Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Harriette Arlene Lake was born here:



Most 61ers would know Ms. Lake as actress Ann Sothern, born here in the "Lion's Court" on a cold day in January, 1909, in Valley City, according to Wikipedia. The online encyclopedia's article also reports that "Sothern was raised in Minneapolis, where she graduated from Minneapolis Central High School in 1926. Sothern left home and began her film career as an extra in the 1927 film Broadway Nights at the age of 18." She passed away in 2001.

About the time a TV set arrived at our house, 1956-67, I remember seeing Ann Sothern in a show called "Private Secretary." Remember that one? That's when it was very common for an executive to have a "private secretary" and it was always a female.

Thanks to Jerry Busche for sending us this photo of the "Platou Hospital," later transformed into an apartment building named after the two lions' heads that--while not on this photo--would eventually greet visitors at the base of the entrance stairs. Thanks, Jerry!  

BREAKING NEWS:  Your blogmeister had posted that this building is still standing...latest report is: it ain't. Was torn down. And I was looking forward to seeing those lions' heads!  - Larry  Click on photo for larger image.

3 comments:

barb sheppard lang VCHS 61 said...

So where are the lions now? Are they at the Presidents House?

Diane Sauer Hughes said...

My mom and dad lived at the Lions Court for 5 years or so in their retirement -- around 1963. I never knew the history. Thanks very much.

Diane Sauer Hughes said...

Just had an email from my niece, Linda Moser, who lives in Valley City. She says the Lions Court was torn down quite a few years ago!!