Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

August 9, 1979: Walter O’Malley Dies

Posted on August 9, 2009 by lmharnisch

Photograph courtesy of the Dodgers. Vin Scully and Walter O’Malley before the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. Is it a stretch to suggest that Walter O’Malley was the man chiefly responsible for pro sports in Southern California? Consider that the Lakers … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Dodgers, Downtown, Obituaries | 1 Comment

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Comics

Posted on August 9, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Ernie Bushmiller's "Nancy," Aug. 9, 1957. Notice how often Sluggo is shown reading. I never realized he was such a literate chap. Bushmiller never explains why Nancy needs a pitchfork.

Posted in art and artists, Comics | 1 Comment

Nixon Quits!

Posted on August 9, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Aug. 9, 1974, Paul Conrad on Richard Nixon's resignation. Nixon's resignation comes at an interesting time for the Daily Mirror because we're gearing up for the 1960 presidential race, awkwardly putting the end of the story before the beginning. … Continue reading →

Posted in @news, Columnists, Current Affairs, Front Pages, Politics, Richard Nixon | 1 Comment

Nuestro Pueblo

Posted on August 9, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 7, 1939: Only a few more Nuestro Pueblo installments are left. In September 1939, Joe Seewerker was hurt in a car accident and the columns stopped except for a final farewell in October. 

Posted in art and artists, Long Beach, Nuestro Pueblo | 1 Comment

Minister Discovers Ancient Race of Giants

Posted on August 9, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 9, 1899: "With the trophies of his summer's explorations spread out about him, Dr. Cole has turned his parlor into an anthropological museum. One table is covered with water jugs and incense pipes, the sofa hidden under stone axes, … Continue reading →

Posted in books | 2 Comments

Miss Nelson Battles Personal Demons

Posted on August 9, 2009 by lmharnisch

Aug. 9, 1889: Another peculiarity about the woman is that she is industrious and hard working, and while her language is anything but choice she will allow no familiarities from men. In fact, a short time ago she smashed a … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, LAPD | Comments Off on Miss Nelson Battles Personal Demons

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 →

Posted in Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, Aug. 8, 1959

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 →

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, Aug. 8, 1959

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 →

Posted in art and artists, Comics | Comments Off on A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Comics

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.

Posted in Obituaries | Comments Off on In Mourning

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 →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Nightmare Farm Near Verdugo Canyon

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 →

Posted in Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, Aug. 7, 1959

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 →

Posted in #gays and lesbians, Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, Aug. 7, 1959

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 →

Posted in Transportation | Comments Off on L.A. Cyclists Study Bike Path to Santa Monica

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."  

Posted in #courts, LAPD | Comments Off on Doctor Held as Cocaine Fiend

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