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Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway paved paradise in 1954


Hollynook Court (1913-1953)
Hollynook Court was aptly named, tucked away on a verdant acre at the bend of Highland and Franklin avenues in Hollywood. Hollynook Court (UCLA Digital Library) The seven bungalows were built in 1913, originally as Sabin Court after landlord Nat Sabin. There were two duplexes, four single-family cottages, and a fourplex in the rear for a total of 12 units. Sabin’s mother Effie was the first resident at 1803A Highland, until she swallowed strychnine on October 15, 1913. Five
Feb 26


4900 Los Feliz Boulevard: Italian Villa on a Hill
Built in 1912, the 21-room mansion was originally the marital home of Edna Letts and Malcolm McNaghten.
Aug 31, 2025


5163 Franklin: House of Good Fortune
The Los Feliz home radiates good vibes — thanks to a girl born on Friday the 13th.
Jun 14, 2025


Edna Cudahy’s Hollywood House of Death
Did the curse of “Jinx Mansion” follow Edna Cudahy to her next Hollywood home?
Feb 4, 2025


Pearl Park: Whitley & Franklin
“The prettiest spot in Hollywood” was at the corner of Franklin and Whitley avenues: Pearl Park. In 1916, Stephen Willis built the...
Apr 21, 2023


A Tale of Two Castles
A man’s home is his castle. But for Dr. A.G. Castles, his home was quite literally a castle: The eccentric art collector built a pair of...
Jan 25, 2023
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