Comments on: Folk Gardens in Griffith Park and Remembrances of the Captain

By: Michael Middleton

Michael Middleton — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:32:48 +0000

I remember Dante well from my days as a cross country runner in the later 1960’s to early 1970’s. My standard run was from the base of the park at Los Feliz, at the drinking fountain, to the observatory by way of Dante’s view, over the top by back trails to the gates of the structure at the very top – I thought it was a radio station, above Lake Hollywood and above the sign, and then back down, this time via Captain’s Roost. Often Dante was the only person I saw, and he always greeted me warmly. My routine when he was there was to say hello to him first, usually have a short conversation, then jog through all the rows and levels of his garden, appreciating its uniqueness and beauty, and then to say goodbye on the way out, till next time. When he was not there, I missed him, and still ran the garden, amazed each time and appreciating what he had done. I remember it clearly and fondly to this day. I never saw anyone at Captain’s Roost, but dutifully ‘ran’ that as well to achieve a kind of symmetry with Dante’s View. I am glad others appreciated, and remember Dante too.

By: Laurie Nelson

Laurie Nelson — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:26:56 +0000

My parents and I hiked up to Captain’s Roost many weekends during my childhood probably from 1955 to 1963 when my mother died. We lived in Hancock Park and loved our hikes there. I remember others planting plants, watering plants, and cleaning up the area. I always marveled how they got the plants and water up there. I have pictures of mom sitting on the bench.

It was interesting to read this story and the comments. My mom was the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Russia around 1900 (really now Poland and Ukraine).

My current family visited this area this past weekend and also hiked to the top. It brought back many good memories. I am glad that Griffith Park is still with us and is so large and right in the center of the city. I live in Topanga Canyon now and enjoy hiking and biking in the Santa Monica Mountains.

By: Kathryn Louyse

Kathryn Louyse — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:08:47 +0000

In reply to Roger Katz.

I don’t believe the author’s description was meant to be demeaning… we all have our remembrances based mostly on our relationship with the individual.
Carol saw one side of Mrs. Pivnik and you, as her grandchild, saw another. I’m glad you had such wonderful memories of her, and hope you’ve passed them along.

By: Jose

Jose — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 04:59:44 +0000

I remember going to this place in the 80s, with my uncle Librado Barajas every Wednesday during summer vacation, another Gentleman by the name of Lorenzo would join us there, my uncle and friends would have keys to the tool sheds and would set up sprinklers and plant new plants, I would always invite a bunch of friends to go help, for about the first hour or so we would help clean up the place, rake leaves, pick up trash etc, then we would go explore all the trails and go to the other Garden” Amirs Garden” those were good ol days, It was very beautiful before the Fire, still go back once in awhile, ive taken my kids many times and told them of my adventures on the mountain, we were all about 8-9 years old armed with slingshots, my kids are all grown now 18,20 and 22 years old, im sure they will continue going back and share the stories I told them.

By: Roger Katz

Roger Katz — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:56:04 +0000

Rae Pivnik was my Grandmother. From the time I was a toddler she took me up to the Roost. Contrary to this demeaning profile of her she was very kind and deeply involved in the daily gardening of the Roost. Rae started hiking up Mount Hollywood prior to the building of the Observatory. She did so at the request of her doctor who advised her she would become unable to walk at all if she did not do so. When she began taking me to the Roost about 1950 she did so to free my Mom the chore of watching me. My Grandmother was a very esoteric Woman deeply dedicated to Nature and preserving the environment. She would often bring plants up to the Roost to add to the Garden. Her daily tasks included weeding, watering and cleaning up any trash that had been left. She could become abrasive to those she deemed trying to foul her work up and unsavory hikers who had no concern for Nature . She was so beloved by some that for years after she was forced by old age to discontinue her labors they would come to her at her home later the rest Home just to cheer her up! Ralph Story ( ( CBS) did a documentary on her in 1967. One in judging her must remember she came from the border of Poland and Russia and lived though turbulent times in her childhood in which she was nearly killed ( her two friends were) during an uprising . Unlike most Jewish Women of her time she was highly educated and knowledgeable in the Arts, History and Politics. She may have rubbed some as effete or elitist but she had a Heart if Gold. She lived a very hard life her husband dying at 42 and she running a business bringing up three daughters ( putting two through College during the Depression and WE2) . From her I learned about Nature and how to live a life that was meaningful and giving!

By: Tony Gleeson

Tony Gleeson — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 20:06:28 +0000

I was just at the Captain’s Roost once again this morning and it is slowly recovering, though it’s nothing like the wonderful lush oasis before the fire. My adult kids and I still have fond memories of many hikes up to the Captain’s Roost when they were growing up. It was a favorite place, full of wonder and mystery. For many years we had no idea about the stories of the people who had created those places. Thank you for sharing this information about what I consider to be some of the most wonderful places in this city.