Frank C. Langdon, a pioneer and representative citizen of Sawtelle, was born the 17th day of March, 1856 in Spencertown, Columbia County, New York. In 1857 the family emigrated to Illinois and settled near Galena. From here three brothers, Henry, Eugene and Edgar, volunteered in the Federal Army to fight for the preservation of the Union. Henry lost an arm in the Battle of Corinth, in the Civil war. (This may have influenced the naming of fifth avenue to Corinth Avenue in the township of Sawtelle. Frank Langdon likely had a great influence on the Sawtellans, to name the street Corinth Avenue and the street name remains to this day.
Mr. Frank C. Langdon married in 1879 at Glenwood, Minnesota, Miss Nellie E, daughter of Colonel Stephen J. Russell, a farmer by occupation, and veteran of the civil war. In March, 1888, he went to Montana to prospect for gold. He commenced operations in Lewis and Clark County about eighteen miles northeast of Helena and for a time had indifferent success. In the month of July, while drifting into the side of a bluff at French Bar on the Upper Missouri River, he unearthed a vein of quartz that proved to be a veritable mine of sapphires, rubies and diamonds of almost fabulous wealth. One, a rose diamond, of twelve karats, value $30,000, was put on exhibition at the Paris Exposition by Prof. Kunz, of Tiffany & Company, New York. Mr. Frank C. Langdon and a brother, Edgar Langdon, who was associated with him in mining operations, sold their claim for $50,000 cash. After disposing of his mine interests in Montana, Mr. Langdon eventually came to California in 1899.
The following year, 1900, Mr. Frank C. Langdon settled with his family in Sawtelle and cast his fortune with the then small hamlet, made up of seven buildings and occupants thereof, and from that time was one of its most active and enterprising citizens. He invested heavily in Sawtelle township realty and owned eighteen cottages, which he leased, besides other business and residence property. He built the Langdon Hotel in the main part of Sawtelle in 1903. (Looking at Sanborn Maps and a 1921 street directory from the L.A. Public Library, I concluded that the Langdon Green Hotel was located next to the current West End Hotel, north where a parking lot is currently located at 1534 Sawtelle Blvd.)
He was active and influential in Sawtelle city politics and was one of the original movers for the incorporation of the city to Los Angeles. Mr. Langdon was elected to the Board of Trustees and subsequently chosen chairman of the board (First Mayor of Sawtelle). Mr. Langdon’s services as a public official have proven eminently satisfactory to his fellow townsmen. A man of the strictest integrity and high ideals of citizenship, the people had implicit faith in him as a true and faithful public servant.
Langdon Elected First Mayor of Sawtelle 1906
Frank Langdon errantly identified as E.C. Langdon (Should be F.C. Langdon), elected President of the board of Trustees (First Mayor) of Sawtelle, California. Source: Santa Monica Outlook Newspaper December 4, 1906.
The Sawtelle City Seal
The Celluloid Pinback Button below dated 1919 bears a resemblance to the First Sawtelle City seal mentioned in the article above. Pictured on the button are two Civil War type rifles and the famous Junipero Serra Sycamore Tree that was located just west of the Soldiers Home on Serra avenue renamed Wyoming avenue and between Colby and Federal avenues. Click on this Link Junipero Serra Sycamore tree in Sawtelle
Langdon retires in 1923 from City activity
The article below declares that Frank Langdon First Mayor of Sawtelle is retiring from civic duty as Director of the Sawtelle Chamber of Commerce (in 1923) Source: Santa Monica Outlook Newspaper April 25, 1923.
Frank C. Langdon passing
Frank C. Langdon passed away after a long illness, Tuesday night Dec. 9, 1941 at his home at 11330 Ohio avenue located between Sawtelle Blvd. and Corinth avenue. He was one of the original Sawtelle Pioneers that remained in old Sawtelle when others “fled” out of the district. Funeral Services were held at the Price Daniel Mortuary. Interment was made at the Woodland Cemetery in Santa Monica. He was 86 years old and was survived by his wife Mrs. Margaret H. Langdon: two sons, Frank Clifford and Ted R. Langdon: and a daughter Mrs. Cassie M. Keyes. West Los Angeles Independent Newspaper Dec.12, 1941, L.A. Library
Sawtelle California 1897 to 1950 