On the weekend of November 18 and 19, 2000, the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee conducted the tour “How Modern Was My Valley? Touring Postwar San Fernando Valley.” This tour highlighted significant buildings constructed in the San Fernando Valley from the 1940’s through the 1970’s. Many of these buildings represent important examples of Modern, Post-Modern and Googie architecture designed by world renowned architects. Some of the variety of architects featured on this tour include Lloyd Wright, R.M. Schindler, Richard Neutra, and Armet & Davis.
The tour was conducted as part of the National Trust Conference held in Los Angeles and was repeated as a two day self-driving event for the general public. The tour was aided by a well-researched printed guide and included docent guided tours at several specific sites.
The San Fernando Valley was one of the first ‘planned’ communities in the Postwar (Post World War II) in the United States. The explosion of affordable and family-centered communities in the Valley produced one of the best examples of Postwar living – quickly copied all over the world.
The catalyst for this rapid development came from three sources: first, was the influx of ex-GI’s who had seen Southern California during and shortly after World War II; second, was the existence of several key industries such as aerospace and entertainment; and third was the enormous expanse of land available for affordable housing and commercial enterprises. Commercial development began in the East Valley: North Hollywood, Burbank, and Studio City areas, and expanded westward in the ensuing years. The Valley quickly became one of the major suburban concentrations of population in the Los Angeles area.
The Valley represents a brave new world – the Atomic Age American dream achieved. Tucked away in this middle-class Modern homestead are some of Los Angeles’s best kept treasures. Even longtime residents were pleasantly surprised at the Mid Century Modern architectural gems that still exist. Those who went on the tour were be surprised at the architectural gems of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s that still exist and can be viewed.
Valley Tour Press
How Modern Was My Valley generated a lot of press interest. Below are some of the larger articles you may enjoy reading…
Los Angeles Magazine, “Man About the House” November, 2000
Sunset Magazine, “Secrets of the San Fernando Valley” December, 2000
New York Times, “How Googie Was My Valley” Sunday Edition, Nov. 27, 2000
New York Times, “Eichler Article” Nov. 16, 2000
Los Angeles Times Magazine, “The Valley Reconsidered” Nov. 12, 2000 – Cover Story
Daily News, “One Cool Tour” Sunday Edition – Nov. 12, 2000 – Cover Story
Flaunt Magazine, “Drive, They Said” Nov. 2000
We also had large mentions in Metropolis (Nov. 2000), Glue (Nov/Dec 2000), L.A. Architect (Nov. 2000), DECO Echoes (Nov. 2000) and Valley Magazine (April 2000)
