This advertising photo shows J J Broomall, the Dahlia king and a friend. Broomall raised and bred dahlias on his property in the valley west of Dahlia Drive until he died in 1937. He was known nationally for his horticultural efforts ,and published a column on gardening in the Eagle Rock Sentinel and autobiographical series in the Eagle Rock Advertiser for many years. (unknown-ERVHS)
Mdm. Menasco was a frequent guest of Charles Lummis at his “noises”. This leaf from his guest book documents an occasion on November 8, 1914, when she, her brother Julius Bierlich and her son Ferdinand von Grofe recorded compositions by composer Viola Ellis (Autry Museum of the American West, Southwest Museum)
Mrs. Elsa von Grofe Menasco was born in 1872 into a musical family. Her father Bernhardt Bierlich was the first cellist of the Los Angeles Symphony even at 72 years of age. Her brother was also a member of the Los Angeles Symphony. Mr. and Mrs. Menasco lived in their home” The Roses” on Central Avenue (upper Eagle Rock Blvd.).
“As a pupil of Julius Klengel of the royal conservatory at Leipzig, Madame Menasco has gained for herself the plaudits of the musical world of Europe and America. In a pretty little bungalow, at the top of a summer slope with her husband and a baby girl [Rosamund] lives Mrs. Elsa Von Grofe Menasco, a famous violin-cellist. Possessed of a most charming personality Mme. Menasco had won her way into the hearts of the residents of Eagle Rock before it had ever become known that in Mme. Menasco was an artist which the greatest American and European musical critics had delighted to honor.” (Anne Hare Harrison, LA Herald 1909, Illustration, LA Herald 1909)
Madame Menasco played in many local concerts, including several at the Women’s Twentieth Century Club, where she was a member. Indeed, she (in the company of several other musicians including her brother) gave the concert at the formal opening of the newly built clubhouse on March 3, 1915. At this concert, a special request of a cello solo, “Mother,” composed by her son Ferdinand von Grofe, was played. As Ferde Grofe, He would become a noted composer and arranger. (Women’s Twentieth Century Club)
Unfortunately, several months later, she gave birth to a daughter and died of complications. On June 10th, the minutes of the club read that at 3 o’clock (the time of Madame Menasco’s funeral) the members of the club, not being able to “attend in a body”, observed 3 minutes of silence. (Women’s Twentieth Century Club)
The group photo shows Ito’s company seated in the Argus Bowl. The next venue that Ito’s company played was at a considerably larger scale, he presented 200 dancers with symphonic orchestra and choruses in the Pasadena Rose Bowl. (Caldwell)
The Argus bowl continued to present artists and events, culminating with a reception for the 1932 Olympics. Mrs. A. R. Rose, Eagle Rock’s official Olympic Hostess wrote, “Eagle Rock is to be congratulated that within its limits is such a typical Californian setting as the Argus Bowl and home. This is the type of atmosphere that is readily understood by Europeans familiar with the beauties of Cannes, Monte Carlo and other parts of the Mediterranean coast.”
After the Olympics few events seem to have been presented. This was perhaps due the declining health of Mrs. Elizabeth Argus, the gracious hostess of these events. Mrs. Argus died in 1934.
This newspaper cut shows Ito in Japanese-style costume. (L A Times)
This photograph was taken as part of a photographic survey of historic properties undertaken for the ERVHS in 1961. Today the Argus home still stands. It is unknown whether the bowl still remains on the property. The former Argus estate was subdivided in the mid 1950s. Argus Drive was extended and 8 additional houses were built on the property. (ERVHS)
Among the earliest and most frequent users of the Argus Bowl and garden was the Women’s Twentieth Century Club. The ladies of the club are shown in a portrait on the stage in 1931. The formality of the women’s dress and foreground carpets form an interesting contrast to the garden background. (WTCC)
Later in 1929, Michio Ito, a Japanese dancer and choreographer, presented a series of dance/drama programs featuring himself and Horton. The remainder of the company were students of Ito and his eclectic approach to composition. Note the “Prairie Chicken Dance” to a “Native chant” performed and choreographed by Horton. (ERVHS)