German-American History at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park

Between 1934 and 1957, most of this area in

Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park, west of

Dunsmore Avenue and south of Honolulu Avenue,

was a private park owned by the German-American

League. The private park, named Hindenburg Park in

memorial of former German President Paul Von

Hindenburg, was a center for German culture. In

1939, due to growing anti-German sentiment during

World War II, the League changed the name of their

park to La Crescenta Picnic Grounds.

Former layout of the private park in red, modern County facilities in black. Credit: Historical Society of

the Crescenta Valley

German-American Bund Party choir group of the Friends of New Germany,

April 1936. Credit: Special Collections and Archives, Oviatt Library,

California State University, Northridge

German-American Pilots, 358th Bomb Squadron, under the command of

Capt. Werner G. Goering, August 10, 1944. Credit: www.303rdBG.com

Park Caretaker’s Residence, circa 1938. Credit: Historical

Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr.

Entry gates to the park, circa 1938. Credit: Historical Society

of the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr.

Promotional brochure for La Crescenta Picnic Grounds. Credit: Historical Society of

the Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr.

During the years of private operation, the

grounds held hundreds of elaborate German

cultural celebrations, featuring bands, plays,

dances, and parades, with literally thousands

of participants each weekend. When not

being used by clubs, the park was rented

out. A kitchen at the park, along with food

and beverage vendors provided traditional

German fare for every celebration. These

festivities included weddings, church

services, Easter celebrations, Mayfest, and

Oktoberfest. Although the private park was

used for many joyful celebrations, it was also

used for more controversial activities.

Children viewing a German-American Bund Party

flag at the park, circa 1935. Credit: Special

Collections and Archives, Oviatt Library, California

State University, Northridge

Beethoven Monument at the park by Henry Van Wolf, 1952

Credit: Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Fred

Koegler Jr.

In the years before World War II, the park

was also sometimes used for the promotion

of Nazi beliefs through political rallies and

the Sutter Youth Camp. At this and similar

summer camps in other states, American

youngsters were taught physical fitness but

were also indoctrinated into theories of

Aryan superiority.

“Aryan superiority” was part of Adolf Hitler’s

racist ideology. It led to persecution and

murder of European Jews and any other group

or individual who opposed Hitler’s Third Reich

regime.

As Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in

Germany, supporters of Hitler at times paraded

in this park. However, once the U.S. entered

the war against Nazi Germany in 1941, many

patriotic German-Americans joined the U.S.

armed forces to fight Nazism.

Although the events of the 20th century may

seem distant, there continues to be a need to

guard against all forms of hatred, racism, and

totalitarian ideologies of all types. The

American ideals of justice and equal

opportunity still require our vigilant support.

In 1957 the private park land was purchased

by the County of Los Angeles and folded into

the larger neighboring Crescenta Valley

Community Regional Park to the east.

In acknowledging this park’s history, we can appreciate a lovely place that today is a park for all.

A gathering at the park, circa 1930’s. Credit: Historical Society of the

Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr.

Park caretaker, Fred Koegler Sr. and family enjoying Easter

Sunday service at the park, 1953. Credit: Historical Society of the

Crescenta Valley and Fred Koegler Jr.

A performance of the musical comedy Im Weißen Rössl (White Horse Inn) at the park, early 1950’s. Credit: AHAMedia.com and Deutsch-Amerikanischer Verband