In 1939, Raymond Chandler published, The Maltese Falcon, and introduced Philip Marlowe to the world. Seven books, and I don’t know how many movie adaptations, later, the name has been seared into the minds of millions of readers and movie goers alike.
Above is the gravestone of Philp Marlow [Griffans], born in England and died in Los Angeles. I haven’t had much luck learning about the 23/24 year old man who was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, but I do find it a little too coincidental this name mirrors that of Chandler’s anti-hero.
In 1913, Raymond Chandler moved to Los Angeles, and while he and his mother landed in Westlake, on the westside, Boyle Heights, on the eastside, would have been alluring to Chandler. One of the few places that had no restricted covenants — meaning anyone could live there regardless of ethnicity, including Japanese and other minorities — when he arrived in L.A. Boyle Heights and the park like Cemetery called Evergreen was a rich multicultural hive of Angelenos.
This would have been an enticing area of Los Angeles to explore as a young writer. Chandler’s fascination with Los Angeles is woven through the pages of all of his novels, and he was known for exploring the city. So, taking time to visit Evergreen is not out of the realm of possibility for Raymond Chandler, and, therefore, stumbling the grave of Philip Marlow would have been in his reach.
What makes Evergreen so unique? First, it is a non-denominational cemetery that had sections dedicated to various ethnic groups, its interments are a direct reflection of that diversity. Second, it is a memorial park that was established during a period when people were moving away from Graveyard, which felt depressing. Memorial Parks or Park Cemeteries were designed to be more peaceful and inviting than traditional graveyards.
Back at the beginning of Los Angeles, when people came to visit family, it would begin with a stop by a Memorial Park like Evergreen. This is exactly how I stumbled upon the grave of Philip Marlow, by taking a walk through the nearly 150 year old cemetery.
So, maybe it was the inspiration for the one, and only, Philip Marlowe, PI? It wouldn’t be the first time a famous fictional character name was plucked from a graveyard. Just ask Charles Dickens.
Aryn is a dedicated genealogist and researcher passionate about uncovering family history and social history. She helps people connect with their heritage and explore historical narratives that shape their identities. Aryn also assists clients in using their research to craft engaging nonfiction and historical stories about their ancestors and other figures. To learn more about this Substack and my love of history, family history, and genealogy — head here! To learn more about the From Research To Novel webinar and Substack — head here.
This Months Focus: Hidden Communities
From all those Fraternal and Secret Societies to LGBTQ — some communities choose to be hidden, while the others are forced into it
Also stayed tunned for more posts about:
Part III coming soon — this one is “the Branch that Time Forgot” adjacent — because, while my great grandmother did travel to Cleveland, Ohio to start a new life — it wasn’t only to find a husband and have children.
First, she had to find a job — and that job led me to Joseph Neuman. Saloon owner, family man, and my grandmother’s boss.
Check out my first two posts:
Ellis Island: Coming to America
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Tips for Tracing Your Ancestors Who are Part of Hidden Communities
Research Tip:
Oral Histories are always a great place to start with any Hidden Community. While there may not be ink on paper documents, there are many organizations who have taken the time to record Oral Histories. For African American — check out the collection at Duke University. For LGBTQ try Princeton LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project. For women, head over to Smith College and check out Voices of Feminism Oral History Project. For Indigenous head to Native Oral History. For trangender head over to The Tretter Transgender Oral History Project.
Fraternal Organizations and Secret Societies: There is a fantastic book called The International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Organizations that lists a slew of them!! And it’s available on the Internet Archive. This is a great resource if you’re wanting to learn what else is out there besides Masons and the Odd Fellows. You can also follow THIS LINK to the Lake Region Public Library who has a handout on their website with information about SS and FOs — and bonus resources.
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From Novel to Research: Webinar
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September 4th From Research to Novel Webinar (free edition) via the Avon Lake Library in Avon Lake, Ohio. (MIS)
TBD - In-Person Genealogy 101 at the Culver/Palms YMCA in Culver City, CA.
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What You Missed
If you haven’t already check them out:
Clara Lemlich
On 2 November 1909, 23-year-old Clara Lemlich stood before the anxious and agitated members of New York City's Cooper Union. Still bruised from her attack by thugs hired by union breakers and speakin…
The Branch that Time Forgot
When you spend hours researching other people's family histories, you begin to wonder, "Why have I not found interesting stories in my family tree? "The simple answer is that you're not spending enough time on your own research. Hence, you don't know as much about your family as you do your clients'.
The Story of Hannie Schaft and Truus & Freddie Oversteegen
When we hear "teenager" and "Nazis," our minds drift to Anne Frank, as it should. Her diary has been educating us on the German occupation of the Netherlands for decades. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl has been required reading in most school districts for the last 60 years, but she wasn't the only teenager in the Netherlands evading the occupyin…
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