Injured Diver Dies After Falling From Rescue Helicopter

Posted on November 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

image

“Mary and Pete Are Reunited.”
Nov. 23, 1959, Skin Diver 

Skin diver Harold B. Gavenman dies after a tragic series of accidents in which he was struck by a boat propeller and fell 100 feet while being lifted to a rescue helicopter.

Nov. 23, 1959, Debbie Reynolds

Nov. 23, 1959, Debbie Reynolds

Nov. 23, 1959: Jack Smith profiles Debbie Reynolds, 27, who is returning to the screen after an absence for the birth of her daughter, Carrie, and the breakup of her marriage to singer Eddie Fisher. "With tomboy energy, Debbie has bounced back into stardom — and with astounding success. Today she is possibly the busiest star in Hollywood," Smith says.

Nov. 23, 1959, Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds is “too busy for bitterness,” Smith says. 

Nov. 23, 1959, Debbie Reynolds
Nov. 23, 1959, Hal Holbrook 

Is it possible that Hal Holbrook has been doing Mark Twain for 50 years? Yes it is.  Here he is in 1967.

Dec. 2, 1959, Hal Halbrook

Dec. 2, 1959: Philip K. Scheuer reviews “Mark Twain Tonight.”
 
Nov. 23, 1959, Pete Rozelle

Jeane Hoffman profiles Rams general manager Pete Rozelle. “It’s hard to get Pete’s mind off football,” his wife, Jane, says.

Nov. 23, 1959, Pete Rozelle

Posted in books, Comics, Film, Hollywood, Sports, Stage | 2 Comments

Police Unable to Stop Rising Tide of Auto Thefts

Posted on November 23, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov. 23, 1919, Beer  

As the country went dry, companies offered a way for people to brew their own alcohol.  Remember, beer is a health drink!

 Nov. 23, 1919, Auto Thefts 

 
Nov. 23, 1919: “Motor car thefts are increasing and will continue to increase until some effective measure is taken to stop them. Any boy can steal an automobile these days and have nothing in particular to fear in the way of punishment if he is caught. The chances are pretty strong that he won't be caught at all.”

Posted in #courts, Food and Drink, Transportation | Comments Off on Police Unable to Stop Rising Tide of Auto Thefts

Smoking Restricted on Streetcars

Posted on November 23, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov. 23, 1909, Smoking  

 
Nov. 23, 1909: A law regulating smoking on streetcars goes into effect. From now on, smokers must take the rear seats of the cars.

Posted in health, Transportation | Comments Off on Smoking Restricted on Streetcars

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movie Columnist

Posted on November 22, 2009 by lmharnisch
image 
Nov. 22, 1959 — Myrna Fahey says: “I was Zorro’s girlfriend Maria at a time when they felt it a good idea to have the idol of all the kids feel tender toward someone other than his horse.”

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

Nov. 22, 1963

Posted on November 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Nov. 22, 1963, Cover

Posted in Front Pages, Homicide, Politics | 2 Comments

Seniors Make Foolish Marriages, Judge Says

Posted on November 22, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov. 22, 1919, Briggs
“A Pathetic Scene on the Nineteenth,” by Clare Briggs

Nov. 22, 1919, Marriage

Nov. 22, 1919: A judge trying a divorce case between a 55-year-old woman and her 67-year-old husband says: "I wish you would keep your old folks down in Long Beach from making foolish marriages."

"It can't be done, your honor, as long as we have parks and the Pike," the attorney replies.

Posted in #courts, art and artists, Comics | Comments Off on Seniors Make Foolish Marriages, Judge Says

China Offers Great Market for U.S., Diplomat Says

Posted on November 22, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov. 22, 1909, Marriage

Florence Newmark marries Sylvain Kauffman at 903 Beacon Ave.

Nov. 22, 1909, China

Nov. 22, 1909: Former Judge J.C. McNally, the U.S. consul to Nanjing, "expressed optimistic views of the commercial future of China and said that the country would be a network of railway lines within a few years" … a tong war breaks out in Sacramento … and artist Edith Garrigues displays paintings she did in Reno while establishing residency for a divorce. "The snow-capped Sierra Nevada scenes along the beautiful Truckee River, as well as picturesque spots in town, are among her subjects. Several of her finest pictures were sold," The Times says. 

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

Found on EBay – Dodgers

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

dodger_pennant_ebay_crop  This Dodger pennant – made after the 1959 World Series but before the opening of Dodger Stadium – has been listed on EBay. Bidding starts at $9.99.
Posted in Dodgers, Sports | Comments Off on Found on EBay – Dodgers

November 21, 1959: Matt Weinstock, Nov. 21, 1959

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

Car Troubles

Matt WeinstockTwo years ago, Bob Joseph bought a two-cylinder French Panhard, which has positively no area in front for a license plate.  He has been driving it with only the rear plate.

On consecutive days recently he received two citations.  A new law went into effect in October requiring cars to have both plates, and it is being enforced.  He explained ineffectively to the officers that the dealer sold him the car with only one plate.

He went to the Traffic Fines Bureau at 810 Wall St., where a courteous marshal showed him the nice new law and advised him to go to the Motor Vehicle Department at 35th and Hope Sts. and get new plates. Continue reading →

Posted in #gays and lesbians, Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock, Music, Rock 'n' Roll | Comments Off on November 21, 1959: Matt Weinstock, Nov. 21, 1959

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Nov. 21, 1959

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch
 
Nov. 21, 1959, Mirror Cover
 

Mash Notes and Comment

Paul Coates    "Mr. Paul Coates, dear friend:

    "About 2 1/2 months ago you called me at 12 a.m. and asked me if I could tell you who was President in 1875.

    "I didn't know and I didn't win the stove.  I'm not too sorry because I don't like stoves.

    "You told me, however, that I would get some prize but for the life of me, I can't remember what it was.  So far I haven't got anything from you.

    "My neighbors claim that I never heard from you, so please answer this to straighten things out." (signed) Mrs. Theresa Herron, Glen Ellen, Calif.

   –It wasn't me who called you at 12 a.m.  I know who was President in 1875.

::

    "Dear Paul,
   
"I feel silly writing this letter, but the boss is out and I've got nothing else to do so why not?

    "I'm a secretary with a problem.  A funny problem, maybe, but it's beginning to get to me.  It's about -  you suggested it — my BOSS.

    "He's one of these practical jokers.  Tacks on my chair.  That kind of thing.

    "One time he pinned a sign on the back of my coat and I didn't discover it until I got back to my apartment.  It said, 'Danger Explosives,' and boy did he get a kick out of razzing me on that one.

Between the Cheese and Ham

    "I've been putting up with this for about two years now, so the other day when he sent me out for his sandwich, I decided to get even.  I typed on a little slip of paper, 'Help! I'm locked in the icebox,' and stuck it in his sandwich between the cheese and the ham.

Nov. 21, 1959, Abby    
"From my desk I can watch him eating, and I kept waiting for him to find it to watch his expression, but he didn't.  He ate it!

    "Everyday for  a week I kept putting the same note in but the jerk kept eating them.  Finally, I wrote it on a piece of cardboard to be sure that he'd find it.

    "He ate that one, too!

    "Now I can't help laughing when he's eating and he keeps calling out to me what am I laughing about?  Then I get hysterical.  Naturally, I can't tell him because he's eaten so many notes now if he gets sick he'd blame me.

Time for a Change

    "I think I better start job hunting.  Every time I look at him I break out in giggles. 

    "Incidentally, I type 60 words a minute, take Gregg shorthand like a whiz and have a VERY presentable appearance.  If your secretary is worn out, why not give me a call????" (signed) Mitzi, L.A.

    –I would, Mitzi, but cardboard repeats on me.

::

 image   (Press Release) "Ask and ye shall receive!!!

    "Ira Cook, KMPC's genial disc jockey, found out that there is more to this saying than meets the eye.

     "Last week Cook lamented on the air that one of the toughest chores he is faced with daily is finding a pen to sign the KMPC log.

    "He asked his listeners to send him a pen if they might have  a spare around their desks.

    "To his amazement, Ira received more than 1,500 pens since his request.

    "Largest shipment of more than 200 came from Standard Brands, Inc.
   
"Ira is wondering now if he asked for  a trip to the moon whether one of his listeners would come up with it." (signed) Publicity Dept.,KMPC, Hollywood.

   –I can't swing the moon, Ira, but I'll give you bus fare out of town.

   
   

Posted in 1959, Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Nov. 21, 1959

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movie Columnist

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov, 21, 1957, Hedda Hopper

Nov. 21, 1957: “It was bound to happen. Marlon Brando and Stanley Kubrick, director, parted company. Brando may take on directorial job himself. The credits could then read: Written by, directed by and starred in ‘One-Eyed Jacks,’ or he may let Karl Malden direct. Karl’s making a fortune on this picture: on salary since Sept. 1. When I asked why Brando does anything he likes, I’m told he’s box office.”

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

Dodgers Moving to KFI

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch
 

Nov. 21, 1959, KFI 

 

Nov. 21, 1959

This was a very small story that turned into a big deal.

The Dodgers were moving on the radio from KMPC to KFI for the 1960 season. The significance? Gene Autry's company owned KMPC and when the Dodgers left, he looked for something to fill in the large gaps (and hopefully big ratings).

When the American League decided to expand beginning in 1961, KMPC wanted the rights to broadcast the new team that would play in Los Angeles.

Of course, Autry got a lot more than that, becoming the owner of the Los Angeles Angels.

So would the Angels not have been born had the Dodgers stayed on KMPC?

–Keith Thursby

Posted in broadcasting, Dodgers, Sports | Comments Off on Dodgers Moving to KFI

Man Beaten With Ukulele

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch
April 29, 1930, Ukulele 

April 29, 1930, Safe Trip
“Safe Trip Ends in Death” – OK, but it made you look.
April 29, 1930: I was researching a story from Nov. 21, 1959, and came across a much more interesting account of a man beaten into unconsciousness with a ukulele.

Posted in Music | Comments Off on Man Beaten With Ukulele

November 21, 1919: Wife Divorces ‘Girlish’ Army Officer

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

November 21, 1919: Comic panel by Briggs, When a Feller Needs a Friend

November 21, 1919: Lucille Howell seeks a divorce from her husband, an Army captain who likes to wear a girdle. Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, #gays and lesbians | 3 Comments

Pioneer of Covered Wagon Days Seeks to Save Oregon Trail

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov. 20, 1909, Ezra Meeker

Ezra Meeker, who first traveled the Oregon Trail in 1852.

Nov. 21, 1909, Ezra Meeker

The city is overrun with loose dogs, The Times says.

Nov. 21, 1909, Ezra Meeker

Dec. 4, 1928, Ezra Meeker

Dec. 4, 1928: Ezra Meeker dies at the age of 97.

Nov. 21, 1909: The Times profiles Ezra Meeker, who traveled the country in an ox cart to promote his campaign to preserve the Oregon Trail as a national highway. Meeker is the fellow with the ox cart in the photos of the 1910 Aviation Meet.

Posted in Animals, Front Pages, Transportation | Comments Off on Pioneer of Covered Wagon Days Seeks to Save Oregon Trail

Artist’s Notebook: Gustavo Dudamel

Posted on November 21, 2009 by lmharnisch


Gustavo Dudamel, by Marion Eisenmann, Nov. 12, 2009.

Marion Eisenmann and I have been looking at Los Angeles landmarks as a modern version of Nuestro Pueblo, but we realized that the debut of Gustavo Dudamel as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic is also part of local history.  Marion was fortunate in being able to attend a rehearsal and she sends her impressions of Dudamel. She says: His personality, playfulness and passion speak in this study.

 

Posted in 2009, art and artists, classical music, Marion Eisenmann, Nuestro Pueblo | 1 Comment

Found on EBay – Thomas Bros. Map

Posted on November 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Thomas Bros. Map   This 1940s vintage Thomas Bros. map of Los Angeles has been listed on EBay. These maps and street guides – which show the city before freeways – are entertaining and can be useful references for anyone researching the history of Los Angeles. I rely on them often at the Daily Mirror HQ in tracking down streets that have vanished over the years. Bidding on this map starts at $4.99.
Posted in Downtown | Comments Off on Found on EBay – Thomas Bros. Map

November 20, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Posted on November 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

About Football

Matt WeinstockThis is Big Game Week and I might as well get into the act, too.  I suppose it’s true — once a sports writer, you never get over it entirely.

SC and UCLA are being criticized for the way they play football.  Also the Rams, who can’t win for losing.  Everyone’s disgusted with them.

The Trojans have a great defense, the hecklers say, but their offense falters.  Oh sure they’re No. 2 in the nation, but that’s because of the wonderful McKeevers.  The heck its is.  It’s because they’re strong in all 11 positions.

UCLA, newly come alive, sends the self-appointed experts into despair.  The team looks good one game, bad the next.  Not only that, it plays the single wing, which the critics call horse and buggy football.  I happen to find the single wing a refreshing change from the ubiquitous T system, with all its variations. Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on November 20, 1959: Matt Weinstock

November 20, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

Posted on November 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

November 20, 1959, Mirror Cover: U.S. Chutist Makes Record 15-Mile Jump

Drama in Housewife’s Life Is Fraught With

Paul Coates, in coat and tieI’ve come to the labored conclusion that housewives lead more interesting lives than career girls.

This, I’ve done without benefit of polls or surveys.  In fact, I’ve even ignored those subtle inferences in the Kinsey report.

It’s strictly my own, personal conclusion.  I reached it myself.

I’m probably dead wrong, but, the way I see it, it’s better to come up with a wrong conclusion than to just sit around and come up with no conclusion at all.

You know the old saying, idle minds gather no moss. Continue reading →

Posted in 1959, Columnists, Mickey Cohen, Paul Coates | Comments Off on November 20, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movie Columnist

Posted on November 20, 2009 by lmharnisch
Nov. 20, 1957, Hedda Hopper

Nov. 20, 1957: “Chuck Heston did as much painting as acting in ‘The Big Country,’ so his canvases will be used to publicize it.”

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