The foundation was pleased to host an educational house tour and recognition event at the historic Casablanca Adobe. The free event, attended by over 230 people, gave PSPF an opportunity to distribute complimentary copies of its Spanish Colonial Revival tribute journal to the interested public. Mayor pro tem Rick Hutcheson presented owner Al Sophianopoulos with a framed copy of the Casablanca Adobe's future entry in PSPF's Class 1 historic sites booklet. The Casablanca Adobe was designated a Class 1 Historic Site by the city of Palm Springs on June 17, 2009.
The private residence, referred to by owners Sophianopoulos and Jeff Trachta as the "Casablanca Adobe" (historic name "Goodloe Residence") is a replica adobe constructed in 1936 by builder Lee Miller on property purchased by Dorothy Goodloe from Pearl McManus. In 1946, legendary screenwriter and Oscar winner Howard E. Koch purchased the house. Koch is best known for his important screenwriting contribution to the famous 1942 film Casablanca.
While living at the Casablanca Adobe, Koch was subpoenaed to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in Washington, D.C. Koch proved to be less than cooperative and was subsequently "blacklisted" from the American film industry. As a result, Koch's Palm Springs home became a refuge for other individuals blacklisted from movie-making.
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