WSHPHS celebrates 50 years of community and preservation
Members and guests of the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society gathered Oct. 10 in the back garden of 101 N. Hudson Ave., a palatial Tudor estate designed by Roland Coate, to celebrate anniversary of the founding of the society 50 years ago. The group was hosted by homeowner Bret Hankey and Jamie Olguin and Cici Hankey and Craig Strong or the Craig Strong Group, who graciously opened the home to the historical society and even had it decorated for Halloween.
Richard Battaglia, president of the society, acted as master of ceremonies, introducing the current officers and executive committee and all those responsible for organizing the event. Invited honored guests included Cindy Chvatal-Keane of the Hancock Park Homeowners Association, who was unable to attend. Speakers included Jason Greenman of the Windsor Square Association. But the star of the evening was undoubtably Jane Gilman, one of the original founders of the WSHPHS and founder and former editor/owner of the Larchmont Chronicle, who gave remarks looking back on the founding of the society and its 50 years of activities.
ONE OF THE MANY historic homes of the area.
The WSHPHS was founded at a low point in our community’s history. During the 1970s, historic homes in Windsor Square, Hancock Park and surrounding areas were being abandoned or even torn down. Enter local attorney and resident Sid Adair, who, with Jane Gilman decided to form a historical society to increase appreciation of the historic neighborhoods and promote their preservation. The pair then recruited realtor Pat Hug to help recruit more members. The group was incorporated as a non-profit May 18, 1976, with the stated mission “to preserve and collect the rich and illustrious history of the Greater Rancho La Brea, encompassing the recognition of its architectural landmarks, historical sites, and finely appointed homes, while generating a supporting community spirit.”
The group began its work with the planning of its first tour of homes, opening the doors of such historic homes as the Van Nuys mansion at 357 S. Lorraine Blvd. Over the years the events grew to include premier affairs and fundraisers such as a private view of the Treasures of Tutankhamun in 1979, as well as functions at the Los Angeles Tennis and Wilshire Country clubs, the Getty House, the former Bullock’s Wilshire, the now lost Perino’s restaurant and even an overnight trip to Hearst Castle. Members also opened their homes for teas, parties, theatrical performances, and even croquet tournaments.
The WSHPHS wasn’t just about parties and events, but preservation as well. Under the leadership of former president Fluff McLean, with Jane Gilman, the society also began the study and research of hundreds of the area’s historic houses, as well as conducting oral histories of the community’s oldest residents. The society also presented annual Landmark Awards to celebrate the history and beauty of so many historic homes and architectural treasures. The WSHPHS also provided support for the formation of the Windsor Square and Hancock Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zones.
INTERIOR of 101 N. Hudson Ave. and its leaded windows.
The society has used the funds from its many events to contribute to community beautification projects, such as landscaping at firehouses, schools, and local libraries. Other contributions included funds towards the restoration of the Getty House, the Larchmont median signage, and funding for the LAPD Wilshire Division Fallen Officers Monument.
Fifty years after its founding, the WSHPHS remains a vibrant and active organization that continues to generate a “supporting community spirit,” as described in its mission. It has accomplished what the best historic societies and preservation organizations do, it links the preservation of the area’s historic districts and homes with the social and cultural life of not only the neighborhoods of Greater Rancho La Brea, but to the wider city of Los Angeles and beyond. Thanks to the WSHPHS, preservation within the communities of Windsor Square and Hancock Park is now a central community value for reasons beyond history and architectural significance.
Jason Greenman, in his remarks, put it eloquently, “These streets are not only for the people who live here. Every week thousands of people walk, run, bike, walk their dogs through the park-like blocks of Windsor Square and Hancock Park. Films and shows shot on these streets have shown these neighborhoods to audiences around the world…The scale of neighborhoods, the trees, the architecture, and the overall setting are part of what draws people here. And the broader use is one more reason why the character of these places is worth preserving.”
To join this legendary organization visit, wshphs.com.
Category: Real Estate
