This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
Photograph was edited for publication purposes The massive 500-room Ambassador Hotel, designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt, opened for business in 1921 on the site of a former dairy farm. It occupied 23.7 acres at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, bordered by 8th Street, Catalina Street, and nearly to Mariposa Avenue. The hotel served as the stomping grounds for a staggering list of Hollywood legends, heads of state, and an endless list of famous personalities from the 20th Century. It is said that as many as seven U.S. Presidents stayed at the Ambassador, from Hoover to Nixon, along with heads of state from around the world. A pivotal moment in world history happened in 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy was shot in a pantry off of the Embassy Room (and died 25 hours later), following his California Primary victory speech. The death of RFK coincided with the beginning of the hotel's demise. The Schine family had owned the Ambassador for about 50 years, until its doors were closed on January 3, 1989 after 68 years of service, selling for $64 million. The landmark hotel was eventually demolished between late 2005 and early 2006. Photograph caption dated February 9, 1965 reads, "President of St. Joseph Hospital Guild, greets Mother Flora Mary, hospital administrator, left, and Sister Emmanuel, assistant superior, at annual fashion show and luncheon sponsored by the guild. Another honored guest was Mrs. Samuel W. Yorty. The annual event, held held [sic] at the Ambassador Hotel, attracted more than 750 women. Don Loper showed his latest spring designs. Proceeds go to St. Joseph Hospital Burbank."
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Image
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1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
St. Joseph Hospital Guild (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) St. Joseph Hospital Guild (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)--Presidents Ambassador Hotel Hotels--California--Los Angeles Associations, institutions, etc.--California--Los Angeles Women--California--Los Angeles Nuns--California--Los Angeles Hospital administrators--California--Los Angeles Fund raisers (Persons)--California--Los Angeles Fund raising--California--Los Angeles Strelitzia (Genus)--California--Los Angeles Crosses--California--Los Angeles Women's hats--California--Los Angeles Lost architecture--California--Los Angeles Interiors--California--Los Angeles Group portraits Portrait photographs Valley Times Collection photographs
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