Thursday, May 27, 2010

Falk Family Ranch in Granada Hills in 1950s

2010 THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES -- Northridge100

Once horse ranches extended all across the North part of the San Fernando Valley. Owning a race horse was very much a part of one's status as a film or recording star. The Falk Ranch at the top of Balboa Boulevard at Lassen Street boasted many fine horses used for racing and pleasure riding.
Photo from Race Souvenir Tray - Gift to The Museum from Steve Falk 2010 (click on image to enlarge)
The 6th Race at Hollywood Park, May 29, 1956. World famous jockey Willy Shoemaker rides "First Aid Kit" to victory for the Falk Stables in Granada Hills.
The Falk family (Sue - holding a white purse, husband Steve - in dark suit holding little son Steven, watch as Steve's mother greets her winning steed at a Del Mar race. The Falk Ranch boarded the riding horses of Betty Grable and her bandleader husband Harry James.