Coverage of the Bahá’í Faith in the Los Angeles Times

Coverage of the Bahá'í Faith in the Los Angeles Times, a newspaper that began publication in 1881 and continues through today.

Beginnings

Sporadic local mention or reports from afar

From 1905 to 1909 there was usually only one mention of the Faith in the year. In 1910 and 11 there were 3 and 2 showing something of an up-tick in coverage. That being said there was nothing in 1912, and then back to one mention per year most years, sometimes skipping, rarely 2, until 1930.

In 1910, the first known advertised meeting in the LA Times occurs in the form of a meeting to be held at the Blanchard Building. The building hosted various meetings. This is not the first mention of Bahá'ís however. Bahá'ís in the US date from the latter 1890s and reports on events before the 1880s exist elsewhere as well. See Historical mentions of the Bábí/Bahá'í Faiths. The first mention of Bahá'ís so far identified in the LA Times is coverage of the lamentable suicide of Frances Wakley, nominally a Bahá'í young lady, who died in early February, 1905. Mention of Baha'is noting the story in the newspapers is made in minutes of the Chicago House of Spirituality, a predecessor of local assemblies, by Mrs. Corinne True. There was also coverage of a Boston article with extravagant news from one "Elias Kuzai" and noting a community there of 10 Bahá'ís in June of 1906 though this also constitutes an early reference to confusing the role and station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and that of Jesus. In 1907 an article reviewed Geraldine Farrar, a stage operatic performer who was known to frequent Green Acre and had some commentary surrounding her of having connections to the Babis (as sometimes they were called in the early days)/Baha'is and various mystical ideas. A 1909 article noted the commitment of Bahá'ís to raising the first House of Worship in the West.

In late 1909 the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, seeking to reduce Chase’s devotion to religious activities, transferred him to Los Angeles. Chase considered resigning from the company, but at age 62 another job was impossible to find. He had to support a wife, a son in college, and an elderly mother-in-law, so he accepted the new position, even though it paid much less. Chase still traveled extensively for his company as far north as Seattle and as far east as Denver, and these travels gave him opportunities to visit the rapidly developing Bahá'í communities of the Mountain and Pacific states. He also returned to writing poetry, primarily on the Bahá'í Faith. He helped to organize the Los Angeles Bahá'ís; in 1910 they elected a five-member governing board that included Chase as a member. They also established their first monthly meetings.

Catching back up to 1910 meetings after March were noted in May, A July 1910 article was source from London profiled Baha'i ideas through the understanding of Bernard Temple, not a Baha'i but who had traveled some in Persia/Iran. He was quoted saying some interesting things:

Of course, it can't be said that Bahaism (sic) is the sole source of the ferment in the East, but it is certainly true that Bahais is the most marvelous and most potent of all the factors which have broken the slumbers of Asia.

In March 1911 there is an article mentioning the arrival of Dr. Amen Fareed and Lua Getsinger arrived in Los Angeles as guests of Mr and Mrs. Charles F. Haney. In August the Bahá'í meeting was advertised being held at the more historic Walker Hall. Walker Hall had opened in 1908, later hosted some of the early movies of the time, but was eventually demolished in 1946.

Thornton Chase went in for surgery September 26 and died from complications on the 30th. A special observance of the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's visit to Chase's gravisite was shared on youtube.

No known articles mention ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Los Angeles area at the time in the LA Times. However an article from December 1913 did note the importance of the gravesite of Thornton Chase to Bahá'ís and His visit there and it was on the front page of the second section of the newspaper. It mentions the involvement of the "Persian Minister" to the United States, a reference to Ali Kuli Khan, as well as Charles Mason Remey in his early days, and then goes on with an obituary review of Chase and an interview with Mrs. Chase.

The next known Bahá'í event in this period of sporadic coverage is in April of 1915 when Bahá'ís gathered for an International Baha'i Congress at the Panama-Pacitic Exposition in San Francisco, which again mentioned Ali Kuli Khan. In February 1916 a small entry noted Baha'i Mary Flinn spoke at a reading circle club meeting hosted at Mrs. Tyler Woodbirdge's home. After World War I and the meeting in New York gathered for the Tablets of the Divine Plan, an article covers the early phases of the work of Ahmad Sohrab notes that General Allenby had freed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A couple years later a meeting is advertised for April 23, 1921, in the same Walker Hall now renamed the Majestic. This meeting probably had Fazel Mazindarani attending - the next day he was reported and the digest from the newspaper attempts to describe the non-literal interpretations of deep religious history but used somewhat extreme language to make the point - and it was on the front page of the first part, at the top center of the newspaper.

Again there is a gap now reaching 1923 - then an article reports on Martha Root having some difficulty in Japan where she was suspected by the Japanese of being a communist sympathizer. Then in the summer of 1924 "Ahmed Schrab" returns to the city with a talk before the Adventurer's Club. Then Fazel Mazindirani returns in April 1925, giving a talk to the Woman's University Club highlighting the role of the Faith on woman's issues. Edward Getsinger then contributes a review of Mazindirani's talk including an interview questions and answers that presented early answers to questions.

A few years later, after the Great Depression had begun, an advert referenced ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in advertising for a "Bible of Bibles", and again a few years later there is notice that Ali Kuli Khan appeared locally giving a few talks at the Mount Washington Center in 1930 in the suburb of Garfield. It also notes he was the chairman of the Baha'i Assembly - presumably the local Assembly.

More consistent events reported

In the face of the Great Depression coverage continued and even accelerated. Starting in 1931 coverage is initially seemingly the same as before but almost immediately something new has started - a series of public meetings is announced regularly for a period and there is notice of the Assembly acquiring a Center, following which is the first meeting that the Mayor came to as well as unity meetings at various churches. Multiple mentions of the Faith occur per year through 1936.

A 1931 article notes a fire in the Baha'i Temple construction. For the first time we have a series of mentions of the Faith since it's early days. Following the fire article one notes a series of meetings by Keith Ransom-Kehler occur from late January, into February. And in May it is noted that the Assembly was establishing a "new headquarters". There is a break then until the summer of 1932 when a review of The Dawn-breakers appears. A few months later an "international friendship" meeting was held with a list of speakers - "Mayor Porter", Dr. Adrian Hartog, Harriet M. Sunday (president of the Women's Breakfast Club,) Ralph G. Lindsom, Yung Chen Shen, Ray A. Cromle, chair of the World Council of Youth, Nellie Graham f the Pan-Pacific Association for Mutual Understanding, and Leroy Ioas, mentioned as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. Later in November a unity service is advertised by Baha'is and Universalist Church by Robert Theiss and Sheldon Shepard, and Beulah Lewis is noted giving a sponsored talk for the Faith at the Trinity Metaphysical Library. In February 1933 another meeting is held at the First Universalist Church with Baha'is - this one with Mrs. Stuart French. In early March Ruth Moffett is advertised giving a sponsored talk at Trinity Building. She is noted again a week later, then in early April. She was followed by Willard Hatch. Another talk on the Faith, by W. F. Kyle, followed in July was advertised as at the Baha'i Center (then at 919 W. Seventh St.) as well as series of additional meetings. Kyle continued to appear in September,

In February 1934 a memorial service is noted for Agnes Parsons. The first local funeral is noted in the LA Times is for Lovel Bearse Pemberton, who worked with Louis Bourgeois on the Bahá'í Temple. About on Naw Ruz an article notes Margarita Orlova will speak at a hotel on the Faith in a week.. A year later in early April an article noting Orcella Rexford appeared saying she would talk at the Bahá'í Center. In May an article noting Leroy Ioas spoke appeared. A year later Corinne True reported on the progress of the Baha'i Temple at the local Center. In July word of Martha Root coming was mentioned while she noted Mrs. G. Fitzgerald as her representative first.

Multiplying activity

Starting in 1936 not only do you have series of advertised talks but you have regional conferences, non-Bahá'í public mentions, mass media being used for the first time, and more extended series of meetings with specially advertised talks - all leading to many mentions per year through 1941 when things changed in the face of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Limited Series of events and multiple speakers

In September 1936 a regional conference on the progress of the religion was held and speakers included Leroy Ioas, Marzieh Carpenter (Gail), and Marion Holley. The Spring following the conference Baha'is gathered for a Youth Symposium series - names mentioned include: Carole Weaver, Margaret Grover, Jay Valentine, Dorothy Weaver, Virginia Orbison, and Leslie Vaughn with music for the event by George Luddecke, Grace Koumrian, and Jacqueline Westmoreland. Perhaps the first multi-faith event with Baha'is was noted in the paper in Apr 1937. An anniversary meeting was advertised a few days later. They raised international flags and Beulah Lews and W. P. Hatch spoke.

In May 1938 a model of the House of Worship was displayed at an architect building(on campus?). And in June Mrs. Stuart French returned to give a talk at a meeting. She and the model returned in October. Starting in November a series of meetings was regularly advertised. It carried into December, and January, while another speaker addressed an audience from the Center - Margery McCormick who was a guest of Mrs. Thomas Collins.

Extending series, occasional events and social notice

At the end of the series a conference was sponsored by the National Assembly and carried by local radio KFAC. A few days latter columnist Fred Hogue, generally a supporter of eugenics, quoted a paragraph of the Writings seeking a wider wisdom in the face of multiplying issues in the burgeoning period to World War II. A youth meeting was held at the end of February. A few days later Mrs. E. R. Matthews talked at a meeting. Meanwhile advertising of meetings as previously from November started up again through March.

April saw publication of the election of delegates to the national convention - the community was substantial enough to offer eleven delegates. They were:

• Amelia Collins, then a member of the national assembly,
• Mrs. Martin Carter, then chair of the Los Angeles assembly,
• Charles Witt, * Margaret Campbell, * Sara Kenny, * G. C. Finks,
• Valeria Thornton, * Beulah Lewis, * Ella Duffield, * Willard Hatch, * Hassle Corbleth

In May an exhibition on religions held at "the Temple" had a display of the model of the Baha'i House of Worship mentioned. And in June a public meeting was noted. However June was also noted by the terrible news of the murder of Baha'i Margaret Campbell. The case proceeded against her son. Her obituary were also published - the services led by Vera Graham, a member of the local assembly. It was noted Margaret was the secretary of the local assembly, had been raised in St. Louis, studied drama at Northwestern University and then became a working actress in New York stage theatre and then was in silent films. In her recent years she had begun to teaching acting at the City College. A little over a week later Marcia Atwater gave a talk at the Center.

After a break of almost two months meetings begin again across September, followed by a talk by Mrs Stuart French. Meetings continued in October, which was capped off by an advertised talk by Beulah Storrs Lewis. Meetings continue in November. Approximately following the pattern of a month of generic meetings the next meeting advertises a particular person's talk: Shirley Warde. Meetings then occur again in the rest of December, followed by advertisement of Willard Hatch speaking. This cycle tended to repeat into the 1940s. The monthly advertised speakers were:

• Mrs. Charles Reed Bishop (Jan 1940)
• In-between there was a youth meeting too, during Ayyam-i-Ha.
• Mrs. Stuart French(Feb)
• Beulah Storrs Lewis(Mar)
• Shirley Warde (Apr)
• Virginia Orbison(May-June)
• Willard Hatch (June-July)
• (having skipped Aug) Beulah Lewis (Sep)
• Virginia Orbison(Nov)

Then, while generic advertisements of meetings continued, the next more specific type of notice came in February of 1941, when LA hosted a regional conference of Baha'is. The next specially advertised meeting was when Robert Thiess spoke in March, but unusually there was a talk a couple days by Mrs. Charles Bishop. There was also the obituary notice of Baroness Wandeyne Deuth late in March. Shirley Warde was next in the monthly cycle almost in April, Willard Hatch late in May, Mrs. Stuart W. French late in June, and Octavio Illesgas early in August. As we have seen, occasionally another speaker is noted sooner than a monthly cycle - presently Leroy Ioas also spoke in early August. The obituary of Harry Raver appears near mid-September. After meetings in November, and one in October by Charles R. Witt. However immediately after the Attack on Pearl Hardor, "Due to the emergency" general meetings had been canceled, and a special series of meetings on the Covenant by Charlotte Dakin were set.

Wartime

Month-by-month there are typically two talks per month but sometimes up to four noticed occur. Initially it is just talks but after a build up in the rate of advertised talks there is a transition into some mention of radio programs as well as summaries or brief reviews of some talks begin to occur. When these happen the rate of advertised talks dwindles but some talks are reviewed without an advertisement of the talk occurring.

1942

Initially there was a break in activities reported in the paper. It was more than a month after World War II starts for the US, that the next reported event took place in the advertising of Habib Sabet's talk for the Faith. However the pace of individually advertised meetings began to re-accelerate, next with Mrs. Stuart French's talk following about two weeks later, early in March. The next one was Robert Thiess late in March, Willard Hatch in early April. In mid-April there is a twist in topics - the first meeting describing the developments of the religion in Latin America begins with Marcia Atwater. Mrs. Charles Witt is noted next in early May. and the pace picks up alittle with just a week later Robert Thiess giving a talk. Beatrice Irwin was next, speaking about Latin America again in mid-late May. So the pace settled from 2 talks a month toward about 3 talks a month. Mrs Charles Bishop was next at the end of May. Hascle Cornbleth in mid-June, and Beatrice Franklin in late June. Mrs. Charles Reed Bishop returns in early July and there is notice of the annual summer Geyersville Baha'i School (10th or 16th year?) (Geyersville being the California school before Bosch was established.) Bishop gave another talk a couple weeks later. Then Robert Thiess spoke in late July. Early August has Willard Hatch's talk noted, then Mrs. Charles Bishop mid-August, and Ralph Brown in late August. September has Willard Hatch giving a talk. Then it is early October with Mrs. Stuart French and Louise Matthews. A week later there is Willard Hatch, who also spoke next in early November, followed by Mrs. Stuart French mid-November. In later November there is notice of a Bahá'í reading room open some hrs a day. Mid-December has Mrs. Charles Bishop giving her 5th talk of the year. Willard Hatch closed out the year with his 6th talk. Robert Thiess had given 3 and Mrs Stuart French gave two, and an additional eight people gave one. The total was 24 talks for a an average of two per month. The previous year though there had been weekly meetings most of the year there were only about 12 individually advertised meetings featuring specific speakers. And capping off this advancement in talks, the last one by Hatch, for the first time, had quotes printed in the LA Times. 1942 closes out with it's 4th mention of the Faith expanding the number of days the reading room is open to two days a week.

1943

1943 also opens noting the open reading room and library. A new pattern quickly emerges - now that a talk by Hatch has been quoted in the paper several talks of his occur and some of them are likewise summarized in the paper. Talks occur Jan 10, 31, and that one is summarized, Feb 7, and its review, on the 10th an "informal meeting" is held featuring him. There is notice again of the reading room.

Mrs. Charles Bishop, another who has now long given talks, first appears Feb 13 of this year, followed near a week later on Feb 21. Where there were four mentions covering events in January, February already had 6. And February closes out with a series of 3 more daily notices of the reading room or informal meetings or both. In March it was advertised open two days a week with advertising continuing some time.

Advertised speakers and events in March took off - Mrs. Charles Bishop Mar 6, Mrs. Charles Witt on the 15th, Charles himself (unless it is a typo) on the 17th, Mrs. Stuart French on the 20th, a separate coverage of Naw Ruz with performances by Ervin Nyiregyhazy and Miulan Niawi, and Mrs. Charles R. Witt on the 27th rounding out to 7 mentions in March aside from notices of the reading room.

April saw the return of Willard Hatch on the 3rd, summarized on the 5th, another talk on the 11th of his, and on the 18th. On the 23rd there was a notice published that Mrs. Charles Witt would be the local delegate to national convention. An unspecified speaker is the last notice of a talk in April.

In May and June, except for notices of the reading room, advertising covered talks of Mrs. Charles Bishop, Willard Hatch returned to speaking in July, along with Mrs. Stuart W. Frenchshortly noted she was the secretary of the national inter-America committee for the Faith, and Louise Caswell back from Latin America. An advertisement noting Mrs. Charles Witt closed out July for the Bahá'ís. And for the first time her talk is then reviewed in the Times.

In mid August Beatrice Franklin offered a talk. Then, though the talk is not noted in the papers, a review of a Bahá'í talk by Hascle Cornbleth was published. Willard Hatch's talk closes out the month.

September, though it opens with a talk by Mrs. Stuart French, decreases in its rate with only another advertised at the end of September, though it had for speakers Floyd Covington, Executive director of the Urban League, Raphael Trujillo, publisher and Dorothy (Beecher) Baker, chair of the Institute of Baha'i Education, as the advertisement says. Indeed a possible sign of sustained activity beyond that of purely advertised meetings is that the next talk is mid-October with a talk by Robert Thiess though it is reviewed and already happened rather than advertised. Then another talk in late October as that of Charlotte Dakin is advertised. Early November has a talk by Mrs. Charles Witt,and another large event is advertised in late November with talks by Leroy Ioas, Yascha Borowsky, and Trudy Troy along with Yascha Borowsky and Trudy Tray providing music. Then the only advertised talk is Mrs. Charles Bishop in December.

1944

Willard Hatch opens 1944 with a talk.And January ended with another talk, this time with symposium of Willard Hatch and Mrs. Charles Bishop, with music by Lorin Whitmore, Peggy Finley, and Charles Sandrock. February opens with a talk by Beatrice Irwin and that's it for February. Then one talk in March by Mrs. Charles Witt. Then in April Willard Hatch gave a talk and Kathleen Stewart sang.

But in May there was a Centennial. Mention of the Faith begins with a talk by Orcella Rexford, but also on radio KFOX. But then a Baha'i youth program was held for the Centennial. This was followed by a Centenary program with Edward Wilber speaker and Gladys Childess playing the piano again with a radio show on KFOX.

In early June there was a talk by Robert Thiess and radio program on KFOX. Another by Mrs. Stuart French followed in mid-June. July opens with a talk by Willard Hatch, and again in August, though there is also a later one by Mrs. Charles Bishop. Another of hers was in September. Another talk of her was reviewed in September though it itself was not advertised. Notice of a talk by Mrs Charles Bishop was published. And, still in September just at it's end, a talk by Stephen Tornay. One talk in October was by Willard Hatch. In November the first talk is by Orcella Rexford. An observance of Bahá'u'lláh's Birthday was noted approaching with a program to include music and "motions pictures". And then in December, Mrs. Charles Bishop gave a talk, and then Charlotte Dakin.

1945 and the radio

January 1945 opens with a talk by Virginia Camelon Foster, followed in later January with one by Mrs. Charles Bishop, which was reviewed. February opened with a talk by Willard Hatch. This was followed by a regional convention to elect a delegate for the national convention. The opening host chair was Clyde Longyear and was organized for the southern half of the state. March saw Beatrice Irwin offering a talk, followed by Willard Hatch, and ends with one by Stephen Tornay. April has only a talk by Virginia C Foster. May has Mrs. Charles Bishop. Minding events in the world, Germany surrendered in WWII in May.

Orcella Rexford in June. The United Nations Charter was signed June 26

Willard Hatch at the beginning of July and on KMTR radio, and Stephen Tornay mid-July. Virginia Camelon Foster returns in August and also is on radio KMTR In mid-August a radio program "Bahai (Baha'i) Peace" appears on KMTR. Japan surrendered later in August after the two nuclear bombs were dropped.

Baha'i talks continued unabated - advertised in September are Stephen Turnay, and Mrs. Charles Bishop. October has Mrs. Charles Bishop and KMTR radio, KMTR's show "Bahai (Baha'i) Peace Program" alone twice, Mrs. Charles Bishop's talk, advertised. November similarly with Willard Hatch and the KMTR program, and then Willard Hatch again. Orcella Rexford talks in early December, as well as the KMTR program.

1946

Talks continued in January when Vira Jewell Paxton spoke first in the new year, followed by Orcella Rexford. William Sears and Marzieh Gail appear at an advertised talk in February. followed by several programing notes KMTR's programs of the Faith.

Willard Hatch opens a talk in March, followed by Winston Evans. Orcella Rexford was advertised in April, followed by Beatrice Irwin. Florence Holsinger spoke towards mid-May, followed by Joel Marangella. Virginia Foster was advertised in July, then Willard Hatch, and Winston Evans. July's talks started with Vira Jewell Paxton, and then one advertised for Robert Theiss.

In August there is an uptick in advertised talks - Orcella Rexford lead in August, followed by Winston Evans, Virginia Foster, and lastly Willard Hatch. This growth advances in September: Robert Thiess, a study class is announced, Virginia Foster, Winston Evans, and his talk was then reviewed, Baha'i Florence Holzinger gave a talk reviewing George Townsend's "Heart of the Gospel", and then spoke separately again. October almost matched September's coverage: it started with a youth symposium, Eleanor Hollibaugh, the Baha'is hosted a showing of "Wings over Alaska", and the last talk of October was Charlotte Dakin. In November was an early talk by Florence Mayberry. followed by Miguel Pidella,Mrs. Charles Bishop returned, and ending November with an advertisement for a talk by Willard Hatch.

December 1946 begins with a talk noted for Virginia Foster, and then there was a youth program at the Center.

Continuing individual programs

1947

Willard Hatch opens January, followed by Beatrice Erwin. Florence Mayberry returned Feb 1, and then Vira Jewell Paxton.Willard Hatch returned in March, and Mrs. Robert W. Kenny , wife of just retired California state attorney general Robert W. Kenny, also gave a presentation. April was quiet but in May Winston Evans gave a talk, followed by the pair of Mignon Thomasson and Charles McAllister. Florence Holsinger spoke in June, twice along with Mr and Mrs Alvin Blum later in June. Willard Hatch close out the month with a talk. Artemus Lamb gave a talk and slides of South America in mid-July. Hatch returned at the end of July. Mrs John McHenry opened August, and was reviewed a couple days later. Jesma Herbert spoke in mid-August, followed lastly in August by Winston Evans. Mrs. John McHenry spoke next in early September, and then Virginia Foster. October had a symposium by Mignon Thomasson, Eva McAllister and Caswell Ellis, followed by Florence Mayberry. Mrs. John McHenry opened November, though obituary notices for Beulah Storrs Lewis followed. Her service was at Wee Kirk o' the Heather chapel noting among other things she was a past president of the LA Women's Breakfast Club, and burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Nevertheless Virginia Foster spoke mid-November, and Florence Mayberry at the end of November. December and 1947 closes only with the talk by John McHenry.

1948

Virginia Foster opened January 1948 with a talk. February has Robert Powers, former chief of police of Bakersfield and working at the state level on such initiative as training police on matters of race prejudice. Willard Hatch spoke next. John McHenry spoke in March, and Florence Mayberry in April. May saw talks by Vira J. Paxton, and Robert Thiess. In-between was the notice of the death of Rosella Dennis. Virginia Foster returned in June, followed by Charles McAllister, and Jesma Herbert, Mignon Thomasson spoke next, in July, followed by Charles Wolcott, then general musical director of Disney Studios. August passed quietly in terms of advertised talks. The next was the return of Mrs Robert W. Kenny in mid-September. Then Virginia Foster spoke in October, and for the first time both Mr and Mrs. John McHenry spoke in early December.

1949

1949 opened with a lag - the first advertised talk was in February with newcomer Isabel Downing. A different notice appeared mid-February where Ralph Lutz is presented speaking at the Center noting his prominence as Dean of the Graduate School of Stanford University and (Herbert) Hoover Memorial Library. Jesma Herbert returned in March, then Virginia Foster in April, along with Isabel Downing again. This rate of roughly once per month continues. Winston Evans in June, Willard Hatch in July, Karl Schuack in August, Robert Powers returned in September, Adrienne Reeves in October, Mrs. Robert W. Kenny in November. and Beatrice Irwin in December.

Coverage breaks out from just speakers

1950

1950 opens with the new format notice - Virginia Foster is giving a talk but for the first time for her, she is pictured and profiled if briefly - that she was a business woman and member of the LA assembly and she is speaking for the World Religion Day observance. The first talk by Mrs C. H. Stillson appears next, in February. Then Adrianna Reeves returned for a talk. Isabel Downing spoke in April, In May Mrs. Charles Bishop spoke, and Mr and Mrs John McHenry returned in June. The Centennial of the Martyrdom of the Bab was notified in the Times in July, and Shirley Wards spoke next, who last spoke in 1939. August saw the appearance of Vera Graham giving a talk. September saw the obituary of Georgina FitzGerald. It noted she was an editor of Baha'i World Book, had lived in Honolulu for years and was a tennis champion; before though she was born in Oakland and was a member of the LA assembly. Charles Wolcott returned to give a talk in September, and returned in November. December, however, was a bigger month of talks. Donald Witzel spoke first. Willard Hatch was next, and Karl Schueck closes out the year, his first appearance.

1951

1951 opens in January with an observance of World Religion Day set with an unnamed panel but the article mentions Willard Hatch is the secretary of the assembly. The meeting is held at Stanley Hall, 1057 N. Stanley Ave. and was going to have a question and answer period. Shirley Warde gave a talk in late January at the 331 South New Hampshire address. A Baha'i wedding ceremony united Sheila Joan Wolcott and Amin Banani in mid-February. Charles McAllister gave a talk in late February. Charles Wolcott followed in later March. Jesma Herbert gave a talk on Ridvan April 22. In May Graham Conroy gave a the Declaration of the Bab. Virginia Foster returned in mid-June for a talk. After a break in July, Isabel Downing is advertised giving a talk in August. Karl Schueck followed in September, Florence Mayberry followed in late September. Willard Hatch returned in early October, and O. Z. Whitehead chaired a symposium for the Faith in early November, (having joined the religion the previous year.) December opened with a talk by Shirley Warde, then Florence Mayberry, and Willard Hatch closes out the year.

1952

1952 opens with a talk by Barbara Barrett for World Religion Day. Willard Hatch was noted speaking next in late January. Charles Wilcott returned in mid-February, and Mrs. Robert W. Kenny late in the month. Donald Barrett spoke next, in March, (they had pioneered to Bogota by 1955,) followed by Willard Hatch still in March. Mrs. Robert W. Kenny spoke again in early April, followed by Robert Powers near mid-April, In a break from coverage of speakers, it was noted in later April that Mrs. Stuart French had left on her pilgrimage trip. Shirley Warde gives a talk in early May. Bruce Davidson followed a week later, and Charles McAllister near the end of May. Robert Powers returned in early June. Virginia Foster spoke a week later, and then Lorin Whitmore gave a talk mid-July, and then Elwyn Van Zandt gave her first talk at the end of July. After a break in August Florence Mayberry returned for a talk in early September. and Isabel Downing in late. Bruce Davidson followed in early October, and Mary H. Bede in early November. A Centenary meeting was noted approaching, along with a brief review of the upcoming talk by Robert Powers, noted as a member of the assembly. What Centenary? Why of the event(s) in the Fall of 1852 after the Attempt on the life of the Shah in the Síyáh-Chál. Later in November the obituary of Louise Lester Beal was published, and closed with Elwyn Van Zandt giving a talk. December coverage noted first that the Baha'is were to hold a southern California regional convention to elect 20 delegates and the article noted the "Spiritual Crusade". Shirley Warde closed out the month.

A regional presence

1953

January 1953 coverage begins with Charles McAllister giving a talk, and then Baha'is Florence Mayberry and Charles Wolcott talks at two World Religion Day events - the Women's University Club and West Hollywood Park Auditorium. Indeed this would imminently turn into a regional set of events noted - Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Burbank, El Monte, Hollywood, Inglewood, Monrovia, San Bernadino, San Diego, Santa Paula, Temple City, Whittier and Windsor Hills. January closes with a (mother-daughter?) talk by Elwyn and Charlotte Van Zandt. Another regional list of events was noted on a centenary plan adding Chula Vista, Elsinore, Fallbrook, Fontana, Maywood, San Gabriel, and Melrose to the previous list of communities holding events. This was followed noting a talk by Graham Conroy. A children's program was soon noted specifically, and then a talk by Mrs. Edward Bode. Virginia Foster followed in mid-March, Come April a regional list for World Peace programs added the community of Windsor Hills to the previous list. Virginia Foster was noted again mid-April, In early May there is a talk by Willard Hatch, followed by an "Open House". Virginia Foster returned for the third time this year, Fewer and fewer individual talks are listed. Later lists of regional meetings were shorter at 14 in July, and 13 in August. There was a profile of a regional youth conference meeting held with Norine Graves Chadil at the end of August. In September Baha'i Churchill Ross was noted having been on a local tv show and was then to be a guest speaker at the Baha'i center. In September also came the news that Mrs. Stuart French was going to pioneer to Monaco. A regional listing the communities was published again mid-October and these would be the only publications mentioning the Faith for some months; mid-November, the last of the year.

1954

The next event was in mid-January for World Religion Day. It was subsequently noted there were various programs for the observance in the area. Speakers/performers among the events included Col. Hanson H. Hathaway, Edith Whiteman. Again a regional notice was published early in February. A meeting was noted late in February. A regional listing was published in early March. Mid-March an article profiled the Bahá'í New Year observances in the area. The next event advertised, an open house, was followed in mid-May, followed by a regional list of contacts for the Faith. A discussion was held at the end of May, and a regional list again mid-June. A children's reception fair was set then as well. Mid-July there was a notice that weekly meetings were to be held at the Center. A week and some days later a race harmony meeting was noted. A general notice of regional meetings was published mid-August, and a meeting noted as well. An advertised meeting followed a week later. "Baha'i Proclamation Day" (noting the mention in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago,) was noted in September. The next meeting was advertised early October. Mid-October a regional list of contacts for the Faith was published. A social event was noted late in October mentioning "a personality from the theatrical world". The Birthday of Baha'u'llah observance was noted in the newspaper in November, the last notice of the year.

1955

World Religion Day observance was advertised next. A regional contact list followed mid-February. There is an extended break in mentions in the newspaper - the next is mid-June - noting F. Joseph McCormack is attending the national convention, as delegate, with his family. Just a week later Gertrude Jacoby, writing for the Los Angeles Assembly, points out the revived persecution in Iran. Another regional list of Baha'i meetings in communities was noted in early July. John Klein, chair of the assembly, was noted addressing the revived persecution in Iran. Charles Wolcott participated in a symposium hosted by the Faith in September. In October, now noted as vice-chair of the national assembly, Wolcott was featured in a talk on the 10th anniversary of the UN. That year another local community managed to host a meeting for the anniversary as well. December saw a notice of the state-wide convention to elect delegates for the national convention.

1956

Coverage opens in April with Paul Haney and Charles Wolcott elected to the national assembly again. That summer the wedding of Baha'is Robert Dix, son of Richard Dix, and Jane Lake was announced. Edna Ford is noted having visited the Geyersville Baha'i school in August. Later August notes Florence Mayberry and Arnold Sukonick talking at a meeting.

1957

A discussion of using "Babi" in a crossword puzzle stumped many in March 1957. Baha'i youth gathering with panel at Center moderated by Robert Dix included Marilyn Jackson, Lisa Montell, Hames Archibald, Zahri Schoeny; singing by Lo Ann Dans. Later in the year an article notes Virginia Foster talked at Women's Club meeting.

Nov 5 news broke that Shoghi Effendi had died.

1958

World Youth Day meeting was held at the Center. Santa Ana area hosted an Orange County meeting for the Day of the Covenant with speaker Vera Longyear.

1959

1959 was a much busier year and opened with the Baha'i observance of World Religion Day with a panel chaired by William Conway and memebrs James Jackman (Jewish), Mokusen Miyuki (Buddhist), William Freeman (Christian), Shikar Ilaki Husain (Islam), and Charles Wolcott (Baha'i). Having joined the Faith in 1955 in NY, and moved to LA, Betty Ulius writing career in Hollywood started. Baha'i appreciation service at the UU church by David Bond. The national Baha'i election was noted electing H. Borrah Kavelin and "Angeleno" Charles Wolcott. Baha'i Race Amity Day observance out of Santa Ana for Orange County with youth panels, moderated by Leonard Herbert. Then the Faith began to appear on a series of radio and tv stations - KGLA with Russ Garcia, George Greeley, and Tony Lease, and "Baha'i" on KBIQ with Arthur Lyman. Then came the Baha'i wedding of Marsha Jean Wolcott and Michael Patro Kuffel - Charles Wolcott, John Keith, Mrs Amin Banani, Bruce Hansen, Patro Kuffel, Edward Kuffel mentioned. Baha'is sponsor UN Day observance; Ernest Crain, John K. Rutan was noted. A discussion of Islam and Baha'i Faith by Arthur Briggs at held at a society/club event in November. Florence Mayberry talked at meeting of Baha'is in Santa Ana. Santa Ana Baha'is noted attending state convention mentions John K. Rutan.

1960

1960 opens with an advert for World Religion Day and a talk by Elena Allegro at the Center.. Shirin Fozdar spoke out against polygamy in March 1960. May had an advert for Ruhiyyih Rabbani talk at Wilshire Ebell theatre. Race Amity Day meeting with talk by Robert Hart was held in Fullerton, at the Baha'i Center. Vic Damone was interviewed after joining the Baha'i Faith. A brief Jonah Ruddy anecdote was published. The National Assembly sponsored a peace meeting at LA Center. The year closes with a Baha'i observance of Human Rights Day; William Sears, S. Obi, P. Kurihara, talk at meeting.

1961

1961 opened late for articles with a notice Baha'is were among those presenting at the city birthday cake festival. Elwyn Van Zandt then spoke at at a World Religion Day observance at the Center with performers inc Milton Norman and Cavin Jackson. The November observance of Baha'u'llah's Birthday at Baha'i Center was held with talks by Alan Rosenberg and Betsy Haynes, closing out the year

Multiple events in the regional community

1962

1962 opens with Baha'i wedding of Robert Dix and Ann Mason. The observance of World Religion Day at Center was held with talk by Elena Allegro. And there was a notice of the election of Jay Sayer(pictured) as Chair of Glendale Baha'i Assembly. The observance of the Martyrdom of the Bab at LA Center was noted soon after. Then Paul Pettit talked at the home of Mrs. Anna Cooper. The Beverly Hills community had Tallulah Pettigrew talk at a meeting. Mrs Irvin Bobo, boxer Joe Lewis' sister, talks at meeting. Meetings in Burbank are advertised, also noting talks with Mrs Keith Quigley and James Wiley, closed out the year.

1963

1963 opens with Baha'is of Burbank sponsoring World Religion Day at Mrs and Mr Sidney Bulkin home with a talk by Mrs Eliot Sater. Baha'is in Anaheim also sponsored World Religion Day with talk by David Bond at home, chaired by Robert Moore. And there was a notice that Angeleno Dorothy Nelson would be a delegate to the international Congress to elect the Universal House of Justice as well as research in Europe. The summer regular meetings of Baha'is in Pasadena garner a listing under "other churches" in the newspaper.

1964

Joy McCormack talks at Center early in 1964. Obit for Laura Arkell Platt followed in mid-March. Contact information for Baha'is of Hermosa Beach was published in July and would continue some months. Baha'is held a summer school including speakers (then Councilman) Thomas Bradley, Walter Cobb of HR Commission and Baha'is Robert Quigley and Ugo Giachery. Betty Ulius was again briefly visible in August. A meeting was noted in October advertised. Baha'is were noted present at the LA Pacific college. Baha'i gala in Anaheim for regional meeting at home of Mr and Mrs F. W. Thunberg - the date is Nov 11 so presumably for Baha'u'llah's Birthday but unstated. Indeed the LA Baha'i Center program for Baha'u'llah Birthday included talks by Rowena Burack and performance by Robert Sennett.

1965

1965 begins with an advert for World Religion Day at the LA Center. The Baha'i Faith was noted in a local TV review of religions. Baha'is sponsored World Peace Day with a talk by James Nelson. And in November a slide show presentation was held at the Center.

1966

1966 opened with mention of the Baha'i festival in San Gabriel Valley. And come April there was the Baha'i observance of 12 days (Ridvan) in West Hollywood.Baha'i advert for "Lamp unto my feet" show were posted in early September. Baha'i talks were presented at a summer school at Pacific Palisades - Mildred Motahedeh, Robert Quigley, Florence Mayberry, Anthony Lease. Baha'i advert for World Peace Day at Center followed mid-September. Lastly a Baha'i social was held at the home of Mrs. R. J. Gillette.

1967

1967 is a big year for presence in the LA Times as it was also the anniversary of …. It begins with a notice Baha'is sponsoring World Religion Day in San Gabriel Valley with Lisa Montell, then open house for CBS show "Light unto my feet", then Mayor's dinner, show, and choir directed by Bob Porter. Sara Kenny gave a talk for World Religion Day event at the Center. Following in February James Nelson gave a talk at a series in Santa Monica at home of Banani family. A Baha'i Choral Group performed at Watts Happening Friday nights. Keith Quigley talks at Banani home, then another. That summer a Baha'i book store had a presentation of a book by Jessyca Russell Gaver and book signing by Keith Quigley, and presented to an interfaith group meeting of youth. A first general summary of the Faith is presented in August. Several Baha'i communities pool sponsoring UN Day at Banani home with talks by Frederick Mayer, Amin Banani, and oriental dance group. A few days later Baha'i youth panel at City Hall rm, students from various communities and countries. Centenary observances for Baha'is with speakers was announced, and advertisements noted talks by Thomas Bradley and Arthur Dahl. November closed out with a Birth of Baha'u'llah notice.

1968

Early January 1968 opens with a profile of Mark Tobey that notes he is a Baha'i. Then there is a profile of ailing Hand of the Cause Tarazullah Samandari and the article is echoed a few times. Then there is an article that some tourists to visit Baha'i Shrine in Haifa in their itinerary. There is a AP article on the international Baha'i convention in Haifa and that David Ruhe elected to the Universal House of Justice. A letter to the editor of Baha'i Marj Konishi discusses a mixed marriage but focuses on simpler culture challenges. Baha'i advert opening new Center at 9701 W. Pico Blvd noting meetings Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. Baha'is to joined in a July 4 youth bell ringing performance. The obit of Baha'i Sara McCann Kenny, wife of Robert W. Kenny then came in late September. She had most recently been elected to the National Assembly of France. In October Baha'i John Beck was part of an UN Day observance at Chapman College. In early November the Baha'i wedding of Mario Visintin and Rebecca Lease (pictured) was posted. The Anaheim UU hosted the Baha'i observance of the Birth of Baha'u'llah with a talk by Maurice Willows. Late in December a story of Vic Damone overviewed the Baha'i Faith. And then in very late December a major profile is published of Dorothy Wright Nelson who had been named Woman of the Year by Time magazine.

1969

1969 opens with a profile of Baha'i Faith also reviews local community alittle; Marsha Drake, Gail Martin, Vic Damone. However in early February there is an obit of Hand of the Cause Tarazu'llah Samadari. Naw Ruz observance and profile - Joan Bulkin. Baha'i study class was noted at Center. In Paril Baha'i Leo Rovin was noted on an interfaith panel. The election of the Baha'i Assembly in Burbank was reported with members Sidney Bulkin, Walter Blakely, Hazel Parkurst, Dofy King, Sandi Rogers, Mrs. Ralph Neal, Ralph Neal, and Dianne Gray. Baha'is of Orange county held a "council fire" at the YMCA near Irvine Park. In October Baha'i youth from Burbank were noted returning from Tucson. Baha'i Jalil Mohmoudi talked at the Center in early November. Baha'i film "A New Wind" showing was noted at USC, as well as at Valley State College. Baha'i human Rights award was given to the Orange County Fair Housing Council.

1970

1970 opens with a profile of Baha'i Winston Evans and the religion. Then a Christian cultist reviews religions, noted the Baha'i Faith. A week later Baha'is Dorothy and James Nelson gave a talk at the Center. The Baha'is were noted noted joining the UN advisory role in the Economic and Social Council. Baha'is then sponsored Human Rights Day at Student Union and give awards for Ricardo Montalban, Art Seldenbaum, Ted Walkins. Orange County Baha'is posthumously awarded Reuben Salazar. The Beverly Hills Baha'is sponsored Human Rights Day with the declaration of Mayor Stuchen. A local interfaith religious conference included the Baha'i Faith, closing out the year.

1971

1971 opened with Baha'is sponsoring World Religion Day with a talk by David Villasenor at home of Mr and Mrs Sherman Starr. Then Baha'is Seals and Crofts album was reviewed and mentioned of the religion. Baha'i advertisements and quotes appeared. Baha'i Naw Ruz observance was next with a Seals and Crofts concert, and noted Richard Mirkovich. A Baha'i "fan" of Queen Eilizabeth gives her a cross though badly timed during a visit to British Columbia. Baha'i E. G. Van Zandt talked at the Vedic Revelation Church. There was a rebroadcast of "Lamp unto my feet" show on Baha'i Faith in later August. Two films were also shown at a meeting of Baha'is in West Hollywood Park. Baha'i Faith Club at UCLA sponsored UN Day at student center in October. The Baha'is posted an article like advertisement noting many teachings of the religion in later October. Middle December another Human Rights award ceremony was noted for Margo and Eddie Albert, Walk Baker, Roderick and Rozzell Sykes, Charles Drew. The only mention of a Covenant Breaker group in the LA Times appears at the end of December, 1971, noting it was not local.

1972

A review of Seals and Crofts opens mention of the Faith in January notes their being Baha'is but briefly and sort of dismissed. A Baha'i youth meeting in park in Beverly Hills was noted in February. Baha'i Betty Ulius story picked up by a Hollywood producer. Baha'i observance of Martyrdom of the Bab was next noted. Regular meetings of a Baha'i school at the Center were noted in mid-September. A group called the Baha'i New World Singers supported a fundraiser for St. Stephens Baptist Church. Baha'i Leonard Stabb offered a class on screenwriting at the Baha'i Center.

1973

1973 opens with mention of the "family party" at the Center, not naming Ayyam-i-Ha in two articles. Seals and Crofts, and Baha'i Faith, are profiled again in March, this time in more depth. Then there's no mention until September when the Baha'is sponsor World Peace Day. Baha'is hosted talks at their homes - Amin Banani and Homa Snibbe. There's a breif reference about Rev Marcus Bach who met Shoghi Effendi and the Baha'is in a profile of him in the newspaper. Buckminster Fuller was asked "Are you a Baha'i?" and he said "No… I'm just a Bucky." James Nelson gave a series held at the Bidwell Forum at the Glendora Library and Cultural Center, and the the LA Baha'i Center.

1974

1974 opens with a profile of Dizzy Gillespie which mentions his adoption of the Baha'i Faith. Next, Lisa Janti talked at a UU meeting.In April there is an interview of Karin Morrison, a profile of West LA Baha'is counted at some 700 Baha'is, and their Center. A Petfinders store was closed for a Baha'i Holy Day (Ridvan). In May there was a profile of Seals and Crofts and their religion. West Hollywood Baha'i meetings at homes and Center. The Nelson family is again profiled in August. Reviewing of growing religion notes Joan Bulking, alas the last mention of the year.

1975

1975 opens with Baha'i Mona Greiser on local tv. Then Baha'is and World Religion Day were a subject of a talk by Ken Jeffers. A breif mention of Baha'is ask about joining the local Interfaith council. A business advertised it was closed for Baha'i (Ridvan) Holy Day. Four lectures by Baha'is sponsored by UN Association and the Baha'is of Santa Monica - Mildred Motahedeh, Shela Banini, Dorothy Nelson, Lisa Janti. Baha'i human rights awards were given to Eleanor Blumenburg and Audrey Kaslow by the Baha'is of Los Angeles.

1976

An article opens 1976 on unemployment that profiles Baha'i George Hill. The Baha'is joined the local Interfaith council and announced in April. Baha'is were noted in the interfaith festival - James Nelson was on the program. Baha'i Betty Ulius writer/editor was on KPFK-FM. Baha'is and World Peace Day; Gerry Ludwin talked at a meeting over at Manhattan Beach. In October a profile of Dizzy Gillespie noted the religion. A Baha'i observance in West Hollywood for Baha'u'llah's Birthday. There was brief mention of a Baha'i from the World Center that played golf in Israel. Baha'i Betty Ulius script about the difficulty women are framed in. The Baha'is of Los Angeles County postumously honored Rosalind Russell. Other recipients are Rosalind Russell, John Carpenter, William Schwentner, Indian Free Clinic - closing out the year.

1977

February 1977 opens with an article on cold wave notes expense of Baha'i Temple. Baha'i Dizzy Gillespie notes "Olinga" compositions shortly after the murder. The Baha'i Assembly of Altadena sponsors concert with Stu Gilliam in June. Baha'is Seals and Crofts concert was taped and shown on TV. An unnamed couple of Baha'is speak at Goodwill meeting, both in wheelchairs, is noted in an article mid-July. Baha'i Stu Gilliam performs at Suburst Unity Festival, also Marc Towers appears.

A number of articles then cover the hostage situation that developed at the Baha'i School at Bosch. News begins with the end of a hostage situation. He was identified as Tom Wilson, formerly working at the Baha'i School, and had psychiatric problems "about four years ago" when it was reported he was using drugs recreationally. Wilson had moved to another community and then left the religion. Wilson hijacked a city bus in Santa Cruz and directed them at gun point to the Baha'i school, released those 4 hostages but took over a class of some 31 including some 15 staff that was in session and held all at gun point. During the hostage situation Wilson tried to have an inmate also brought to the scene and also hurt. Wilson released the children almost immediately. Initial reports were reported a few times. Followups noted various additional details - that reporters had telephoned the school during the hostage situation complicating matters, that the rifle Wilson bought was brand new and still in the box, Vern Allie was noted as a Baha'i assisting the investigation, Jack Kimbro of Mariposa had been Wilson's first contact with the Faith, elderly were also released early, Wilson had gone to San Francisco, and that Wilson was moved to surrender instead of suicide amidst his psychiatric problems. A psychiatric review was court ordered. Wilson was eventually committed to a state hospital after being ruled insane when he attacked.

Baha'i activities in Carson, notes Stu Gilliam, Star Wars costume party. Baha'i Maurice Willows spoke at UN anniversary for 32 anniversary of Alhambra community meeting. Baha'i events in Palos Verdesnotes Richard Llewellen, Tony Lease, Paul Fletcher, and party at home of Mr and Mrs James Market. UNA award with talk by Baha'i Dorothy Nelson, and the Baha'i award went to Roosevelt Grier. Baha'i Dizzy Gillespie contributes quote and voice to film.

1978

Baha'i Betty Deborah Ulius wrote a letter to the editor on stereotyping of women on TV. Baha'is hosted a public Ridvan feast, and a "festival of roses". Then there was a profile of Baha'is on Mt Carmel. Baha'i David Villasenor talked at a meeting. Months later there was a profile of the Faith and the Chicago Temple.There was a brief mention of Baha'i Temple as a landmark. Baha'i Youth Workshop performance. Baha'i photo contest by Santa Monica Assembly. Baha'is Alex Rocco, Stu Gilliam, Ken Zemke, Betty Ulius on stress in entertainment industry. There is brief mention of Baha'is amidst changing situation in Iran and Iranians in LA, and reports of fears in Iran of Baha'is. There was brief mention of the Bab, and the Baha'i Faith, in review of Jim Jones' extremism. Baha'i human rights award went to Marianne Frostig, LA chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and Villa Alergre; singing for the event was presented by by Burl Ives. There was a review of Baha'i Guy Murchie's book. The year ended with coverage of riots against Baha'is in Iran notes many dead and property damage as well as Moslems killed,

1979

Coverage begins taking up the issue of Baha'is in Iran, along with a brief mention, and was soon commented on in a letter to the editor as well. Mention of Baha'is sponsoring World Religion Day followed, A few days later there is a profile of Rick and Gwen Welland who encountered the Faith in Hawaii, and then Bahá'í Amin Banani talks at a meeting, And then returns mention of the growing fears of persecution in Iran. In later February the Bahá'í Center hosted a talk on the history of Judaism. In March the Center hosted a talk on "Christ and Baha'u'llah". A little later in March an advertisement by the national Baha'i community referred to the situation in Iran. The Baha'i Center hosted another talk, this time by Homayoun Mohmoudi, on science and religion in mid-April.

There is a break until August. Then there is a profile of Baha'is noting Dorothy and James Nelson. They were both in the legal field, members of the national spiritual assembly, (she since 1969, he since 1977,) and he was chair of the local assembly. Glenford Mitchell was also interviewed as part of the article. There was a suggestion that Dorothy Nelson would soon be nominated to the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The article briefly addresses a number of Baha'i values and stances as well as a profile of the growth of the religion - some 925 assemblies in 1974 to more than 1400 in 1979, some 35 of those based in Indian communties, with more looked for in the near future. It also noted a USC Baha'i club. World Peace Day was noted in September. Another article in September reviewed developments in Iran including what was happening in Iran to Baha'is. Days later Jack Kudron and Gayle Hickman gave a talk at the Center for the International Year of the Child. The came the news of violence in Uganda and the murder of Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and family. The continuing violence in Uganda and the ongoing commentary on the murder of Mr. Olinga appeared in the Times in early October. Some generic November advertisements appeared, followed by a multi-faith review of events in LA and in particular of Iran government vs Baha'i views of events in Iran. The Times then returned to the coverage of Dorothy Nelson's move to being an Appellate judge. A Baha'i children's choir then was scheduled to perform in December.

1980

1980 opens with the Times reviewing the beginning of construction of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mt. Carmel. Coverage returned to the topic of things in Iran in mid-March and the dis-enfranchisement of Bahá'is. The next day there was mention of Baha'i Dash Crofts performing in town. In April there was coverage of the doomsday fears of a splinter group of Baha'is. The Nelsons soon presented on the Faith at an Episcopal church. Coverage of Iran continued to come out even in bits.

In June the Faith was listed as part of the interfaith "National Conference of Christians and Jews" as one of the "major historical faiths in the area". In August there was coverage of Iranian Baha'is taking English classes. In September contact information for regional Baha'i communities was listed in the Times for El Sereno, Santa Monica, Burbank, W. Hollywood, Bevery Hills, San Fernando City, West Covina, and a celebration of Universal Children's Day was advertised with Indian sand painting in LA proper, and Huntington Beach. A month later a performance of spanish dancers was hosted by Baha'is. Then there was mention of a specific Baha'i arrested in Iran. This was followed in November by a page length advertisement reviewing the persecution situation. Separately there was a story covering Betty Ulius' working in Hollywood. In December a Cal State at Long Beach interfaith group was noted including Baha'is. A Times article then noted Baha'is were listed among the 800 groups Chicago police had infiltrated in its history - the document came out in a administration about-face by the mayor's office - “Groups targeted for spying opposed the policies of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, were critical of the Chicago Police Department or were politically independent organizations seeking some sort of local reform.” The infiltrator was a high school student who went by the name "Joan Evans".

1981

In January Baha'i contact information was advertised in Spanish, as well as in the region. Religious and ethnic minority differences - Muslims, Jews, Christian Assyrian and Armenians, and Baha'is - were noted separating Iranian expatriates in the LA area following .

In April one-act plays were presented - the topics were Tahirih, and "Women". Then there was coverage of David Villasenor presenting his Indian sandpaintings. The article refers to him joining the religion in 1955. In July there was a two-plus page plus profile of Iranian Baha'is including letters from Badí’u’lláh Faríd, then being held in Evin Prison. Villasenor appeared next in September at a Baha'i presentation on World Peace Day.

In November the Bahá'ís of Rosemead celebrated the formation of their local Assembly. In December the Baha'is gave Human Rights Award's out and this year they gave it to Tippi Hedren, MEND, Barrie Levy, Sugar Ray Robinson's Youth Foundation. Betty Ulius was noted as writer of a KLAC show.

1982

The Rosemead community offered an international musical program night. And there was an article covering non-Baha'is fleeing Iran accused of being a Baha'i. The Human Rights Award of the Baha'is of LA County was given to Barrie Levy was covered in the Times in January as well. A brief profile/update of the persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran noted the government "officially acknowledged" executions. Sherna Hough wrote a letter to editor correcting that a slogan should be attributed to the Baha'is back from 1976. Betty Ulius was noted again for Heartbeat Theater.

In June there was an article covering controversial opinions about music - Baha'is were mentioned among groups reacting. The Rosemead community held Race Unity Day. The Baha'i Faith was noted on local TV. Baha'is were raised in county concerns of persecution in Iran to the US President and being referred to the State Department in September. An article reviewing taped interviews included Dizzy Gillespie talking on the Baha'i Faith from a decade earlier. Persecution in Iran made the news again in a review out of Eliot Maine published in the Times. Then there were several articles covering the murder of Daniel Jordan. In December there was a letter to editor by Anthony Lee about the persecution of Baha'is in Iran.

1983

In February mention of the persecution in Iran was noted from London. Regional contact information for 39 communities was listed in the religious directory in March. Coverage of the persecution in Iran returned in June. George Cornell profiled the Baha'i persecution in Iran.

1984

The Baha'is in Iran was the topic of one of the talks by interfaith meeting in May. In August the LA Baha'is began a series of free classes on the religion. A September talk was also listed on career consultation. Thomas Kavelin wrote a letter to editor wrote a review of a Hans Kung book.

Baha'is were noted observing the Birth of Baha'u'llah. The Faith was listed on the Odyssey channel, and observed Human Rights Day with a talk by Alfred Osborne. Then Khomeini's rules including persecution of Baha'is was translated into English.

1985

A review of "The Baha'i Faith: the Emerging Global Religion"was published in February. Baha'i meeting was held in Burbank in June. In September a meeting in Seal Beach was noted, and another by the Rosemead community was advertised in October with Juana Conrad giving the talk.

1986

In January the Baha'i Center showed a documentary on Dr. King, followed the next day the Baha'is sponsored a talk by Alvin Lewis. A couple weeks later there was a talk by Dorothy Nelson, then the Baha'i Center held a general open house "Spring Family Festival". In April Lisa Janti gave a talk at a local church, and Baha'i Judge James Nelson was profiled.

In October an article profiled a peace conference with Ralph Farrinton co-planning it and part of the events at the Baha'i Temple.

1987

An obit and profile of Charles Wolcott was published in late January. In April the Bahá'ís of Bernardino held a cycling event.

1988

A regional Baha'i presentation was on TV-KSCI, with contact Don or Susan Berkman in mid-January. In late January Glendale Baha'is held a regional women's conference. A UN report was published in February including the Baha'is in Iran. In March San Diego Baha'is held a women and peace. In April the LA Center hosted Baha'is from '87 Moscow World Congress for Women; Juana Conrad and Homa Mahmoudi. Pasadena Baha'is hosted a children's peace conference in June. In September a brief profile of Baha'is was published and noted Burrell Bullock and the dedication of new Baha'i Center that had been progressively renovated over several years. South Bay Baha'is held Human Rights Day.

1989

Baha'is held a program on MLK at the Center. In February the obituary of Cathering Morgan Andreasen was published.

In August Baha'is hosted a peace program with a Jude Narita performance. It was dedicated by Mayor Tom Bradley. In November San Diego Baha'is held a cultural festival. And in December Santa Monica Baha'is held an event on racism.

1990

In May a profile of Dizzy Gillespie covered his work as a UN Orchestra leader. Baha'is of Camarillo held a peace program with talks by John Hatcher and Liz Gibson. The LA Baha'i Center hosted a peace program with Edward James Olmos, Jude Narita, and Kaz Suyeishi. It was where Mayor Bradley announced a plan for an eternal flame plan. The LA Baha'i Center held a peace festival. Baha'is of Santa Barbara also held Peace Day. The Baha'i Lotus Temple was noted as part of a on tour in India.

1991

Camarillo Baha'is held a meeting at the library in January. In April the obituary of Baha'i Gertrude Y. Nelson was published. In July the obituary of Baha'i Evelyn M. Staley was published, and Baha'is held a meeting on racism in San Fernando Valley, followed by another in August, and September. Tom Morey was profiled in October; he joined the Faith in Hawaii before 1973, then Nosrat Rasekh talked at a meeting for the Camarillo Baha'is. Then a profile of Bahá'í group Seals and Crofts noted Seals' family had moved to Costa Rica and working a coffee farm. In November the obit of Baha'i Dolores Edna Rosenberger was published. Finally in December Reinee Pasarow and her NDE experience was the subject of a presentation at the Baha'i Center.

1992

David Hofman talked at a meeting at the Nelson and Shahriaree homes in April. In May the Center hosted race unity group. The initiative was supported with advertising. In June Baha'is were part of an interfaith group on a peace march, followed by an advertisement from the national Baha'i community in an open letter to president on racism and the violence in LA. Then in June the Times printed an LA Baha'i awards social and art exhibit to Dizzy Gillespie, Vic Damone, Jim Sleas and Dash Crofts to benefit an international bilingual magazine. In August Center hosts cross-cultural event. Baha'is hosted informal meeting in Tustin. In September Baha'is were listed among "Our Community Rebuilds" public service campaign. A meeting in Tustin was advertised again by Joyce and Don Boykin holding a race unity meeting. In October a cross-cultural event was held at the LA Center. In November the Baha'is of Adam Walsh sponsored a meeting. And 11 communities of Baha'is were listed. Baha'is held a Human Rights Day event in Costa Mesa. In December the obituary of Baha'i Diane Varga was published, and the Center hosted a tribute.

1993

No advertisements or notices of the Faith are found in 1993

Further work

More clippings coming…

See also

Los Angeles, California.