Our escapade today takes us through the upper sections of this aerial view. We will enter from the Ballona Creek and mosey over to the barn. No map. Donnie is my personal tour guide…
The perfect setting for a little “horsing around. ” Trespassing picture at the Columbia Ranch. Fancier than the Desilu barn…
Got to keep those trespassers out of here…
Others have been here before us… Hogan’s Heroes “How to Catch a Papa Bear” 1968
Bonanza “The False Witness” 1967.
Time Tunnel “Billy the Kid”, 1967
A bit intimidating… (photo courtesy Bison Archives)
We’re not the only ones intimidated by dogs! Hogan’s Heroes “Is There a Doctor in the House?” 1968
Hay there!
Well, the door is open… This old barn was moved here from its original location to make room for the Quonset Huts for Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. It made an appearance in the first season of Mayberry R.F.D. but the series would construct a newer barn for subsequent episodes.
Courtesy of Retroweb 40 Acres. In The Holden’s Lassie episode “Horsenappers” circa 1973, both this barn and “our barn” are featured.
Always open…
Artificial Intelligence-A.I- created this concept for this factual event. This is the NEW HOLLYWOOD! Click on photo for 10 seconds of recreation.
A romantic touch – some Fine cultured reading indeed. 40 cents CHEAP!
“It’s just the normal noises in here Lassie!“
“The Real McCoys” Yee haw!
In honor of February 14th, Maureen’s account of our date on the Desilu backlot. Happy Valentine’s Day Everybody!
Summer 1974 —
“Children, behave”
That’s what they say when we’re together
– Tommy James & The Shondells
It’s 6PM and still warm outside. I told my mom I was going out with Donnie and that the movie lets out at 10:30pm. Both are true, I just didn’t mention that we’re not really going to the movies.
We make the trek across town to Desilu, I am pretty excited. Donnie has brought a knapsack this time and I’m so curious about what’s inside. The best entrance is from the creek and Donnie warns me there are attack dogs inside so be extra quiet at all times. This makes my legs a little wobbly.
Donnie shows me where Gomer Pyle’s barracks are located next to where the Hogan’s Heroes set was. We climb up the ladder of a guard tower. “What’s in the knapsack?” I ask. “Not yet,” he replies, “Hold your horses.”
We continue to explore. The sun doesn’t set until after 8:00 on these summer nights, but it is getting dark now, a reminder that time is ticking. Donnie opens the doors to a barn! I stand in shock It’s a replica of a setting that I told him about from a dime store romance novel I had read. Both of my sisters also burned through this romantasy after I was finished with it. Hot fun in the summertime.
I am overwhelmed. Down to the last detail. A barn, a pile of hay… how romantic, how thought out and sweet. All this for me? But my wave of giddiness is now being replaced with the feeling that I am walking straight into a lion’s den. Legs wobbly again.
So, now, what is in the knapsack? A small blanket, two lukewarm cans of Bud tall beers, that he swears will not be noticed missing from his dad’s collection, a flashlight, and the newest issue of Mad magazine (our favorite.) We are reading by flashlight. We put the blanket over our heads so that no guards, who may happen by, can see the light. There’s nothing more romantic than reading “Spy vs. Spy” by flashlight. Donnie turns the flashlight out. Our chemistry is dangerous and it’s hard to control. This complicates things, I think. I remind Donnie of my strict curfew. We still have to trek across town to make it home by 10:30. “Wake up little Susie!”
Donnie says he needs a minute to cool down before we run across town, secretly, I do too. Whoa Nelly! At my front steps we usually share an awkward good night kiss, but tonight our kiss conjures up all the naughty feelings inside us, all over again. He pulls the last strands of hay from my hair.
Tonight, I will revel in a romantic memory. Tomorrow, I will do my best to steer clear of the barn.
Written and lived by Maureen Miller on a night out with…Donnie Norden
Phantom of the Backlots 