Julian F Matika
9/22/1912---6/28/2012
Julian was born September 22, 1912, in Clifford, IL, to immigrant parents, George and Mary. Julian was raised with 5 brothers and 2 sisters. In 1922, the family moved to West Frankfurt - his father following work in the coal mines. Julian was educated to the eighth grade and began working at age 16 at the Locker Factory in Chicago, IL. When the Great Depression struck, he lost his job, the $75 he had saved in the bank, and was forced to move back to West Frankfurt to be with his family. He was able to get a job in the local dress shop and pharmacy as an errand boy. In addition, he would cut the hair of the neighborhood children. In 1939, Julian, with his mother, sister, and brother moved to Los Angeles. They all lived in a small apartment downtown. At this time, Julian enrolled into barber school and obtained his barber license. He worked as a barber for 4 months before being drafted into the Army in 1941. He was released shortly afterwards, but then was recalled in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was part of the 7th Division, 53rd Infantry. During his years in the service, he served as the company barber, guarded prisoners of war in Belgium, spent 22 months in the Aleutian Islands, and was honorably discharged in 1946.
Upon returning home from the service, Julian set out to find a job as a barber. He drove from downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills. The first barber shop he went into, located at Rodeo Drive and Little Santa Monica Blvd, offered him a job. Two years after Burt Walker hired Julian, Burt offered to sell the business to Julian due to poor health. Julian owned and operated that barber shop until he retired in 1974. Many notable customers that Julian regularly cut were: Gov. Edmund Brown, King Vidor, Wallace Berry, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, and Artie Johnson to name a few. Julian became good friends with many of his celebrity clients. They would invite him to socialize and visit their homes.
Julian married Ruth Stark in 1952, only to lose her after 1 year to cancer. In 1954 Julian met Dorothy while dancing at the Lawrence Welk dance hall in Santa Monica. They married in 1955 and remained together until her death in 1998.
Julian’s introduction to Smiley Park was through Mr. Willits, on Hill Rd. , (Spencer Swinson ‘s current home) his barber college instructor. Julian loved the mountains and purchased a building site at 83 Park Dr. Mr. Carr (father of Roy Barendt’s deceased wife Marilyn) built the cabin in 1962. Julian and Dorothy would visit the cabin often. In 1974 Julian retired, sold the barber shop equipment, and moved into Smiley Park full time. Julian became involved in the community. He was board president, helped with Park maintenance, and nourished many neighborhood friendships. He played a very important role in the community, the “go-to” guy for advice and assistance. Whether you needed gardening tips or someone to care for your pets or water your plants while on vacation, Julian was always willing to help.
I remember the first time I met Julian. It was a hot summer day in September of 1984, our first official day as Smiley Park members. We were moving into the Inman cabin on Hill Top Turn (Mark Bartosh’s current home). Our truck caught fire shortly after arriving. The fire department responded to put out the fire, in addition to many of the curious neighbors, Julian being one of them. I sensed I could hear him describing me as a dummkopf (German for stupid head).
My initial opinion of Julian was that he was somewhat of a busy body and a bit opinionated. He seemed or believed to know the right way to do everything. As our relationship grew, I discovered that he did know how to do many things the right way. He taught me how to be more efficient, more productive, to be less wasteful, to be more resourceful, the virtues of moderation, and the importance of discipline. In return, I believe I taught Julian to be more accepting of others, less critical and judgmental, and to consider loving unconditio
