rememBURBANK: Recent Episodes
Burbank Public Library
rememBURBANK is a podcast featuring stories from the history of Burbank, California and is produced by the Burbank Public Library.
This calculated and cold-hearted killing shows what lengths a human will go to for cash. A sensational crime that made national news happened right here in Burbank.
The controversial practice of banning books has been going on for centuries. But what has this looked like in our city's history? This month's podcast reports on two Burbank Public Library book ban debates that made the news in the 1960s.
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association turns out amazing and often award-winning parade floats year after year. But did you know this tradition was about to be scrapped in 1948? That is until a tenacious Burbanker took up the cause to rescue the float! This month's podcast tells the story of Esther Klein's endeavors to ensure Burbank's legacy in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
In the not-too-distant past, Burbank Central Library offered an extensive Cinema and Television archive. Find out its history and fate in this month's RememBurbank Podcast.
Have you ever imagined what was Burbank like before it was ever Burbank? The origins of California as a state started with Spanish occupation and the granting of ranchos to various men of importance. Burbank is built on the land of two of those ranchos and this month's podcast is dedicated to the story of Rancho San Rafael and Rancho Providencia.
Do you ever wonder how a street gets its name? This podcast looks at the origins and histories behind some of Burbank's boulevards, roads, and ways.
Mob-style murders of innocent old ladies don't happen here in Burbank, right? This month's podcast explores one such unfortunate crime and the sensationalized trail that ensued.
Valhalla Memorial Park has been Burbank's local cemetery for nearly 100 years, but many of those years have not been lifeless! Listen to the podcast to find out what makes Valhalla's history so unique.
It is called Hollywood Black Friday, but it happened right here in Burbank. Unions clashed and blood was shed in a studio labor riot. Find out more details in this month's podcast!
The sad truth is that Japanese American internment is just a footnote in the history we're taught. But it really hits close to home when we learn that resettlement housing was right here in Burbank.
You might be surprised to hear that Burbank had a significant brush with organized crime. Corruption abounded for a handful of years right here in this idyllic town!
It is not very often that a school changes its name, but Burbank has just recently made history by changing the name of one of its Middle Schools. Listen to the podcast to find out why!
Burbank got its name from a local dentist turned sheep-farmer. This month's pocast examines our namesake's history and how he helped our city become the place we know and love today.
The Burbank Public Library has been a cornerstone of the city for more than 100 years. Listen to find out more about the library's evolution and continuing contributions to the community.
The 1960s was a turbulent time in America. Racial tensions were high and change needed to happen. The Burbank Human Relations Council is a local organization that has helped pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse community and has been doing so since 1958. Listen to the podcast to hear more about their cause and the Rumford Fair Housing Act's history in Burbank.
Do you ever get frustrated just trying to get across town? Turns out it's not a new dilemma. Find out what early Burbanker Joseph Fawkes did to try to solve his transportation problem.
Many fascinating people have trod through Burbank, but how many dared do it on horseback, while leaping over an automobile full of people? Check out our Burbank bio podcast to find out more!
St. Joe's has been a long standing pillar in the Burbank community. Listen to find out more about its origins and historical highlights in this podcast recorded in honor of our local heroes: the hospital staff from Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Did you know that Burbank was once the spring training home of a major league baseball team? That's right, from 1949 to 1952, the St. Louis Browns called home a ball park that was only a long home run from downtown Burbank. Listen to the show to find out more!
Burbank's connection to the media industry dates back to at least 1919, and since then many more movie, television, and animation studios have opened, it would be impossible to name them all. What made Burbank an ideal location for the media industry, you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
Wes Clark of Burbankia joins us to talk about the history of the Turkey Crossing which dates back to 1899. But what was the Turkey Crossing and how did it get its name, you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
From the 1920s to 1957 there was a giant, orange, pumpkin-shaped building in Burbank. What was the purpose of a pumpkin-shaped building, you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
In 1925 the University of California was looking for a new home for its Southern Branch and Burbank was a site contender. What made Burbank such a great place for an institution of higher education, you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
The Pacific Electric trolley line, nicknamed "Red Cars", arrived in Burbank a few months after the city was incorporated in 1911. How did the small population of Burbank convince a major transportation system to travel to the rural community, you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
With views overlooking the San Fernando Valley and the city of Los Angeles, the Starlight Bowl has witnessed many concerts, performances, and school events over its decades of existence. How did the outdoor amphitheater come to be you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
In the book Burbank History a brief mention is made of Dr. F.W. Coulter who went to Buckingham Palace to receive the Distinguished Conduct Medal. What did he do to receive such a prestigious medal, you ask? Listen to the show to find out!
In 1986 a time capsule was discovered in an office closet at the Burbank Central Library. The copper box had been unearthed when the old library was demolished in the early 1960s, but rather than being opened it was stored in a closet and forgotten for nearly a quarter of a century. What was found inside when it was finally opened you ask? Listen to find out!
In 1963 President John F. Kennedy attended the John Burroughs High School prom. Why would a sitting President of the United States attend a high school dance, you ask? Listen to find out!
For full shownotes, including photos of the President at the prom, visit the episode page at burbankinfocus.org/rememBURBANK/episode001