The date was May 13, 1927. Edwin was to receive his indoctrination into a most prestigious and elite Hollywood club, The Los Angeles Breakfast Club at 3213 Riverside Drive. We have recently discovered that Edwin was a long-standing member of this elite social club.
Founded in 1925 by Maurice DeMond and a group of Equestrians, the club became a social gathering place by exclusive membership. Each member received a gold name card embossed with a green horseshoe, see sample image. Edwin’s interest in joining the club makes perfect sense considering his deep love for horses and many of his Hollywood pals were members too. Names such as Tom Mix, whom Edwin was very close friends, Cecille B. DeMille, D.W. Grifith, Samuel Goldwyn, Carl Laemmle, Louis B. Mayer, Jack and Sam Warner and Rudolph Valentino just to name a few. You can see Edwin’s name on the 1927 roster image.
In another article dated December 17, 1932, Edwin appears at the club, with fellow film executive John Boyce-Smith during a presentation by British adventurer and explorer Major Chaplin Court Treatt. The article states that Edwin is “with” Major Treatt. This detail raises more questions about the relationship Edwin may have had with Major Treatt who was the mastermind behind the Court Treatt Expedition in 1926 South Africa. Edwin appears again in 1935 as a Presenter at the club alongside aids to then President Roosevelt.
Edwin made at least one film in Africa. “A Son of the Sahara.” When we dig a little deeper into Major Treatt, he was married to Stella Maud Court Treatt, a South African film maker. It is entirely possible that Edwin may have known or collaborated with Stella during his filming in Africa, which could have led to a long relationship with the famous duo.
Regarding Edwin’s gold member card, we have to wonder where it might be today. If anyone has seen this card or might know where it could be, please let us know. We would love to discover its location.
We would like to thank the Historian with The Los Angeles Breakfast Club for reaching out to us with all of this new and exciting information.
