LAist: LAistory: Griffith Park

kiran

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:54:32 -0800

Im liking the LAistory series. Keep 'em coming.

Caleb Bacon

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:43:59 -0800

Great read.

Jacy Young

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:48:52 -0800

I think you're right that I left out some of these interesting details, fxtool, but (other than the mining), they aren't "inaccurate." Though the idea for the Greek and the Observatory came from Griffith, there was a good deal of protestation from the citizens of Los Angeles, saying they would not be bribed by Griffith. It was the city that made the final decision. Further, it's true that Griffith was drinking around the time he shot his wife, but there were numerous signs that he was mentally disturbed. I couldn't find enough information about his mental state to attribute it to drinking (because he could have been self medicating, if he was crazy -- which might account for the hypocrisy), eccentricity or just craziness.

fxtool

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:55:09 -0800

Good story, but a few innacuracies. The idea for the observatory and the Greek came from Griffith himself, not the city of Los Angeles. Also, Griffith and his wife professed to be teetotalers but he was drinking heavily at the time of the shooting. His defense was one of the first uses of "alcoholic insanity". Griffith didn't make his money in coal mines, but silver mines. Lastly the best part about Griffith's donation is that he stated "It must be made a place of rest and relaxation for the masses, a resort for the rank and file, for the plain people." His heirs bring this up every time the city tries to charge to use the park. Thank you Griffith J., for the great treasure you provided us! more history here: http://www.griffithobservatory.org/obshist.html