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 James Frazier used the name "Buckwheat" in reference to the character from the Our Gang/Little Rascals series produced by Hal Roach from 1922-1944. The character was actually played by William "Billie" Thomas, Jr. from 1934-1944. The two men had a dispute in later years when Frazier claimed to be the original "Buckwheat." The dispute was never fully resolved as Thomas died at the age of 49 in 1980 and Frazier continued with his claim. Members of the cast consistently stated that Frazier had no role and there was never any proof that he ever appeared in the series. Photograph caption dated October 7, 1961 reads "Los Angeles City Councilman Everett Burkhalter, center, joins with Pacoima leaders in cutting ribbon to mark the completion of $632,091 improvement in the area of Glenoaks boulevard and Vaughn street, Pacoima. With him, left, is James Buckwheat Frazier, liaison officer for the North Valley Citizens Leagues, and Earle Erne, Pacoima Chamber of Commerce president. The project, which was completed four months ahead of schedule, included sewers, drains and street improvements in an area bounded by Borden and Herrick avenues and Pierce and Vaughn streets."
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Burkhalter, Everett G.--(Everett Glen),--1897-1975 Men--California--Los Angeles City council members--California--Los Angeles County council members--California--Los Angeles Civic improvement--California--Los Angeles Dedications--California--Pacoima (Los Angeles) Ribbons--California--Los Angeles Scissors and shears--California--Los Angeles Glenoaks Boulevard (Los Angeles, Calif.) Pacoima (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs Group portraits 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.
