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The Anna Zacsek Cottage 2233 ½ Sunset Boulevard

All Photos by Benoist Lechevallier

ANNA ZACSEK 1896-1973•Silent Film Actress for DW Griffith in “Birth of a Nation” and “Intolerance”

ANNA ZACSEK 1896-1973•Silent Film Actress for DW Griffith in “Birth of a Nation” and “Intolerance”

•Directed first dramatic play for African American’s in history of Los Angeles Theatre.

ANNA ZACSEK 1896-1973•Silent Film Actress for DW Griffith in “Birth of a Nation” and “Intolerance”

•Directed first dramatic play for African American’s in history of Los Angeles Theatre.

•As a civil rights lawyer she fought for minorities and women including pivotal figures in the “Sleepy Lagoon Murder” and the Pedro Gonzalez Trial.

ANNA ZACSEK 1896-1973•Silent Film Actress for DW Griffith in “Birth of a Nation” and “Intolerance”

•Directed first dramatic play for African American’s in history of Los Angeles Theatre.

•As a civil rights lawyer she fought for minorities and women including pivotal figures in the “Sleepy Lagoon Murder” and the Pedro Gonzalez Trial.

• Lifelong resident of Echo Park, the cottage shows what is possible for an immigrant family to achieve in Los Angeles.

Buildings to be demolished from Sunset Blvd. All Photo by Benoist Lechevallier

Zacseks move to Echo Park in 1903/04

Picture Of Rural Echo Park from c.1895

Early Life at 2231 Sunset

• Anna attends Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, predecessor to Cal Arts.

• Surrounded by Bohemian Intellectuals.• Father was janitor in NYC turned Inventor • Influence of scholar and Writer SK

Szymanowski. “The Searchers” about a crusading defense lawyer in L.A., women’s rights, predicts fall of Czar.

Photograph of Anna Zacsek in 1919 by Edward Weston

Edward Weston’s Daybook 1928

Edward Weston’s Daybook 1928

“I teased Ahna, remembering the day years ago When she posed in the nude: a modest virgin whoInsisted on covering herself at certain points with a towel after each negative…

“I teased Ahna, remembering the day years ago When she posed in the nude: a modest virgin whoInsisted on covering herself at certain points with a towel after each negative…

Edward Weston’s Daybook 1928

“I teased Ahna, remembering the day years ago When she posed in the nude: a modest virgin whoInsisted on covering herself at certain points with a towel after each negative…

“I teased Ahna, remembering the day years ago When she posed in the nude: a modest virgin whoInsisted on covering herself at certain points with a towel after each negative…

“…and quite hampering my way of seeing the Critical moment.” “…and quite hampering my way of seeing the Critical moment.”

Discovered by D.W. Griffith as an Extra, plays in “Birth of a Nation” and “Intolerance”

• Usual Femme Fatale role called “The greatest of the vamps is also the least known”

• “We’re really an Art Center at last! For are we not going to produce a Maeterlinck play?”

-- L.A. Times 1921

• “Success of New York negroes has been duplicated recently in Los Angeles w Africanus”

• “Local audience will see futuristic scenery employed for the first time.”

• Anna founds Actor’s Theatre w/ Karloss, performs “The Idiot” w sets by Rudolph Schindler.

Pedro Gonzalez & Madrugadores“The Early Risers”

• Most popular Spanish language radio announcer and recording starOf the 30’s.

• City officials threatened by his Influence

• False Accusations of Rape sends himto San Quentin for 50 years.

• His accuser recants his testimony in Anna Zacsek’s office

•“Mi abogada; muy buena”

The Sleepy Lagoon Murders• Anna defends Henry

Leyvas, leader of the gang accused of killing a man.

• 600 Hispanic youths arrested

• Anna disallowed from testifying than when she arrived at police station, her client was handcuffed, beaten and bloodied, barely conscious.

• Patronized by Judge and male lawyers in courtroom.

Eddie Alvarez

Anna Zacsek, Lawyer

•Defends Dr. Adolph Selby, chiropractor accused of performing abortion on 16 year old girl.

• President of Southern California Association• of Women Lawyers

•Hosted National Association of Women Lawyers at her house in Hancock Park, Howard Hughes’ old mansion on Muirfield Road.

SAVE THE ANNA ZACSEK COTTAGE!

1725-27 Grafton St.

The Consoli/Ybarra/DuBois Rock Adobe

Two foot thick walls made of sandstone rock likely excavated from the hillside and concrete.

Original Hoods?

Original Hoods?

Based on likely circumstances of construction, the amount of rainfall, the family of the woman it was built for and herhusband, a grading contractor, the answer seems to be “Yes.”

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map 1919

• PM Scott Tract laid out in 1887

• Corner of Aurora and Edgar

1919 Sanborn Map on 1887 Tract Map

Assessors Office Date of Construction is 1908

• But, articles in newspaper from 1903/1904 at the same address.

• Assessor’s office date of construction often based on when Assessor made it to property, other circumstances.

• Generally, Assessor’s Records only go back to 1900.

Assessor’s Office Own Records Show Value of Improvements unchanged at $120 back to 1900.

Los Angeles Storage Commission and Lumber

Company• Owns the building in 1900. • Founded by William Hayes Perry,

who arrived in Los Angeles in 1852 as an honest cabinetmaker.

• Arrived in L.A., half-naked with no good suit, begged a tailor to spot him, tailor thought so highly of him he gave him two suits, free.

• BUT…

WH Perry Ad from “Clamor Publico” 1856

1903 1725-27 Grafton Sold

• Sold to Jose Ynocente Ybarra in 1903 for $600.

• Jose Ynocente transfers to Jose Vincente De Los Reyes Ybarra in 1910.

• Ybarra family in Los Angeles since 1781, a soldier w the Pobladores

• So numerous that Spring St from the Plaza to College St. was “Calle de Los Ybarras”

Ybarra Adobe on Spring Street

Chain of Ownership for Remainder of 20th C. largely

unremarkable• Until Georgie Billings, the owner

previous to the current one.• Georgie Billings child actor who

appears as uncredited extra in over 60 shorts and features.

• Georgie Billings in “War Babies” w Shirley Temple…

The Pony Express Station

• Georgie Billings passes on the neighborhood lore that was passed on to him… 1725-27 Grafton was a… Pony Express Station…

The Pony Express Station

• Georgie Billings passes on the neighborhood lore that was passed on to him… 1725-27 Grafton was a… Pony Express Station…

• BUT… the Pony Express ran from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento.

The Pony Express Station

• Georgie Billings passes on the neighborhood lore that was passed on to him… 1725-27 Grafton was a… Pony Express Station…

• BUT… the Pony Express ran from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento.

• Did 1725-27 Grafton exist in the 19th C?

A BeautifulHand-drawnMapc. 2011

1725-27 Grafton in the 19th Century

• 1901 Los Angeles City Directory lists “Bonnie V Boots, Laborer” as living

at 1727 Grafton in Reverse Lookup

Directory.

1725-27 Grafton in the 19th Century

• 1901 Los Angeles City Directory lists “Bonnie V Boots, Laborer” as living

at “1727 Grafton” in Reverse Lookup

Directory. • 1899 Los Angeles City Directory lists “Bonnie V Boots, Laborer” as living on

“Corner of Edgar and Grafton”

1897 L.A. Times

1897 L.A. TimesA “thin and consumptive looking man”A “thin and consumptive looking man”

1897 L.A. TimesA “thin and consumptive looking man”A “thin and consumptive looking man”

“whose business is collecting empty Whiskey barrels” “whose business is collecting empty Whiskey barrels”

1897 L.A. TimesA “thin and consumptive looking man”A “thin and consumptive looking man”

“whose business is collecting empty Whiskey barrels” “whose business is collecting empty Whiskey barrels”

“lives near the Ivanhoe road at the cornerOf Grafton and Edgar streets.” “lives near the Ivanhoe road at the cornerOf Grafton and Edgar streets.”

• 1892 City Directory

• 1892 City Directory

Garcia, M. ranch hand, r Scott, Elysian Park

• 1892 City Directory

Garcia, M. ranch hand, r Scott, Elysian Park

Garcia, Rosa Miss, janitress Grafton Street School, r Grafton St.

1891 City Directory

1891 City Directory

Garcia, Emitero C., Laborer, res Aurora nr Edgar

1891 City Directory

Garcia, Miguel C. laborer, res Rolla Nr Grafton-Street School

Garcia, Miguel C. laborer, res Rolla Nr Grafton-Street School

Garcia, Emitero C., Laborer, res Aurora nr Edgar

1891 City Directory

1891 City Directory

Frederick Frediani, Stoneceutter,res Rolla nr Grafton-street SchoolFrederick Frediani, Stoneceutter,res Rolla nr Grafton-street School

19th Century Spanish Dictionary

19th Century Spanish Dictionary

Probable Cause for 19th c.

• Between Bonnie V. Boots, Sol Wolf, the Garcias and Frederick Frediani, Italian Stonecutter…

There is reason to believe that 1725-27 Grafton existed in the 19th century…

1891 Tax Sale Deed

• 1891 Tax Sale Deed from Sheriff to Los Angeles Storage Commission and Lumber Co.

• JJ Woodworth vs. John and Cipriana Consoli

P.M Scott to John and Cipriana Consoli 4/11/1889 for $500

That the property affected by said action is Situated in… Lot 21 in Block 2 of the P.M. Scott Tract --

That the property affected by said action is Situated in… Lot 21 in Block 2 of the P.M. Scott Tract --

“... That the defendants reside out of stateAnd cannot, after due diligence be found therein.”“... That the defendants reside out of stateAnd cannot, after due diligence be found therein.”

“... That the defendants reside out of stateAnd cannot, after due diligence be found therein.”“... That the defendants reside out of stateAnd cannot, after due diligence be found therein.”

“…and are informed by one Manuel Garcia, who now resides on the premises described in this mortgage, that the said defendants have left the State of California and are at present residing…

“…and are informed by one Manuel Garcia, who now resides on the premises described in this mortgage, that the said defendants have left the State of California and are at present residing…

“... That the defendants reside out of stateAnd cannot, after due diligence be found therein.”“... That the defendants reside out of stateAnd cannot, after due diligence be found therein.”

“…and are informed by one Manuel Garcia, who now resides on the premises described in this mortgage, that the said defendants have left the State of California and are at present residing…

“…and are informed by one Manuel Garcia, who now resides on the premises described in this mortgage, that the said defendants have left the State of California and are at present residing…

“…at…”“…at…”

“… Ensenada”“… Ensenada”

“… Ensenada”“… Ensenada”

“…in lower California, Mexico.”“…in lower California, Mexico.”

Giovanni Consoli

• Arrived in America in 1882, already a Skilled stone mason from his

apprenticeshipIn Italy.

Giovanni Consoli

• Arrived in America in 1882, already a Skilled stone mason from his

apprenticeshipIn Italy.

• By at least 1887 Consoli is in Los Angeles and operates a boardinghouse at 310 Bellevue, now nearThe corner of W. Cesar Chavez and New High St.

• He meets Cipriana Acuna at Catholic Bookstore on Olvera Street, they marry in 1887 at Plaza Church.

1888 City Directory

• From the rear of the boarding house, Giovanni Consoli ran a grading contracting business with Joseph Morrison.

1888 City Directory

• From the rear of the boarding house, Giovanni Consoli ran a grading contracting business with Joseph Morrison.

Likely that Joseph Morrison was E.C. Burlingame’sright hand man “C J Morrison” who helped themBuild the Ostrich Farm Railway.

• After the Consoli’s default on their mortgage, they move to the Moreno Valley, near San Bernadino where John Consoli builds several houses of rock…

The Proposal

• Giovanni Consoli, a.k.a. John Consoli, a grading contractor for the railroad and a skilled stone mason…

The Proposal

• Giovanni Consoli, a.k.a. John Consoli, a grading contractor for the railroad and a skilled stone mason…

• Marries Cipriana Acuna, a half-Mexican, half Indian from the San Gabriel Mission

The Proposal

• Giovanni Consoli, a.k.a. John Consoli, a grading contractor and a skilled stone mason…

• Marries Cipriana Acuna, a half-Mexican, half Indian from the San Gabriel Mission

• Purchases a parcel of land across the street from the brand new Grafton-Street School

•Excavates Sandstone from the Hill and builds a house in a style that honors Ciprian’s roots.

1889 Vernacular Mission Style Revival

BUT…Ad from 1899…

Butterfield Overland Route 1858-1861

Canal and Reservoir Lands

Dotted Line shows Old Road to CahuengaSolid Line shows Overflow from Reservoir No 4

Butterfield Stations

• Constructed of materials on-site, usually adobe sometimes rock. Walls are 2 feet thick for defense. 160 stations constructed in a year.

Butterfield Stations

• Constructed of materials on-site, usually adobe sometimes rock. Walls are 2 feet thick for defense. 160 stations constructed in a year.

• Horses changed over every 8 to 12 miles.last stop was El Monte, next stop was Cahuenga.

Butterfield Stations

• Constructed of materials on-site, usually adobe sometimes rock. Walls are 2 feet thick for defense. Constructed over 160 stations in a year.

• Horses changed over every 8 to 12 miles.last stop was El Monte, next stop was Cahuenga.

• Station at 1st and Spring (L.A. Times building) began 1860, prior to that, the Bella Union Hotel.

Butterfield Stations• Constructed of materials on-site, usually adobe

sometimes rock. Walls are 2 feet thick for defense. 160 stations constructed in a year.

• Horses changed over every 8 to 12 miles.last stop was El Monte, next stop was Cahuenga.

• Station at 1st and Spring (L.A. Times building) began 1860, prior to that, the Bella Union Hotel.

• Was it safer to keep the mails 1 mile outside of town?Sheriff and posse killed in 1857, 1858 another Sheriff was killed as well.

Butterfield Stations• Constructed of materials on-site, usually adobe sometimes

rock. Walls are 2 feet thick for defense. 160 stations constructed in a year.

• Horses changed over every 8 to 12 miles.last stop was El Monte, next stop was Cahuenga.

• Station at 1st and Spring (L.A. Times building) began 1860, prior to that, the Bella Union Hotel.

• Was it safer to keep the mails 1 mile outside of town?Sheriff and posse killed in 1857, 1858 another Sheriff was killed as well. Fortified Butterfield Relay Stations were built with similar floorplan, doors big enough to allow a team inside.

Wells Fargo Station Silver Reef, Co. 1877