{"@context":"http://iiif.io/api/presentation/3/context.json","id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/iiif/cr5n87538c/manifest","type":"Manifest","label":{"en":["Central 100 Oral History - Glen Creason"]},"logo":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","metadata":[{"label":{"en":["Agent"]},"value":{"en":["Glen Creason"]}},{"label":{"en":["Date"]},"value":{"en":["2025-11-24"]}},{"label":{"en":["Format"]},"value":{"en":["MPEG-4"]}},{"label":{"en":["Keyword"]},"value":{"en":["Tom Owen","Staff"]}},{"label":{"en":["Type"]},"value":{"en":["TheirStory"]}}],"provider":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/aboutus","type":"Agent","label":{"en":["Los Angeles Public Library"]},"homepage":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/","type":"Text","label":{"en":["Los Angeles Public Library"]},"format":"text/html"}],"logo":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/organizations/logo_images/000/000/200/original/lapl_logo.png?1628076950","type":"Image"}]}],"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/311/832/small/open-uri20260603-4144056-z47oz8_1780497053.jpg?1780497053","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832","type":"Canvas","label":{"en":["Media File 1 of 1 - open-uri20260603-4144056-z47oz8.mp4"]},"duration":505.92,"width":640,"height":360,"thumbnail":[{"id":"https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/collection_resource_files/thumbnails/000/311/832/small/open-uri20260603-4144056-z47oz8_1780497053.jpg?1780497053","type":"Image","format":"image/jpeg"}],"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/content/1","type":"AnnotationPage","items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/content/1/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"painting","body":{"id":"https://aviary-p-lapl.s3.wasabisys.com/collection_resource_files/resource_files/000/311/832/original/open-uri20260603-4144056-z47oz8.mp4?1780497052","type":"Video","format":"video/mp4","duration":505.92,"width":640,"height":360},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832","metadata":[]}]}],"annotations":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["TheirStory Transcript (Paragraphs with Speakers) [Transcript]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/1","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eGLEN CREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e My name is Glen Creason. I am a retired librarian. I was a reference librarian in the History Department for forty-two years. My connection to Central Library goes back — my mother did her homework in Central Library when she went to Los Angeles Poly High School in 1933. And I started working there in 1979. But this little story has — it's not about me. It's about someone who I think should not be forgotten in the annals of Central Library. So I'm going to talk about a great in the library. And his name was Tom Owen. J. Thomas Owen.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=1.52,62.08"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/2","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e I'll read what was written in the year 2000. April 4th, 2000. That's when a light went out in Central Library. It was a powerful light that guided many a mind through the complexities of this great institution for decade upon decade. That was the day we lost Tom Owen, a true flesh and blood treasure of the Los Angeles Public Library. He was as much a part of Central as the pyramid, the Triumph of Civilization, the herder [?] murals in the old history reading room.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=65.269,109.95"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/3","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e He was the original man behind the scenes of a million school reports, countless refurbishments of historic buildings, thousands of answered questions that went into newscasts, homework assignments, graduate theses, television programs, and newspaper articles. You can't really imagine the impact the man had on Los Angeles culture in his eccentric, dogged pursuit of what he loved best: local history.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=110.43,141.9"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/4","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e Tom helped everybody, from former members of the cabinet to library eccentrics like the Rubber Man. They were all the same to him, just patrons who searched for some truth. There's no need to exaggerate about Tom. Anyone who ever worked with him in the History Department, the Art Department, or in Rare Books, knew him as a man of incredible intellectual gifts and a wry, delightful sense of humor.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=143.18,172.02"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/5","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e He was the indispensable man, the unsupervisable wonder, the self-deprecating, walking encyclopedia of Los Angeles history. He could look at any historical photo or map of the city and give you the direction of the shot and the names of the buildings. He could rattle off the names of architects, years of construction, sources of information, and the names of local experts on LA theaters and buildings. Like a baseball fan discussing World Series games. The order of inquiry in my searches over the years went, check the files, check the books, check with Tom. Mr. Owen, as I always called him, was one of the greatest assets the staff and users of Central Library had in the 128 years of its existence at that time. It is safe to say that there will never be another one like him.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=173.06,236.85"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/6","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e I know almost nothing about Tom's personal life. I only know what I saw and learned from him in our twenty years together at Central, including twelve in the History Department. If there's a single picture of Tom I keep in my memory, it is him pounding away on an old Underwood Universal typewriter in the stuffy California room, making index cards to go into the California Subject File. His concentration was deep, even in 100 degree heat inside that little kingdom of his, as he chased after pieces to the many historical puzzles we worked on in the department.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=239.69,283.68"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/7","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e Tom was a Library Assistant. He was often written correspondence from research across America that sometimes referred to him as the Director of Central Library, because he had been recommended by patrons in awe of his magical ability to provide detail and perspective to their projects. Everyone assumed he was a Librarian, but he himself always described his job as a humble clerk. Countless times, as many admirers begged him to go to library school and make more money. But Tom wasn't interested in titles or money. He loved books. He loved history. He loved architecture, and he didn't care what people called him. He was a know-it-all in the very real sense of the word.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=285.04,337.71"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/8","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e He was also a true eccentric, and those who supervised Tom knew it was impossible to direct him in any direction except the one he chose to travel. Mary Pratt, Frank Louck, Betty Ellison, Jane Nowak, Romaine Ahlstrom, and Sheila Nash would all have their tales. But my favorite was when Tom came in one day after an absence, claiming a skunk had sprayed his clothes on the line, and he was unable to appear thus perfumed.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=338.79,371.43"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/9","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e He spun many a fable about how young he was, but we also knew he came to work at LAPL October 21st, 1957, when most of us baby boomers were in grammar school. By doing the math after hearing one of his claims, I once discovered that Tom came to work at Central three years before he was born.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=372.87,397.58"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/10","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e He also routinely walked from the library in downtown to his home in the Hollywood Hills, over ten miles away, back and forth. He never owned a car or drove one or asked for a ride. The evidence of his dependence on self propulsion was his ubiquitous blue deck shoes he favored and wore to shreds.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=398.82,426.5"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/11","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e More than anything, the legacy of Tom Owen at Central Library is a crazy quilt of millions of memories of his many friends in the building. Librarians, clericals, patrons, docents, and the many characters who filled the halls over the past forty years. Each will have their stories told from an infinite number of angles, and none will have to utter an unkind word. He was gentlemanly and inspired by an affection for the great library and its incredible collection, which he made so much better with his dedication and wisdom.","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=429.42,467.65"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/transcript/94348/annotation/12","type":"Annotation","motivation":"transcribing","body":{"type":"TextualBody","value":"\u003cstrong\u003eCREASON:\u003c/strong\u003e In a perfect world, we would name departments and wings of buildings after such a man, but that will not come to pass. Yet what Tom has done for us will last as long as historians thirst for knowledge and seek the truth in the old library. When Tom thumped that old Underwood typewriter and left the keys to unlocking many historical riddles, he was building his own monument, one that will last longer than bricks and morta","format":"text/plain"},"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=468.41,500.25"}]},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486","type":"AnnotationPage","label":{"en":["Auto-generated Index (2025-11-24 22:40:30) [Index]"]},"items":[{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/13","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Speaker's Background and Connection to Central Library","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=0.0,34.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/14","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker, Glen Creason, introduces himself as a retired reference librarian who worked in the History Department for forty-two years. He shares his family's deep connection to the Central Library, noting that his mother used the library as a student in 1933 and that he began working there in 1979. This personal history establishes the speaker's credibility and emotional bond with the institution.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=0.0,34.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/15","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Introduction to Tom Owen and His Significance","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=34.0,65.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/16","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker shifts focus from his own story to highlight Tom Owen, a figure he believes deserves recognition in the history of Central Library. He sets the stage for a tribute, emphasizing that Tom Owen's contributions are the true subject of the narrative and that his legacy should be remembered.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=34.0,65.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/17","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Tom Owen's Impact and Legacy at Central Library","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=65.0,173.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/18","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker reads a tribute written in 2000, marking the day Tom Owen passed away as a significant loss for Central Library. He describes Tom as a guiding light and a treasure of the Los Angeles Public Library, whose influence spanned decades. Tom's work supported countless research projects, school reports, and cultural endeavors, making him an integral part of the library's history and the city's cultural fabric.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=65.0,173.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/19","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Tom Owen's Knowledge, Personality, and Work Ethic","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=173.0,251.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/20","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Tom Owen is portrayed as an irreplaceable asset to the library, known for his vast knowledge of Los Angeles history, architecture, and local experts. His ability to recall details about historical photos, maps, and buildings was unmatched, and he was a go-to resource for staff and patrons alike. Tom's intellectual gifts were complemented by a delightful sense of humor and a dedication to helping others, regardless of their status.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=173.0,251.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/21","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Anecdotes and Personal Memories of Tom Owen","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=251.0,285.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/22","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"The speaker shares vivid memories of Tom Owen at work, particularly his dedication to creating index cards in the California room despite challenging conditions. He recalls Tom's deep concentration and commitment to solving historical puzzles, as well as humorous anecdotes about Tom's eccentricities, such as his stories about his age and his unique approach to daily life. These personal recollections paint a picture of Tom's character and work habits.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=251.0,285.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/23","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Tom Owen's Humility and Eccentric Lifestyle","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=285.0,429.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/24","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Despite being widely respected and often mistaken for a librarian or director, Tom Owen remained humble, describing himself as a clerk and refusing to pursue higher titles or salaries. He was known for his self-sufficiency, walking long distances between his home and the library, and for his worn blue deck shoes. Tom's eccentricities and independence were well-known among colleagues, and he was admired for his dedication to his passions rather than material rewards.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=285.0,429.0"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/25","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Tom Owen's Enduring Legacy and Final Reflections","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Title"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=429.0,505.92"},{"id":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832/index/92486/annotation/26","type":"Annotation","motivation":"supplementing","body":[{"type":"TextualBody","value":"Tom Owen's true legacy is the countless memories and stories shared by those who knew him at Central Library. He is remembered fondly by librarians, staff, patrons, and the many unique characters who frequented the library. His gentlemanly nature, dedication, and wisdom enriched the institution, and although he may not have a physical monument, his contributions will endure as long as there are historians seeking knowledge within the library's walls.","format":"text/plain","label":{"en":["Synopsis"]}}],"target":"https://lapl.aviaryplatform.com/collections/3723/collection_resources/172901/file/311832#t=429.0,505.92"}]}]}]}