One time my brother and I were just flipping through books at a local bookstore and we stumbled a book about the history of the San Fernando Valley. It was so crazy to see black-and-white photos of the hill on which our house now stands, and finding out that it used to be a meeting place for Native Americans, who had named the hill something like “Black Snake Hill”. It’s so hard to fathom the lives of the people who stood on this same ground 200 years ago.
Anyway, on the topic of the history of the Valley, I found this site called The Valley Observed that is completely dedicated to “San Fernando Valley history, lore and sense of place.” It’s written by Kevin Roderick, the author of The San Fernando Valley: America’s Suburb (which might have been the book we picked up…but it’s been so long that I can’t say for sure, and I want all my facts accurate before I make such allegations). It’s a really interesting read with news, history and links, but what I really like is seeing those old pictures from back in the day when Ventura Blvd was just grass and cows.
Reading what Roderick writes really gives me a sense of ownership of the place I call home. See what rich and unique history we have gives the Valley an identity that is more specific than just being a part of the LA County or a location on a map. It makes me proud to say I’m from the Valley.
Like, omigosh, soooo totally proud.
if i remember correctly, that book we were reading was basically 1) empty with native americans, 2) white people moving in… and that’s it
you should make a list of celebrities from the valley. real celebrities, like jordan farmar and gilbert arenas
Hi Angela,
I read Roderick’s book (found it at the library a couple years ago) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It helps tremendously to have a sense of the history of the place we are living in.
David
p.s. I’m enjoying your blog!