Author Archives: lmharnisch

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Paul V. Coates–Confidential File

Posted on September 22, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 20, 1957 Yesterday, a Confidential File staff member went on a shopping tour. His companion was a narcotic addict. Together, they visited a few of this town’s friendly druggists. And when they returned to my office, they brought with … Continue reading →

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A case of nerves

Posted on September 22, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Sept. 22, 1957 Los Angeles Neighbors knew that something was terribly wrong in the home at 3460 Ardilla Ave., Baldwin Hills. They never saw Cathy, the 4-year-old daughter of John B. and Patricia Ann Howerton. Their boys, Allan Wayne, … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts | 3 Comments

College fashions, VIII

Posted on September 21, 2007 by lmharnisch

In 1969, The Times sent one of its best and most respected writers, Art Seidenbaum, on a tour of California college campuses: UCLA, USC, Stanford, UC Berkeley and someplace called San Fernando Valley State. The resulting series for West magazine … Continue reading →

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Iron lung

Posted on September 21, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Sept. 21, 1957 Los Angeles If the Murrill family’s story were fiction, it would be comic, but alas, it is fairly tragic, quite absurd and entirely true. In 1949, Jeffrey Lee Murrill  was born to Robert Murrill, a 27-year-old … Continue reading →

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September 19, 1957: Paul V. Coates–Confidential File

Posted on September 20, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 19, 1957 Never underestimate the power of little old ladies. I did, two days ago. I accused a frail, grandmotherly type, born circa 1887, of pulling an amusing little con game to gain herself a free meal or a … Continue reading →

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Hollywood confidential

Posted on September 20, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 20, 1957Los Angeles This doesn’t look good.

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In praise of comix

Posted on September 20, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 20, 1957Los Angeles Hey moms and dads, comic books don’t rot your children’s minds or turn your kids into hoodlums. No, really! Comics are  good, wholesome entertainment that will ensure your offspring become lifelong lovers of fine literature. Mad … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Dodger deal could unravel

Posted on September 20, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 20, 1957 Los Angeles Not so fast there, potential Dodger fans. It seems the Los Angeles Unified School District owns 2 1/2 acres in the middle of Chavez Ravine and officials are leery of selling. (Check out the deal … Continue reading →

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Fall fashions

Posted on September 20, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 20, 1957Los Angeles A classic look, from a Bullock’s ad:  

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Hollywood confidential

Posted on September 19, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 19, 1957Los Angeles Uh-oh….

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Snooze alarm

Posted on September 19, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Sept. 16-19, 1957 Los Angeles "State Senate committee hearing" is one of the most boring phrases in the English language and the thick dust of half a century only adds layers of tedium. But let’s stand in the back … Continue reading →

Posted in Downtown, LAPD, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

If you build it, they will come

Posted on September 19, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 19, 1957Los Angeles Note that the artist working in 1957 envisioned parking for 24,000 cars. Actual number of parking spaces in 2007? 16,000. Do you think this might cause problems?

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College fashions, VII

Posted on September 18, 2007 by lmharnisch

In 1969, The Times sent one of its best and most respected writers, Art Seidenbaum, on a tour of California college campuses: UCLA, USC, Stanford, UC Berkeley and someplace called San Fernando Valley State. The resulting series for West magazine … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates–Confidential File

Posted on September 18, 2007 by lmharnisch

Sept. 18, 1957 There are times when justice gets in its own way. By trying to hustle along a little too fast, it trips over its own ethical skirts. And a living example of what can happen when it does … Continue reading →

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Strangler strikes

Posted on September 18, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Sept. 18-26, 1957 Los Angeles Let’s go talk about the Ginger Mitchell case. We’re in Wilshire Division so how about Canter’s Deli, up on Fairfax? While we’re driving, I’ll tell you the rest of the story. Officially, this killing … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Homicide, LAPD | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

College fashions, VI

Posted on September 17, 2007 by lmharnisch

In 1969, The Times sent one of its best and most respected writers, Art Seidenbaum, on a tour of California college campuses: UCLA, USC, Stanford, UC Berkeley and someplace called San Fernando Valley State. The resulting series for West magazine … Continue reading →

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Strangler strikes

Posted on September 17, 2007 by lmharnisch

  Sept. 17, 1957 Los Angeles We’re parked outside 3477 S. La Brea Ave., a two-story apartment house with about 18 units in the Wilshire Division. It’s one in a row of apartment buildings along the west side of the … Continue reading →

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Dodgers!

Posted on September 17, 2007 by lmharnisch

Footnotes to history: The three council members voting against the resolution to offer a deal to the Dodgers were Earle Baker, Patrick McGee and Edward R. Roybal. Councilman John Holland originally opposed the resolution but changed his vote in hopes … Continue reading →

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Literary diversions

Posted on September 16, 2007 by lmharnisch

Jim Tully, Aug. 13, 1922. Tully was a self-taught writer who specialized in stories about boxers, the circus, hobos and similar themes. He’s fairly obscure today but was once quite well-known. He was the author of "Beggars of Life," "Blood … Continue reading →

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College fashions, V

Posted on September 16, 2007 by lmharnisch

In 1969, The Times sent one of its best and most respected writers, Art Seidenbaum, on a tour of California college campuses: UCLA, USC, Stanford, UC Berkeley and someplace called San Fernando Valley State. The resulting series for West magazine … Continue reading →

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