Summer 2020
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Aloha,
I hope when this message reaches you that everyone is doing well. It has been a tumultuous three months to say the least. What we once knew to be normal, is now anything but, and all seems topsy turvy right now.
This is a great time to remind people why we need to keep and learn from our past. We have been through pandemics before, and I know we all will take away the knowledge to make a better future for our families.
The museum will open again when approved, and will operate with the guidelines set forth for all of us. It may look a little different, but it is for everyone’s safety.
I would hope that during our downtime, you were able to share some of your stories with your family and friends. You may have even shared your photos and videos. Remember this is a good way to keep your families and cities history in the conversation!
As the city comes back to life, some big changes will have happened. In your travels you will notice the iconic“ Burbank Bridge” is gone, and I’m sure some of you have driven by the Airport and noticed what was just bare fields, is now the new Industrial Park rising in record time.
History happens every day, and we all need to look around and capture the changes.
So remember, the Board of Directors are still working behind the scenes to make sure, when we are able to welcome our guests, all will be ready.
Sincerely,
Carey Briggs
President
DR. THOMPSON Credit: Burbank Historical Society
BURBANK HOSPITAL’S DOCTOR THOMPSON
by Sue Baldaseroni
Dr. Elmer Thompson was Burbank’s most prominent physician and surgeon during the first four decades of the 1900’s. Dr. Thompson completed his medical training at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and practiced for two years in Superior, Wisconsin settling in Burbank in 1905. At that time there were only 251 people living within the official city boundaries.
Dr. Thompson had only one year experience as a physician when he arrived in Burbank. However, after saving the life of a man whose heart was pierced by the tine of a wooden hay rake, respect for his ability grew, despite his youth.
A two-story Victorian house at Olive Avenue and Fifth Street (now the home of Olive Plaza Senior Apartments) was the original Burbank Hospital that Dr. Thompson began in 1907. The hospital had only sixteen beds. His sister Ethel Thompson, was head nurse.
Dr. Thompson’s medical practice encompassed the entire San Fernando Valley, and included Calabasas, Palmdale and Glendale as well. Over the years, Dr. Thompson delivered over 3,500 babies.
Dr. Thompson added the first wing of his Burbank Hospital in 1910, and enlarged it again in 1915. In September of 1942, Dr. Thompson sold his hospital to the Monte Sano Hospital Foundation.
Burbank Hospital, Olive & 5th Street Credit: Burbank Historical Society
1930 Nursing staff with mothers and children delivered by Dr Thompson Credit: Burbank Historical Society
Burbank Fire Department HQ Credit: Chuck Null Photography
BURBANK ROAD KINGS CAR CLUB HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS
by Sue Baldaseroni
Many of you know that the Burbank Road Kings have been around since 1952, but did you know that its primary mission is to help and serve the citizens of Burbank whenever possible? Recently, the Road Kings put their heads together to figure out how to honor our hospital nurses, doctors, and staff, as well as our Fire and Police Departments. Playing to its obvious strength as a car club, members quickly came up with the idea of a rolling car show and took to the streets of Burbank. Member Don Baldaseroni called St. Josephs and two of our fire stations to coordinate timing.
Burbank Fire Department HQ Credit: Chuck Null Photography
While scheduling the event, Don found out through his police contact that the specific day they selected for the event was also the 5th birthday of a little Burbank girl. At the police officer’s request, Don also included ‘little Olivia’ in the club’s driveby.
‘Little Olivia’s’ Birthday with Dad Credit: Chuck Null Photography
Members were stoked at the end of the run and wanted to continue, so on Saturday, May 30th, the Road Kings hit the streets for a second time. For this run, they scheduled drive by times with all six Fire Stations and the Police Department. Word got out that the cruise was on, so this time 150 cars showed up to thank first responder. You may have been out and about when a line of beautiful classic cars rolled by, again honoring our first responders for their valiant effort in dealing with COVID-19.
It has been a tremendous drain on their strength and mental health, so we all need to thank them for their continued care of our loved ones stricken with this horrible virus.
GORDON R HOWARD MUSEUM
115 N Lomita St, Burbank, CA 91506
Open Saturdays & Sundays 1:00pm to 4:00pm
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