Earle C. Anthony
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Earle C. Anthony (December 18, 1880 – August 6, 1961) was a pioneer businessman based in Los Angeles, California. He is primarily known for his pioneering work in two fields: Broadcasting and automobiles. He was also a songwriter, journalist and playwright.
In 1923 he was founder and owner of 50,000 watt KFI AM640 radio, a station he controlled until his death in 1961. From 1929 to 1944, he also owned KECA-AM 790, now KABC.
From 1915 to 1958 he was the Packard distributor for all of California (one out of every seven Packards ever sold were through the Anthony organization). He was also instrumental in developing the concept of the gasoline service station, inter-urban bus transportation, and car radios.
He was active in many civic activities. He helped save the Hollywood Bowl by assuming leadership of the Symphony Under Stars Foundation in the early 1930s. He donated resources for a wind resistant cross to replace others that had previously been blown over in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs). He had a major supporting role in helping bring major league baseball to Los Angeles.
Anthony is also credited with having founded the Los Angeles Auto Show, introducing neon lights to Southern California from France, and personally building the first automobile ever constructed in Los Angeles (later rebuilt and now in the possession of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles).
His house in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles was designed by Bernard Maybeck and was later bequesthed to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is currently run by this order and is now known as the Cardinal Timothy Manning House of Prayer for Priests.
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