1

A 1905 postcard from Long Beach captures the vibrant essence of the growing Southern California seaside community. Featuring the shoreline, local landmarks, and scenes of leisure, it highlights Long Beach as an attractive destination for both tourists and residents. Reflecting the city’s early development as a hub for commerce and recreation, the postcard embodies the optimism and charm of coastal living at the turn of the century, offering a glimpse into the spirit of community and the bright future that defined the region.0

2

Roscoe Turner was a pioneering aviator known for his daring flights and vibrant personality, making him a key figure in early aviation. Celebrated for breaking records, Turner helped shape commercial aviation, inspiring future aviators. He won the Bendix and Thompson trophies and had his own "flying circus," becoming an emblem of the era's aviation culture. His achievements highlighted the excitement of flight and left a lasting legacy in the history of American aviation.

3

A crate label from the Earl Fruit Company, dating back to circa 1900-1909, featuring vibrant poinsettias, serves as a captivating example of the era's agricultural marketing artistry. This striking label showcases the company’s commitment to quality and aesthetics, featuring the bold reds and greens of the poinsettia, showcasing the Earl Fruit Company’s dedication to promoting California's products while capturing the spirit of the region's rich agricultural heritage.

4

A stamp featuring Robert Millikan, part of the Great Americans Series, honors the physicist and Nobel laureate's enduring legacy. Issued by the California Institute of Technology, where Millikan served as president for 25 years, the stamp celebrates his contributions to physics, including his 1923 Nobel Prize and his work on jet propulsion during World War II. It highlights his lasting impact on science and education, inspiring future generations. Millikan was also a member of Jonathan Club.

5

A 1949 Time magazine cover featuring Harold Lloyd celebrates the silent film star’s innovative contributions to cinema. Known for his horn-rimmed glasses and daring stunts, Lloyd’s blend of humor and adventure made him a key figure in Hollywood. The cover reflects both nostalgia for classic cinema and the evolution of American comedy, honoring his legacy while highlighting his enduring influence on modern film and comedy.

6

Lillian Russell, a celebrated actress and singer, was a star of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for her captivating performances in comic operas and musical comedies, she dazzled audiences with her powerful voice and beauty, earning the title of “the American Beauty.” Russell’s influence extended beyond the stage as she mingled with the elite and set fashion trends. Her legacy in the performing arts helped shape the entertainment culture of her era and paved the way for future generations of artists.

7

A landmark piece by Peter Alexander, resident artist of Jonathan Club, celebrates Los Angeles’s cultural heritage. Commissioned by the Automobile Club, the artwork features vibrant colors and dynamic forms, capturing the spirit of a transforming Southern California. Alexander’s work honors the region’s landmarks, enhancing the city’s visual identity and reminding us of its rich history and artistic evolution.

8

W.R. Hearst’s “camp” at San Simeon, later known as Hearst Castle, symbolizes early 20th-century opulence. Perched along the California coastline, the estate was designed as a lavish retreat, with grand architecture, stunning gardens, and a vast art collection. Reflecting Hearst’s extravagant lifestyle, it merged art, nature, and architecture into a breathtaking vision. The castle became a cultural landmark, attracting visitors and celebrities, and remains an enduring symbol of California’s history and the Gilded Age's excesses.

9

An 1897 poster for La Fiesta de Los Angeles captures the city's vibrant spirit and cultural heritage. With colorful imagery and ornate typography, it invites attendees to join in a celebration filled with music, dance, and community pride. The event honored the city's Mexican heritage and showcased traditional customs, fostering unity among Angelenos. This poster reflects Los Angeles’s commitment to celebrating its diverse roots while promoting a sense of pride and togetherness.

10

An image of Signal Hill showcases the landscape and historical importance of this iconic site overlooking Long Beach, California. Once central to the area's oil boom, Signal Hill played a key role in Southern California's early 20th-century economy. Known for its history as a signaling point for ships and its ties to the oil industry, it embodies California’s growth and transformation. Today, Signal Hill invites exploration and appreciation of both its natural beauty and rich past, serving as a reminder of the region's ongoing evolution.

11

A dinner menu from the Wine and Food Society of Southern California at the Bel-Air Hotel highlights the group’s elegance and culinary excellence, featuring creative, member-prepared dishes that celebrate local ingredients and sophisticated dining. Set in the luxurious hotel, the event blends gastronomy and camaraderie, showcasing the society’s commitment to Southern California’s vibrant food culture.

12

Grafton Pettis Tanquary Jr., born in Los Angeles, attended USC before earning an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School. An esteemed member of the Jonathan Club, Tanquary served on its board and played a key role in enhancing the club's legacy by curating photographs, artwork, and selecting the prints in the Grill. His contributions reflect both his dedication to the club’s heritage and his appreciation for art and community.

13

An 1885 map of the Fort Hills tract offers a detailed glimpse into Southern California's development during a key period in its history. It highlights property boundaries, landmarks, and emerging infrastructure, reflecting the late 19th-century real estate boom and settlers’ ambitions. As a historical document, it captures the physical landscape of Fort Hills and provides insight into the urbanization and economic growth that shaped Los Angeles and its future neighborhoods.

14

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, led the nation through the Civil War and worked to end slavery. Born in 1809 in Kentucky, Lincoln rose from humble beginnings to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, paving the way for abolition and preserving the Union. His speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, and his legacy as a symbol of freedom remain central to American history.

15

An early Spanish map, or diseño of the ranchos offers a fascinating window into California's agricultural and cultural landscape during the Spanish colonial era.These intricate documents delineate rancho boundaries, feature landmarks, and depict land use, livestock, and flora, reflecting settlers' ties to the land. As historical artifacts, diseños reveal the influence of Spanish colonialism on California's development and provide insights into the roots of its agricultural heritage and the enduring legacy of the ranchos.

16

A photograph of Willie Hoppe at the Jonathan Club in the 1930s captures a moment in billiards history, highlighting Hoppe as one of the greatest pool players of all time. His presence at this prestigious venue underscores his prominence in the sport. The image reflects the club's vibrant social scene of the era and Hoppe's influence on popularizing billiards in America, offering a glimpse into the intersection of sport and social culture in Southern California during a flourishing period.

17

Edward Arnold was a distinguished actor whose career spanned from the silent film era to Hollywood's golden age. Known for his versatility, he earned acclaim in both drama and comedy, with notable roles in The Devil and Daniel Webster and The Will Rogers Story. Arnold’s ability to portray complex characters made him a leading man of his time, leaving a lasting impact on American cinema.

18

Rudolph Valentino's role in The Sheik solidified his status as a legendary figure in silent film history and an enduring symbol of romance and allure. Released in 1921, this iconic film showcased Valentino's captivating charisma. The film's lush cinematography, exotic settings, and Valentino's magnetic presence helped define the era's fascination with the "Sheik" archetype, blending adventure and passion in a way that captivated audiences. The film was produced by Jesse Lasky, Jonathan Club member at Paramount Studios.

19

A photograph of Roscoe Turner embodies the spirit of this flamboyant early 20th-century aviator, celebrated for his record-breaking flights and contributions to commercial aviation. Known for his daring exploits and signature scarf and goggles, Turner became a symbol of aviation's excitement and innovation, inspiring a generation of aviators and enthusiasts while shaping the future of American aviation.

20

A menu from a Wine and Food Society of Southern California dinner honoring Winston Churchill at the Windsor Restaurant showcases a refined celebration of culinary artistry and historical tribute. Featuring gourmet dishes and fine wines in a sophisticated setting, the event united enthusiasts in appreciation of gastronomy and Churchill’s enduring legacy, reflecting the society's dedication to vibrant culinary culture and honoring influential figures.

21

El Miradero, the 1920s Glendale estate of L. C. Brand, blends Mediterranean and Spanish Revival styles, featuring ornate details, lush gardens, and scenic views. Built as a luxurious retreat by the prominent businessman and philanthropist, it also served as a social hub for influential figures, reflecting Southern California’s vibrant cultural spirit. Today, it stands as a cherished landmark symbolizing Glendale’s rich heritage and Brand’s enduring legacy.

22

The Congressional Medal of Honor, the USA's highest military decoration, recognizes extraordinary bravery and sacrifice in combat. Jonathan Club, with its patriotic traditions, honors recipients through events celebrating their valor, reflecting the club's civic pride and deep respect for those who embody heroism and national ideals.

23

Jesse Lasky's Santa Monica home embodied the elegance of early Hollywood’s elite, serving as both a luxurious retreat and a social hub for film industry pioneers. Reflecting Mediterranean-inspired architecture, it symbolized Lasky’s success as a Paramount Pictures co-founder and the creative energy of Hollywood’s golden era, marking the rise of Los Angeles as a cultural epicenter.

24

Henry Dockweiler's 1880s saloon was a vibrant social hub in a rapidly evolving Los Angeles, offering locals and travelers a welcoming space for drinks and lively conversation. Reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the era, it served as a cornerstone of community life, playing a key role in shaping the city’s social fabric during a transformative period in its history.