About

Harry Hayden Whiteley, architect.

History:

Robert McGowan, original owner, was born in Denver, Colorado on July 11, 1882. He began to work in the film industry in 1913, becoming famous in the 1920s with the “Our Gang” series in partnership with Hal Roach. He and Roach would eventually produce 88 silent one-reel “Our Gang” short films, and McGowan directed the series until 1933. By 1936, he had mainly retired from film making, passing away in 1955.

1930 census:
1928 N. Western Avenue (Value: $23,000): 1) Robert F. McGowan, owner and head of household; 47 year old white married male; married at age 27; born in Colorado; parents born in Irish Free State; a film director in the film business. 2) Emma C. McGowan, wife; 50 year old white married female; married at age 31; born in Colorado; father born in Maryland, mother in Italy; not working. 3) Roberta McGowan, daughter; 16 year old single white female; born in Colorado; not working. 4) Helen McGowan, daughter; 13 year old single white female; born in California; not working.

1940 Census:
1928 Western Avenue (Value $10,000): 1) Robert F. McGowan, head of household; white married male 57 years of age; born in Colorado; director at motion picture studios; earns more than $5,000. 2) Emma C. McGowan, wife; white married female 46 years of age; born in Colorado; not working. 3) Helen McGowan, daughter; white single female 24 years of age; born in California; a dancer at motion picture studios; earns $350. 4) Roberta McGowan, daughter; white married female 26 years of age; born in Colorado; beautician in a beauty parlor; earns $105. 5) Christiana McGowan, granddaughter; white female e years of age; born in California.