The Magical Mystery Tour

My dad kept telling us he was putting together a Magical Mystery Tour for our trip to Los Angeles.  It took on a life all of its own.  After the funeral services we had a luncheon at John Fusano's home.  He was my Grandpa's best friend for over 50 years.  They met through work.  John owned an olive vineyard and was GG's olive supplier at Vons.  The rest is history.  They hunted and fished together up until the final years of his life.  We had heard about Fu Fu (GG's nickname for John) our whole lives, but this was the first time I actually met him.  Here's a picture of my family at the Fusano's home before we left on the mystery tour:

Magical Mystery Tour:  My dad put together a list of all the old Stuetz hauntings in the Los Angeles area.  I'm the 5th generation of Stuetz's to be born in Los Angeles, so as you can imagine there is a lot of history there for our family.

221 East Pico Blvd.

This first place doesn't exactly exist anymore, but the building for rent is where my great-great-grandfather Edward Stuetz started the California Staats-Zeitung & Printing Shop.  It was a German newspaper that started after WWI.  (The Stuetz line immigrated here from Austria).  When he passed away my great grandfather Ray continued the newspaper until his retirement in the 70s.

2121 Portland St.

This Edward and Helen Stuetz's 3rd home (circa 1930) that was within walking distance to the German newspaper.

2122 West View St.

This is the home of Ray and Gertrude Stuetz where my Grandpa grew up in the 20s & 30s.  Up the street is the market where GG met my Grammy. 

Their second home is the one my dad fondly remembers growing up.  Ray and Gertrude built the home in 1952.  The siding is all brand new to look modern, but it's still the same back yard.  I know this because the couple living there was kind enough to invite us in and talk to us about the home.  They are both art professors.  It was a really rare and nice experience. 

1932 Roscomare Rd., Los Angeles

The pool, shed, and large avocado tree are all originals to the home.  We have some great pictures of my aunt and dad swimming in this pool when they were children.  I'll spare my dad the embarrassment of showing off his little black speedo.  The view up the hills is breathtaking.  It's such a peaceful area.

The last two stops were actually the homes of my dad.  The first home was built by his parents in Torrance where he was born and lived there until he was 7.  You can tell it was built in the 50s.  :)

4227 West 177th St.

The second home in Whittier is where my dad was raised, and where my grandparents remained until GG retired and they moved to the Bay area.  I actually have a few memories of this home.   My parent's first apartment (where I was born) is only a couple minutes away. 

10347 Maybrook Ave.