Weddington House

Hidden within the bustling NoHo Arts District stands the Weddington House. It whispers tales of a bygone era. This unassuming house, boarded up and fenced, has witnessed the transformation of North Hollywood. It’s more than just a building. It’s a time capsule connecting us to the very roots of this vibrant community. The Weddington House isn’t just a historical landmark. It’s a testament to the pioneering spirit of the Weddington family. Wilson C. Weddington, a Civil War veteran from Iowa, arrived in the San Fernando Valley in 1889. He purchased a sizable portion of the Lankershim Ranch, laying the foundation for what would become North Hollywood. The original house, an Eastlake-style home, was brought piece by piece from Iowa. It embodies the family’s determination to rebuild their lives in this new land. Around 1910, the current Weddington House was constructed. This simple yet elegant cottage reflects the vernacular architecture of the time. It boasts clapboard siding, a sweeping hipped roof, and a charming front porch. In 1924, the house made its final move to its current location on Weddington Street, making way for the Security First National Bank. The Weddingtons weren’t just builders of houses, they were community builders. Wilson served as the first postmaster. His sons, Guy and Fred, became prominent figures in the local economy. Guy owned the Bonner Fruit Company. Fred served as sheriff and founded both the Lankershim Development Company and the Bank of Lankershim. The family’s influence is woven into the fabric of North Hollywood’s history. Today, the Weddington House stands as a silent observer. It has survived development, neglect, and even squatters. Its future remains uncertain, but its significance is undeniable. It patiently awaits its next chapter. It holds the promise of becoming a museum. A place where the stories of the Weddington family and the early days of North Hollywood can be shared with generations to come. The house stands as a reminder that even amidst the constant change of a city, the echoes of the past can still be heard. They are waiting to be rediscovered.