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Places, Earth |
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Throughout the country, state parks, historic sites, homes, buildings, museums, and similar institutions are struggling to continue operating. Because of general financial problems, many of these institutions are operating on a reduced schedule or in danger of closing. Some are being forced to sell off artifacts and property. Many will not weather these hard times without your help. Places Earth urges everyone to support these vital and important public resources any way you can. Please donate your treasure, time, and talent. Write to your governor and other elected officials telling them to find a way to keep state parks open. It will be your loss. Public Service Announcement | Test space for future ad if donations don't increase. |
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Portal of the Folded Wings
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2006 - 2012.|
In the southeast San Fernando Valley, only a half mile from what was once Lockheed Airport, in the
back of Valhalla Cemetery, is Portal of the Folded Wings, Shrine to Aviation, a monument to, and final
resting place for, many early aviation pioneers. The building itself is classic in design with columns and
intricate carvings, topped with a dome. The building was constructed in 1923, designed by Kenneth
MacDonald, Jr., sculpted by Federico Giorgi, and was the original entrance to Vahalla Memorial Park,
visitors drove through it from Valhalla Drive, off Hollywood Way. In the 1920s and 30s, the Rotunda
was used for musical concerts, radio broadcasts, and other public events. In 1930, the original entrance
to the cemetery was closed due to noise from the newly opened United Airport and a new entrance
was opened at Cahuenga and Victory. In 1930, James Gillette developed the idea of dedicating the building to aviators from around the word who used United Airport, now named Bob Hope Airport, which is located just a half mile north. The building was dedicated to "The Honored Dead of Aviation" on December 17,1953, the 50th anniversary of flight. On May 27, 1996, The Portal of the Folded Wings - Shrine to Aviation and Museum was officially rededicated. The Portal was rededicated on December 17, 2003, the 100th anniversary of flight. Markers on the floor cover the ashes of each aviator named on the marker. The wall plaques commemorate aviators not buried here. At the four corners are rooms containing displays that are part of the Burbank Aviation Museum. The aviation pioneers interned are: Bertrand B. Acosta, Walter R. Brookins, Mark M. Campbell, Rev. John Carruthers, Col. Warren S. Eaton, W. Bertrum Kinner, A. Roy Knabenshue, Elizabeth L. McQueen, John B. Moisant, Matilde Moisant, J. Floyd Smith, Hilder F. Smith, Carl B. Squier, and Charles E. Taylor. There are two components to the Portal of the Folded Wings. The monument and final resting place is usually open when the cemetery is open (closes at 6:00 pm). The Burbank Aviation Museum is the rooms within the monument that are opened with a docent from 1:00 to 3:00on Sunday afternoons (weather permitting). Portal of the Folded Wings is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Valhalla Memorial Park 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606 It can also be seen from Valhalla Drive, off Hollywood Way, behind Fry's Electronics. |
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| Los Angeles County Main Page |
This page last updated: Thursday, 22-Mar-2012 08:40:12 EDT
| Note: This is not the official site for any of the places shown in Places Earth. Places Earth is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, exhibits, and sometimes locations are subject to change without notice. |
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This web site started because of my love for Architecture and interest in History. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven' been many this year. I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ... | ||
 You can buy candles from my wife. |
 Or donations can be mailed to the address on the contact page. |
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This site maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2012, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
| This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
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