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German-American History at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park Between 1934 and 1957, most of this area in Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park, west of Dunsmore Avenue and south of Honolulu Avenue, was a private park owned by the German-American League. The private park, named Hindenburg Park in memorial of former German President Paul Von Hindenburg, was a center for German culture. In 1939, due to growing an-German senment during World War II, the League changed the name of their park to La Crescenta Picnic Grounds. Former layout of the private park in red, modern County facilies in black. Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley German-American Bund Party choir group of the Friends of New Germany at the park, April 1936. Credit: Special Collecons and Archives, Ovia Library California State University, Northridge German-American Pilots, 358th Bomb Squadron, under the command of Capt. Werner G. Goering, August 10, 1944. Credit: www.303rdBG.com Park Caretaker’s Residence at the park, circa 1938. Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr. Entry gates to the park, circa 1938. Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr. Promoonal brochure for La Crescenta Picnic Grounds. Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr. During the years of private operation, the grounds held hundreds of elaborate German cultural celebrations, featuring bands, plays, dances, and parades, with literally thousands of participants each weekend. These festivities included weddings, church services, Easter celebrations, Mayfest, and Oktoberfest. A kitchen at the park, along with food and beverage vendors provided traditional German fare for every occasion. Although the private park was used for many joyful celebrations, it was also used for more controversial activities. Children viewing a German-American Bund Party flag at the park, circa 1935. Credit: Special Collecons and Archives, Ovia Library, California State University, Northridge Beethoven Monument at the park by Henry Van Wolf, 1952 Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr. In the years before World War II, the park was also somemes used for the promoon of Nazi beliefs through polical rallies and the Suer Youth Camp. At this and similar summer camps in other states, American youngsters were taught physical fitness but were also indoctrinated into theories of Aryan superiority. “Aryan superiority” was part of Adolf Hitler’s racist ideology. It led to persecuon and murder of European Jews and any other group or individual who opposed Hitler’s Third Reich regime. As Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in Germany, supporters of Hitler at mes paraded in this park. However, once the U.S. entered the war against Nazi Germany in 1941, many patrioc German-Americans joined the U.S. armed forces to fight Nazism. Although the events of the 20 th century may seem distant, there connues to be a need to guard against all forms of hatred, racism, and totalitarian ideologies of all types. The American ideals of jusce and equal opportunity sll require our vigilant support. In 1957 the private park land was purchased by the County of Los Angeles and folded into the larger neighboring Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park to the east. In acknowledging this park’s history, we can appreciate a lovely place that today is a park for all. A gathering at the park, circa 1930’s. Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr. Park caretaker, Fred Koegler Sr. and family enjoying Easter Sunday service at the park, 1953. Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr. A performance of the musical comedy Im Weißen Rössl (White Horse Inn) at the park, early 1950’s. Credit: AHAMedia.com and Deutsch-Amerikanischer Verband
