1-minute read
From a ranch land to a dynamic entertainment hub, explore the history of Burbank from 1739 to 1950. Step into Gordon R Howard Museum to discover the rich past and the city development.
Native American
Gabrielino-Tongva Indians inhabited the region before the early European settlers. Histories of these hunter-gatherers were passed down generations through songs and stories (there was no written language). Archeologists have been learning about their daily lives and culture thanks to many artifacts discovered in the area. The museum displays a few of them including pottery and handmade baskets.
Rancho Era
Over 60 years, California lands have been granted by the Spanish Crown and then independent Mexico.
Rancho San Raphael was granted to Jose Maria Verdugo in 1798. In 1820, rancho Providencia was granted to Comandante J. Castro, Luis Arenas, and Vicente de la Ossa. These two ranchos composed the city we know today.
Born in New Hampshire, Doctor David Burbank, a dentist practitioner, move to Los Angeles in his 30s. In 1867 he bought 9,000 acres of land: 4,600 acres of Rancho Providencia and 4,603 acres of Rancho San Raphael. It cost approximately $9,200.
Did you know?
Dr. Burbank’s ranch house was located on the current backlot of the Warner Bros. Studios.
Successful sheep breeder, he also cultivated wheat and alfalfa. Later, as he invested in real estate, he stopped his primary dentistry practice.
The City Beginning
In 1886, the Providencia Land, Water, and Development Company purchased Dr. Burbank’s acreage for $250,000. A year later they promoted a new rural city and divided the land into 100 plots for sale. Burbank was born.
The ad in the Los Angeles Tribune defined Burbank as “the finest body of land in Los Angeles County.”
The rural community developed and transformed over the next 30 years. In 1888, Burbank block was the 1st brick building constructed. In 1907, the 1st hospital opened, and by 1910, the first paved road stretched over San Fernando Boulevard. By 1911, the city included 500 inhabitants (Per the census bureau estimate, 103,920 people lived in Burbank in 2022).
On November 30, 1889, Burbank Times used the term “Burbankers” to designate Burbank residents.
Did you know?
In 1916, newly paid firefighters used the first city fire truck.
The Media Settlement
Burbank attracted media as early as 1920 with Sacred Folms Inc., followed by KELW radio in 1923, and First National Pictures in 1926. Two years later, Warner Bros. purchased the latter and extended its facilities. Soon Columbia Pictures (1934), Walt Disney Studios (1939), and NBC (1952) acquired lands to build stages and outdoor sets.
Did you know?
Disneyland was almost built in Burbank! Walt Disney considered the current Walt Disney Animation office, but it was smaller than the land in Anaheim.
Tree Famous Burbankers – Fun Facts
James J. Jeffries (1875-1953) was a heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1899 to 1910. In 1904, he bought a 107-acre ranch in Burbank. He hosted diverse events from boxing to pony express shows.
In 1930, Ruth Nichols (1901-1960) flew from New York to Burbank in less than 17 hours. This transcontinental flight was the first completed by a woman.
In 1948, 16-year-old Debbie Reynolds was elected Miss Burbank.
Ready to visit Burbank?
Plan your visit:
- Location: Gordon R Howard Museum, 115 N Lomita St, Burbank, CA 91506
- Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Saturday – Sunday.
- Admission: Free (donation encouraged)
- Duration: I spent 1 hour discovering it
- Parking: free parking lot, and unmetered street parking
- More information is available at https://www.burbankhistoricalsoc.org/museum-complex
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