CANOGA FARMS ENCINO, CALIFORNIA

Canoga Farms was located at 17555 Ventura Boulevard in Encino from at least 1946-1970. Research into this most important matter is still underway. However, at this time it is known that this business existed in the area prior to 1945. From 1946-1970 it appears to have largely been a warehouse for packing dried fruit. It is presently unknown where the fruit was grown. 17555 Ventura Boulevard was a 134 foot by 562 foot lot. There were various buildings for chickens on the property from 1927-1932. It is presently unknown whether the fruit was ever grown there.

Frank Flowers was the owner of Canoga Farms at the end of 1945. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers lived in Encino. The Flowers were most likely founders of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Encino. The floor of their packing house was the place of the first mass service December 16, 1945 for the newly formed Parish now located at 5011 White Oak in Encino. Frank and Vada resided at 5055 Louise in 1955, and registered a mail order business there at that time. Mr. Flowers built his house there in 1935. He was active in a number of civic affairs including working on a new Encino library in 1946 that would be located at 17555 Ventura Boulevard. He was also an officer of the Encino Chamber of Commerce. His wife attended meetings as early as 1934.

For additional information on this longstanding Encino business established by a most important resident, contact us and share stories. At present there are some stories about ladies who packed the fruit.

The vintage mysteries presently under investigation are: 1) did they grow fruit in the Valley ever, or just package it; 2) What was Frank Flowers' (owners') contribution to Our Lady of Grace in Encino other than their first mass was on the packing floor of Canoga Farms. It is a Catholic Church on White Oak in Encino. He was allegedly a Presbyterian. Maybe Frank's wife was Catholic, or this was more of his civic involvement which seems to have been a lot; 3) Frank wanted the Encino library to be located on Canoga Farms' property in 1946. It is unclear where that plan went. It does not appear that the Encino library was ever in that location. The lot was cleared in 1985 and it had operated as a furniture store and other businesses after 1970; 4) A definitive answer why the business was called Canoga Farms would also be of interest.