That Guiltiest Feeling” by Clare Briggs A man of mystery tries to kill himself … and a husband tries to divorce a wife who believes in free love.    Dec. 4, 1919: Movie star William Stowell and Dr. Joseph … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics, Film, Hollywood, Suicide | Comments Off on Hole in Brain Doesn’t Kill

Man Seeks Former Comrade in Arms

Posted on December 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

   The Republicans hold a dinner  in support of George A. Smith for mayor. Despite strong backing from The Times, Smith was defeated Dec. 8, 1909, by George Alexander. Alexander, in turn lost the mayor’s race to H.H. Rose in … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, City Hall, Politics | Comments Off on Man Seeks Former Comrade in Arms

Found on EBay – Duesenberg

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

What is described as an original manual for a Duesenberg Model J has been listed on EBay. Bidding starts at $1,200. A little pricier than the set of eight pistons, with bidding that started at $100. Then again, a lot … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Transportation | Comments Off on Found on EBay – Duesenberg

Matt Weinstock, Dec. 3, 1959

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

      Book Banning     In 1946 two Los Angeles booksellers were arrested for selling copies of Edmund Wilson's "Memoirs of Hecate County," which had been banned.  The book was ruled obscene and they were convicted.    Now, 13 years later, … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Dec. 3, 1959

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

  The Mirror brings out an extra on killing of Jack “the Enforcer” Whalen.   Google maps’ street view of 13359 Ventura Blvd., site of Rondelli's restaurant. On the Togetherness of Police, Pawnshops     Today's lesson is how to have … Continue reading →

Posted in Comics, Food and Drink, Front Pages, Homicide, Mickey Cohen, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Dec. 3, 1959

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movie Columnist

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

   Dec. 3, 1940: Mark Hellinger fills in as columnist.

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movie Columnist

Jack ‘the Enforcer’ Whalen Killed

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

  The Times brings out an extra on Whalen’s death. Photograph by the Los Angeles Times The body of Jack “the Enforcer” Whalen lies on the floor on Rondelli’s restaurant.   TALES FROM THE GANGSTER SQUAD Death of 'the Enforcer' … Continue reading →

Posted in Homicide, LAPD, Mickey Cohen | Comments Off on Jack ‘the Enforcer’ Whalen Killed

Man Kidnaps Daughter’s Playmate

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

  “The Days of Real Sport” by Clare Briggs   Dec. 3, 1919: J.C. [or J.T.] Christian is accused of running off to Calexico with a 13-year-old girl who was his daughter's playmate. The Times not only names a minor … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics | 1 Comment

Life’s Seamy Side

Posted on December 3, 2009 by lmharnisch

     Dec. 3, 1909: Authorities are trying to establish what happened to Hazel Robertson Dillon between the time she escaped from St. Mary's Convent by stealing a dress and slipping it over her gym clothes and when she was … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts | Comments Off on Life’s Seamy Side

Matt Weinstock, Dec. 2, 1959

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Oath Era     Harvard and Yale, you may have read, withdrew recently from the federal student loan program in protest over the required loyalty oath.  Their action meant a substantial sacrifice, involving more than $500,000.  It also brought into … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, broadcasting, Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock, Richard Nixon | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, Dec. 2, 1959

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Dec. 2, 1959

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Mickey Rooney shows up drunk on “The Tonight Show” and demands an apology the next day from host Jack Paar for saying: "It's a shame, he was a great talent." A Columnist Broods Anent Brodies of Idols     This … Continue reading →

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A Kinder Simpler Time Dept.’: Your Movie Columnist

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

  The Ritz Bros. in person! Dec. 2, 1939: "At preview [of 'Destry Rides Again'] Marlene [Dietrich] and Jimmy [Stewart] sat beside me and held hands. I wonder if Mae West and Bill Fields will do that when they preview … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on A Kinder Simpler Time Dept.’: Your Movie Columnist

Singer Pleads Not Guilty to Soliciting

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

Akron has remote-control dachshunds — “a zany plaything.” Johnnie Ray says he just invited a friendly undercover officer up to his room for a nightcap. Nothing indecent about that. Mr. Flynn, would you like gold plating on that nude statue … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, #gays and lesbians, books, Film, Hollywood, LAPD, Music, Rock 'n' Roll, Sports, Transportation | 1 Comment

Nuestro Pueblo

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

     Aug. 31, 1938: Joe Seewerker and Charles Owens visit the Southwest Museum. Although I’ve been to the museum many times, I always drive to the top, so I’ve never noticed this tunnel. Next time I’m there, I’ll look … Continue reading →

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Three Pros Hold Up Bank

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

  The Times illustrates the  holdup with a cutaway drawing of the bank. One of the bank robbers looked like a “hop head” or drug fiend, The Times says.  Dec. 2, 1919: “The robbery, according to veteran detectives, was planned … Continue reading →

Posted in LAPD, Robberies | Comments Off on Three Pros Hold Up Bank

Homeowner Captures Burglar After Struggle

Posted on December 2, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Dec. 2, 1909: William Mulholland says the aqueduct from Owens Valley will be done a year ahead of schedule.   The East Adams Boulevard neighborhood via Google maps street view. Dec. 2, 1909: Romeo E. Ellithorp [or Ellithorpe]  and … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, LAPD | Comments Off on Homeowner Captures Burglar After Struggle

December 1, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on December 1, 2009 by lmharnisch

A Lucky Man  Lee Shippey sat smiling at a table in the Broadway Department Store yesterday, chatting with friends and autographing copies of his new book, his 11th, “The Luckiest Man Alive.”  Lee, a glowing, healthy 76, means himself.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in 1959, Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on December 1, 1959: Matt Weinstock

December 1, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

Posted on December 1, 2009 by lmharnisch

Arab League bans Elizabeth Taylor’s movies! Jerry Lewis at Bat for Actor Robinson Strange guy, Jerry Lewis. I’ve known him for years.  I knew him when he was a kid on Broadway, when he had a partner named Martin, and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1959, broadcasting, Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates, Television | 1 Comment

LAPD Disputes FBI Crime Statistics

Posted on December 1, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Dec. 1, 1959: You may recall that there was mutual animosity between FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and Police Chief William H. Parker. One reason was that Parker thought the bureau’s national crime statistics were inaccurate and distorted Los … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, LAPD | Comments Off on LAPD Disputes FBI Crime Statistics