Self-Realization Fellowship
International Headquarters Retrofit & Rehabilitation Project
History of Our International Headquarters Building and Grounds
1855
Colonel Henry Washington surveys the area including the LA River.
Mt. Washington is named after him.
1909
Robert Marsh establishes the cable car railway and lots begin to sell.
Hotel construction begins.
1910
Mt. Washington Hotel opens.
Hotel proximity to Sycamore Studios encourages film stars, including Charlie Chaplin, to stay often, increasing popularity.
1913
Selig Studios (formerly Sycamore Studios) relocates to Edendale (now Silverlake).
Hotel business plummets.
1914
Mt. Washington Hotel is made available for lease
ca. 1918
Convalescent hospital for influenza patients operates out of former hotel building
1919
Mt. Washington cable car railway closes
1922
Mt. Washington Military School operates out of the former hotel building
1925
Paramahansa Yogananda Establishes
SRF's International Headquarters
After arriving from his native India in 1920 and spending several years teaching in Boston and other East Coast cities, Paramahansa Yogananda came to Los Angeles in December of 1924. Thousands attended his lectures at the Philharmonic Auditorium downtown. In 1925, Yogananda established the International Headquarters of his society, Self-Realization Fellowship, at 3880 San Rafael Avenue in the Mount Washington area of Los Angeles (site of the old Mt. Washington Hotel).