Canoga Park. It began as Owensmouth in 1912. A real estate venture sparked its birth. Investors sought to transform farmland into a thriving community. They envisioned a town at the “mouth” of the Owens River.
Owensmouth emerged during a land boom in the San Fernando Valley. Distance from Los Angeles and large landholders hindered development. Electric railways and automobiles changed this. The imminent arrival of water from the Owens Valley also helped.
Isaac N. Van Nuys sold his vast farmland in 1909. The Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company bought it. This syndicate included Harry Chandler and Hobart Johnstone Whitley. They aimed to develop the land. Critics saw it as a land grab.
The syndicate invested heavily. They built Sherman Way. This thoroughfare connected their planned towns. Van Nuys came first in 1911. Marian, later Reseda, followed. Owensmouth was at the western end. It awaited water from the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
Water played a key role in Owensmouth’s identity. The town sat on the site of an old well. The Southern Pacific Railroad named the spot Canoga. This was after Canoga, New York.
The Janss Investment Company subdivided Owensmouth. They centered it around the railroad tracks and Sherman Way. Workers built a water tower, a depot, and a sales office.
In 1912, Owensmouth held a grand opening. It featured a barbecue, an air show, and music. The Janss Company sold land worth over $100,000 on the first day.
Despite initial optimism, Owensmouth faced challenges. Electricity arrived in 1913. Aqueduct water didn’t flow until 1917. The city annexed Owensmouth in that year.
In the late 1920s, residents sought a name change. They felt Owensmouth was misleading. In 1931, it became Canoga Park.
Early motion picture and film industry stars invested in Canoga Park. They sought a simple life close to Hollywood.
Bess Meredyth was a screenwriter and silent film actress. In 1940, her address was in Canoga Park. Colin Clements and Florence Ryerson bought the Workman Ranch. They renamed it Shadow Ranch. Diana Serra Cary known as “Baby Peggy” was a child film actress. Francis Lederer was a well-known actor in Canoga Park. His property became the Canoga Mission Community Art Center. Fred Kohler had a chicken ranch in Canoga Park. Jim Tully a writer once lived in Canoga Park. Joe E Brown was an American actor and comedian. Margo was a Mexican-American actress and dancer.
Today, Canoga Park blends with the San Fernando Valley. Reminders of its origins persist. Owensmouth Avenue and Vanowen Street recall the past. Canoga Park carries a rich history within its streets.