As a long-time Burbank resident, I was always aware of the museum but never had enough interest to visit it until now. What I experienced was not just a slice of Burbank's history but the development of any great city in the USA. There is the history of the founding of the town by Dr David Burbank and its development over the years to become the media capital of the world. Burbank has always kept its charm with a small town feel yet it is home to many movie studios and TV productions. It has its own airport and its own Water and Power. It's amazing and fascinating to see how this small town grew and what makes this museum so special are all the memorabilia that was collected for this museum. You'd expect to see old photos and letters but they had so much more. They had doll collections, a fashion room, several antique cars and vehicles that were restored and in running condition. There were several Rooms that were recreated with actual antiques to show you life in the early 1900s. This museum spanned two floors filled with antiques. There is even a home built and restored in the 1900s that you can visit next door. It would take 2-3 hours to take everything all in. The volunteers were very knowledgable and allowed us to stay a little later after closing. There is no charge to visit this museum although they do appreciate donations. I would say this is a perfect place to take your family or a date to. Definitely with visiting a...
Read moreThis place is great. Lots of interesting artifacts of American society from the early 1900's(and before). Also cool exhibits of the beginning of film production in Burbank and the history of animation and television(they have a jacket Johnny Carson wore on the tonight show). Plus some neat old cars that have been fully restored, clothes and furniture that are a 100 years old that are in great condition, an original statue from Bob's Big Boy, sections dedicated to the service of the Burbank fire department, police department and old military rifles. Upstairs they have an entire room full of really old pieces of pottery, pipes, musical instruments and more from around the world. Plus it's all free, the only downside I see is that they are only open on the weekends from 1pm to 4pm but it's definitely worth checking out. You could spend over an hour here and not fully be able to take in all they have to offer. Will be going back for sure. Docents and board members were very nice and more than willing to share stories and information about the exhibits. HIGHLY...
Read moreThe Mentzer House historical plaque inscription: Built 1887. Relocated in 1977. Original address 321 East Orange Grove. Historic designation June 20, 2013. Burbank Register of Residential Historic Resources #7. 1887 Mentzer House: Built by the Providencia Land and Water Company to sell to potential settlers in Burbank. Restored and furnished in period furnishings. Tours Available Sat & Sun 1pm - 4pm.
The Grangetto Winery sign was dug up when the owner who purchased a piece of the old winery property was digging for a swimming pool. Found in 1995, the sign had been buried for over 50 years. John Grangetto was born in Italy in 1870. His family migrated to the area in the late 1800's. As a young man John pruchased sixty acres in Burbank from another pioneer named Edward A. Fisher. The land was located at the head of Scott Road. As the vineyard prospered he bought an additional 20 acres. Later, his sons Martin and John took over the family interests. The sign marked the entrance to the winery...
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