About

“Toberman House”

Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #769, designated 10/29/2003.

History:
Home of two-time Los Angeles mayor James R. Toberman, this 1907 Queen Anne/Classical revival home at 1749 North Harvard Boulevard has Cultural Heritage Monument status (#769). While Los Angeles mayor for two terms, in 1872-1874 and 1878-1882, Toberman was responsible for turning on the first electric street lights among many other accomplishments.

This was also home to Toberman’s nephew, Charles Edward Toberman, eventually a prominent real estate developer who had a particular influence on Hollywood. Born in 1880 in Texas, he moved to Los Angeles in 1902 where he gained the position of City Treasurer in Hollywood. He worked in real estate beginning in 1907, incorporating his own company in 1912. Over time he placed 53 Hollywood subdivisions on the market, formed more than 30 companies, and built 29 commercial buildings in Hollywood including the Chinese Theater for Sid Grauman.

1910 Census:
(Listed as 149 N. Crown Avenue): 1) James R. Toberman, owner and head of household; white widower 74 years of age; born in Virginia; parents born in Virginia; retired. 2) Ralph S. Toberman, son; white single male 42 years of age; born in California; not working. 3) Elise R. Robinson, nurse; white single female 42 years of age; born in Illinois; parents born in Ohio; a nurse. 4) Aroira Anderson, cook; white single female 18 years of age; born in Nebraska; parents born in Sweden; servant in a private family.

1920 Census:
1749 N. Harvard Boulevard: 1) Ralph S. Toberman, owner and head of household; white married male 50 years of age; born in California; father born in Virginia, mother in Missouri; not working. 2) Mary Toberman, wife; white married female 45 years of age; born in Missouri; father born in Kentucky, mother in Missouri; not working.

1930 Census:
1749 N. Harvard Boulevard (unknown value): 1) Mary D. Toberman, owner and head of household; white widowed female, 55 years of age; married at age 35; born in Missouri; father born in Kentucky, mother in Missouri; not working. 2) Sarah E. Searles, housekeeper; white widowed female 74 years of age; married at age 19; born in Indiana; parents born in Ohio; a housekeeper in a private family.

1940 Census:
1749 Harvard Boulevard (Value: $15,000): 1) Mary Toberman, head of household; white widow 64 years of age; born in Missouri; not working. 2) Linwood Perkins, gardener; white married male 74 years of age; born in Kentucky; caretaker, private family; earns $200.