Griffith Park: The Untold History | Lost LA | Season 4, Episode 1 | KCET

At more than 4,500 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. Its founder, the controversial and complicated Griffith J. Griffith, donated the land to the city as a public recreation ground for all the people—an ideal that has been challenged over the years. In this episode, visit a Mexican-era adobe within the park boundaries and ride the historic Merry-go-Round, where Griffith’s ideal of equal access was challenged.

00:00-01:42 Introduction
01:42-04:59 City Archives of Griffith Park
04:59-07:06 Archives of Griffith Park at Autry Museum
07:06-12:59 Purpose and History of Griffith Park
12:59-18:27 Civil Rights and Griffith Park
18:27-24:25 Griffith J. Griffith
24:25-25:58 Conclusion
25:58-26:48 Credits

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[omidfilms]

It’s the best piece of land in LA, you could build the worlds best houses there but thank god it’s untouched

[robertchilders]

So glad to see that Griffith Park is still in tact, and not covered over with high rises! Went with my folks in early fortys! Still remember the observatry, the zoo, the carasal. Wonderful memories! Not to mention the train! I still have the picture of my twin brother and I at the zoo, that was printed on the front of the L.A. TIMES! 1942!

[Junior_Rocky]

As a native Angeleno, Lost LA is one of my favorite shows!👍

[edp]

You covered in great detail of the unfortunate 1961 incident with the kids getting on the carousel without paying that resulted in a riot, while mostly ignoring the history of the post war veteran housing also within the park. You did not even mention the name of the housing : Rodger Young Village. What is significant is that this was fully integrated housing, and that there was good relations within the community. Rodger Young Village was, for a time, the most diverse community in Southern California, as veterans of all races and all branches of the military lived there. This did cause problems in some nearby restaurants, which were practicing de facto racial segregation, as next-hut neighbors went out to dine together. The influence of Rodger Young Village residents (of all races) helped END these practices in a number of local establishments. The history of Rodger Young Village deserves to be remembered. It is an example of GOOD relations between the races, even in 1948. That should be remembered as well.

[crickkett]

*I grew up and lived nearby for some time. Now, I take my son there to learn and enjoy. It’s a great part of Los Angeles and Los Angeles history.*

[charliebrown]

I am shocked at how primitive the archives are kept . This is fire waiting to happen.

[everydayeveryday]

It really is amazing. I grew up around here in the early years. Our school took us to Griffith Park and so did my parents. We would camp on the grounds cook bbqs, We had family reunions there, We rode the merry go round there. We really enjoyed the park growing up. Thank you for having us, SMILES and good memories too. Thank you for doing this story.

[leonorlizardo]

In 1896 he offered LA 3, 015 acres and then he tried to kill his wife in 1903. He was sentenced to 2 years in San Quentin. In 1913 he offered $100 thousand to build the Observatory, then later offered $50 K for Greek Theater. He died in 1919 leaving a trust for these two projects.

[dianaberens]

I'm interested in Griffith Park because my uncle Dennis is known as The Hermit Of Griffith Park. He was veteran and had problems and just couldn't deal with life well. I was fortunate to get to know him and he was a wonderful man.

[GMAMEC]

A beautiful park full of precious memories. I remember birthday parties, horseback rides, the Observatory, camping and the zoo. So glad I had the opportunity to take my kids to the same places.

[troysierra]

Born and raised most of my life in LA. Was part of the late 90's boom of Las Vegas, and currently living in Reno, NV. I just have to say, Los Angeles to me has more articulated history than any other place I've lived or visited. Unfortunately, most outsiders see it as a wasteland of crime and poverty.

But unintentually. I like to fight their own prejudices. By proving that my family roots date back about 100 years in the city of Los Angeles, with my grandmother's arrival in 1923. Six plus generations ago.

[sherrydee]

I first visited Griffith Park in 1959. I last visited it in 2004. Our grade school often took us on trips to the old zoo. It was a barbaric & crude place in those days. The new zoo is much better. I have not been back to visit the new observatory after it was renovated. I now live in Northern California & doubt I will ever return to the Los Angeles that is my forever home in my heart! It was truly a great place to spend the day. This video brought back a lot of fond memories of good times & bad times growing up in the SFV!

[SWSimpson]

I love Griffith Park. I used to hike there and ride bikes. Hiking was wonderful there because you could clear your head and see amazing views of both sides of the mountain. I love the Observatory too.

[Marie-vprl]

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, I miss the diversity and historic places...so happy much of it has been saved.❤

[RoyAH.]

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! Thank You KCET! Huell would be proud!

[BurritoMassacre]

I have wonderful childhood memories of spending days at the park hiking up to the observatory, thinking we could see the Golden Gate Bridge from the top LOL, having easter eggs hunts and cookouts and riding the little train.

[chriseberhardt]

Thank you for the video! It brought back some memories of growing up in LA. I remember going to the LA Zoo and riding the carousel as a kid.

[CarlAquaForce]

I did so much partying in Griffith park..its a wonder I'm even here.

[blaneycrabbe]

I'm not trying to be a 'troll', but I know this, while he stands (behind him) is "Mt.LEE". it is the 'telecommunication' for 'The City of Los Angels. . . . . Proud to have been a part of it ! ! !

[lindawoody]

I have gone swimming in the public pool; rode the miniature railroad ride; the pony ride; played tennis; played golf; enjoyed birds in the Bird Sanctuary; attended the Hollywoodland Girls Camp as a camper; hiked the trails; visited the Ferndale Nature Center; picnicked in Ferndale; "Fished" for Crayfish (as a young girl with a hot dog on a string and a stick pole); listened to grand opera at the Greek Theater; rode a rented horse; marveled at the Observatory; shot in a Field Archery Tournament where I saw William Shatner; rode the old carousel; visited both the old and new Los Angeles Zoo; went to Travel Town; and as a teen, ran Cross Country in a race! Whew! I loved and still love Griffith Park!