![]() "Relaxation and Forget All" is the Watchword.Įighteen miles northwest of Los Angeles, near Roscoe, a colony of cranks has been enjoying the next to-nature life during the past week under the watchful eye of Dr. The following article explains some of what went on at Freedom Hill:įrom the Los Angeles Times, September 9, 1917Ĭolony of Care-free Mortals at Camp Fire.Įach Scorns Bed and Sleeps on Mother Earth. Burbank is mentioned often, however, as this area was served by the Burbank post office. ![]() The north end of what is now Helen Avenue seems to be the site. According to researcher Barefoot Ted, it was in modern Sunland, in the Shadow Hills district about three miles northwest of the Burbank boundary line. If you don't agree with me, then I know you are crazier than I am." Henry gave the address of the press as "Freedom Hill Pressery, RFD A, Burbank, California."īut where was Freedom Hill in Burbank? It wasn't. If you agree with my notions, then you are all right. I am an insane specialist and I can readily tell whether any one is just right in his mind. If you don't like it, keep quiet, and consult a specialist on mental diseases. Henry maintained a press at Freedom Hill, and printed a series of booklets about his philosophies and "brain ticklers." The publications were prefaced by comments like "PRICE TWENTY FIVE CENTS WHICH IS TOO MUCH IF YOU DON'T READ IT AND NOT ENOUGH IF YOU DO." Another example: "Dear Comrade: If you like this booklet, lend it to your poor friends and tell your rich friends to buy a copy. ![]() According to a Los Angeles medical occupational register, Leroy Henry is listed as a graduate of the Medical College of Indiana, 1893 (he is often refered to as a medical doctor in articles). His career as a crank coincided with his status as a widower. Beach, who was born in 1863 and who died in 1899. 1927) it appears that it was also the center of a host of self-named "cranks," who gathered there to discuss life, happiness and philosophical issues starting in about 1913 and ending about 1930, when the family started to have financial difficulties. Subsequent research led to an interesting realization that there was once in Burbank/Sunland a philosophical hotbed of sorts at a place called Freedom Hill, and details emerged about the Henry family who resided there.įreedom Hill was the home of a philosopher/pamphleteer named Leroy "Freedom Hill" Henry (shown at right c. ![]() Henry, a hermit/philosopher who lived in the Verdugo Hills above town. In October of 2015 Mike McDaniel came across a photo of a fellow named Harper B. We thank Tim Conway and Barefoot Ted McDonald for information on Freedom Hill and the Henry family! A Colony of Cranks: The Henry Family at Freedom Hill By Wes Clark and Mike McDaniel ![]()
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