Help me get my great-grandfather into the California Hall of Fame:
http://www.californiamuseum.org/exhibits/halloffame/nomination-form
- Whitley purchased 500 acres, developed it and named it Hollywood.
- Whitley encouraged the majority of movie producers, directors and actors to settle in Hollywood which caused it to be world famous.
- Whitley was given the title “Father of Hollywood†by residents of California.
- Whitley purchased 47,000 acres in the San Fernando Valley and was the general manager in the development of the towns Van Nuys, Reseda and Canoga Park.
- Whitley brought the cotton industry to California.
- Whitley obtain funding for the Ridge Route donating $10,000 of his own funds and was able to stop California from splitting into two states.
- Whitley offered land for the development of community rapid transit that ran from Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley.
- Whitley developed the first telemarketing enterprise by hiring operators to call all the residents of Los Angles and invite them to a free Barbeque for opening day or the San Fernando Valley.
- Whitley was environmental conscious and planted over 10,000 trees in Hollywood.
- Whitley had the first electric lit sign in Hollywood – Whitley Heights. He suggested his business part use this idea and the Hollywoodland sign was erected. It is now the world famous Hollywood Sign.
- Whitley was instrumental in the creation of Sunset Boulevard that ran from Los Angeles to Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean.Â
- Whitley built the Hollywood Hotel on the corner or Highland and Hollywood Boulevard. It is where the first producers, directors and movie stars stayed when they moved to Hollywood. It is now the home of the famous Kodak Theatre where the Academy Awards are presented.
- Whitley changed California architecture from Victorian to Italian-Spanish Mediterranean.
- Whitley brought electricity to Hollywood.
- Whitley was a charter member of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
- Whitley owned the H J Whitley Company the only rival to Tiffany’s on the West coast.
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PS This is the message I left the California Museum under the Inspiration category:
It bothers me when true movers and shakers-- people who lay foundations
upon which others gain attention and recognition--
are taken for granted and then forgotten.
You have an opportunity to give this man's great-granddaughter
(an acquaintance of mine)
the satisfaction and fulfillment of knowing that her hero
will be guaranteed official recognition
for having played a major role
in putting Hollywood on the map
of the country and of the world...
http://www.californiamuseum.org/exhibits/halloffame/nomination-form