designed by Paul R. Williams and Robert Finkelhor for actress Barbara Stanwyck in 1937
designed by Paul R. Williams and Robert Finkelhor for actress Barbara Stanwyck in 1937
Mark the 109th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic with Mr. Carter's memories of playing Stanwyck's son in the 1953 film Titanic. Recorded in 2019.
In 1937, architect Robert Finkelhor and Barbara Stanwyck, then one of Hollywood's highest paid actresses, collaborated to build a 6000 square foot Irish farmhouse on a hilltop in Northridge, California. The views were of the entire San Fernando Valley and Marwyck Ranch, her 120 acre Thoroughbred Farm co-owned with Zeppo and Marion Marx. Jack Oakie purchased the Estate on 10 acres in 1941. Oakie renamed the property Oakridge. It remained the Oakie family home for six decades.
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In 1942, Marion and Zeppo Marx sold their Marwyck home to costume designer Adrian and his wife actress Janet Gaynor. Adrian is best known for his work in The Wizard of Oz. This was the Adrian/Gayor home until 1952.
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The City of Los Angeles acquired the Stanwyck/Oakie Estate in 2009. Today, the property is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
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Friends of Oakridge is an all-volunteer non-profit with a mission to restore the significance of the Oakridge Estate through preservation and education.
Stawnwyck and Marx homes, 1937.
Image courtesy of Bison Archives.
The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks recently obtained $800,000 in funding for the preservation of the Estate. Until Friends receives more guidance on when restoration will begin, Friends tours and events will be scheduled just 30 days in advance. Please add your name to our email list for some events that will be promoted exclusively to our list.
Oakridge History on YouTube
Shirley Temple's 21st Birthday-In April 1949, Ms. Temple celebrated her 21st birthday during the filming of The Story of Seabiscuit, originally titled Always Sweethearts, at Northridge Farms. Northridge Farms was the name given to Marwyck when the ranch was sold in 1943 to J.H. and Annette Ryan and Mary Strnad.
Devonshire St. 1940s- 35mm film driving on Devonshire St. Film starts just east of Reseda Blvd. and heads west until 2:28, when the direction changes west to east.
Marwyck/Oakridge/Northridge Farms can be seen in the right area of the screen at about :47. At 4:45, DesiLu Ranch can be seen. Lucy and Desi lived in Chatsworth from 1941 to 1956.