The Owners.

Frederick E. Engstrum

In 1913, Frederick E. Engstrum, a construction company executive, gained title to Lots 25, 26, and 27 of Tract 2156 (16.48 acres) from the Pasadena Savings & Trust Company, the prior recorded owner.  The property later became known as all of Lot A of Tract 1288.  The original address was 2142 Canyon Drive (known formally as Sepulveda Canyon until about 1922).

It did not receive its current address until around 1938 after the property had begun to be subdivided. The original parcel was irregularly shaped, running 365 linear feet along Canyon, just under 800 feet along its northern border, 1,190 feet along its east side, and about 351 feet along its southern border.  The construction site was set on a 300-foot cliff that, according to the Los Angeles Times, had a “wide panorama of city, valley, ocean, and hills.” The house would be situated about 250 feet from the main drive and about 90 feet above it.  Both footpath and driveway entrances were to be “flanked by rustic lodge houses” (actually pump houses). 

Mr. Engstrum commissioned Commonwealth Home Builders, a Los Angeles firm, to design and build a large country house in the then-popular rustic California Craftsman style (although the interior was to reflect more closely the English Arts & Crafts tradition) for his father Franz O. Engstrum.  

Frank A. Brown, an architect on the staff of the construction firm, is credited with the design of what the Engstrums would call  “Artemesia.”[1]  (Commonwealth had also just completed a twenty-room beach home for Franz Engstrum in 1913 at East Newport Beach.)  Alexandre Aurele Vermeulen was the landscape architect for Artemesia.  The house was said to have cost $10,000 to build–a sizeable amount in 1913 when the average small city house could be built for around $2,000.

Franz (commonly known as Frank) Engstrum was president of the F. O. Engstrum Company, a general contracting and wholesale building-supply firm located at 5th and Seaton Streets in Los Angeles.  Frederick was the company’s vice-president.  Directories show Franz as living in the Canyon Drive house by 1915, but Frederick appears to have remained with his wife Lydia at his home in the Engstrum Apartments located at 623 West 5th Street in Los Angeles.

Franz Otto Engstrum was born in Stockholm, Sweden on January 4, 1848, the son of a builder.  After completing his education, he worked in the stone-cutting business. 

Mr. Engstrum moved to the United States in 1871, living for a short time in New York and Louisiana before relocating to Houston, Texas.  There he set up his construction business and was responsible for the completion of many large buildings in both Houston and Fort Worth, including the J. H. Brown warehouse and the First National Bank.  In 1886, he moved to San Diego with his wife Elizabeth C. Engstrum They subsequently moved to Escondido where Mr. Engstrum constructed a number of residences, churches, schools, and commercial buildings. 

Mr. Engstrum moved to Los Angeles in 1892, where he set up a business office downtown.  The F. O. Engstrum Company, incorporated in 1904, had up to two hundred employees, all “skilled and independent workmen.” Although it first specialized in large carpentry projects, the Engstrum company soon became well-known as one of the most prominent general building-contracting firms west of Chicago, specializing in reinforced-concrete construction of large institutional and commercial buildings.  (The firm was said to have built the first cast-in-place concrete structure.) These included the Court Houses in Riverside and Ventura, the Security National and Citizens National Banks on Spring Street in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Polytechnic High School, the County and California Hospitals, Fire Station No. 23, the seven-story Elks Hall, the Ocean Park Bathhouse, the Agnews State Hospital, and Tower Hall at what is now San Jose State University.[2] 

Engstrum also built large multi-unit residential buildings, such as the Engstrum, Rampart, and Bryson Apartments and the 750-room Rosslyn Hotel in Los Angeles.  The Rex Arms at 945 Orange Street was declared “the finest apartment house built in Los Angeles up to that time.”  The firm also was said to have built all the concrete bridges from Los Angeles to Pomona for the Salt Lake Railroad, installed the street-lighting system in Newport Beach, and constructed numerous other buildings in Monrovia, Colton, San Diego, El Paso, and Oxnard (where the Engstrum family owned land).  Copies of advertisements for the firm and the Engstrum Apartments from the 1914 Los Angeles City Directory are attached on page ?. 

Franz Engstrum was remembered for his painstaking attention to detail and his championing of the “open shop.” He was active in a number of fraternal organizations and clubs, as well as in the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.  His hobbies were fishing and automobiles (he was one of the first to own one in Los Angeles).  A firm believer in the “back to the soil” movement, Mr. Engstrum and his family owned thousands of acres of fruit orchards and pasture lands in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. 

Mrs. Engstrum was born Elizabeth Weatherly in Alabama around 1855.  She and her husband had three children: Frederick, Paul, and Blanche. [Blanche (1883-1969) would marry H. W. Bryson, the manager of the Engstrum Company, after whom the nine-story Bryson Apartments was named.]  Franz O. Engstrum died in Newburn, North Carolina on June 14, 1920 at 72 years of age. He was in Newburn overseeing the construction of concrete ships as president of the Newport Shipbuilding Company.  Many prominent citizens attended the funeral of this “pioneer building contractor.”  His wife had preceded him in death just the previous January. 

Franz’ and Elizabeth’s older son, Frederick Edgar Engstrum, was born in Houston, Texas on July 11, 1874. He graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1895.  After receiving a degree in engineering from the State Normal School (now U.C.L.A.) in 1899, he went to work for his father’s construction firm as vice-president.  He also served as president of the Union League Building Corporation, as vice-president of the Concrete Appliances Company, and was a director of the National Suction Cleanser Company.  He was a member of the University Club, Jonathan Club, California Club, Union League Club, the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and the Los Angeles Country Club.  During World War I, Frederick was engaged in government work on the East Coast.  After the death of his father, he disbanded the F. O. Engstrum Company, although he did continue supervising the construction of concrete barges as head of the Newport Shipbuilding Company. 

Frederick Engstrum died on November 24, 1923 at the age of 49.  His wife, the former Lydia Maulhardt  (1875-1943), whom he had married in 1901, was a California native.

Interestingly, the Engstrum Company built a large organ- and piano-manufacturing plant in 1913 for the Murray M. Harris Company of Van Nuys.  The firm, at that time the only pipe-organ manufacturer on the West Coast, was the builder of the massive organ for the St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904 and of smaller instruments for Southland churches and residences.  It is probably not coincidental that Artemesia had a top-of-the-line Murray Harris organ installed in its living room in 1913, possibly the largest organ ever installed in a residence.

Mary Costello

In 1917, title to Artemesia passed to Mary M. Costello, the widow of Martin Costello, who had achieved great wealth in the frontier west.  According to Assessor’s ownership records, the southerly developed 10.35 acres of the Canyon Drive property were deeded to Mrs. Costello’s son John M. Costello in 1934.  However, in December 1938, she became the owner of the entire property once again.  All 16.48 acres fell under the ownership of John M. Costello in April 1941.

A man of humble circumstances born in County Cork, Ireland around 1854, Martin Costello first made his living as a cabinet-maker, according to family lore.  He later went to Colorado as an employee of the U.S. Government, but subsequently relocated to Tombstone, Arizona where he established a loan business, bought copper mines which he sold at a huge profit, and established the bank in Bisbee which his family would control for many years.  He also owned hotel properties in Tucson.  His wife Mary Costello, whom he had met in Philadelphia, was born Mary McNeilis in Plymouth, Pennsylvania (some sources say she was actually born in County Donegal, Ireland) on June 2, 1867. They would have ten children, seven of whom survived into adulthood.  In 1902, the Costello family moved to Los Angeles, living on South Figueroa Street.  They were also said to have owned a ranch in Calabasas and a beach house.  The Costellos were described by their friend famed historian John Steven McGroarty as “quiet, sincere people who seem to regard their many holdings as a trust, and who take pleasure in their wealth because it affords them so many opportunities for usefulness.”  They enjoyed traveling and were evidently involved in many charitable groups.  Mrs. Costello was “a lady of simple tastes and many charities..with no false pride.”  She was characterized as a hard worker, thrifty, a wise care-giver to her family, and the “helpmate of a successful businessman.”  Her granddaughter remembers her as being rather imperious.  Despite his wife’s ministrations, Mr. Costello took his own life in 1911 at the age of 57, having been mentally and physically ravaged by an eight-year illness. 

Mrs. Costello continued her late husband’s real estate interests, including a three-story commercial/residential building she commissioned to be built at the corner of 6th Street and Western Avenue.  The family also held onto their ownership of the First National Bank of Bisbee until 1926.  Artemesia, Mrs. Costello’s new home, was described by

Mr. McGroarty in 1923 as a “magnificent palace...Standing at the crest of the hills, it commands a wonderful view of the entire city and the surrounding country.”  Mary  owned many beaded dresses and much jewelry, according to her family.  Her purchase of a grand piano in 1925 was advertised by a Los Angeles dealer.  It was said to have been placed in an upstairs library.

Living with Mrs. Costello at various times were her children: Cecil Martin (1893-1969), Evelyn (1894-1919), Ethel Louise (1897-1970), Ruth C. (1898-1958), Monica Alicia (1901-1949), Vincent Adrian–known as “Ade” (1901-1924), John Martin (1903-1976), and Mark Joseph Aloysius (1904-1976). Cecil married an Italian woman in Tombstone.  Evelyn, a graduate of U.S.C. and Stanford, was a deputy Police Court defender and “one of the best known and most popular young women attorneys in Southern California” before her untimely death from influenza at the age of 23. Ethel Louise remained unmarried and became the family caretaker, gradually assuming the duties of departing servants.  Ruth was a graduate of  U.S.C. who was admitted to the California State Bar in 1920 and later married James P. Giacoma, a mining man from Tombstone.  (The event occurred without Mrs. Costello’s permission, which caused a longstanding rift between mother and daughter.)  Monica, who never married, was an accomplished pianist.  She was said to have suffered a nervous breakdown when her mother forbade her to marry the man of her choice. Monica spent much of her remaining life at the Camarillo State Hospital.  John and Mark were both attorneys who shared offices in downtown Los Angeles at 215 West 7th Street, Room 1026.

By 1926, Mrs. Costello was sharing her home only with Vincent Adrian and John.  Vincent, a graduate of Loyola and also an attorney and university professor, was shot to death at the age of 23 returning home from a Berkeley football game by a motorist who supposedly mistook him for a “hold-up man.”   

By 1936, Artemesia was occupied by Mary, John, Mark, and Mark’s new wife Frances.  The latter couple lived over the garage in the former chauffeur’s quarters.   In 1935, Mark’s former wife Sue Gail claimed to have been ejected from the Costello home and had to avail herself of a police escort to retrieve her infant daughter Monica Sue.  She charged that her husband “neglected his business, drank to excess, and often remained away from home all night.”  He also “caused her great embarrassment by making advances to her girlfriends.”  In fact, Mark had a family reputation as a “ne’er-do-well.” 

John M. Costello was probably the best-known of the Costello children.  Born in Los Angeles on January 15, 1903, he earned an A. B. degree in 1922, an M.A. in 1923, and his law degree in 1924–all from Loyola University.  After being admitted to the California Bar, he taught high school for one year and then became a partner in the law firm of Hartert & Costello.  He also taught courses in economics and other liberal arts at Loyola. 

In 1934, Mr. Costello was elected to the U.S. Congress as the Democratic representative from the 15th district and served five terms until 1945.  At that time he maintained a local office at 312 North Spring Street, Room 434.  A conservative, he was a longtime member of both the House Military Affairs Committee and the House Un-American Activities Committee.  Following his legislative service, Mr. Costello was employed for the next three years as the general counsel and manager of the Washington office of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.  He subsequently remained in Washington as a lobbyist for various interests. When in Los Angeles, he was active in the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Catholic Industrial Conference, the Catholic Big Brother club, and the Boys’ Guidance movement.  John Costello died in Las Vegas on August 28, 1976 at the age of 73.   He was a lifelong bachelor.

The current owner of Artemesia had a conversation with Mary Lewis, the daughter of Ruth Costello, some years ago.  Born in 1928, Mrs. Lewis recalled there being a chicken house at the top of the property from which you could see Catalina Island.  There was also a Shetland pony.  The pump house was known as the “milk house,” there were pink amaryllis and geraniums planted in the front yard and along the driveway, and a wooden bridge crossed the pool.   Except for a tennis court, a water tower, and an old grove of orange trees, the rest of the acreage was mostly tall dry grass.  Wildlife, such as foxes, also occupied the property.  Besides the residents of the house, at one time there were upstairs and downstairs maids, a part-time seamstress, a cook, and a chauffeur (who it is said married the cook).  Mrs. Costello slept in the pink room (thought of as the most modern room), Evelyn stayed in the blue room which had two twin beds, and Louise and Monica occupied a sleeping porch.  The outdoor terraces were referred to as “sun porches” and had wicker furniture.  The house was furnished with “beautiful”oriental rugs and massive furniture, such as a “huge” mirror in the living room.  Although the Costellos often hosted large dinner parties, the family mostly ate in the breakfast room, the terrace of which was covered by a climbing rose.  The kitchen boasted a “huge” restaurant range with at least eight burners. The house’s one telephone (Gladstone 1713) was in the upstairs hall.  Laundry was done in the garage, which also housed a Pierce Arrow and a Franklin.  

Mary Costello died at her Valley Oak home on December 12, 1941 at the age of 74. She was said to have lost most of her fortune by the time of her death, and the family soon moved to a triplex in Leimert Park.  The Costellos are said to still have sizeable financial interests in Tombstone.

Myrtle Ubsdell

Artemesia eventually went into receivership.  Ownership was recorded in the name of The Bank of America in May 1943.  In October of that year, Myrtle Caroline Ubsdell became the owner of the house and just 1.5 acres of the original property, the remainder having been sold off to other owners.  Title passed to J. S. Wertz, as executor, in 1960.  Ella G. Austin, administrator of the estate of Myrtle Ubsdell gained title in 1963.  

Little information could be found about Mrs. Ubsdell.  She appears to have been born in Ontario, Canada around 1878 where she married John J. Ubsdell, a shipbuilder, in 1902.  She became a U.S. citizen in 1908 and lived for some time in Detroit.  In 1960, the Los Angeles Times advertised an auction of “fine furnishings–the magnificent possessions from the Hollywood estate of Myrtle C. Ubsdell” as well as an “unusual art collection.” 

George Krauth

In March 1964, George Herbert Krauth and his wife Johanna Nielson Krauth were recorded as owners.  Mr. Krauth (1910-1980) was born outside the United States.  After her husband’s death, Mrs. Krauth  became sole owner of Artemesia in April1981. 

Mr. Krauth’s two sisters were actresses: Marian Marsh (formerly Violet Krauth) and Jeanne (Krauth) Fenwick.  A brother, Edward (Krauth) Morgan, was also “in the movies,” according to newspapers of the day.   Mr. and Mrs. Krauth were said to have acted as caretakers for Mrs. Ubsdell.   

The current owner purchased Artemesia in October 1987.  He undertook a major restoration of his home which was completed in 2013 in time for the centenary celebration.