About

History:

“Casa del Contento”

See Hollywood at Home, Laughlin Park tour brochure, 4/6/97.

This beautiful two-story Spanish Revival home was built by Cecil B. DeMille for his daughter, Cecelia, as a wedding present in 1930 when she married Frank Calvin, the son of the former president of the Union Pacific Railroad. The house, next door to DeMille, was the first of four homes in Laughlin Park were built for Cecelia during her lifetime. The home was named “Casa del Contento” which is printed on the tile at the entry gate. Cecilia lived here until she remarried in 1938 after her divorce from Calvin in 1937. (Donald Seligman)

1940 Census:
5161 Linwood Drive (Value $27,000): 1) Kenneth McDonald, head of household; white married male 56 years of age; proprietor/manager of a restaurant. 2) Gladys McDonald, wife; white married female 47 years of age; not working. 3) Marie Nesladek, maid; white single female 56 years of age; born in Czecho-slovakia; housekeeper in a private family; earns $600. Frank Thompson, chauffeur; white single male 40 years of age; born in Washington; chauffeur in a private family; earns $600.