About

History:

Home of Chester H. Bowers, M.D. Physician and Surgeon, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, 509, 1136 West 6th Street: born at Woburn, Massachusetts, son of William Herbert and Ella (Cummings) Bowers; received his high school training in Massachusetts; later attended the University of Southern California and received three degrees, A.B., M.A., and M.D.; Married Esther Snyder June 15, 1910; they have three children, Helen Esther, William C., and Chester Samuel; came to Los Angeles in 1903 from Massachusetts; he is President of the Pacific Coast Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Society: member of the American Oto and Rhinological Society, Los Angeles County and California Medical Societies, and the Academy of Otolaryngology: also the University Club, Malibu Lake Club, and the Shrine and Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies; Dr. Bowers has also studied at Stanford University, Universities of Pennsylvania and Harvard. (Source: Who’s Who in Los Angeles County.19321933. P. 35.) Photo (Source: Who’s Who in Los Angeles County, 1930 1931, p. 88.)

G. Whitecross Kitchia, architect.

King Family:  Mother Kathryn Kayne King and children Stephen, Stephenia, Brad and Barbara in front of the Ambrose house (circa 1957)

The Stephen L. King Family moved into the house in 1957, according to the youngest daughter, Barbara B. King, who authored the book, “Memoirs of Ambrose Ave. My Life in Los Feliz, Hollywood, California.” (2022).

Excerpted from the book: “There were large archways between the rooms with glorious views of the foliage outside.  The light fixtures on the walls were art deco faux candles with small bulbs on the top.  Each one was on a background of hand carved metal plates with shapes of vines and fruit. They would turn on manually with little switches. Those beautiful lights would never wear out for more than half a century.” and “In the living room was a stone fireplace with a snake embossed on it.  I don’t know why masons put snakes and dragons on everything.”

1930 Census:
5111 Ambrose Avenue (Value: $35,000): (some not possible to read): 1) Chester H. Bowers, owner and head of household; 41 year old white married male; married at age 21; born in Massachusetts; parents born in Massachusetts; a physician in medicine. 2) Esther H. Bowers?, wife; 41 year old white married female; married at age 21; born in Missouri; parents born in Pennsylvania; not working. 3) Helen E. Bowers?, daughter; 16 year old white single female; in school; born in California. 4) William? Bowers, son; 15 year old white single male; in school; born in California. 5) Helen F. Snyder, mother-in-law; 73 year old white female widow; born in Pennsylvania; parents born in Pennsylvania; not working. 6) Estelia A. Sothern?, servant; 51 year old white female widow; married at age 20; born in Iowa; father born in Pennsylvania, mother in Iowa; a servant in a private family. 7) Pyng H. Kim, servant; 41 year old single Korean male; born in Korea; parents born in Korea; a servant in a private family. (71st ED, page 25A, lines 33-40).

1940 Census:
5111 Ambrose Avenue (Value $18,000): 1) Mattie R. Wood, head of household; white widow 70 years of age; born in Tennessee; not working. 2) Mary B. Ellis, maid; white widow 53 years of age; born in Idaho; housekeeper in a private family; earns $480. 3) Thomas H. Adams, chauffeur; white widower 53 years of age; born in Illinois; chauffeur in a private family; earns $600. (ED 60-80; Page 8B; Lines 61-63).