Whitley's Hollywood

H. J. Whitley was given the title "Father of Hollywood" because on October 26, 1911 he convinced the first movie studio to make Hollywood its home. Nestor Studio, was established by David Horsley. The Nestor Company leased Blondeu Tavern for thirty dollars a month, and built the first Hollywood film stage ever on the northwest corner of Sunset and Gower. Eventually it would evolve into Universal Studios. Not only did H. J. Whitley bring the movie studios to Hollywood, he also left his personal footprint throughout the entire town.




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We have enjoyed receiving pictures of people visiting the Whitley Building in Disney's California Adventure. If you would like to have your picture added please contact the author.