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 article dated December 10, 1958 partially reads, "A bomb concealed in a duffel bag blew up the headquarters of the Fountain of the World religious sect in Box Canyon, Chatsworth, early today killing at least six persons, including cut leader Krishna Venta. Three others were reported missing and believed dead. The thunderous explosion, which dissolved the stone building, imperiled 11 children sleeping 20 feet away and set off a brush fire that burned to within yards of Rocketdyne's secret-rocket engine test facility. Three persons were seriously hurt. Krishna Venta, who claimed to be a second Christ, was heard involved in an angry exchange of words with a stranger who brought the duffel bag inside the house. Five minutes after the mystery man left, the explosion rocked the entire West Valley." Photograph caption reads, "Blast survivors - Brother Robert, 13, holds pet dog 'Brownie' after escape from flaming dormitory. Bishop Nekona, shown with him, was only person to escape from upper floor of bombed headquarters building. Brother Robert awakened sleeping children in time for them to flee."; See images #00133622 through #001336125 for all photos in this series.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
WKFL Fountain of the World Mass casualties--California--Los Angeles Bombings--California--Los Angeles Bombs--California--Los Angeles Women--California--Los Angeles Boys--California--Los Angeles Pets--California--Los Angeles Cults--United States Sects--United States Chatsworth (Los Angeles, Calif.) Group portraits Portrait photographs Valley Times Collection photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.