About

Theo. J. Scott, architect.

Potential City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

History:

The home was designed by Theodore J. Scott, one of the busiest architects during the 1920s, with hundreds of Los Angeles homes and even entire neighborhoods to his credit. Scott was a master at all the popular “revival” styles of the period, but especially the Spanish with arched arcades and loggias running along the length of one section of the homes as in this residence.

The owner in 1940 was screenwriter Ralph Spence, screenwriter of 127 films between 1912 and 1946. He eventually became known as the “highest-paid title writer in the world” charging $5 per word.

1930 census:
2030 North Edgemont Street (Value: $50,000): 1) William Silverman, owner and head of household; 61 year old white married male; married at age 28; born in Russia; parents born in Russia; speaks Russian; to US in 1886; not working. 2) Rebecca W. Silverman, wife; 56 year old white married female; married at age 23; born in Poland; parents born in Poland; speaks Polish; to US in 1890; not working. 3) Kay Takashima, servant; 31 year old single Japanese; born in Japan; parents born in Japan; speaks Japanese; to US in 1917, a resident alien; a servant in a private family.

1940 Census:
2030 Edgemont Avenue (Rents for $250): 1) Ralph Spence, head of household; white married male 50 years of age; born in Florida; writer, motion picture productions. 2) Gertrude Livingstone, secretary; white single female 34 years of age; born in Illinois; secretary for writer for motion pictures; earns $2,000. 3) Hattie Daniels, maid; Negro female 32 years of age, married; born in Texas; general maid in a private home; earns $900.