Harold A Henry Park

Tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles, Harold A. Henry Park holds a secret history. It wasn’t always a public space for picnics and play. Harold A. Henry Park was once a sprawling family compound. It belonged to the Wood family. Dr. Eldie Preston Wood, an osteopath, arrived in Los Angeles in the early 1900s and bought the land between Wilshire and Olympic Boulevards. He built a “Big House” in the Craftsman style, two duplexes, a Spanish-style home, and a log cabin. Harold A. Henry Park still holds remnants of the Wood family’s lush landscaping. Towering eucalyptus trees whisper tales of a bygone era. These trees once shared the property with an immense rose garden, tropical fruit trees, and unique specimen plants. Kathie Gauld, Dr. Wood’s granddaughter, recalls the vibrant life within Harold A. Henry Park’s boundaries. She remembered playing on the large patio and badminton court. The main house, where she lived with her parents, even had a separate wing for the live-in servants. Kathie also recalled the log cabin where her uncle Felix studied dentistry, complete with slightly spooky skulls and skeletons. Dr. Wood, originally from Missouri, had a fascinating life. He practiced osteopathy in South Dakota before venturing west to San Francisco and finally settling in Los Angeles. He married Pauline Vollmer, whose father owned the upscale Vollmer & Co. store on South Broadway. The Vollmers dealt in fine china, jewelry, and silver, adding a touch of elegance to the family history embedded in Harold A. Henry Park. Beyond real estate, Dr. Wood dabbled in business, founding the White Star Linen Co. which later became Table Linen Supply Co. After his death in 1931, Pauline took over the family business. She later moved to the smaller Spanish-style house on the property, making way for her children to occupy the other homes. Pauline, a strong advocate for language education, ensured her children learned French from a governess before even speaking English. The family also embarked on a year-long European adventure in 1926. In the harsh times of the Depression, Pauline opened her heart and home, providing food to those in need. The family’s legacy is interwoven with local institutions. Pauline, her sister Pearl, Kathie’s aunt Sonia, Kathie’s mother, and Kathie herself all graduated from the prestigious Marlborough School. Pearl’s marriage to William Wales Mines, founder of Mines Field (later LAX), adds another layer to the family’s connection to Los Angeles history. The city acquired the property in 1965. It was named Harold A. Henry Park. It was dedicated to the Fourth District City Councilman who served from 1945 to 1966. Today, Harold A. Henry Park stands as a testament to a family’s rich past. It also honors a dedicated public servant. As you stroll through the park, imagine the laughter, the stories, and the lives that once filled this space, transforming it from a private sanctuary into a treasured community gem.