The Topanga Historical Society (THS) is pleased to announce its next quarterly event entitled “Silents in the Canyon,” on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center.
The potluck and program will be a fun event with delectable food and friendly folks, and take attendees on an insightful journey into Topanga’s long history of movie-making and film production. Travel back in time to the early days of LA’s movie-making magic and listen as our amazing resident historian and THS board member, Eric Dugdale, tells tales from before film had sound.
Featured throughout the discussion is pioneering producer, Thomas Ince. Ince played a pivotal role in Topanga’s history as a natural movie set, over the years developing systems–and stars–while filming old westerns in our hills. One of the first modern producers, Ince is known as the “Father of the Western” and had been roommates with famed silent movie actor, William S. Hart, in New York before coming to Southern California. Once in California, Ince became known for using real Native Americans in his films, providing a school for their children and doing what he could to promote them within the film industry. Ince was blood brothers with early Native American actor and member of the Sioux Nation, Chief William Eagle Shirt, who quickly became Ince’s favorite Native American actor. Come listen to this and other entertaining information about Topanga’s early days as a Western film mecca.
Topanga’s history book, The Topanga Story (new expanded edition), will be available for sale during the event and we will also be raffling off one copy.If you live in, or simply love this magical canyon, you need a copy of The Topanga Story. Also, our quarterly programs are the perfect time to join the Topanga Historical Society. Memberships are $20/year for individuals, or $30 for families. The Topanga Historical Society is made greater by its remarkable members and we’d love to have you (yes, you!) with us.
The potluck starts at 7:00 p.m., so please bring your best dish to share. The presentation begins at 8:00 p.m. THS will provide coffee, tea, and filtered lemon water, as well as serving utensils, so bring something delicious, leave the serving spoon at home, and revel in the colorful history of our beautiful canyon community.
Come on up and join us for an awesome evening of fellowship.
The Topanga Community Center is located at 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290.