Posted: Sunday, March 31st, 2019 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Originally Yamashiro was Whitley Hill. H J Whitley sold the property to the Bernheimer brothers just as the film industry came to settle in Hollywood. The name Yamashiro translates as "Mountain Palace" in Japanese. In 1911, the Bernheimer brothers began construction of the hilltop mansion. It was used to display their collection of Asian treasures. Hundreds of craftsmen were hired from the Orient to recreate a replica of a palace in Kyoto, Japan. Yamashiro is located 250 feet above Hollywood Boulevard.
Posted: Wednesday, February 13th, 2019 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Randy's is widely recognized as one of the most iconic locations in Los Angeles attracting visitors from around to snap a photo and enjoy the best donuts in the world. Since my husband's name is Randy we have always enjoyed getting our donuts there. At Randy's, we have been making every donut by hand using only the finest ingredients in the world for over 60 years. Because all our donuts are handmade, every donut is unique. The best ingredients, coupled with expert bakers and our Randy's secret mixes, produces a donut that is fluffier, airier, larger, and stays fresh longer. Get Glazed! 801 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90028
Thomas Bartsch, VP Marketing and Development
World Famous Since 1962
Posted: Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
The Whitley Heights sign was the first sign to light the Hollywood Hills. HJ felt that movie publicists had nothing on land developers when it came to marketing and bright lights. Electricity was a new commodity and the public was fascinated by it. The sign was studded with more lightbulbs than most people could image. As you can see the Hollywood sign is not there yet.
The sign was so successful that HJ suggested to Harry Chandler that he might do the same thing for his property. The original plan was to have the sign there for a year or so. The sign would read "Hollywoodland". It has now become the famous Hollywood Sign.
Posted: Monday, January 14th, 2019 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Many years ago the Hollywood skyline was changed when the Regent Hotel was built. The structure represented where the first movie was filmed in 1911. It was built on the spot where, in the middle of an orange grove, the first Hollywood Movie Studio filmed. The films were made by the Nestor Company, of which Al Christie was manager and comedic director. The land at that time was part of the Whitley Estate. Today it is the Central Hollywood Studio apartments at 6533 Hollywood Blvd. It is on the corner of Hudson Blvd but the street was originally named Grace Ave. for the Whitley's daughter.
Posted: Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Gigi Whitley 1880’s Memoir:
And this is what the Oklahoma Illustrated History says about HJ Whitley.
Oklahoma and especially Guthrie owes Mr. Whitley a heavy debt of gratitude for the ceaseless and untiring energy he has put forth in their behalf. From the first day of his entering the territory, he has labored enthusiastically and in every possible way for the advancement of their interest. He went to Oklahoma the day of the opening and built the first brick block building in the territory. HJ was appointed by the Governor and made chairman of the Formal School Commission. After that on account of his railroad experience with the Rock Island he was made the Washington Trustee and Treasurer of the Indian Allotment which controlled towns along the Rock Island. Indeed there is not a single enterprise looking to the good and advancement of Guthrie with which HJ Whitley has not been identified and to which he has not rendered a powerful aid that has chiefly made them successful. Many of the finest buildings in the city bear witness to his zeal and generous assistance. All identify his name with the development of Guthrie. Mr. Whitley was born in Toronto, Canada. His father was the son of the Honorable Nicholas Whitley of Liverpool, England and his mother was the daughter of Coronal William Johnstone, an officer in the English army. He received a practical business education. In his early business training was a partner in a wholesale house of Whitley Partridge & Co. In 1880 he engaged largely in banking and loan and investment business at Minneapolis, Michigan where he remained for ten years and still has large property interest. In 1889 April 22nd he located in Guthrie and in company with Mr. George Orpant built the first brick block in the territory know as the National Bank which they afterwards sold to McNeal & Little. In this position he knew about all of the prominent men in the Territory both democrats and republican alike. HJ Whitley,
HJ Whitley, Gigi Whitley and Ross Whitley in Guthrie Oklahoma in 1889.