Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 21, 1959

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

Confidential File On the Mentally Sick Who Rule the Well If someone will kindly run up a flag of truce, I'd like to have a word with Gov. Long. I know the old gentleman's respect for the working press isn't … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | 1 Comment

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1943: Shout-out to David Croy and other fans of vintage lettering. Notice the different handling of "Frankenstein" (bolted together) and "Wolf Man" (furry) with this elegant script for "meets" as if it's a party invitation. And all the lettering … Continue reading →

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

Architectural Rambling — Pasadena

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 2, 1917: Architect Frederick C. Grable dies of anemia. Photo courtesy of Ray Combs / Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate A 1914 home at 888 S. Madison Ave. in Pasadena, designed by Frederick C. Grable and Clarence C. Austin, has … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture | Comments Off on Architectural Rambling — Pasadena

This Dodger Plays Like a Kid; Moonwalking on the Angels

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1969: "First, the picket who you sent to the hospital wasn't a student! He had no reason to be on this campus — except to stir up trouble!" :: The Dodgers' youth movement was led by a youngster … Continue reading →

Posted in Science, Sports, travel | Comments Off on This Dodger Plays Like a Kid; Moonwalking on the Angels

Man Sought in Oklahoma Killing Arrested in L.A.

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1899: Clyde Mattox, a murder suspect wanted in Oklahoma, talks to a reporter because they are both members of the Knights of Pythias. "In 1889 when but 19 years of age, Mattox was a member of the police … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Homicide, LAPD | Comments Off on Man Sought in Oklahoma Killing Arrested in L.A.

New Theater Planned for Plaza

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1889: Plans for a new theater on the Plaza … and a nasty dispute between a landlady and her tenant. He won't pay the bill or move. "Tracy, on his side, says that Mrs. Fuller was very abusive … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Architecture, Downtown, Stage | 1 Comment

Artist’s Notebook — Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

Pasadena Ice Skating Center by Marion Eisenmann, July 17, 2009. Young skater Emma Linde puts on a show. Los Angeles has had a hot spell for the last week so I gave Marion a list of alternatives to Travel Town, … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, Marion Eisenmann, Parks and Recreation | Comments Off on Artist’s Notebook — Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Found on EBay — Main Street at Night

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

This is a great image — a moody view of Main Street at night. You can almost hear the hollow clopping of horses' hooves and the bell of a streetcar up the block. Makes you wonder what might be happening … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, Downtown | Comments Off on Found on EBay — Main Street at Night

Matt Weinstock — July 20, 1959

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Charles Schulz veers dangerously close to sitcom territory. Ugh! I am constantly assailed by brilliant ideas for improving the world. They come to me from out of nowhere. The other day I was attacked by a little beauty which I … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock — July 20, 1959

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 20, 1959

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Devon McReynolds, a UCLA student who is interning with the Daily Mirror this summer, says this chart is "hilarious/upsetting." It reminds me of those old charts on how to get a good cut of beef from the butcher shop. Confidential … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 20, 1959

Remembering Apollo 11

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

The Daily Mirror's Apollo 11 stories are here. My fellow newspaper history blogger at the Houston Chronicle, John Gonzales, has posted the Chronicle's coverage here. The Chronicle's Rick Campbell posts here.  My former colleague Elaine Raines posts at the Arizona … Continue reading →

Posted in @news, Science, UFOs | Comments Off on Remembering Apollo 11

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: The Follies Closes

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 20, 1942: The Follies Theater, 327 S. Main St., which was once the Belasco, closes. I have another address for the Belasco of 335 S. Main, which I'm guessing was part of the same building. Update: Michael, you raise … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Architecture, Downtown, Stage | 4 Comments

Architectural Rambling — Gartz Court

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

June 3, 1984: A joint effort by the city of Pasadena and Pasadena Heritage will move the bungalows at Gartz Court, designed by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey. The buildings were moved from 270 N. Madison to 745 N. Pasadena … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, art and artists | Comments Off on Architectural Rambling — Gartz Court

Mother Looking for Runaway Boy, 11

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

  July 20, 1899: A mother is trying to find her 11-year-old son, who ran away from the orphans' home five days ago. He was wearing blue overalls, a blue shirt, straw hat and was barefoot.

Posted in Adoptions | 1 Comment

Man Says He’s Jack the Ripper!

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 20, 1889: A man confesses to being Jack the Ripper — no wait, he's only a drunken lunatic.

Posted in @news, Homicide | Comments Off on Man Says He’s Jack the Ripper!

Found on EBay — Hotel Green

Posted on July 19, 2009 by lmharnisch

A postcard of Pasadena's Hotel Green has been listed on EBay. Notice that it shows the archway over Raymond Avenue. Bidding starts at $1.99.

Posted in Architecture, art and artists | Comments Off on Found on EBay — Hotel Green

Frank McCourt, 1930 – 2009

Posted on July 19, 2009 by lmharnisch

MEMOIR The Life Force Triumphs ANGELA'S ASHES: A Memoir. By Frank McCourt (Scribner: $23, 364 pp.) September 29, 1996Book Review By Mary Morrissey, Mary Morrissy is the author of "A Lazy Eye" and "Mother of Pearl." She reviews fiction for … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Frank McCourt, 1930 – 2009

Update on ‘Long Sam’

Posted on July 19, 2009 by lmharnisch

Since I wrote about Dorothy "Long Sam" Brown in 2007 I have received repeated inquiries about the beautiful young North Carolina woman who became famous in 1957 after being found living in a shack with no running water. Here's an … Continue reading →

Posted in broadcasting, Comics, Education, Hollywood, Music, Stage | Comments Off on Update on ‘Long Sam’

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept: Your Movies

Posted on July 19, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 19, 1941: Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon in "Mrs. Miniver."

Posted in Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept: Your Movies

A Brutal Sport Hounded to Extinction

Posted on July 19, 2009 by lmharnisch

Coursing as depicted in The Times on Dec. 12, 1897. "The rabbit dodged this way and that, squatted suddenly to the ground while the hound rushed past. Once, the dog's teeth sank in the hindquarters of the rabbit, jerked the … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, #games, 1897, 1898, Animals, City Hall, LAPD, Long Beach, Parks and Recreation, Politics | Comments Off on A Brutal Sport Hounded to Extinction