About

Includes 5009 W. Franklin Avenue

Living here in 1940, former railroad worker Frank McDonald came to Hollywood after a career on the stage as an actor/producer/director. At first hired as a dialogue director, McDonald turned out some scripts and in the mid-1930s began directing. Working for almost every studio in Hollywood at one time or another, he did a lot of work for Re-public, grinding out Gene Autry and Roy Rogers westerns, and at the Pine/Thomas “B” unit at Paramount, churning out westerns, action dramas and war pictures. Not entirely comfortable as a director, Evelyn Keyesonce said, “I’ve never seen anyone as terrified of directing as Frank McDonald” – he nevertheless turned out more than 100 pictures in his career. (Source: Internet Movie Database)

1930 census:
1) Horace N. Taylor, owner and head of household; 57 year old white married male; married at age 23; born in California; father born in North Carolina, mother in California; not working. 2) Mildred L. Taylor, wife; 57 year old white married female; married at age 23; born in California; parents born in Missouri; not working. 5009 Franklin Avenue (Rents for $90 per month).

1930 census:
1) Frank L. Davis, renter and head of household; 47 year old white married male; married at age 27; born in California; father born in Maine, mother in California; an agent in manufacturing. 2) Ella W. Davis, wife; 47 year old white married female; married at age 27; born in California; father born in Kentucky, mother in Missouri; not working.

1940 Census:
5007 Franklin Avenue (Value $7,500): 1) Horace N. Taylor, head of household; white married male 67 years of age; born in California; not working. 2) Mildred L. Taylor, wife; white married female 67 years of age; born in California; not working. 5009 Franklin Avenue (Rents for $60): 1) Frank McDonald, head of household; white married male 40 years of age; born in Maryland; director, motion picture studios; earns more than $5,000. 2) Virginia McDonald, wife; white married female 30 years of age; born in Missouri; art novelties at home.