The Las Angeles Times A Visit to 10R months I had been thinking of makP ing learn a the visit to secret those of their green charm. hills, and But why Verdugo Hills? My Spanish dictionary's definition of the word Verdugo hangman. No other definition given. Were there in days gone by, predatory bandits who roamed those hills, and if captured, were hung by some noted hangman? Well, whatever the meaning of the name, they are now quite safe, and I determined make my visit before the winter rains began. My interest in those hills was aroused from reading Mr.
McGroarty's page in the Times Magazine. The whimsical humor, and the genial personality those pages revealed, I found very enjoyable, and I wanted to see this poet and philosopher of those green hills. But time flies and before I realized how quickly it was passing, he had negotiated his second precious loan and had started on his quest of adventure and pleasure, in our own United States, and then over seas and through many lands. So I could not see this poet and philosopher now; but I could see the hills and the quiet nook that is his home. I thought that the Pacific Electric cars would take me there; but on making inquiry at the information bureau I learned that there was no car service in that direction, but that there was a Union Stage Depot at Fifth and Los Angeles, where stages make several trips daily.
I went there and was in time for the 1:15 p.m. stage. I was surprised that there was so much staging in this locality. The large waitingroom was crowded with would be passengers, going to various places that I had thought were reached by Pacific Electric or yellow cars. I had not ridden in a stage for thirty years.
I supposed that it was only in mining districts that stages still existed. I had only a few minutes to wait until the Tujunga line was announced. The stage was rather a dilapidated looking affair. There were only three seats, each seat would accommodate four people of ordinary size, but for stout people, would be a tight squeeze. An elderly woman preceded me, she had a large, paper grocery bag which she thrust in before her, and by marvelous dexterity she pulled herself up and in after it.
I tried to follow her example and by determined effort I succeeded in getting in too. A small elderly man joined us. He had a rope grocery bag that he nursed between his knees. I was thankful that a fourth passenger did not select the back seat. I was told at the information desk that it was only twelve miles to Tujunga; SO I thought it was just a matter of a short ride in an auto stage- but alas! We were an hour and forty-five minutes going those twelve miles.
(A police traffic officer advises to slow down to fifteen miles an hour 11 special cases but the Tujunga stage jogs along at about seven miles an hour. There were some interesting places on the way. I turned to the little man for information; though he rode over the road frequently he did not know anything about them. After a while I saw out of the corner of my right eye that he was sleeping, STARTRIGHT I WALKING SHOE Bunions No matter how large the bunion may be, we have shoes that will stop the pressure on the painful joint, and snug in the arch and heel to prevent friction. Steps from Sixth Street" Leo 608 So.
Grand Ave the Green BY MIRIAM JOHNSON. and the elderly woman on my left was breathing audibly. We passed through one bit of country where nature is still in her primitive state, covered with rocks of all sizes and shapes, big boulders that have sat in the lap of nature for ages. In other nearby places, where nature had been more kind, houses, fences and garages were built of cobblestones; so there is plenty of material on hand--if one knows how to use it. At last we reached the Tujunga postoffice and a couple of blocks farther on the street where the little man and the elderly woman got off, he seemed refreshed after his nap and in some miraculous way she appeared rejuvenated.
She pulled the big grocery bag past me and landed it and herself in a twinkling. She told me that was Cedar street and I should get off too, and she gave me directions as to the way I should go to reach the object of my quest until I was bewildered by the devious windings of the road that led to it. The stage had been so slow, the afternoon was waning. I was afraid I could not find the way; but I hurried down Cedar street and in a few minutes I came to a nice new bungalow. A man in a carpenter's: apron was putting some finishing touches on the porch and a lady in a rocker sitting by.
I approached them and asked for information, and was very much surprised when the lady spoke my name. I had known those people for a couple of months three years ago. The man then seemed to be quite an invalid; now he looked very well and the lady is much larger than she was then, so I had not recognized them. They have lived in Tujunga for years so it speaks well for the climate of the green Verdugo Hills. A dear little dog remembered me too, white as snow, thick curly hair covering her plump little body and framing her pretty face.
Somewhere in her little head I was registered- -pity she could not talk but her eyes spoke a good deal. I was shown through the bungalownice large one and a large lot behind. big tiger cat stretched full length on couch was taking his afternoon siesta. It was all very comfortable- a real home. I now renewed my wish for information: "'We will take you there," said the man.
He took off his apron and the lady changed her cap. An auto parked across the street was soon in action. Bessie- the little dog -always ready for a ride jumped in and sat up. proudly in the seat beside me. We whirled around those curves and turns, and in a few minutes I was at the home of the poet and philosopher of the green Verdugo Hills.
A lady sat on the wide porch. She came forward and greeted me cordially, told me her name and I introduced myself. Then we chatted socially, principally about cats. She is caring for the comfort of the yellow cat and two black cats besides. She does not feel quite sure regarding their diet.
I am very fond of cats, but I want to "bring them up" from their infancy. Then they are creatures and love those who care for them with rare devotion. big black cat passed through on the porch but he did not stop to speak. Perhaps he does not like visitors. The lady expects Mr.
and Mrs. McGroarty home by the middle of November but it may be later: as one can not be hurried when taking such a long journey. The neighbors do not meet while Mr. McGroarty is away. Some of them live at quite a distance.
have seen them all, with my mind's eye, the man that plays the flute, the man who owns the phonograph, the man with the little house in the hollow with the lilac bush in front, and the two big rocks behind it, learned Socrates, and all those that Mr. McGroarty speaks about so affectionately. I had hoped for a personal interview with the yellow cat but he was away foraging in the hills and would not show up until about supper time. It was getting late. I must catch the 4:15 stage.
The lady told me of a shorter way to go than the way I had come. Through the sheltered trails I hurried. Evidently there are no bandits in the hills now. passed several tents where on rustic tables the occupants had left all their kichen 1 belongings in the open. They are cheating the rent hogs beautifully, and having a good time besides.
It was quite a long walk, in about a minute I would have reached 1 Palm avenue and the State Highway, where the stage stops for passengers. If that chaufter had given just the least sidewise glance Hills. he would have seen me hurrying to get there; but he didn't and I was left to put in an hour of tiresome waiting. The son with a glittering halo was going down behind a high hill, and the air was getting chilly. I had brought a light extra wrap but I had not expected to be out after nightfall.
The hour seemed interminable. At last the stage came. Two young men who had been waiting for about a half an hour helped me to climb in. I weigh only 115 pounds, but it is a climb from the road to the high seats. I now noticed that the running board was converted into a box where baggage was carried.
There were satchels and a large box of carpenter's tools with handles protruding that one had to climb over. The seat in front of me was occupied by two men, one of them a large, fleshy man. A short distance on the way two women got in, both large. They crowded into the middle of the seat between the two men. The stout man tried to wedge himself in as best he could; he twisted and wriggled but finally gave it up and pulled himself out and sat on the edge of the door for the seat.
It seemed a precarious perch for such a large man. If the door should spring open he would be precipitated out on to the road. The women ignored the fact that it was because of their size that he had to leave the seat. There was a sting in the wind. wrapped my head in the extra cape I had brought with me.
We were now passing the rocky desert; though entirely irrelevant these lines from the "Ancient Mariner" kept running through my head: "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew The furrow followed free: We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea." Here it was silent desolation. My thoughts went back to those sturdy pioneers who first saw those silent desert places, and now the State Highway and autos rushing back and forth. Time works wonders! We were making better time now. The chauffeur was probably thinking about his supper. I peered out from my muffled head covering, we were on North Broad- way.
The man on the edge of the door was gone. The stage had not stopped, perhaps he had toppled over. The chauffeur took no note of his passengers; his duty was performed when he collected their fares. A few minutes more and we were at the stage depot. I was back in the "roaring town" and it.
seemed good. The myriad lights, the newsies shouting vociferously, and it did not seem at all cold. Utopia is lovely and romantic; but the city is very practical and convenient. bought a paper, found that the store where I buy my cracked -wheat bread was still open and learned that it was open every night until 11:30. With a fresh corp of saleswomen in their fanciful stiff white caps.
The street car rush was over. No trouble to get a seat. I had learned a good deal in the one afternoon. It seemed as it I had been away for a couple of days. The Shah' of' Persia possesses perhaps the most valuable pipe in the world.
It is the Persian official pipe, and is smoked only on state occasions. It is set with rubies and diamonds, and is valued at $500,000. Ballade of the Ancient Joke. I know what fun I like the best: And books that make me happy, bright: I often smile at humor, jest, When written in a vein that's light: now and then wish to fight, When I must hear and laugh and roarHer father tells with all his might An ancient joke I've heard before. Oh, yes, I've read with greatest zest The funny men in grandest flight: Mark Twain I've oft perused and blest; And Eugene Field, oh, magic wight, Has kept me up for half the night; But shall I smile and grin once more, Because a friend relates outright, An ancient joke I've heard before? It is the same, the East or West; If sober, sane, perhaps, half tight: The stranger new or friendly guestOh, many more I could indict, Who tell with unction out of sight, What long to me has been a bore; The little story, hoary, trite, An ancient joke I've heard before.
L'ENVOL Oh, Prince, is there no sacred rite; No burning incense, I implore, To save me from the awful blight: An ancient Joke I've heard before? HOMER FORT. A Real Bargain $50 $50 $75 $75 $100 $100 $125 $125 We believe we have the Best Value in a new line of Diamond Rings that money can buy. -A BLUE WHITE DIAMOND--extra quality--perfect stone set in fancy, engraved 18K white gold mounting diamond is set in platinum starwhich gives it a much larger appearance and show than any other style of mounting it's a beauty, it's of good quality--it's offered at the special prices of $50, $75, $100 and $125, Perhaps you are in the market for a reasonable price. If so, we would like according to the size of the diamond. high quality blue white diamond at a to show you these four special values.
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