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On the eastern side of Fremont, adjacent to Mission Boulevard, lies a sleepy little district known as Niles. Once its own city, it was incorporated into Fremont in 1956.
Niles has a colorful history, as it once almost rivaled Hollywood/Los Angeles as the nation's film capital.
The story begins in 1912, when Bronco Billy Anderson (real name: Gilbert Maxwell Aronson), a film director and cowboy star, took a liking to the Niles Canyon area. The rolling hills and tranquility of the area appealed to Anderson, so he made an important decision.
He decided Niles would become the home for Essanay Film's western division, whose base was Chicago.
Anderson felt the overall scenery of Niles was superior to the Los Angeles area.
In 1913, Essanay constructed 10 cottages in Niles for their troupe of actors on 2nd Street between F and G streets, plus a studio nearby.
The majority of over 300 Bronco Billy Westerns were shot on location in the Niles area. However, Anderson was about to jolt the entertainment world, which put Niles "on the map."
In 1914, Anderson was able to lure young Charlie Chaplin away from Max Sennet and Keystone Studios. Almost overnight, the entertainment spotlight began shining on sleepy little Niles. Other stars that became part of Niles' newfound fame included Zazu Pitts, Ben Turpin, Wallace Beery and more.
Chaplin's first film in Niles was called "A Night Out." It was followed by "The Champion."
Chaplin's fifth film is considered a classic, "The Tramp," which was also filmed in Niles.
Chaplin became a huge star and box office success. To this day, his image and likeness remain popular.
Then suddenly, in 1916, the Chicago headquarters of Essanay Films inexplicably pulled the plug on the Niles operation. The dreams of Niles becoming a major film hub soon faded from the landscape into the annals of history.
Those heady days of the silent film era can still be enjoyed by visiting the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, also known as the Edison Theater, located on Niles Blvd. in Fremont. After visiting the museum, you can also enjoy a bite to eat at Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace.
Everything else is just history
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphasis on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
