History Of The Canyon Page 3
Eccentric style founded The Canyon. People who resided here had unique tastes. They loved the good life and the elements that only The Canyon could offer: the warmth of the sun, the ocean breezes, the hidden groves of eucalyptus and sycamore, the towering trees, and the wildlife that abounded amongst it all. For example, Mary Kyte, who lived on Ocean Avenue, bought a parcel of land in 1913 on Mesa Road (today's 464 Mesa Road and adjacent lots). She enclosed it with a fence, built two restrooms, put in a pond, gardens, trees, and brought school children to The Canyon to go to the beach. Open spaces, recreation, and hospitality were to become the norm of The Canyon. The property remained in tact until the 1930s when it was sold and sub-divided. Portions of the restrooms were incorporated into a small house built by architect Thornton Abell in the 1940s. * It was during this romantic time that a group of men from the Los Angeles Athletic Club were looking for a spot to build a summer retreat. After considering numerous locations, there was no place as magical or as dedicated to enjoyment of the good life as Rustic Canyon. At the old forestry station, they founded the Uplifters Club. The Club was active for thirty years. They commissioned the building of the Spanish Colonial Structure, which today is part of Rustic Canyon Park, where they became known for musical and dramatic presentations, for their equestrian and polo fields, and most raucously, their annual all-male summer excursions. Committed to enjoyment of the good life, The Uplifters Club became known as the Cuplifters Club during prohibition.

Despite the good times, The Canyon fell quiet during the First World War. Many went to fight and many did not return. The fishing industry dissipated when San Pedro became the Port of Los Angeles. There was an air of caution as new families and homes began to dot the freshly laid streets. Development was speared by the Bundy’s but was also challenged by James A. (Bert) Edmundson who had moved into The Canyon in the early 1920’s. The Edmundson’s built their famous log-cabin style home at the corner of East Rustic and West Channel Road, which acted as both their permanent residence and real estate office. With growth and change, canyon residence voted to become a part of Los Angeles City. The Canyon would not feel the worst of the Depression. Beverly Boulevard, which is now Sunset Boulevard, was extended to the Pacific Ocean in 1926. This made access to The Canyon easy and reliable, attracting the eccentric and financially flourishing Hollywood crowd. Will Rogers bought his ranch in Upper Rustic Canyon in 1926 and by 1928 owned property all the way to the beach. The Riviera Club opened in 1927 with four polo fields, golf, tennis, and evening entertainment.


The 1930's and 1940's were again a romantic time in Canyon history. The "Bundy Ranch" was a popular site for entertainment, picnicking, and enjoyment of The Canyon breeze and beauty. Berthold and Salka Viertel, European director and actress, moved into a home on Mabery Road entertaining and welcoming numerous émigrés and Hollywood characters.The cast included Billy Wilder, Stella Adler, Sergei Eisentain, Christopher Isherwood, Arthur Rubenstein, Greta Garbo, Bertolt Brecht, and Charlie Chaplin, just to name a few.