Movie History in Chatsworth, California

Howdy! My name is Jerry England...

I'm nearly three quarters of a century old, and I've been passionate about a lot of things in all those years.

Most notable -- the things that excite me most -- are horses, cowboys, Western movies, canoeing, fishing, cowboy folk art, and my family legacy.

This blog is nearly five years old, and there are too many posts to keep an accurate index, so from time to time I add a few on my favorite links for folks who are interested in the movie history of my home town -- Chatsworth, California.

Here are a few random posts I think you might like…

Chatsworth Movies

San Fernando Valley Horses and Movies Are Forever Linked
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/08/san-fernando-valley-horses-and-movies.html

Chatsworth's Road to Movie Magic -- Part One
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2014/07/chatsworths-road-to-movie-magic-part-one.html

Chatsworth's Road to Movie Magic -- Part Two
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2014/07/chatsworths-road-to-movie-magic-part-two.html

My Baby Loves Western Movies & Ranches
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-baby-loves-western-movies-ranches.html

Chatsworth's Rock Stars
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/05/chatsworths-rock-stars.html

Meanwhile back at the ranch -- Map to rock star locations
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/01/meanwhile-back-at-ranch-map-to-rock.html

Big News on the Iverson Movie Ranch
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2013/03/big-news-on-iverson-movie-ranch.html

Homage to six-gun heroes and their gallant horses
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/02/homage-to-six-gun-heroes-and-their.html

Chatsworth Misc.

2015 Chatsworth Day of the Horse
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2015/04/2015-chatsworth-day-of-horse.html

Cowboy Culture -- Horses vs Houses
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2011/10/cowboy-culture-horses-vs-houses.html

Cowboy Culture -- Cowboy's lament
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2011/10/cowboy-culture-cowboys-lament.html

Cowboy Culture -- Unlikely compañeros
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2011/11/cowboy-culture-unlikely-companeros.html

Cowboy Stuff

Cowboy Folk Art, Antiques and Decorating
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/cowboy-folk-art-antiques-and-decor.html

 Cowboy and Horse Tales
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/cowboy-and-horse-tales.html

Canoeing, Fishing and Hunting

12' Pack & 14' Hunter -- Discontinued Old Town Canoes
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2016/04/12-pack-14-hunter-discontinued-old-town.html

Fishing and Canoeing Tales
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/fishing-and-canoeing-tales.html

Sporting Collectibles -- Canoes
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2013/02/sporting-collectibles-canoes.html

Hunter, Trader, Trapper and Outdoor Tales
http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/12/hunter-trader-trapper-and-outdoor-tales.html

If you find anything you like please feel free to leave a comment.

Fur Trade Goods -- Beads and Silver

Yellow French Cross Beads & replica 1820 Token

Lewis & Clark Beads & Montreal Cross

Mixed Trade Beads & Silver Beaver Effigy

The colorful beads and silver pendants (above) are representative of the trade goods bartered between French fur traders and Native Americans throughout New France (Canada) in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In an effort to control the fur trade the governors of New France only licensed a few French traders, and expected the Indians to bring their furs to Montreal where the government could keep an eye on them.

But, in short order hundreds of young, enterprising Frenchmen known as voyageurs ("travelers" in French) paddled canoes up the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers to rendezvous with Indian trappers to obtain their furs.

Another bolder class of Frenchmen known as couriers de bois  ("Runners of the Woods" in French) loaded their canoes with metal hatchets, knives, kettles, traps, needles, fish hooks, cloth and blankets, jewelry and decorative items. In later times they also exchanged firearms and sometimes illegal alcohol.

They pushed into the remote wilds of Canada, where they paddled their canoes as many as 16 hours a day while carrying two packs weighing 90 pounds (40 kilograms) each across portages. They learned the Indians' language and customs and gained their friendship with gifts like the colorful beads and trade silver pendants above.

The couriers de bois would often spend a year or two living and trapping with the Indians.

They learned to live, hunt, and dress like the Indians. Sometimes they married Indian women and settled down with their tribes. They learned to survive the freezing winters. Many they did not see another European for several years.

Glass Beads

The history of beads dates back to 40,000 years ago. Egyptians were making glass beads by 1365 B.C.

A major source of european glass beads used in the fur trade was Venice, Italy. A guild of Venetian glass makers existed in 1224 A. D..

The word “bead” is derived from the old English word “bedu” meaning prayer. The aristocrats of the glass beads were the Chevron or Rosetta beads.

Trade Silver

Silver made to trade with the Indians was an essential part of every well-dressed warrior’s outfit. During the 18th century most prominent Indians owned a small fortune in wearable art, including: pendants, armbands, bracelets, earrings, nose decorations, circular “moon” gorgets, and rows of pierced brooches sewn onto their clothing.

For more about my fur trade heritage see:

Cowboy Legacy -- French connection http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2011/10/cowboy-legacy-french-connection.html

Cowboy Legacy -- Great Granddad Was A Fur Trader http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2013/08/cowboy-legacy-great-granddad-was-fur.html

Great-Uncle Rene Was A Coureurs Des Bois http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2015/08/great-uncle-rene-was-coureurs-des-bois.html

Was Cousin Daniel A Potawatomi Chief? http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2013/10/was-cousin-daniel-potawatomi-chief.html 

Our Quaker heritage -- John Hallowell (1648-1706)

Our Quaker heritage began with John Hallowell (1648-1706)

In 1706 John Hallowell, my 8th great grandfather, was part of the Quaker community in Abington, Pennsylvania that helped form the American identity in the 1700s.

Dubbed the “Quakers” because they “trembled at the Word of the Lord,” the Religious Society of Friends fled persecution in England, Germany, Ireland, and Wales for the shores of the North American colonies in the 1600s. Though the Quaker beliefs of gender equality, universal education, and positive relations with Native Americans were rejected by most colonists, by 1700 more than 11,000 Quakers had made America their home and come to dominate politics and daily life in Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey. Other colonies were not as tolerant. Quakers stood out from other settlers because of their egalitarianism, rejecting the bow as a greeting and popularizing the handshake. They typically lived plain, disciplined lives as farmers, shopkeepers, and artisans, but in Massachusetts, some faced the gallows for their religion, while others were banished. Many other Christians believed that the Quaker practice of silent worship undermined the Bible. Even so, Quakers remained loyal to their convictions, and over time inspired progress including the abolitionist movement to end slavery by the 1800s.

John Hallowell was born Apr., 1648, in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, England.  He died Oct. 27, 1706, in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA

He is the first immigrant founder of all of the Hallowells in America.

From the "Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting at Mansfield" (England), 27 10mo 1675:

"John Hallowell of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, and Mary Holland of Millnepney, in Derbyshire, declared their intention of marriage" with this record appeared the certificates:
"I do give my free consent that my soone should take Mary Holland to wife, and that she should take him to husband"

/signed/ John Hallowell

and: "We do give our free consent that John Hallowell shall have our daughter to wife. Knowing nothing but that he is cleare from all other women.

/signed Thomas and Mary Holland/

John came to America with a Quaker certificate dated 19 Dec 1682 from the Derby Monthly Meeting in England as follows:

"Deare Friends:
These are to signifie unto you of John Hallowell of Huchnal in ye parish of Sutton, County of Nottinghamshire, having in his mind to remove beyond the sea and he being within ye compas of this our mo. Meetinge, we are willing to signifie to Friends that we know concerning him, of his behaviour, & manner of Life in the time yt he has Lived amongst us, whcih has been so we know soberly, and honestly, in his callings & dealings which has been a savor amongst ye people of ye world, and we know nothing but that he goes cleare as to any outward Engagement to any heare, and to ye truth he has lived answerably to ye measure which he has received; and hath no ways caused it to suffer, and our desires are yt he may keepe close to ye measure of God, which hee hath received, that he may be a good savor to ye truth in these remote places.

So having not much more but our dear son in ye truth, to all faithful Friends we rest & remain in ye service of ye blessed truth with you all, in ye measure.
//signed// Samuel Barke & others"

John Hallowell first acquired land for his family at Secane, formerly Spring Hill, Upper Darby, Chester (now Delaware) Co. PA on land designated by patent as First Purchaser for John Potter totalling 250 acres as follows:
100 acres from John Simcocke by deed dated 10 Jul 1686; he built his house on this property.
50 acres from John Potter via John Blunston by deed dated 5 Jan 1688;
50 acres from John Blunston by deed dated 12 Jan 1693; and,
50 acres, probably from the Thomas Whitby tract (date unknown)
These lands are all contiguous and all of the above land was deeded by gift to his son John in 1706.

In 1696 he moved his family to a 630 acre tract of land near Abington in Philadelphia Co. This land was part of 2500 acres which Thomas Holme first had under warrent from William Penn in 1684 by patent dated 29 Jan 1688. Silas Crispin, the executor of Thomas Holme's estate, sold 630 acres of this land in "Hill Town" (as Abington was then called) to John Hallowell by deed dated 15 Jun 1696 for Ð58 16 shillings.

Our lineage:

John Hallowell (1617 - 1647) -- 9th great-grandfather

John Hallowell (1647 - 1706) my 8th great-grandfather



Thomas Hallowell (1679 - 1734) son of John Hallowell



William Hallowell (1707 - 1794) son of Thomas Hallowell

Joshua Hallowell (1751 - 1835) son of William Hallowell



Joseph Hallowell (1785 - 1872) son of Joshua Hallowell



Lt Rifford Randolph Hallowell (1816 - 1864) son of Joseph Hallowell



Amanda Merrio Hallowell (1842 - 1873) daughter of Lt Rifford Randolph Hallowell



Lillian Amanda Pierce (1867 - 1957) daughter of Amanda Merrio Hallowell



Franklin 'Frank' Jackson Bailey (1886 - 1968) son of Lillian Amanda Pierce -- grandfather

12' Pack & 14' Hunter -- Discontinued Old Town Canoes

My Old Town 12' Pack (left) and 14' Hunter Canoes

Every now and again I happen onto a forum website where somebody explains they have an opportunity to buy a used Old Town canoe, so they're seeking the opinion of people who have owned and used them.  This post is for those folks who want to know about two great Old Town canoes no longer being manufactured.

Grandson Kevin off to fish in my 12' Old Town Pack canoe

I am very fortunate to own two discontinued models -- a 2010 Old Town 12' Pack canoe (33 pounds), and a 1986 Old Town 14' Hunter canoe (52 pounds).

I wouldn't part either for any reason because -- for me -- they are two of the best -- solo -- fishing canoes ever made.  There are slightly better tracking and faster canoes, and I wouldn't take them on a river with anything greater than class 1 water, but for flat-water fishing they are as good as anything ever built.

I'm now 73 years old and these two canoes are just the ticket for an old man.  They are both light weight and easy to paddle solo with a traditional paddle or a double bladed kayak paddle.  They are also both capable of carrying all the gear I need for a two or three day flat-water canoe adventure.

Finally, they are both low maintenance -- especially if you keep them under a roof.

Old Town 12' Pack Canoe:

1986 Old Town catalog page for the 12' Pack

I picked up my first Pack canoe on a 1987 trip to Montana, but I made the mistake of selling it about 2004.  It was such a perfect solo canoe I replaced it with a new one in 2010. 

Old Town finally discontinued the Pack canoe a few years ago.  I suspect the main reason it was discontinued is that shipping companies tended to beat the hell out of them, and nobody wants to pay a thousand dollars for a brand new damaged canoe.  When I bought mine from LL Bean, the shipper severely damaged two of them so much that I rejected them.  Finally, a third one arrived with just minor damage I could live with.

2010 Old Town catalog page for the 12' Pack

Don't get the wrong idea, these royalex canoes are plenty tough if you treat them right.  I've car-topped royalex canoes all over the Western United States and Canada without any damage.  But, I also don't drag them on sand bars or gravel beds.

Old Town 14' Hunter Canoe:

1986, 14' Old Town Hunter canoe

The 14' Old Town Hunter canoe is just a tad larger (2 feet longer) and heavier (19 pounds) than the 12' Pack, and it is also a delight to double paddle.

I think a 14' canoe, that weighs just 52 pounds, is just about the best all around canoe ever made.  It's just fine to solo, but is also comfortable with two paddlers.

The only reason I use my Pack canoe instead of the Hunter canoe is wind.  The extra two feet of length makes paddling, in seriously windy conditions, just that much harder.

1990 Old Town catalog page for the 14' Hunter

Pack canoe with Spring Creek stabilizer and oars

I've also added outriggers and have rowed both of these canoes.

Hunter with an Essex wooden rowing outrigger

My Pack canoe on its brand new Malone Xtralight trailer.  This will save a lot of stress on my old back.  See you on the water.

UPDATE 2025:

AT AGE 82, IT'S TIME TO SELL MY OLD TOWN HUNTER CANOE:

FOR SALE:

1986 Old Town Hunter 14' Canoe (cane seats) — VERY GOOD CONDITION + extras.

Has one crease in hull that occurred more than 15 years ago and has not been a concern.

SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 14' , Width: 35” , Depth: 12” , Bow Height: 20” , Weight: 53 lbs. , Capacity: 505 lbs.

EXTRAS INCLUDED:

Two (2) Carlisle ash beavertail paddles.

Two (2) Carlisle Magic (kayak style) Paddles 230 cm.

One (1 compl.) Essex Rowing Rig with two (2) take-apart rowing oars.

Two (2) NRS PFDs (one blue and one green fisherman style).

One Canoe Carrier with Tie-Downs, Foam Block Style (4).

More Canoe Extras Included:

Collapsable handle, nylon, trout landing net

Two painter ropes with snaps

One clamp-on Scotty rod holder

Two strap-on seat-back cushions

One folding anchor kit in padded bag

Two SeaSense Bailer Buckets with Lid

Two large sponges

One large waterproof carrying bag (not in photo)

TO FURTHER SWEETEN THE DEAL I'M ADDING: TWO LEADCORE TROLLING RIGS: KENCOR RODS, PENN MAG 10 REELS, LINE & FLASHERS

AND A BAG FULL OF VINTAGE CAMPING GEAR (ASK).

I'D LIKE $1,995.00 CASH FOR ALL, BUT WILL ENTERTAIN YOUR OFFER.

LOCAL PICKUP IN CHATSWORTH, CA 91311 ONLY

COMPARE CANOE ALONE:

1986 OLD TOWN HUNTER 14' CANOE, +++ ALL YOU NEED & MORE

SPECIFICATIONS · Length : 14' · Width : 35” · Depth : 12” · Bow : 20” Weight : 53 lbs. · Capacity: 505 lbs.

COMPARE TO Nova Craft Prospector 14, $3,719,00 + S&H — CANOE ONLY

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 14’ • Width: 32” • Depth: 13.5” • Weight: 45 lbs • Capacity: 550 lbs

Thanks for looking.

email: wtrails (at) cowboyup (dot) com

phone: 8187010141

Cowboy Wisdom -- Canoe Trolling For Trout

I'm not a very patient fellow, so still fishing from shore with a worm and bobber just isn't my style.  I prefer to paddle a canoe, and to see the scenery and wildlife on any given lake or stream. 

I've also learned that I'll catch more fish if I cover more water, so trolling is my favorite way to fish.

Unless you are on big, open, windy water a canoe has a distinct advantage over boats with motors and float-tubes.  The slow surge and glide of a paddled canoe is quiet and gives your trolled bait an action very close to that of a swimming bait fish.

A canoe can also cover a lot more water than a float-tube.

Finding Fish

Over the years I've learned a few basics about finding fish on a new lake. 

1. Locate the bait that fish eat.  I always fish a shore that the prevailing wind is pushing bait toward.

2. Find protective structure fish hide in.  Look for logs, rocks and undercut banks.  One sure bet is to fish old stream beds -- I always locate stream inlets and outlets, and fish a zigzag pattern between them.

3. Find water that is oxygenated -- locate feeder creeks, and especially springs.  Often springs will be located at the bottom of rocky cliffs that abut the water you're fishing.

What To Troll

In the early spring and late fall I tend to fish pretty close to the surface.  During those times of the year I use a light spinning rod with a spoon or crankbait.

Or, a medium action, 6 wt weight fly rod with streamers.

For my favorite streamers see: http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2015/12/sporting-classics-fly-rod-lures.html

My favorite spinning rod baits include Original Rapalas, Needlefish and Mepps Dressed Aglia Spinners.

In the warmer summer weather -- or if I'm not having any luck surface fishing -- I switch to a stiffer Kencor trolling rod with leadcore line and flashers.

For my leadcore trolling method see: http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2013/08/cowboy-wisdom-lead-core-trolling.html

Final Thoughts

No matter which trolling method you choose… ALWAYS turn around and fish the same water over again whenever you catch a fish.  I caught these two trout -- a laker and a hybrid cutthroat -- five minutes apart within a 50 foot square area of water on the Snake River.

I've seen lots of photos of "tricked out" fishing canoes, but I like to keep it simple.  Everything I need to go out on the lake -- including my 33 pound Old Town pack canoe can be carried on my back to the water's edge.

Since the photo above was taken I ditched the wood frame backrest for a lighter canvas model. 

Finally, always tie everything down or at the very least keep it on a leash.  You will eventually capsize any canoe. 

Happy fishing.

Sporting Classics -- Bristol Rods Gals

Circa 1900 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods poster

One of the things I admire most about the Horton Mfg. Co. and their early 20th century "Bristol Steel Fishing Rods" marketing efforts was their inclusion of ladies in their calendars, catalogs, postcards and posters.

Here are a few of my favorites...

1905 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art -- "The Start"

1907 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods catalog art -- "A Lucky Strike"

1909 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods postcard art by Oliver Kemp

1911 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art by Oliver Kemp

1913 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art by Oliver Kemp

1916 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art "Lucky Catch" by Philip R. Goodwin

1915 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods catalog cover girl by unknown artist

1917 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art "Waiting Out the Storm" by Philip R. Goodwin

1918 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art "Fishing at the Rapids" by Philip R. Goodwin

1918 Bristol Steel Fishing Rods calendar art "Fish On" by Philip R. Goodwin

In today's fishing tackle collectibles marketplace these advertising pieces fetch big money, but the good news is that some of the illustrations have been reproduced over the years.

British Legacy -- Woolwich Arsenal Retirement 1917

Stephen John Head and Susannah (Avery) Head about 1910

Stephen John Head, my great grandfather, was forced to retire from the Royal Carriage Department, Woolwich Arsenal following injuries sustained during a WWI German Zeppelin raid over Plumstead.

See more: http://a-drifting-cowboy.blogspot.com/2012/01/british-legacy-zeppelin-raid-over.html

Stephen had been employed in the Carriage Department at the Royal Woolwich Arsenal for 42 years when he retired.  He was the assistant foreman of the department at the time of his departure.

The Kentish Independent Newspaper published an account of Stephen John Head's retirement from the Royal Arsenal as follows:

ROYAL ARSENAL RETIREMENT

PRESENTATION TO MR. S. J. HEAD

On Saturday last Messrs. L. M. Lang, E. Edwards, and G. F. Ball, representing the managers and foremen of the Royal Carriage Department, Woolwich Arsenal, met at the residence of Mr, S. J. Head to present a testimonial to him on his retirement after 42 years service.

Mr. Ball, in making the presentation, said he had worked with Mr. Head for over 40 years, and could speak in very high terms of his valuable service. Forty years ago there were only 12 employed in the shop, and at the present time there were 209, and he was sure no shop in the whole of the department had improved more in both quality and quantity of work produced. This was in no small degree due to Mr. Head, particularly when marker-out. He asked him to accept a little token of their regard a cheque and gold watch. The latter was inscribed: Presented to Mr. S. J. Head on his retirement from the Royal Carriage Department after 42 years service from the managers and foremen of the above department as a token of esteem and regard. November, 1917.

In presenting Mrs. Head with a gold brooch Mr. Ball said he was very pleased they had decided to share the testimonial, as woman's devotion was a great feature in the success of men, and he hoped Mr. and Mrs. Head would jog along for many years to come.

Mr. L. M. Lang, in supporting, remarked that he had known Mr. Head for 38 years, and could remember the time when as "Steve Head" he was called upon to do the most particular work in copper, and how as a boy he would stand and admire his work. He always found him ever ready to help anyone in trouble, and he agreed with Mr. Ball that rapid strides had been made in sheet metal work. He congratulated Mr. Head in having such a capable partner, who must have helped him considerably during his life, and he hoped they would live for many years to come.

Mr. Edwards, who followed, said although he had not known Mr. Head as long as the two previous speakers, he could speak with pleasure of his connection with him for 18 years, and he thought after such valuable service for so many years it was tragedy to retire owing to ill-health, and he hoped the time was not far distant when he would be completely restored to health.

Mr. Head thanked the gentlemen for their very kind words, particularly regarding his wife, who was worthy of all good things said of her. He would like to have stayed at work a little longer for the good of his King and Country, but it was not to be. He hoped the gentlemen would convey to all subscribers their sincere thanks for their valuable presents, which they would always look at with pride.

Stephen's watch is now in the procession of his 2x great grandson in the USA.

During WWI, the Royal Arsenal Woolwich primarily built gun carriages

The Royal Carriage Department within the Arsenal was specifically responsible for manufacturing these carriages, which were considered some of the best in the world. The Arsenal's production of gun carriages was crucial for the British military and their allies. 

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

Gun Carriages:

The Arsenal's main focus was on producing carriages for artillery pieces, which were vital for warfare.

High Quality:

The carriages were known for their high quality and were widely used by the British military and their allies.

Royal Carriage Department:

This department was specifically responsible for manufacturing gun carriages.

Other Production:

While gun carriages were the main focus, the Arsenal also produced other supplies and equipment for the military, including uniforms, tents, and ammunition boxes.

Homage to the Woolwich Royal Arsenal Carriage Department

Video link

https://youtu.be/oe0M-ZUmrf0