Verdugo Park was dedicated on March 16, 1944. Half of the four-acre site was donated to the city in 1943 by developer/philanthropist Fritz B. Burns and the rest purchased for $1117.18 per acre, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In this photo, taken sometime in the 1940s, men perform calisthenics in the park's gymnasium.
From notes on photo: “Verdugo Park, 40’s” and "0060".
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
Verdugo Park itself was dedicated on March 16, 1944. Half of the four-acre site was donated to the city in 1943 by developer/philanthropist Fritz B. Burns and the rest purchased for $1117.18 per acre, according to the Los Angeles Times.
This photo, taken some time in the 1940s, shows the pool facilities from an elevated angle across the parking lot. Tennis courts are partially visible to the left.
From notes on photo: “Verdugo Park, 40’s” and “0053”.
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
Among events in the dedication program were diving demonstrations performed by local and state youth swimming champions, Tommy Hairabedian, Cliff Sparrow, and Lari Elliot. In this photo, people watch as a woman dives into the pool.
From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium – Dedication Ceremony at 8-20, 1948 at Verdugo Park”; “Paul E. Wolfe Photography CHarleston 8-2341".
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city." In this photo of the dedication, nine city officials pose around a plaque commemorating the event. Park Commission member LaVerne Still is at far left. Mayor Paul Brown is fourth from the left. Council members Patrick Price and Floyd J. Jolley are third and fourth from the right, respectively.
From notes on photo: “Aug. 20th 1948 California Swimming Stadium dedication at Verdugo Park”.
Stamped “Paul E. Wolfe Photography CHarleston 8-2341” and “RECEIVED AUG 26 City of Burbank City Manager.”
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city." From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium – At Verdugo Park”.
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
According to the Burbank Daily Review, opening day was Wednesday, August 25, 1948, though the handwritten notes on a number of photos in the collection indicate the opening day as the following day, Thursday, August 26, 1948.
In this photo, a group of laughing and splashing children play in the pool. Lifeguard stations are visible at the far end. From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium -- at Verdugo Park 1948 Opening Day”; “First Day Opening Verdugo New Pool 8/26/48”; and “RECEIVED AUG 26 City of Burbank City Manager”.
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
In this photo of the dedication, onlookers gather around the pool.
From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium – At Verdugo Park”; “Verdugo Park Dedication Ceremony Aug 20, 1948”; “2086”; and “Paul E. Wolfe Photography CHarleston 8-2341”.
Young people wait in line to enter the California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park on opening day. According to the Burbank Daily Review, opening day was Wednesday, August 25, 1948, though handwritten notes on a number of photos in the collection indicate it was the following day, Thursday, August 26, 1948. From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium -- At Verdugo Opening Day 8-26-48”. Stamped “RECEIVED AUG 26 City of Burbank City Manager”.
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city." In this picture, Jolley (left) shakes hands with Park Commission member LaVerne Still as they pose by plaques commemorating the event. The plaque on the left reads: "“California Swimming Stadium -
Dedicated to the Happiness and the Health and the Vigor of the Community Which It Serves, The City of Burbank - On This Twentieth Day of August Nineteen Hundred and Forty Eight - City Council - Paul L. Brown, Mayor - Ralph E. Hilton, Vice Mayor - James T. Lapsley - Walter R. Hinton - Floyd J. Jolley”
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city." In this photo of the dedication, onlookers gather around the pool.
From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium – At Verdugo Park.” Stamped “Paul E. Wolfe Photography Charleston 8-2341”
The California Swimming Stadium at Verdugo Park held its opening ceremony on Friday, August 20, 1948. 5000 people attended the event, according to the Burbank Daily Review. The pool, constructed at a cost of $190,000, was rated as one of the finest in the United States, according to the paper. At the dedication, city council member Floyd J. Jolley said, "I feel it is the greatest achievement in the history of our city."
Among events in the dedication program was a "surfboard extravaganza by Jane's Santa Monica surfboard ballet." In this photo, the crowd watches as two women in hula skirts perform on boards in the pool.
From notes on photo: “California Swimming Stadium – At Verdugo Park”; “RECEIVED AUG 28 City of Burbank City Manager”; and “Paul E. Wolfe Photography CHarleston 8-2341”.
