About

Remodeled in 1990.

Home of William E. Philips in 1940. “In 1953 well-known Los Angeles Jeweler William E. Phillips made the first in a series of gem donations the world’s largest sinhalite (159 carats), a gem species from Sri Lanka first recognized in 1952. His last donation, made in 1961 shortly before his death, was a suite of colored diamonds.” (Exhibition: “95 Years of Gems and Minerals at the Natural
History Museum of Los Angeles County”, 2006)

1930 census:
2558 N. Catalina Street: (Value: $50,000): 1) Walter C. Burmahln, owner and head of household; 48 year old white married male; married at age 23; born in Wisconsin; father born in Alsace-Lorraine, mother in Germany; Vice-President of a hotel supplies company. 2) Beatrice E. Burmahln, wife; 42 year
old white married female; married at age 17; born in Kentucky; father born in Kentucky, mother in New York; not working. 3) Carl O. Burmahln, son; 19 year old single white male; in school; born in California. 4) Elizabeth M. Burmahln, daughter; 13 year old single white female; in school; born in California. 5) John W. Burmahln, son; 13 year old single white male; in school; born in California. (19th ED, page 17B, lines 78-82).

1940 Census:
2558 Catalina Street (Value: $15,000): 1) William E. Phillips, head of household; white married male 49 years of age; born in Massachusetts; Jewelry Joiner. 2) Reba Phillips, wife; white married female 45 years of age; born in New Jersey; not working. 3) Claire P. Phillips, daughter; white single female 21 years of age; born in California; short story writer. 4) Robert E. Phillips, son; white single male 18 years of age; born in California; in school. 5) Margaret Moore, servant; Negro single female 27 years of age; born in Illinois; earns $500. (ED 60-81; Page 4A; Lines 19-23).