SECONDO THE WINE KING, at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles, California

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SECONDO'S STORY:
The honorable Secondo Guasti Sr., was born in Italy on May 29, 1859. In 1883 Mr. Guasti arrived in California by way of Mexico City and other cites along the way. Two years later Mr. Guasti settled in Los Angeles where he met and later married Miss Louisa Amillo daughter of a prominent hotel owner. The couple were married on August 23, 1887. Mr. Guasti entered the wine industry shortly thereafter conducting a modest operation on Alameda near Second street. Mr. Guasti used information gathered from his father "himself a prominent vintner in Italy," to build what would oneday become the premier wine operation of its time.
In 1900 the Guasti operation was incorporated under the name of the Italian Vineyard Company with Mr. Guasti serving as President. The Italian Vineyard Company began acquiring land in the Ontario area from Antonio Signorio who owned 2,000 acres encompassing the entire area which is now Guasti, parts of Ontario and Chaffey. Mr. Signorio joined Mr. Guasti in establishing the Italian Vineyard Company along with Spirito Bodrero another native of the Piedmont province. Other founding members were Ambrosio Vignolo, Giovanni Vai, Angelo Bessolo and Joe Pagliano.
One of the myths associated with the establishment of the Italian Vineyard Company in Ontario was that Mr. Guasti and partners were embarking upon a brand new endeavor, this not entirely true as the aforementioned Mr. Signorio had planted the first vines associated with the new concern prior to incorporation. What transpired as a result of their collective drive and experience is a testament to their vision.
As the head of the concern which grew to include a massive 5,700 acres Mr. Guasti began constructing what would become known as the town of Guasti. Built to house the families of the men who toiled in the field's for the IVC. A school, catholic church and living quarters sprung up housing some 1,200 Italian and Mexican laborers in 1912. The endeavor sealed the legend of Secondo Guasti as the most visible member of the IVC staff.
The Italian Vineyard Company shipped its goods internationally prior to the passing of the 18th Amendment better known as the Volsted act which ushered in prohibition. The new era for the IVC included a continuation of its operation as if prohibition applied to everyone but them. Through a loop hole which allowed the consumption of alcohol for personal medicinal purposes, Guasti's fortune continued to soar. So much so that he became an international celebrity. On two occassions, the king of Italy honored his acheivements confering upon him the orders of Cavalier and Commentatore. 1922 Guasti met and befriended Benito Mussolini whom he was said to admire greatly. Mussolini later conferred upon him the title Grand Ufficiale a rare occurance as it is the highest Italian honor of its kind.
Mr. Guasti passed away at the family home in Los Angeles on August 29, 1927 after a brief illness. He was survived by his wife Louisa with whom he had enjoyed 40 years of marriage "nearly to the day," a sister Philomena, son Secondo Jr., and a daughter Mrs. William Orcutt.
MUSIC:
Copyright paid for at "Pond5" for all songs on this episode: www.pond5.com
Song 1 - "105015950-coming-home-beautiful-atmosphe"
Song 2 - "064786926-dreaming-italy:
Song 3 - "056192900-magical-christmas"
Song 4 - "062260612-adventures-magical-world"
THIS CHANNEL:
The Angel face you see is the Haserot, named “The Angel of Death Victorious".
Holding an extinguished torch upside-down, it represents a symbol of life extinguished. Wings are outstretched and the gaze is straight ahead.
IN THE END, DEATH ALWAYS WINS. LEST THE FACES NOT BE FORGOTTEN

[@colleencrane4843]

Thank you for going here my Mother is buried in the old Mausoleum with her parents and my Great Grandparents are buried in the Cemetery with their other Children my Great Aunts and uncles, you just made me cry, but a sweet cry...Thank you my friend..God Bless you. 😇🙏❤

[@annabunny58]

Always loved stained glass.....just beautiful.

[@anonymous78546]

What a lovely statue of Jesus. Wonderful!! It's a beautiful day here in LA. 🎄

[@janbellflower6361]

Ron, This just getting better & better. You could have a 4 hour "class " & we'd all be glued in. Thanks again for a great walk

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Thanks Jan, love that note.

[@janbellflower6361]

@@FacesoftheForgotten what time is the Sunday walk? I would like to see it live.

[@tan-tan7745]

Hey Ron & FOTF gang: That cemetery has some very beautiful monuments, and the pictures are very clear and very beautiful. Have a great weekend guys 😊

[@patriciajacobs7957]

Beautiful cementary...love the monuments with pictures on and the history ...Thanks Ron for another great one.

[@annabellasarafaraone4147]

Good_day again Ron!, My late partner of 38yrs -Mark was a qualified Glassworker and those beautiful stained-glassed windows incured pleasurable memorable of him!! This gentleman Secondo was certainly a square dinkum person and a community philanthropist! Grateful for the detailed tour Ron! Too-roo till later!!!(Loved the 'Phantom of the Opera'clip!!🦋 🦋 🦋 ❤️

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Yes we are 1951 thanks for the note. Great to know and yeah that classwork is unbelievable, kind of like Rosehill

[@molonaabe]

My Grandfather is buried there, he was a WW1 Veteran, but to my shock, he does not have a headstone ! I have been waiting over a year to get his DD14 to submit papers for the VA to pay for the headstone he deserves, I’m tired of waiting, I might just pay the $1000 myself .. thank you Ron for all the great videos !

[@KimberlyLew]

It took me over a year to get a military stone for an uncle. That was pre-pandemic. The VA is notoriously slow!!! Hope it’s resolved for him (and you) soon.

[@mr.nibbles2369]

I was in California two years ago and I went to Inglewood and Hollywood forever and those were absolutely beautiful. This is gorgeous I consider cemeteries open air museums

[@KimberlyLew]

Love that-“open air museums”

[@CLAD157]

Just showed this to my 92 year old mother. I had never known that my grandfather worked for Secondo in the vineyards until she mentioned it. Never knew my grandfather but the history is just amazing....

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

now that is cool. bravo!

[@catherinerose1607]

That’s really cool Cindy!

[@susan5301]

I can't even begin to imagine how much some of those monuments would cost! Beautiful! Thanks Ron!

[@deebreaux9467]

Beautiful!!!!

[@johno30197]

Amazing Mausoleum's Beautiful Stained Glass Window At The End As Always Thanks For Sharing Ron...

[@dawntaylor239]

Beautiful stones and the huge mausoleum with the gorgeous stain glass windows amazing all the history greatjob Ron

[@bcoldgoalie]

You cover a lot of territory in order for us to get such beautiful videos! Another class video,Ron.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

always on the move!!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Wow that was gorgeous ❤

[@debbiebutler3815]

I enjoyed today’s video Ron the mausoleums that you showed in your video were absolutely beautiful & gorgeous 👍♥️🎄

[@rolfsinkgraven]

A very beautiful cemetery.

[@Bulbachar]

The school you referenced in the video actually kept some of the stones and have them on display. No way they moved all those remains. The school did a good job documenting the history. Some people say it keeps the spirits satisfied that they remember.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

I’m glad to hear that!

[@joeystrobel5188]

Wow! What a beautiful cemetery and mausoleum. Thank you for taking us there Ron.

[@A.L.I.S.O.N]

My grandma, Rose Johnson, and dad, Michael Mark Medina are there in that cemetery. When you are there again..can you find them. I don't live there anymore and would love to see it again. My grandma was hit by a car in 1989. My dad died from a brain aneurysm in 1995. They are next to each other.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

If I go back - maybe someday, it is such a beautiful place!!

[@carrienecas9867]

Beautiful Cemetery! Loved our visit, thank you

[@RhettyforHistory]

This really is quite the cemetery and I hope to visit there some day. You started off big with the Lee marker and it just kept going. It's definitely a beautiful cemetery and mausoleum. So many famous people too. Thanks for the tour Ron.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

right on Rhett, when you go, there is lots to see, I only touched the surface.

[@RhettyforHistory]

@@FacesoftheForgotten I could tell you did but I thought you did a great job with how much there is.

[@lorismith103]

Those monuments & statues are beautiful.

[@sandratodd560]

Ron, this was excellent!! Loved it!!

[@kyliecook8889]

Love the video from you Ron 🤩

[@Chevy120]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@lisaknell1809]

What a beautiful cemetery with beautiful mausoleums. It worries me though, as the first mausoleum (Higgins family members) looks like it has trees growing in the gutters. If these aren’t removed, I’m sure the structure will be eventually damaged. 😢 The old large mausoleum is gorgeous too, what a history it has!

[@flocosta]

What a beautiful cemetery and a stunning mausoleum! Something tells me that you could have spent hours here telling stories. I love how you capsulized so many of them into these few minutes without degrading the storylines of the people mentioned. You're so good at what you do!

[@nadiabrook7871]

What a GORGEOUS cemetery with such BEAUTIFUL monuments!! Thanks so much for sharing this, Ron!! XXXX

[@laurenferrell7559]

Beautiful statues and monuments ❤

[@CLAD157]

Hey Ron...so glad you got over to CA. My grandparents are buried in Calvary out back of the large mausoleum. It's interesting how houses are right outside the chain length fences in so many cemeteries.

[@carolk5770]

Very beautiful place to visit. TY for showing us around Ron. 😇

[@lillypad9960]

Ron, again a tremendous video. You show beauty, respect and love. Everyone's not a star but all came from somewhere before us. Please be blessed and thank you for sharing.

[@Liz_678]

Beautiful monuments! Thanks for the walk!

[@nanad4348]

Very beautiful cemetery, many interesting and beautiful headstones. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for bringing us along Ron!

[@riverbender9898]

Thanks so much for showing us this majestic place.

[@frandistabile4723]

The monuments at the beginning were so beautiful, the whole cemetery was beautiful. The stained glass windows were breathtaking! You did an amazing job as always filming Ron. We look forward to your video's and your wonderful story telling. So much time, effort, and love goes into every one. Thank you!

[@charmainegrandin401]

Thank you for this one! Love these older cemeteries with pictures.

[@2snowgirl520]

Bravo! Loved this. Great music too. ❤️🎶🎶

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Ron, very interesting the way people use to live, beautiful photos on the graves, and the stone figures, thank you Ron. Stay safe. Xxx

[@Volaris27]

Wow,, I really enjoyed this! I've got a thing for mausoleums,, and its a BIG thing! LOL Addicted

[@gtiwerx]

My family is there, most in the older section you were covering among the many mausoleums. Also, John Barrymore is no longer interred at Calvary. His remains were moved to Philadelphia by family.

[@hh7407]

4:23 Those trees! Wow. 4:48 Beautiful, big building with big, chunky columns. 8:06 I love the veining. 9:04 The angel in the back right. I love it. It is one of my faves. There are 2 mirror image versions I have seen before online. I love beautiful angel statues. 9:47 Beautiful; very grand. 11:46 and 12:12 Gorgeous stained glass.

[@pamelapurcell187]

Thank you Ron. Such a beautiful place. I enjoyed looking at the lovely salutes and the mausoleums So many people died so long ago. I wonder what it was like for just an average joe. You tell great stories I can see it in my mind. Thank you again. Take care. God bless

[@haroldoferreira9420]

There are hundreds of talking heads on KZbin, but you are unique ! And yes when you are talking to us I do think of you as a friend talking to me

[@KimberlyLew]

I agree! 😊

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

thanks Haraldo, very inspiring to get a note like this., I appreciate you mentioning this.

[@2snowgirl520]

I agree!

[@cazkellie]

Really hooked on this channel sooo enjoy it 👍🧡

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Oh thanks Caz, that’s awesome to hear

[@MadHatterDJ-]

Some beautiful memorials there.

[@alandickerson3379]

Wow, this is a very beautiful and historic place!! Somehow, I have never heard of it before now! Thank you for sharing!!

[@marlenepearson9657]

Beautiful Cemetary Ron. Never seen such elaborate stones and carvings. Beautiful stained glass! That was a nice tour!

[@mariacervantes5077]

I truly enjoy all of your videos and the stories you tell are pretty amazing! Glad you did this cemetery, i live close to it. I know there's some famous Hollywood stars buried here. Hope you had a safe trip💕

[@msveliz01]

Lots of history, beautiful cemetery, great narration.

[@seascape1016]

Beautiful cemetery! Monuments and trees so pretty! Thx for all the places u share with us! 🪦❤️✌️

[@norajazzypoppy9043]

Loved it😊Thank you Ron😊

[@KaitlinL775]

Beautiful and so much history in one place! Thank you so much for taking us along!

[@johnmcgowanireland695]

Thanks, Ron, for another great video. My Brother and most members of my family are buried at Resurrection Cemetery just East of there a few miles.

[@martinwilliams8820]

Just amazing how you present all these videos, i can watch your videos all day long. Impressive Ron!!

[@doreenarcher8543]

Thanks Ron for another totally cool video. I love your channel. The story of the Italian winemaker was interesting. I'm Italian. I love all the stories about the Italian culture, even the jokes. Stay safe.

[@nancyvolke237]

A lot of history in that cemetery!!! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻 😇👏🙏🏻

[@monikameza4107]

Beautiful cemetery. I visited there many times. Lived in Los Angeles for 35 years. Thanks Ron, it brought back memories 😌

[@bellememorie]

Seeing the Guasti mausoleum brought back some great memories. I almost got married at the winery and my ex husband grew up in Rancho Cucamonga. Lovely cemetery and great video.

[@aliciabrewer9444]

Loved this video Ron, I love seeing the old gravestones, pictures of the people on those gravestones, and the beautiful mausoleums. So much history in those cemeteries. So interesting. Stay safe out there.💖🙂

[@KimberlyLew]

Stunning artwork/carvings

[@susanna3]

What a beautiful cemetery!!! The music was great, as your drove along looking at the moments and Angels .The colors and designs of the stained glass windows make you feel like you're looking at heaven 💜

[@annjones3672]

An enjoyable visit!

[@Darkwolf3v1]

What a spectacular video Ron. That said, every video that you create is top notch. I have never disliked a single one.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

not even one? well, try not to just crank stuff out, quality stories, quality editing and production. well, I am picky, very discerning with the stories I pick. they must be intriguing to me, and it seems likewise for many viewers...I hope!

[@cathymcglasson6947]

Awesome history.

[@itsthe773guero5]

two big thumbs up on this one...in awe sittin here and now i gotta watch again and take notes....what a great lesson you gave us here, everything here was so beautiful the base relief sculpts on that altar are absolutely breathtaking.....awesome work sir, the L.A. trip really delivered some interesting memorable stuff

[@matthughes4680]

Good showing sir, I'd like to see some of those in person 👍

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Go there it’s worth it. There is lots lots more there

[@catherineshellard7854]

What a beautiful place would love to visit there

[@mcwatersd]

What a beautiful Cemetery. The monuments are spectacular . Great history in this place . Thanks for taking us through. Keep Safe ❤Keep Well❤

[@HollywoodGraham]

I lived in the L.A. area for over 50 yrs. and never went inside the grounds. However close by is a Chinese Cemetery and did attend funerals there. Very interesting cemetery.

[@CLAD157]

Ron...might as well go to Hollywood Forever while your out there. Lots of stories and fame there but at one of the walls lots of babies and children. I went to 4 of the annual Day of Dead events there. Unbelievable! Tons of history.

[@waleedcomp]

I think this one needs more episodes with more details. Beautiful cemetery. Greetings from Egypt.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

it would take 20 to 30 episode to cover most of this place...like I did 18 episodes at Mount Carmel in Chicago...and still not finished there.

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

Great video. Excellent document and very interesting. I admire all the architecture and art in this cementary. It's always interesting to hear you feel the stories of those that have walked this earth...Thank you from Fort Worth, Texas.

[@mattberitich6521]

Your in my neighborhood! You might also want to check out Rose Hills in Whittier CA.

[@Corgis175]

Tons of movie stars and show business related individuals to be sure.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thank you very much for sharing🪦🪦🪦

[@jacquelinemunguia9382]

I've been to this chapel so many times for family, friends, and neighbors burials.

[@elizabethkujawinski3240]

Hello Ron, Saturday day evening and I was hypnotized to this vedio. Love each time you bring out your new vedios this was so awesome. Those large headstones of the Millers and Adams were very intreging as they may have been wealthy in their days. They were Romanian gypsy as their ethnics as those women were beautiful in that era.

[@IsraelLlerena]

2:13 wow I rarely see old pictures where they’re smiling with their teeth! Really cool to see !

[@DDExplores]

WOW That was amazing ! Thank you so much for sharing

[@sarahbennett2212]

Great film as always. Lon Chaney scared the absolute hell out of me as a toddler when I inadvertently saw a brief part of the movie! Scared me for years!

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Back then that was super scary I could see your point

[@ethelrosesalto7542]

Wow... your blog is getting better and better Ron..i was very fascinating to the beauty of the cemetery as well as the moselouem..what a nice story you have and very well research ... both hands up to you Ron for your tiredless effort in doing blog and continuing inspiring others ..you really deserve whatever you are reaching now..keep safe and blessed be ☺️💕

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

thanks Ethel ...been on this road with me!!

[@lindaschaldach1783]

Beautiful cemetery and Mausoleum. Loved the pictures and the stories. Love the history.👍👍❤❤😊

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Linda!!!!!!! 😃

[@jacquelinedenambtman6191]

Very beautiful cemetery, the monuments are very nice and also a great mausoleum, thanks for showing us... 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻🙏🏻😘

[@riamazzarone3707]

Such a beautiful cemetery!

[@mariahwesley4673]

Hi Ron honestly the longer your video's the better...just something about you.... Blessings!

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Awe- that’s such a nice complement thank you.

[@juliegrey5280]

Amazing monuments and mausoleums!

[@Emzykeetz]

Looking forward to seeing this!! Sorry I was in bed by time it came out! Roll on when I finish work to watch this 👍☺️ #eveningplanned thanks Ron

[@krissarasexydiva1781]

Love the narrating

[@peggygalati2191]

Awesome about the Wine King what an excellent immigrant tale of success !!

[@CLAD157]

Thanks!

[@KimberlyLew]

Thank you!!!

[@conniecabanela8573]

Love the video! The funny thing you went into that Mausoleum of the Guasti family they still have a restaurant in Chino California which is basically morning lunch restaurant.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Oh wow that’s cool!

[@catherinerose1607]

It’s amazing how clear and well preserved those photos are! The carvings are incredible too.

[@helenaopal]

Amazing!!! Thanks Ron!

[@stephaniecoggins733]

Beautiful place 🙏

[@millemille4610]

One of my favorite cemeteries 🖤

[@susanhageman5559]

Very interesting. Thank you

[@mikekatras772]

Thank you Ron what a beautiful cemetery Stainglass amazing and the statues on the graves Beautiful thanks again. 🇺🇸👮🏻‍♂️