September 26, 2019
Los Angeles, California
The below family photographs were included in Black Dahlia Avenger (Arcade 2003). The top photo is of George’s mother, my maternal grandmother approximately age-29. The lower photograph was taken at the Hodel family residence circa 1919-1923. The world-renowned composer Sergei Rachmaninoff is seated center between an individual believed to be Alexander Zelenko, who at that time was the Russian Minister of Culture and one of Russia’s most famous architects. (Mrs. Zelenko is seen seated to the left of Rachmaninoff)
Zelenko, a good friend of my grandfather was commissioned and brought from Russia to Los Angeles, to design and build the Hodel residence on Monterey Road, in South Pasadena. Zelenko also built a second residence on the property, a “Tea House” specifically for my father to reside in, which was completed and gifted to the boy genius then attending the California Institue of Technology (CalTech) by my grandfather as a 15th birthday present. (1921)
Hodel Family Photograph was given to me by my grandfather’s third wife, Alice Hodel after his passing.
Original 2003 HB ed. “Boy of Nine Chief Soloist at Shrine”
Sergei Rachmaninoff California 1919 Sergei Rachmaninoff 1921
Hodel Residence and Tea House Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument No. 802
Designed and built by famed Russian architect, Alexander Zelenko
The post Musical Prodigy George Hodel Raching Out with World Renowned Composer Sergie Rachmaninoff – Family Photo Circa 1917-1923 appeared first on Steve Hodel.