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Stough Park, Starlight Bowl, and DeBell Golf Course

Nestled in the hills of Burbank are three gems offering relaxation, entertainment and exercise opportunities. DeBell Golf Course opened mid-twentieth century with newly planted trees and crowds of people. Hiking trails in the hills offer wonderful opportunities to explore nature. The Stough Canyon Nature Center opened in 2000 with exhibits and programming. The Starlight Bowl, built in the Burbank hills in 1948, has long been Burbank's best-kept secret. Over the years it has presented movies, stage shows, and concerts. Today the popular venue hosts summer concerts by the Burbank Chamber Orchestra and a variety of popular music groups, children's participatory theater, and the City's 4th of July concert with fireworks.

1962 - DeBell Golf Course Construction
From notes on photo: “Picture taken 4-2-62.” DeBell golf course construction.
1962 - DeBell Golf Course Construction
Construction began on an inclined elevator during the 1962 construction of a clubhouse and pro shop at the DeBell Golf Course. The elevator was designed to take four golfers at a time from the pro shop to the first tee and was part of a $212,000 improvement of the course undertaken that year. The golf course was built on 100 acres donated to the city of Burbank in 1954 by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction began in 1956 at a cost of $1.6 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Club was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. From notes on photo: “Picture taken 4-2-62.” DeBell golf course construction.
1962 - DeBell Golf Course Elevator Construction
Construction workers install an inclined elevator during the 1962 construction of a clubhouse and pro shop at the DeBell Golf Course. The elevator was designed to take four golfers at a time from the pro shop to the first tee and was part of a $212,000 improvement of the course undertaken that year. The golf course was built on 100 acres donated to the city of Burbank in 1954 by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction began in 1956 at a cost of $1.6 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Club was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. From notes on photo: “Golf course construction 1962.”
1962 - Golf Course Construction
From notes on photo: “Golf course construction 1962.” Construction at DeBell golf course.
1962 - Golf Course Elevator Construction
Construction workers install an inclined elevator during the 1962 construction of a clubhouse and pro shop at the DeBell Golf Course. The elevator was designed to take four golfers at a time from the pro shop to the first tee and was part of a $212,000 improvement of the course undertaken that year. The golf course was built on 100 acres donated to the city of Burbank in 1954 by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction began in 1956 at a cost of $1.6 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Club was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. “Picture taken April 2, 1962”--back of photo.
1962 - Golf Course Elevator Construction
Construction workers prepare to install an inclined elevator during the 1962 construction of a clubhouse and pro shop at the DeBell Golf Course. The elevator was designed to take four golfers at a time from the pro shop to the first tee and was part of a $212,000 improvement of the course undertaken that year. The golf course was built on 100 acres donated to the city of Burbank in 1954 by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction began in 1956 at a cost of $1.6 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Club was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. “Picture taken January 15, 1962”--back of photo.
1962 - Golf Course Elevator Construction
Construction workers install an inclined elevator during the 1962 construction of a clubhouse and pro shop at the DeBell Golf Course. The elevator was designed to take four golfers at a time from the pro shop to the first tee and was part of a $212,000 improvement of the course undertaken that year. The golf course was built on 100 acres donated to the city of Burbank in 1954 by developer Joseph A. DeBell. Construction began in 1956 at a cost of $1.6 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The official opening of the 18-hole DeBell Golf Club was held on Tuesday, June 16, 1959. “Picture taken April 2, 1962”--back of photo.
1963 - Wildwood Canyon Park Dedication
From notes on photo: “July 1963 Wildwood Canyon Park Dedication.” Two City leaders stand at each side of commemorative plaque installed to memorialize dedication and opening of Wildwood Canyon Park in July 1963. Plaque reads: “Wildwood Canyon Park, City of Burbank; Dedicated to Leisure Time Use of California’s Outdoor Heritage As a Means to More Abundant Living; City Council, John B. Whitney, Mayor, Dallas M. Williams, Vice Mayor, Dr. Robert F. Brandon, Charles E. Compton, George W. Haven; Park and Recreation Board, George J. Stoica, Chairman, Robert E. Olney, Vice Chairman, David H. Crowther, S. Doyle Nave, Paul E. Steckel; City Manager, H. R. Bennett; Parks and Recreation Director, Dewey R. Kruckeberg, Retired; George A. Izay; July of Nineteen Hundred Sixty Three”
1968 - Starlight Bowl
Starlight Bowl in Stough Canyon. Slide dated June 1968.
1970s - Starlight Bowl
From notes on photo: “Starlight Bowl- Early 70’s.”
1970s - Starlight Bowl
The Starlight Bowl was dedicated June 17, 1951. It was built at a cost of $175,000 with an original capacity of 2500 people. The site, “a natural amphitheater with good acoustics created by curving mountain slopes,” according to the Los Angeles Times, had already been home to performances for decades before the Bowl was built. Easter sunrise services were popular events in the unimproved space going back to the 1930s and the Burbank Symphony Orchestra held successful concert series there in the 1940s. The amphitheater, officially known as the Burbank Starlight Theater, was designed by architect E. Dean Cowley. Cowley was an executive of the Burbank Symphony Orchestra Association, the group that led the drive for the construction of the Bowl, according to the Times. Construction on the Bowl began in July, 1950. According to notes on the photo, this shot was taken in the early 1970s.
1970s - Starlight Bowl Construction
From notes on photo: “Starlight Bowl- Early 70’s.”

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