Voices — Christine Collins, November 14, 1930

Posted on November 14, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 14, 1930: Borton letter

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November 14, 1909: Nude Man Prances on Bunker Hill

Posted on November 14, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 14, 1909:  The problem with identifying the man gamboling about the top of Angel Flight* without clothing is that none of the women who complain to police have taken a good look at him.

And Eddie Foy offers advice to aspiring actors: “When you next visit a theater, note how few real actors there are in the company. With some, every word spoken is distinct, every action suits the word and the audience clearly understands, not only what the actor is doing and saying, but why he is doing and saying it. On the other hand, note the indistinctness and the mealy-mouthedness of the majority.” Continue reading →

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Nov. 13, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 13, 1959: Dear Abby

 

Hucksters of Horror Tell How to Succeed

Paul Coates, in coat and tieI listened in on a trilogy of success stories this week.

They were about three local-boys-who-made-good.  Their ages averaged 25.  Each was married, with two to four children.  None had any special educational advantages.  In fact, two never finished high school.

Yet, today, they’re earning between $25,000 and $50,000 a year apiece.  Tax free.

They live in good neighborhoods, drive good cars, wear good clothes.  Their neighbors respect them, and apparently the police do, too.  Because none of them has so much as one arrest to mar his record.

Continue reading →

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November 13, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 13, 1959: Comic panel: "You know what makes people tick -- Artists always seem more sensitive than hardboiled business stiffs like me. Help me, Ames!

The End Is in Sight

Matt WeinstockBravely ignoring the tear-inducing smog which was seeping in through the woodwork, the gentlemen of the copy desk yesterday, between, editions, went into their daily seminar titled “Whither Drifteth?”  Their despondent conclusion, delivered to my desk, is as follows:

“Meteorological trends indicate it will never rain again in Los Angeles.  If this becomes fact, it is safe to predict that by 1975 there will be no one left except perhaps a few standby guards.  Their job will be to keep an eye on public buildings to see if they dry up and blow away or disintegrate in the smog.  Their reports will be of value, of course, when examined in some future era by scientists seeking to determine wha hoppen.  You are welcome to this information free.” Continue reading →

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November 13, 1957: Paul Coates — confidential file

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

Nov. 13, 1957

Paul Coates, in coat and tieFor Joseph Szabo, bravery has been an expensive trait.

Its cost has included starvation and dungeons and tortures, like these (I’ll give them to you in Szabo’s words):

“Every day they were to take me and put me on a desk. Three people sit on my back and legs.

“Other people have a rubber club.

“They hit at the bottoms of my feet.

“They tell me to count after each hit…

“…One, two three…. Once I count to 251 for them. Continue reading →

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Black L.A. November 13, 1947: Little Miss Cornshucks; St. Paul Baptist Church Plans a New Building

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

L.A. Sentinel, 1947

November 13, 1947: Little Miss Cornshucks is at the Last Word, 4206 Central Ave. The Last Word opened in July 1947 and seems to have closed in 1951. Or at least it was no longer advertising in the Sentinel.

St. Paul Baptist Church Via Google Street View
On the jump: Columnist Edward Robinson writes about the Rev. John L. Branham and his plans to build a church at 50th and Main streets.

Continue reading →

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November 13, 1941: U.S. Prepares to Round Up Japanese in Event of War

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

Nov. 13, 1941, Comics

November 13, 1941: An FBI investigation into the Los Angeles Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Central Japanese Assn. reveals monthly donations of $4,000 to $5,000 to the Japanese government “for the army and navy,” The Times says. Continue reading →

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Rediscovering Los Angeles: Pennies Arrive in L.A., 1881

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

Nov. 13, 1924, Los Angeles Examiner
In going through my old files, I discovered several copies of a feature that appeared in the Los Angeles Examiner titled “Rediscovering Los Angeles.” These pieces were written by W.W. Kane, apparently based on interviews with early residents. This should not be confused with a series by the same title that appeared in The Times in 1935, written by Timothy Turner and illustrated by Charles Owens.

Continue reading →

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November 13, 1907: Revolutionary Defense Fund

Posted on November 13, 2025 by lmharnisch

Note: This is an encore post from 2006.

November 13, 1907
Los Angeles

An uproarious meeting was held last night at Simpson Auditorium to raise money for the four Mexican revolutionaries being held in the Los Angeles County Jail. The hall was packed with “revolutionists, Socialists, labor unionites, atheists and others of that ilk,” The Times said, noting: “A wild-eyed anarchist with a smoking bomb in his hand was the only thing needed.” “The audience was composed mainly of Mexicans and Spanish-Americans, but not of the better class,” The Times said.

A red flag was hoisted above the Stars and Stripes and red crepe paper was strung throughout the hall, while music was provided by a Mexican orchestra of boys and girls “who were supposed to represent the purity of the cause,” The Times said. Mexican women pelted defense attorney Job Harriman with flowers when he began his address.

Continue reading →

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November 12, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch

Serious Slapstick

Matt WeinstockAs you may have read, that was quite a comedy of errors the other night in the little city of Cypress in Orange County.

On a tip that Louis Ross Lord, 35, road camp escapee, was there, two Norwalk deputies, D.W. Llewelyn and D.J. Hawkins, went to a house on Sumner Pl.

When Lord opened the door and saw them, he struck Llewelyn, knocking him down.  Llewelyn got out his gun and shot at Lord and he went down.  As Llewelyn bent over to see if Lord was wounded, Lord jumped up and knocked him down again.  He hadn’t been shot, he’d fainted. Continue reading →

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Voices — Christine Collins, November 12, 1930

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 12, 1930: Borton Letter, Page 1From the California State Archives.

The Christine Collins letters

The woman whose tragedy inspired the Clint Eastwood movie “Changeling” tells her story in her own words.

Los Angeles, Cal.
November 12, 1930
Mr. Chas. L. Neumiller
President Board of Prison Directors
Reprisa, California

Dear Sir:

In regard to the case of Walter J. Collins now before you for parole may I be permitted a few words?

I have never known Mr. Collins personally and his prison record must speak for him, but I have been daily in personal contact with his wife, Christine Collins, for about a year and a half. She has lived in my home during that time. It is for her sake I am asking your leniency for Mr. Collins. Continue reading →

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November 12, 1958: Teenage hitchhiker killed

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 13, 1958: Daryle Kelch photo

November 12, 1958: Los Angles Times cover: Fear Killer of School Boy May Strike AgainDaryle Kelch was one of the most popular seniors at William S. Hart High School. He had a good friend, Douglas Austin, and a girlfriend, Karen Deadmon. And he was a dependable boy, according to the eulogy delivered by the Rev. Fred Dawson of Foursquare Gospel Church in Newhall.

He was from a big family, The Times said, with four sisters and two brothers. His parents were separated and he lived with his mother, Gladys.For all the good things about Daryle, the 17-year-old had one bad habit: hitchhiking. And however many times he caught a ride with some stranger, it was once too often.

On Monday, Nov. 10, 1958, Daryle and Douglas decided to hitchhike to Los Angeles to see Douglas’ friend, Nancy Rogers, whose parents had a vacation home in Saugus. For those who are unfamiliar with Los Angeles geography, that’s about 32 miles and although that area of Santa Clarita is developed today, it would have been remote in the 1950s.
Continue reading →

Posted in Front Pages, Homicide, LAPD, Obituaries | 2 Comments

November 12, 1947: Pasadena Girl Recovers From Mystery Illness

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch

L.A. Times, 1947

L.A. Times, 1947
Note: This is an encore post from 2005 and originally appeared on the 1947project..

Andrea Brodine, 6, for whose life many have prayed since she was stricken by a deadly paralysis two weeks ago, walked again at the Huntington Memorial Hospital yesterday—supported by a mechanical carrier device but strongly on the road to full recovery.

The little girl’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Brodine, 839 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, were in despair when she was first taken to the hospital. Their daughter, suffering a type of spinal paralysis, seemed doomed to die.

Continue reading →

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November 12, 1941: Crowds Line Broadway for Armistice Day Parade

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch

Nov. 12, 1941, Comics

We just don’t get deep thoughts in comics anymore.

November 12, 1941: Crowds line Broadway in downtown Los Angeles for the annual Armistice Day parade, which marked the end of what used to be called the Great War or the World War – until we had another one.

Tom Treanor, who was killed covering World War II for The Times,  profiles the Kozinsky brothers, Herman, Frank and Morrie, who are starting out in the movie business as the King Bros. Their first was picture was  “Paper Bullets” and the second was “I Killed That Man.”

John Huston likes to cast his father in small roles as a good luck charm. The latest is Walter Huston’s two lines as a bartender for “In This Our Life.”

“Hot Spot,” the film version of “I Wake Up Screaming,” starring Victor Mature, Betty Grable, Carole Landis and Laird Cregar, is opening at Grauman’s Chinese and Loew’s State.

A Kinder, Simpler Time Department: Mrs. Celia Kopulsky got a police escort to pick up her grandchildren at the nursery. She had jaywalked to catch a streetcar at 7th and Broadway because she was in a hurry to pick up her two grandchildren and refused to sign a traffic officer’s citation, so she was taken downtown. After a lecture on traffic safety, the LAPD took her to the nursery and then transported her and the children to their home at 216 1/2 St. Louis St.

Jimmie Fidler says: Ragnar Qvale, the ski champ the Darryl Zanuck “discovered” with such fanfare two years ago, is still in Hollywood — working as a mechanic for Lockheed.

Continue reading →

Posted in 1941, A Kinder, Simpler Time, Art & Artists, Columnists, Comics, Downtown, Film, Hollywood, LAPD, Streetcars, Theaters, Tom Treanor, Transportation, World War II | Tagged , , | Comments Off on November 12, 1941: Crowds Line Broadway for Armistice Day Parade

‘Ask Me Anything’ on George Hodel – November 18

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch

Reminder: Boxie and I will be doing a live “Ask Me Anything” on George Hodel and Steve Hodel on Tuesday, November 18, at 10 a.m. Pacific time on YouTube.

Can’t make the live session? Email me your questions and I’ll answer them! The video will be posted once the session ends so you can watch it later. Remember, this is ask me anything, so please remember to ask questions rather than make comments. Thanks!

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November 12, 1907: A Bad Way With Horses

Posted on November 12, 2025 by lmharnisch


Note: This is an encore post from 2006.

November 12, 1907
Los Angeles

Half a block from his home at 1131 Westlake, John P. Shumway Jr. was badly injured when the carriage he was driving collided with the 11th Street trolley. Shumway was thrown about 20 feet, striking the pavement head-first, and the horse ran for the stable, pulling what was left of the smashed carriage, witnesses said.

Shumway was carried to his home, where his father, Dr. John P. Shumway, treated him for a concussion, bruises and cuts. A year later, the family filed a personal injury suit against the Los Angeles Railway, seeking $10,355 ($204,938.83), although The Times failed to report the outcome of the trial.

Continue reading →

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November 11, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on November 11, 2025 by lmharnisch

A Dog’s Life

Matt WeinstockSeveral weeks ago Glen Shahan’s miniature schnauzer, Henry, developed a cough.  When it persisted, the veterinarian recommended that Henry’s tonsils come out.  This was done but poor Henry continued to wheeze, and the other day Glenn, ABC TV publicist, took him back to the vet for examination.

“There’s nothing more I can do,” the vet said.  “The only thing now is to send him to Palm Springs for a week.  That ought to clear it up.”

“You’re kidding,” Glenn said.

“Oh no,” was the reply, “you just put him on the bus and I’ll arrange to have him met and picked up in a station wagon and he’ll stay in a nice, sunny place.” Continue reading →

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Nov. 11, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

Posted on November 11, 2025 by lmharnisch

November 11, 1959: Mirror cover: Crazed Killer Hunted in Palm Springs Case

John Law Gets Sort of Rough Now and Then

Paul Coates, in coat and tieFor a minute.  Talk to him for just a minute and you know that he’s not the man who looks for trouble.

He’s a quiet man.  Everything about him is quiet.  His voice.  His manner of dress.  The way he walks into your office.  He makes no noise.

Age:  Mid-40’s.  Distinguishing characteristics: None.

He’s just one of the 2 1/2 million people in this city.

What sets him apart from the rest — for today, at least — is his story.

“I manage a cafe,” he starts.  “It’s a nice place.  Family type.

“When my partner and I took it over seven years ago, it had a bad name.  We worked hard to make it clean and respectable and that’s what it is now. Continue reading →

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November 11, 1907: Cad Told the Truth Only Once — He Wasn’t Worthy of Her

Posted on November 11, 2025 by lmharnisch

Note: This is an encore post from 2006.

November 11, 1907
Los Angeles

On a trip to Topeka, Kans., to visit relatives, Lena River Packard of Los Angeles met Edgar (or Edwin) Campbell Arnold, a wealthy wholesale druggist who quickly became her constant companion and ardent suitor. Love soon blossomed and in a few months, Edgar arrived in Los Angeles to claim his bride.

A lavish wedding was arranged, bridal showers were given for Lena and the minister was brought to town from Ventura, where the Packards once lived. Edgar gave her a diamond-studded bracelet as a token of their upcoming marriage.

Continue reading →

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November 10, 1947: Remains of Kidnapped Girl Found in Orange County Ravine

Posted on November 10, 2025 by lmharnisch

L.A. Times, 1947

L.A. Times, 1947 Note: This is an encore post from 2005 and originally appeared on the 1947project.

Bits of clothing found with a child’s skeleton in a small ravine in Orange County yesterday were identified as belonging to 6-year-old Rochelle Gluskoter, who was kidnapped Feb. 15, 1946.

The identification was made by the child’s parents, Abe and Miriam Gluskoter.

Thus came the first tangible clue in the abduction case which has baffled investigators for nearly two years.

The Gluskoters, who now live at 913 E. 87th St., appeared at the sheriff’s Bureau of Investigation accompanied by Inspector J. Gordon Bowers, who directed investigation in the days following the little girl’s disappearance.

Continue reading →

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