About

History:

4535 was the home of actor Robert Dunbar at the time of the 1920 US census. Robert Dunbar was born in 1858 in Beaver, Pennsylvania. He was a character actor who began in film in 1913. His career was essentially over by 1924, although he did appear in one talkie in 1934. By that time, he had been featured in 27 productions, including “The Kid” (1921). He passed away in Los Angeles, California in 1943.

1910 Census:
4535 W. Melbourne Avenue (listed as 4411 W. Melbourne Avenue): 1) Marie A. Harms, head of household; white female widow 62 years of age; born in Germany; parents born in Germany; to US in 1872; not working. 2) Anna W. Harms, daughter; white single female 30 years of age; born in Illinois; parents born in Germany; clerk in a jewelry store. 3) Minnie M. Harms, daughter; white single female 28 years of age; born in Illinois; parents born in Germany; clerk in a jewelry store.

4535 ½ W. Melbourne Avenue (listed as 4411 W. Melbourne Avenue, rear): 1) Harry O. Hoff, head of household; white married male 26 years of age; born in Illinois; father born in Pennsylvania, mother in Illinois; dry goods store salesman. 2) Helen L. Hoff, wife; white married female 24 years of age; born in Illinois; parents born in Germany; not working.

1920 Census:
4535 W. Melbourne Avenue: 1) James F. Wilhite, owner and head of household; white married male 39 years of age; born in Missouri; parents born in Missouri; manager in a wholesale store. 2) Edna E. Wilhite, wife; white married female 39 years of age; born in Missouri; father born in Virginia, mother in Kentucky; not working. 3) Edna F. Wilhite, daughter; white female 4 years 9 months of age; born in California; 4) Robert N. Dunbar, lodger; white married male 60 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; parents born in Pennsylvania; an actor in motion pictures. 5) Ruth E. Dunbar, lodger; white married female 39 years of age; born in Pennsylvania; parents born in Pennsylvania; an accompanist in a retail music store.

1940 Census:
4535 Melbourne Avenue (Value $2,500): 1 James T. Wilhite, head of household; white married male 59 years of age; born in Missouri; salesman, stationary; earns $1,000. 2) Irene E. Wilhite, wife; white married female 52 years of age; born in Ohio; not working. (ED 60-85; Page 9A; Lines 5-6).

4535 1/2 Melbourne Avenue (Rents for $30): 1) Hellen A. Edgerly, head of household; white widow 90 years of age; born in New Hampshire; not working.

Includes 4535-4535 1/2 W. Melbourne Avenue 90027