2062 Ivar Avenue

In 1925, MGM cinematographer Ira Morgan hired architect Nathan Coleman and builder Bruce McCaskill (both Whitley Heights alums) to build a two story, 6 room English style home (1st photo above) and another home next door at 6357 Longview Avenue.  Decades later, 2062 Ivar Avenue would be transformed into a storybook castle, adding three more floors to the home.  Morgan resided with his wife in the house next door and put this house up for sale in 1926.  In October of 1934, actor William 'Stage' Boyd rented this house.  He used the name 'Stage' so he would not be confused the the 'Hop-along' William Boyd.  William 'Stage' Boyd was active on Broadway from 1906 to 1928 and then moved to Hollywood where he successfully transitioned to films.  In 1929, he starred opposite Rod La Rocque and Barbara Stanwyck in "The Locked Door".  Boyd was able to get starring roles and worked with Lilyan Tashman, William Powell, Gary Cooper, Lupe Valdez, Kay Francis, Spencer Tracy, Claudette Colbert, John Barrymore, Helen Twelvetrees, Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, and Jean Harlow.  He appeared in "Oliver Twist" in 1933.

Boyd was residing at 2010 Vine Street when this place became available for rent.  He purchased $2,000 worth of furniture on credit and moved in his bachelor pad.  By October, deputies came to the house to collect all the furniture for his failure to pay.  Boyd was never good at handling his finances.  In early 1934, a tax lien was placed against him for failure to pay income tax.  On March 20, 1935, the 45 year old was hospitalized after having a gastric hemorrhage resulting from an intestinal ailment and died in the hospital a few hours later.  The movie industry was shocked of the "up and coming" actor's death.

Decades later, 2062 Ivar Avenue was remodeled into a multi-story castle and is currently used as a rental (www.castleivarhollywood.com).