A Rare Opportunity to Preserve a Piece of California and Hollywood History

For the first time in more than forty years, the complete collection of original interior wall panels from the historic 139 Club is available for long-term stewardship.

Located in Cathedral City during the 1930s and 1940s, the 139 Club became a gathering place for actors, comedians, musicians, producers, directors, journalists, broadcasters, and other notable figures whose work helped shape American entertainment.

Unlike traditional memorabilia, these are not detached autographs or signed photographs. They are the original architectural wall panels from the 139 Club itself. The signatures, inscriptions, sketches, and musical notations remain on the very surfaces where they were created.

The complete collection consists of 27 original wood panels, each measuring approximately 4 feet by 8 feet. Preserved together for more than forty years, the collection tells a story that individual panels never could. Its historical significance lies not only in the names it bears, but in the fact that the panels remain together as the surviving interior of a place where those lives intersected.

A Remarkable Cross-Section of American Entertainment

The collection preserves the signatures and inscriptions of a remarkable cross-section of American entertainment, including: Humphrey Bogart, Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Buster Keaton, Rita Hayworth, Harold Lloyd, Betty Grable, Rosalind Russell, Tommy Dorsey, Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Hal Wallis, Cole Porter, and many others.

Together, the panels document far more than a collection of famous names. They preserve a remarkable cross-section of the entertainment industry during Hollywood's Golden Age—from film stars and vaudeville performers to musicians, producers, directors, journalists, broadcasters, composers, and writers.

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Preserved as a Complete Collection

The integrity of the collection is one of its defining characteristics. While each panel has historical value, together they preserve the atmosphere and context of the original gathering place in a way that individual panels cannot.

For that reason, the preference is to see the collection remain intact and find a permanent home where it can be preserved, appreciated, and experienced by future generations.

Potential long-term placement may include:

• Museum or cultural institution
• Historic hotel or hospitality project
• Private collection
• Entertainment or film-related organization
• Public exhibition

Inquiries

The collection is currently being considered for long-term institutional stewardship, acquisition, exhibition partnership, or placement within a private collection committed to preserving its historical integrity.

If you believe your organization—or someone you know—may be an appropriate steward for this unique piece of California history, I would welcome the opportunity to begin a conversation.

The 139 Club Collection

A Rare Opportunity to Preserve a Piece of California and Hollywood History

A Remarkable Cross-Section of American Entertainment

Preserved as a Complete Collection

Collection Details

Inquiries