Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/58938
you're looking for a theme park, don't stop here! Fantasyland we're not, but then, what is this place? Where can you discover the illusive Hollywood? Many visitors are surprised by our in- tense urban environment, it's important to remember that Hollywood is one of the oldest areas of Los Angeles. Prior to the ar- rival of the "movies", the ideal climate and vast expanse of land attracted the wealthy from other areas of the U.S. We grew from a sleepy village populated with a landed gentry of daubling in agriculture. Mostly relative newcomers from the Midwest, these "pioneers" created an idyllic place far from the rough and tumble booming pueblo of Los Angeles. at sleepy village would not last very Discovering Hollywood by Nyla Arslanian and leave feeling that there must be more. We're host to the world – visitors arriving from every corner seeking, hoping, wanting to discover Hollywood! I see them wandering our streets in a daze. ey E glance down side streets hoping to see the "real" Hol- lywood that fits their fantasies. I want to shout, "If 48 DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD / SPRING 2012 ach year millions arrive on our doorstep searching for the real Hollywood. Some find what they are seeking, others merely sample long when in 1912, Cecil B. DeMille and Jesse Lasky found a climate perfect for a new form of entertainment. It would not be long before the area was subdivided and a building boom to house the industry con- tinued well into the 1930s. Today, much of that original infrastructure remains. On Orange just west of the Chinese eatre in a wonderful example of Mission Revival ar- chitecture dating from the early part of the century, is the American Society of Cine- matographers. e Bernheimer brothers built their Japanese Palace and Gardens on the top of a nearby hill. Now the Yamashiro Restaurant, it is clearly visible to all who can take their eyes away from the star-stud- ded walk-away. Slightly down the hill is the Rollins Mansion, which has been converted to the Magic Castle, a private club for ma- gicians. And up the Boulevard, near Hud- son, is the last Queen Anne Style Victorian, the former Janes House School where the sisters Janes, offered classes to the children of the early film pioneers. But these are places, what about the people who gives the town its life? More than anything Hollywood is about them – past and present. Talented actors and musi- cians still arrive daily, part of Hollywood's allure are the dreams of these young hopefuls. South of Hollywood Boulevard at McCadden, the Musi- cians Institute draws students from all over the world. Chances are that you will spot a young musician with a guitar over a shoulder on his/her way to classes. Also as you wander the streets of Hollywood, if you keep in mind that this town is about those who seek fame as well as those who have reached it, it will be easy to spot an actor clutching a resume and 8x10 glossy heading for yet another audition. Fame is only one meeting away in Hollywood.