Posted: Monday, January 16th, 2017 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
History is full of dramatic tales that are well known and oft repeated. But what if some of the most famous – were not quite as we suppose? Here, Gaelyn Whitley Keith revisits historic mysteries many have gotten wrong…..One clear cut example is the naming of Hollywood. Here is a hand written account from Margaret Virginia (Gigi) Whitley's memoir detailing the event that occured on her honeymoon with HJ Whitley in 1886. Because there was no book writen others made up their own versions.
HJ Whitley was concerned about a book that Dr. Palmer self-published which had incorrect information. It is not surprising to find at the introduction of the book that Dr. Palmer himself stated that some information may be incorrect. Here is a copy of a letter HJ Whitley wrote concerning this matter. 
Many people continue to circulate this map as a recorded deed. It is actually an advertisment from a bank that was published many years after the event. If you look at street names, location of the Hollywood Hotel and many other facts you can see it is incorrect historically. If you have the time go to the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office. It has the actural February 1, 1886 deed from H. H. Wilcox. The name Hollywood is not on the deed. Even though this picture is at the California Historical Society it does not mean it is a deed. I hope this will clear up some historical facts about Hollywood. That is why the best source comes from the person who actually is the Father of Hollywood, HJ Whitley.
Posted: Sunday, July 17th, 2016 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Good news, moguls. You don't need magic to unlock the doors to the wizard in world of Harry Potter. The newest attraction at Universal Studios, Hollywood offers an adventure we all have been waiting for.
Posted: Monday, December 21st, 2015 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Come to Whitley Heights and discover a little slice of Europe tucked away on a hillside in Hollywood. The early Hollywood developer H.J. Whitley commissioned architect A.S. Barnes to design “a Mediterranean hill town” in 1918. Mostly finished by 1930, the neighborhood was near all the movie studios and became the celebrity enclave of its time. Rudolph Valentino was an early resident, as were Carole Lombard, Carmen Miranda, and Maurice Chevalier.
Neighborliness was encouraged, and a strong village-like sense of community prevails. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and now a local Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, Whitley Heights has more protections than many older places in America and perhaps it is to honor H J Whitley the Father of Hollywood. On October 26, 1911 he convinced the first movie studio to settle in Hollywood.
Posted: Monday, January 11th, 2016 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Tom Hanks, one of the greatest actors of all time reenacted scenes from all of his famous movies in just one, seven-minute take! Have a look for yourself!
Read more: Tom Hanks - He's Awesome!
Posted: Friday, December 11th, 2015 by Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Hollywood director Ron Howard has received his second star on the Walk of Fame, honoring his award-winning career as a film maker. Howard, who won an Oscar for best director for "A Beautiful Mind", got a star on the Walk of Fame in 1981 for a television career that included roles in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Happy Days." Howard said at the ceremony on Thursday, "Two stars are pretty remarkable. I'm going to have double the foot traffic, twice as many people treading on my good name, but I think it's a great thing and I'm proud of that."
Read more: Ron Howard Receives Another Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
