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Chatsworth Celebrities - Fred Astaire
1953ca (looking west)
Fred Astaire and his daughter Ava at the Blue Valley
Thoroughbred Horse Ranch in Chatsworth
10901 Melvin Ave., Chatsworth
1954 ucsb aerial of
the 20-acre
Blue Valley Ranch
thoroughbred horse
breeding farm
(circled in red)
Just east of today's
Monteria/Winnetka Estates
(Lake Monteria is circled in
yellow)
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Presentation Overview
This presentation will cover the following topics:
The History of Blue Valley Ranch - In 1950, Fred and Phyllis Astaire purchased a 20-acre ranch from character actor
Howard Petrie on Melvin Ave. in Chatsworth. Phyllis died of cancer at the age of 46 of in 1954; she is buried in
Oakwood Cemetery. Fred sold the ranch for subdivision before 1972. The Astaire family would visit the ranch on
weekends.
The Fred Astaire Story - Born in Omaha in 1899, Fred and his older sister Adele were dancers in vaudeville, and
became stars on Broadway and West London in the 1920's. Adele retired in 1932, Fred transitioned to Hollywood,
and his film career took off. He partnered with Ginger Rogers in ten films which are considered classics of the
Golden Age of Hollywood. Fred died in 1987.
His connection to horse racing - Fred met Phyllis in 1933, and learned that she was raised by her uncle Henry Bull and
his wife Maud. Henry Bull was the president of the Belmont Turf Club in New York. Fred had always shown an
interest in horse racing, and by the 40's and 50's he became an avid horse racing enthusiast and owner. In 1946
his horse Triplicate won the Hollywood Gold cup.
Chatsworth Connections - Fred's and Phyllis' family are buried at Oakwood Memorial Park and Cemetery. Fred's older
sister Adele married Lord Charles Arthur Francis Cavendish in 1932. Charles was the second son of Victor
Cavendish, the 9th Duke of Devonshire. The marriage took place in England at Chatsworth House, the Devonshire
family estate.
This presentation will be posted at our website, chatsworthhistory.com, Digital Archives, Presentations.
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Blue Valley Ranch Overview
A 1954 aerial overlay on Google Earth, bordered by Mason on the
west, Devonshire on the south, and Melvin on the east.
The 20-acre Blue Valley Ranch is overlayed in yellow.
Just east of Monteria/Winnetka Estates.
The address was 10901 Melvin Ave.
Google Earth today.
The 20-acre Blue Valley Ranch is overlayed in yellow.
Just east of Monteria/Winnetka Estates.
The address was 10901 Melvin Ave, today it corresponds to
19654 Los Alimos St.
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Before Blue Valley Ranch
1928 ucsb aerial c-300_e-188
This is the earliest aerial photograph of the area, 1928.
Melvin Ave was a straight north-south road from San
Fernando Mission Rd south to Devonshire. Before
Tampa, and Corbin.
In 1916, the "Chatsworth Hi-Line" was an aqueduct
constructed to deliver water from the San Fernando
Reservoir to the Chatsworth Reservoir, which was
built in 1918 and placed in service in 1919.
By 1916, the conduit was already in place, providing
irrigation for farming in the north valley, and was
extended three miles to feed the Chatsworth
Reservoir.
Citrus groves (surrounded by eucalyptus trees for
protection from wind) were planted along Melvin to
take advantage of this irrigation. Notice the two white
buildings just east of Melvin below San Fernando
Mission Rd, no doubt managing the acreage.
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Before Blue Valley Ranch
1945 aerial, palm trees on Melvin Ave. circled in red.
ucsb aerial c-9800_1-30
If you drive north on
Melvin Ave.. from
Devonshire, you will
notice palm trees that
line the street up to
Germain St.
During subdivision in the
1970's, the road in
that section was
purposefully widened
to create a center
section to preserve
the palm trees that still
lined the street.
Melvin Ave. viewing north from Devonshire
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Blue Valley Ranch History
A 1954 aerial of the 20-acre ranch
The address was 10901 Melvin
Building Permit History - 10901 Melvin Ave.
1943 Dec - Conrad Lewbel - a new single family dwelling
1946 May - Howard Petrie - building addition 1946 - new barn and garage
addition
1949 July - swimming pool, addition to porch
1950 May - Phyllis Astaire - add bedroom and bath, and a new dwelling 4 rooms
(the trainer/caretaker building at the front lower entrance)
1950 Nov - New livestock shelter (barn in center of 4-acre pasture)
A 1945 aerial overlay.
Conrad Lewbel's new home circled
in yellow
The address was 10901 Melvin
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In 1943 the first building permit identifies the owner as Conrad Lewbel (1899-1971), who built his home on the property
(per City of LA bulding permits). Conrad was a real estate appraiser, and may have purchased the home for
investment or a weekend retreat with his wife of 22 years, Barbara. They lived in downtown LA, and were living in
Beverly Hills in 1950. In 1968 Conrad was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Friends of the Beverly Hills
Public Library.
In 1946 Howard Petrie (1906-1968) and his wife Alice were the owners, and added a prefab house to the existing
building, plus a barn and garage. In 1949 they added a swimming pool and a screened porch. Howard began his
career as a radio performer lending his voice to such programs as "The Ray Bolger Show" and "The Jimmy Durante
Show". In 1936, he settled in California and worked as a radio announcer for KFWB. Beginning in 1947, he was a
character actor in over 75 features, plus television appearances on "Bonanza", "Wanted: Dead or Alive", and
"Gunsmoke". In 1965 he retired from acting and settled on a 100-acre farm in New Hampshire.
In 1950 Fred and Phyllis Astaire purchased the ranch, mentioned on page 6 of Fred's 1979 autobiography, "Steps in
Time". Phyllis filed all of the building permits for the ranch in 1950, transforming the center section into the Blue
Valley Ranch thoroughbred horse breeding farm.
1901 Melvin was first owned by Conrad Lewbel, then
Howard and Alice Petrie,
then Fred and Phyllis Astaire
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Blue Valley Ranch History
A 1954 aerial of the 20-acre ranch
The address was 10901 Melvin Ave.
1953ca (looking west)
Fred Astaire and his daughter Ava at the Blue Valley
Thoroughbred Horse Ranch in Chatsworth
The horse stables and barn were in the center in of a cleared 4-acre parcel that once was full of citrus trees,
surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
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Blue Valley Ranch History
1953 Fred and daughter Ava at the ranch - SFVTN
1952 The Astaire family on the ranch
Fred, Ava, Fred Jr., Phyllis - SFVTN
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Blue Valley Ranch History
Fred Astaire (2R)
petting his horse with
his son Fred Jr. (aged
23) and daughter Ava
(aged 17) in November
1959
Getty Images
Fred Astaire at the Blue Valley Ranch
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Blue Valley Ranch History from the Jerry England Collection
Fred Astaire at Chatsworth Ranch
1953 Fred Astaire with son Fred Jr
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Blue Valley Ranch History from the Jerry England Collection
1952 Fred Astaire at Ranch in Chatsworth 1953 Fred Astaire with horse in Chatsworth
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Blue Valley Ranch History - Phyllis passes away
From Fred's 1959 autobiography Page 5, Forethoughts:
"My private life was No. 1 with me from the time of my marriage on. Before that, I suppose my career did
come first. Everything changed when I married Phyllis in 1933. That was the point where I first made my
step into the movies. The work was tough. The success was unmistakable. It was so perfect, the whole
life. I often woke up in the morning saying to myself, “I must be the happiest fellow in the world.”
This went on and on and suddenly in 1954 a stone wall loomed in front of me. I refused to believe that I,
or rather Phyllis and I, could not break through. I was wrong. After five months of an indescribable ordeal,
I lost her. It simply never occurred to me that she could ever be ill.
Phyllis was an extraordinary girl. We were always together other than in my working hours. She seldom
came to the studio. At the completion of a film, we would travel abroad or go on shooting and fishing trips
here. I usually managed three months off between pictures. Weekends we spent at our Blue Valley
Ranch, which she loved so much. We established that in 1950. It is still difficult for me to realize what
happened. Sometimes I feel that if she walked in that door right now, I wouldn’t be too surprised."
1959 Autobiography
Fred Astaire
Later in his book, in the Chapter titled Stone Wall, Fred discusses that Phyllis first
complained of shortness of breath and dizziness at Belmont, then a few months later
she asked to go home from Santa Anita with the same issues. They went to the
doctors for X-rays, and surgery was scheduled for April 16th, 1954. She recovered,
but then had another setback and more surgery was scheduled. She never regained
her strength and slipped into a coma for two weeks and never returned.
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ASTAIRE THE RANCHER - Fred Astaire finds
his Chatsworth Ranch a pleasant place for
relaxation.
Fred was interviewed by Hedda Hopper nine
months after Phyllis' death.
"I have three horses in training, that run at
Santa Anita, bred at our Blue Valley Ranch. We
had three winners this year and we bred all of
them. How Phyllis loved the mother of one of
those colts!"
“I’ve kept the Blue Valley Farm because I feel
close to her when I’m there. She adored that
place. It’s very attractive—about 20 acres in
Chatsworth—I go out once a week; it does
things for me.”
As he talks it becomes an interview for three
because you are always conscious of the
beloved presence in his heart; “Phyllis looked
the same at 46 as she did the day I met her—
and stayed 22 always. I’d look at myself getting
older and older, but she was ever the same.”
Blue Valley Ranch History
1955-07-10 LA Times
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The last mention of the Blue Valley Ranch is in 1968.
"Today, Astaire lives in a gracious, art-filled Beverly Hills home. A
widower, he keeps mostly to himself. His prime interest is breeding
horses at his Blue Valley Ranch in California’s San Fernando Valley.
Although he has owned horses for many years, it took him 25
years—with his busy schedule—to be present to see one of them
win—“Triplicate,” which cost him $6000, and won him $245,000.
Astaire’s son, Fred Jr., helps run the Blue Valley ranch."
Blue Valley Ranch History
1968-07-07 Fred Astaire at 68
The Pittsburgh Press
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Blue Valley Ranch History
Historicaerial.com --
1972 aerial centered on 10901 Melvin Ave, Chatsworth
By 1972, the land west of Melvin had
been cleared for a subdivision, per
historicaerials.com
In February 1973, a 38-home
development is approved west of
Melvin, which includes the 20-acre
Blue Valley Ranch. Tract 25560.
The ranch address was 10901 Melvin
Ave. Today the location of their
home corresponds to 19654 Los
Alimos St.
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The Fred Astaire Story
Fred Astaire (1899-1987) was an American dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer, widely regarded as one of the greatest
entertainers in the history of musical films.
Born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska, His mother, a driving force in his career, recognized his potential and that of
his older sister, Adele, born in 1896. The family moved to New York City in 1905 to pursue opportunities in show business,
and Fred and Adele began training in dance and performance.
Fred was just five years old when he first stepped onto the stage, debuting alongside Adele in a vaudeville act billed as
"Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty."
Their mother changed their surname to "Astaire" to give it a more theatrical ring, setting the stage for their future.
1904 Fred Astaire wearing ballet costume
1906 Fred and Adele on stage
1911 Fred Astaire
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The Fred Astaire Story - Vaudeville to Broadway
By their teens, they were touring the vaudeville circuit, performing intricate dance routines that showcased their chemistry and
skill. Their big break came in 1917 when they landed roles in the Broadway revue "Over the Top".
Over the next few years, they appeared in a string of productions. Their first major success came with "The Love Letter"
(1921), followed by "For Goodness Sake" (1922), which featured songs by George and Ira Gershwin—composers who
would later play a significant role in Fred’s career.
In these early shows, Fred began choreographing
routines, revealing his innovative approach to
dance that blended tap, ballroom, and theatrical
flair. Critics and audiences alike were
captivated by the siblings’ synergy: Adele’s
playful exuberance complemented Fred’s
elegance and rhythmic genius.
Their fame soared with "Lady, Be Good!" (1924), a
Gershwin musical that ran for 330
performances and cemented their status as
Broadway stars. They took the act to London’s
West End in 1926, where it was equally adored.
YouTube: Fred and Adele Astaire sing Fascinating
Rhythm with George Gershwin at the piano.
Recorded in London in 1926. 1926 Fred & Adele Astaire Lady Be Good - West End Empire Theatre, London
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The Fred Astaire Story - Broadway
Back in New York, they followed up with "Funny Face" (1927), another Gershwin
hit.
By this point, Fred and Adele were among the brightest lights in musical theater,
known for their sophistication and wit.
Behind the scenes, Fred was honing his craft. He was a perfectionist, often
spending hours refining steps and experimenting with new ideas. While Adele
was the bigger personality onstage, Fred’s quiet determination and creative
vision were the backbone of their act. Their partnership wasn’t without
challenges—vaudeville’s grueling schedules and the pressure of constant
performance tested their resilience—but their sibling bond kept them
grounded.
The early 1930s brought more triumphs, including "The Band Wagon" (1931), a
revue that critics hailed as their finest work together. The show was a
sophisticated blend of music, dance, and comedy. By now, Fred was 32, and
Adele was 35, and their act had evolved from youthful exuberance to polished
artistry.
But change was on the horizon. Adele, who had always been the more outgoing
of the pair, was growing tired of the spotlight. In 1932, after "The Band
Wagon"’s successful run, she announced her retirement from the stage.
She had fallen in love with Lord Charles Cavendish, a British aristocrat, and
chose to leave show business to marry him. Their final performance together
was in London, marking the end of a 27-year partnership that had taken them
from small-time vaudeville to international acclaim.
1932 Adele
Astaire marries
the 2nd son of
the 9th Duke of
Devonshire
At Chatsworth
House,
Derbyshire,
England.
1931 Fred
and Adele in
"The Band
Wagon"
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A side-story on Adele Cavendish at Lismore Castle
Adele married Lord Charles Cavendish in 1932 at Chatsworth
House in England. Their paths crossed in 1927 in London,
during the closing night of Adele’s run in "Funny Face".
Charles, then 22, was captivated by the 31-year-old American
star.
The couple settled at Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland,
a wedding gift from Charles’s father. The medieval fortress,
softened by 19th-century renovations, became their retreat
from the public eye. Fred Astaire was a frequent visitor,
bringing a touch of Hollywood to the Irish countryside.
Tragedy, however, shadowed their marriage. They longed for
children, but their attempts were marred by loss. In 1933, Adele
gave birth to a daughter who survived only a few hours. In
1935, she delivered twin sons, who also died shortly after birth.
These losses strained their relationship, and Charles, already
prone to heavy drinking, descended into alcoholism.
On March 23, 1944, at the age of 38, Charles died at Lismore
Castle from long-term alcohol poisoning. Adele's mother, who
was living at Lismore permanently then, had been taking care
of Charles the last year of his life (Steps in Time, pg. 265)
1932 Adele Astaire marries the 2nd son of the 9th Duke of Devonshire
At Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, England.
Lismore Castle,
Ireland
Adele spent the
summers there
after she
remarried.
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A side-story on Adele Cavendish at
Lismore Castle
In 1947, she remarried Kingman Douglass, an American investment
banker and former wartime acquaintance, who later briefly served as
assistant director of the CIA
A clause in Charles’s will stipulated that Lismore Castle would pass to his
nephew, Andrew Cavendish (later the 11th Duke of Devonshire), if
Adele remarried, which she did.
She retained the right to spend summers there, contributing to its
upkeep, and divided her time between the U.S. and Ireland.
Adele lived a quieter life with Douglass, avoiding the limelight she once
commanded. She outlived her second husband, who died in 1971, and
passed away on January 25, 1981, in Tucson, Arizona, at 84, after a
stroke.
Adele is buried at Oakwood Cemetery.
The obituary on Adele article at right captures Adele's spirit well. The
photo is a picture of Adele, right, with her brother Fred and her
husband, Lord Charles Cavendish, center in a photo taken in
Hollywood in the mid-30's.
1981-02-01 LA Times
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The Fred Astaire Story - Hollywood
When Adele Astaire retired in 1932 to marry Charles Cavendish, Fred, then 33, faced a
daunting crossroads. For 27 years, he had been half of a celebrated sibling act, and
many doubted he could succeed alone.
Critics had often favored Adele’s charisma, leaving Fred to prove his worth as a solo
performer. Undeterred, he performed in "Gay Divorce" (1932) on Broadway, his first
starring role without Adele. The show, with Cole Porter’s music, featured the hit “Night
and Day” and ran for 248 performances. It was a modest success, but Fred saw a
bigger opportunity: Hollywood was calling, and the advent of sound in films offered a
new stage for his talents.
In 1933, Fred arrived in Los Angeles, signing with RKO Pictures after a screen test that
famously elicited the note,
“Can’t act. Can’t sing. Balding. Can dance a little.”
In 1933 Fred made his first movie with Ginger Rogers, a rising star; "In Flying Down to
Rio", their dance to "The Carioca" stole the show. The chemistry between them—his
elegance and her vivacity—sparked a partnership that would define an era.
RKO quickly capitalized on their appeal, casting them as leads in "The Gay Divorcee"
(1934), an adaptation of Fred’s Broadway hit. The film’s success, bolstered by “Night
and Day” and “The Continental,” launched the Astaire-Rogers phenomenon.
There were a total of 10 films, spanning 1933 to 1949, showcasing Astaire’s choreography
and Rogers’ charisma, creating a golden age of Hollywood musicals that remain
beloved for their elegance and joy.
1933 Fred
and Ginger
The Carioca
in "Flying
Down to
Rio"
1937 Fred
and Ginger
"Shall We
Dance"
The Roller
Skate scene
YouTube
"Let's Call
the Whole
Thing Off"
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The Fred Astaire Story - Hollywood
Some links to some of his songs in movies…..
1933 Flying Down to Rio Fred & Ginger The Carioca (starts 3 minutes in)
1934 The Gay Divorcee Fred & Ginger Night and Day
1935 Roberta Fred & Ginger Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (start at 1:32)
1935 Top Hat Fred and Ginger Isn't This a Lovely Day
1935 Top Hat Fred and Ginger Dancing Cheek to Cheek
1935 Top Hat Fred Only Top Hat, White Tie and Tails
1936 Follow The Fleet Let's Face the Music And Dance
1936 Swing Time The Way You Look Tonight (no dancing but the song)
1936 Swing Time The Way You Look Tonight (music only, the last dance)
1936 Swing Time Fred & Ginger Waltz
1937 Shall We Dance They Can't Take That Away From Me (no dancing)
1937 Shall We Dance Fred and Ginger on Roller Skates Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
1938 Carefree Change Partners (first scene), both scenes Change Partners (colorized)
1938 Carefree A Romantic Dream lilypads
1939 The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
1949 The Barkleys of Broadway They Can’t Take That Away from Me in color (Fred and Ginger's last movie)
1944 Zeigfield Follies Fred and Gene Kelly "The Babbit and the Bromide"
1946 Blue Skies Fred and Bing Crosby "Puttin on the Ritz"
1946 Blue Skies Fred and Bing Crosby "A Couple of Song and Dance Men"
1948 Easter Parade Fred and Judy Garland
1951 Royal Wedding The Ceiling Dance
Top 10 Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Dance Scenes
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The Fred Astaire Story - Hollywood - Marriage to Phyllis
In 1933, he married Phyllis Baker Potter, a New York
socialite and widow with a young son, Peter. Per Fred's
autobiography, he first met Phyllis at a golf luncheon on
the Vanderbilt estate on Long Island in New York.
Phyllis's uncle was Henry Bull, who was the president of
the Belmont Turf Club. Phyllis was brought up by Henry
and his wife Maude. Maude and Henry are buried at
Oakwood Cemetery near Phyllis.
Phyllis, elegant and supportive, grounded him. They had
two children: Fred Jr. (born 1936) and Ava (born 1942).
The family settled in Los Angeles, where Fred balanced
stardom with a private life, often retreating to their home
or indulging in hobbies like golf and horse racing.
In Los Angeles they lived at 1121 Summit Dr., Beverly Hills.
Their neighbor in the 1940 census, living at 1085
Summit Dr., was Charles Chaplin and his wife Paulette.
Fred's house was rebuilt in 1987, today it is an 8,000 sq. ft.
home on one acre. The tennis court and swimming pool
are still there. Chaplain's house still exists, built in 1922,
11,363 sq. ft.
1937 Fred & Phyllis Astaire Estate
1121 Summit Drive, Beverly Hills
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The Fred Astaire Story - Horse Ranch era
In 1941, before the Blue Valley Ranch in Chatsworth, Fred purchased a
125-acre ranch in Valley Center, just northwest of Escondido.
In 1945 all three of Fred's race horses, including Triplicate, were sent to
the Valley Center ranch at Escondido.
Pg 280 of Steps in Time quotes Phyllis, “We need another ranch. Valley
Center is too far away, with this traffic. We can sell it. I have my eye on
one in Chatsworth. Don’t you think we should get some brood mares?”
It all sounded fine to me.
They sold the Valley Center ranch in 1947.
1947-03-07 Weekly Times
Advocate Escondido
1947-01-10 Weekly Times
Advocate Escondido
1945-01-06 The Press
Democrat Santa Rosa
1943-11-19 Weekly
Times Advocate
Escondido
1941-07-03 Valley Center
Tract Daily Times Advocate
Escondido
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The Fred Astaire Story - Triplicate
Foaled in 1941, Triplicate was sired by Reigh Count, a 1928 Kentucky
Derby winner, and out of the mare Fairday.
Excerpts from Fred's autobiography: In 1943, Astaire sent a telegram to his
trainer friend, Clyde Phillips, asking him to purchase two young horses
for up to $10,000 each. Phillips eventually acquired Triplicate for $6,000
(p. 283)
His most celebrated victory was the 1946 $100,000 Hollywood Gold Cup,
where he beat Louis B. Mayer’s filly Honeymoon by a neck, equaling the
track record and earning Astaire $81,000 plus a $6,000 betting win (p.
280, 287).
Later that year Triplicate won the $75,000 Golden Gate Handicap (p. 287).
Over his career, Triplicate won Fred $245,000 (1968-07-07 The
Pittsburgh Press)
Steps in Time, pgs 287-288: Triplicate continued racing in 1947 and 1948,
winning more races but struggling with recurring ankle trouble. Astaire
retired him to stud in Kentucky at age seven (1948). After a few years,
Astaire sold him to a Japanese breeder.
1944 Fred Astaire and his three-year-old Triplicate
Fred Astaire an Illustrated Biography by Michael
Freedland
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from the Jerry England Collection
1952 Fred Astaire & portrait of his race horse
'Triplicate'
Fred Astaire with Triplicate
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Turn Left at the Black Cow: One Family's Journey from Beverly Hills to
Ireland Hardcover –January
by Richard McKenzie (Author)
In this memoir, Richard McKenzie weaves an account of life with his wife
Ava and her close relationship with her father Fred Astaire, vignettes of
their contrasting childhoods in California, and life in the far reaches of the
Irish countryside - where they moved with sons Kevin and Tyler in 1975.
Richard's journal includes stories, never before published, about the entire
Astaire family. With graceful humor and sentiment he renders a unique
portrait of Fred Astaire - on movie sets in Ireland and at home in California
- that gives rare insight into the private man behind the dancing legend.
At the center of the memoir are the day-to-day experiences of an American
family making a new life in the midst of a rural Irish community, involving a
colorful gallery of Irish characters and visiting Hollywood stars.
Turn Left at the Black Cow
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In 1980, Fred, who had been a
widower since 1954, married Robyn
Smith, one of the first successful
woman jockeys.
Fred died in 1987, but they had
seven years of bliss.
At the time of the marriage,
news reports said that both
Astaire’s sister Adele, who has
since died, and his daughter Ava
were opposed. Robyn Astaire
avoids comment on the subject
and says only that Astaire’s son,
Fred Jr., is “my pal.”
Fred marries Robyn Smith in 1980
July 1972 Sports Illustrated
1988-06-09 Los Angeles Times
She has made herself the keeper of the flame, trying to sort
out the exploitive uses of his name and work from the
genuine honors that Astaire might, however reluctantly, have
concurred in.
A law now exists that protects the name and image of the
famous deceased. “Lawyers call it the 990 law, and thank
heaven for it,” she says.
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Fred Astaire - Sequoia Section G, Lot 82 Space 4
The Astaire Family at Oakwood Memorial Park and Cemetery
Aunt Maud and Uncle
Henry Bull raised Phyllis in
New York
Phyllis Astaire, Fred's wife
Ann Astaire, Fred's mother
Adele Astaire, Fred's
sister
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Top 10 Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Dance Scenes
Up next, a 14-minute video
Top 10 Fred Astaire and Ginger
Rogers Dance Scenes
Introduction and interpretation by
MsMojo YouTube Channel
Available on YouTube at
https://youtu.be/T79LX22TBPI
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Sources and Acknowledgements
•1959 - Steps in Time Fred Astaire Autobiography
•1998 - Turn Left at the Black Cow: One family's From Beverly Hills to Ireland, by Richard McKenzie, Ava Astaire's
husband
•Ancestry.com
•Newspapers.com
•Jerry England collection
•Prepared by Ann & Ray Vincent April 2025
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Comments,
Questions?
