Whitley Heights 101

2026 N. Las Palmas Avenue

One of the Pueblo style homes left in Whitley Heights, 2026 N. Las Palmas Avenue was built in 1924 by famed architect Nathan L. Coleman, who built various homes in Whitley Heights, including Villa Vallambrosa located at 2074 Watsonia Terrace. Chiropractors Herbert and Mary Lyon built the 3-story, 2,240 square foot residence that has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. In addition, the home holds some of its original details including; a breakfast nook, center island kitchen, and master bedroom with a fireplace. In 1927, the Lyons built a bathroom, laundry room and closet in the basement to convert the basement into a one-bedroom apartment.

The Lyons, son, Frances, resided in the home between 1930 and 1932, according to the Index to Register of Voters. Frances D. Lyon worked in the entertainment industry. Although born in North Dakota, Francis D. Lyon’s film career began in England as an editor on several prestigious J. Arthur Rank productions. When Lyon moved to Hollywood, he moved here temporarily with his parents and sister where he began work for Mack Sennett Studios. Lyon started in the editing department in 1932 and was credited for editing 26 films up until 1952. In 1952, he started his directing career and was credited for 35 films or television shows until 1969. Frances “Pete” Lyon won an Academy Award in 1947 for best film editing in “Body and Soul” starring John Garfield and Lilli Palmer.

Lyon directed Disney’s The Great Locomotive Chase in 1956, based on a true Civil War incident and worked on a few low grade Science Fiction films. After transitioning to television, Lyon was known for his work on three episodes of The Magical World of Disney (1956-1961) and four episodes of Perry Mason (1962). In 1966, Lyon co-founded United Artists Corporation and completed his last film, “The Girl Who Knew Too Much” in 1969 starring Adam West. His brother, Earle, produced the film. He became engaged to Anna Coursen in 1933 as he must have been living here right before the engagement and married in 1935. After they married, Lyon took a supervising editor job for Alexander Korda dn Rene Clair in London and Paris.

Between 1936 and 1939, William “Wid” Gunning lived at 2026 Las Palmas Avenue. In 1918, Gunning moved to Los Angeles and started a magazine called “Film Daily”, which stayed in business until 1970. He was also known for writing movie reviews. Gunning was known for producing and writing movies in the 1920s and 1930s. He was best known for producing “The Valley of the Giants” (1927), “Burning Daylight” (1928) and “Seven Footprints to Satan” (1929). He married Ruth Alkire in 1934; he was 48-she 33. She was the daughter of vaudeville actress Anita Perry. He listed this address in a 1938 voter’s registration form and city directory.

Between 1935-1938, Grace Dubray rented the one bedroom apartment. Dubray was a script supervisor between 1932 to 1963 and was credited for 31 films and television shows. Her first documented film was A Farewell to Arms, starring Gary Cooper and Helen Hayes in 1932, in which she worked as a script clerk. She worked on films such as, I Like it That Way (1934), starring Gloria Stuart, Born to Be Bad (1934), starring Cary Grant and Loretta Young, Holiday Inn (1942), starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, and Gigi (1958), starring Leslie Caron and Maurice Chevalier. Her last known work was as a script supervisor for four Beverly Hillbillies episodes in 1963. Below, Grace Dubray is pictured sitting on the far right, filming “Arizona” starring William Holden and Jean Arthur.

In 1940, actor Eldbridge G. Anderson rented the home. He was an actor and writer, known for Huddle (1932) and had a minor part in That’s My Boy (1932). While residing at this address, he listed his occupation as a freelance writer on his 1940 World War 2 Draft Card. Voter registrations also had musicians Eugene Daniels and William Penoff residing in the house in 1942, but not information could be obtained about their music careers.