tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-271589292024-03-07T14:53:48.992-08:00Orange County Googie ArchiveAn homage to the can-do attitude of architects and designers of the 1950s & 1960s, when the American and specifically Californian attitude said that man can do anything that he could imagine. Googie architecture reflected a space-age optimism that is being slowly demolished throughout the county as “progress” claims that boomerangs & sputniks are tacky & kitsch. The Orange County Googie Archive aims to document the remaining examples of Googie architecture in Orange County, while they last.melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-13936518760163805142010-08-27T10:30:00.000-07:002010-12-28T10:36:27.046-08:00Hello!Welcome to the Orange County Googie Archive!<br /><br />Many of you may have been directed here by the Whittier Conservancy Newsletter and I welcome you to explore the blog, especially the posts relating to the Greater Whittier area.<br /><br />EDIT: You can view my photos in the Whittier Concervancy Newsletter <a href="http://www.whittierconservancy.org/docs/Summer%202010.pdf">here</a>. (PDF)<br /><br />It's unfortunately been quite some time since I've updated this blog, but in a way it's like a time capsule of how these architectural landmarks used to look just a few years ago. In many cases, the primest examples of Mid Century and Googie architecture in Orange County and South LA County have become much more dilapidated in the past few years.<br /><br />Please, enjoy the archives of this blog and don't hesitate to contact me personally if you have any questions, stories, or comments concerning Googie in Orange County!<br /><br />Melissa Cruz<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shootfromthehipstudio.com/">Shoot from the Hip!</a> is a design studio specializing in identity, web design, marketing & social media for small businesses. Our goal is to produce simple, great work that will make your small business stand out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sfthstudio">Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/profile.php?id=35800408">Facebook</a><br /><a href="http://shootfromthehipstudio.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-48413098237937330022007-09-22T12:45:00.000-07:002007-09-22T12:49:10.135-07:00P&M PlumbingP&M Plumbing, Santa Ana, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cOjmNVljzJBoj6qO2gBfV4NN3FJjxOr3vSZG6do6FVlu4HE0fl4ifcO4YbcLZL4XLfX1UDt-zNZXvQHlArtrSdVXR-vDdXFc-WibNjQU7tHPO3B3iMHxOayNy7eUMB7NOx_D2g/s1600-h/DSC02198.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cOjmNVljzJBoj6qO2gBfV4NN3FJjxOr3vSZG6do6FVlu4HE0fl4ifcO4YbcLZL4XLfX1UDt-zNZXvQHlArtrSdVXR-vDdXFc-WibNjQU7tHPO3B3iMHxOayNy7eUMB7NOx_D2g/s400/DSC02198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113117287955693826" border="0" /></a><br />Located right across the street from Vodie's is a fun ol' sign with a little raindrop on it. Sorry about the crummy picture, I took this one through my windshield, while driving. Either way, a great sign, again in Santa Ana.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">P&M Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning</span><br /><div class="al"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="street-address">1139 W 17th St</span>.<br /><span class="locality">Santa Ana</span>, <span class="region">CA</span><br /><nobr>(714) 972-9662</nobr></span></div>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-3977932879130027052007-09-14T12:43:00.000-07:002007-09-14T12:47:21.455-07:00Vodie's Auto Center<span style="font-size:100%;">Vodie's Auto Center, Santa Ana, CA.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rx2rooW5M-g-dv523BJu3jDxwpxwPRxF2emTthQ68n-qnsFdfnTYanHibOhlG1baW9-yeE1pTQni-EzxEVXva0j88Ax3ichI-C8xmUAnpIHXGLUFzNkEXYrNpe94_BrTcy-Zww/s1600-h/DSC02197.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rx2rooW5M-g-dv523BJu3jDxwpxwPRxF2emTthQ68n-qnsFdfnTYanHibOhlG1baW9-yeE1pTQni-EzxEVXva0j88Ax3ichI-C8xmUAnpIHXGLUFzNkEXYrNpe94_BrTcy-Zww/s400/DSC02197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110148102575085586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Wow, ok, so this sign is really swell. I wish I knew a bit of its history. It's not quite Googie, I don't know what to call it, but it's certainly a beautiful part of the otherwise drab OC skyline. Right around the corner from here is one of those ugly pre-fab shopping centers with a big ol' Target... zzz... I'll take this big teddy bear of a sign any day!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vodie's Auto Center</span></span><br /><span style="">1240 W 17th St<br />Santa Ana, CA 92706<br />(714) 543-8297</span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-54429711563489920992007-05-22T12:10:00.001-07:002007-05-22T12:21:56.747-07:00The Islander ApartmentsThe Islander Apartments, Santa Ana, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa7Gvdf-fnEbiqlJr4BE2FIWzHCko0KOhpdF0jzfCSLPeXkhz9LJLCsK9u2DTPvWE4j79LdBOg8N_gZIgMI8dvJHwJjfdlYxwiP3KE8bDQhO4kDwsVlF6TTC72v-jrvvlKkKkwQ/s1600-h/DSC02202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa7Gvdf-fnEbiqlJr4BE2FIWzHCko0KOhpdF0jzfCSLPeXkhz9LJLCsK9u2DTPvWE4j79LdBOg8N_gZIgMI8dvJHwJjfdlYxwiP3KE8bDQhO4kDwsVlF6TTC72v-jrvvlKkKkwQ/s400/DSC02202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067465916957841378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdWcF3-pfAPNNXDHLKWvagPi3qHzr5SKBaxaosdb2tbI1StkFAmVcT3x1WRdLIoVJ9ORefnHJEHyLrKS2m32L2UJZsohjuR8TzloX5D8M9q_rCeaCS6BkJ_Jvx83RvTDR3Z7NvA/s1600-h/DSC02201.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdWcF3-pfAPNNXDHLKWvagPi3qHzr5SKBaxaosdb2tbI1StkFAmVcT3x1WRdLIoVJ9ORefnHJEHyLrKS2m32L2UJZsohjuR8TzloX5D8M9q_rCeaCS6BkJ_Jvx83RvTDR3Z7NvA/s400/DSC02201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067465925547775986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo7AojIenLeawDH5NL8HwviTAsyZu9bfHl4gOkjs-nt5usJyfzu-zGakGtWngiWNDnWvkKJYTZPRr9WQBmt5qXLq6dS0cMM6RXtpnjZVwuVUdIBkX5gqCeAvC358FR1KSd_sKeg/s1600-h/DSC02200.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVo7AojIenLeawDH5NL8HwviTAsyZu9bfHl4gOkjs-nt5usJyfzu-zGakGtWngiWNDnWvkKJYTZPRr9WQBmt5qXLq6dS0cMM6RXtpnjZVwuVUdIBkX5gqCeAvC358FR1KSd_sKeg/s400/DSC02200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067465938432677890" border="0" /></a><br />Two giant A-frames-- one over the entrance to the complex (with two Tiki poles on the front and back to support the middle of the frame), and one near the pool (with another Tiki pole supporting the middle of the frame). Click on the images to see them larger and close-up!<br /><br />This is a little, old apartment complex in Santa Ana. Gated, quiet, filled with lush tropical foliage-- why it's a neighborhood Tiki paradise. Your escape to the Islands! I've tried to get into the manager's office to talk about renting one of these apartments several times, but no one ever answers!<br /><br />Sorry about the hiatus, it was a heck of a semester at school, but now that it's summertime, I'll attempt to be regular in my updates, although I'll be taking another short leave in a few weeks to go to Europe for a month.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Islander Apartments</span><br />2724 N. Bristol St.<br />Santa Ana, CA<br /></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-82349710753805909322007-03-17T18:17:00.000-07:002007-03-17T18:22:53.532-07:00Bailey'sBailey's Drive-In Liquor, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZM2cEiWi7OgDekYF9uruTXb6L8j0XBVavjpxl9wHn4Pzwu10-WpP27jx93LYR9Gzw_MhCEiyAgiaUIReY3n7Ts1X5DNBnq9FSzCv1y7HTfsiyu5sjP-9Avi07NN6umdMNgubJg/s1600-h/DSC01748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZM2cEiWi7OgDekYF9uruTXb6L8j0XBVavjpxl9wHn4Pzwu10-WpP27jx93LYR9Gzw_MhCEiyAgiaUIReY3n7Ts1X5DNBnq9FSzCv1y7HTfsiyu5sjP-9Avi07NN6umdMNgubJg/s400/DSC01748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043067790955124434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R9CcOh-QsWgktFRCNfzRZUjfIrczaVKOiwOIjgJQWWyYjBIdqJzBhu2WK_5TbYQGEkd16EVKRK1I1uE7wQGIOBiT43y5sKp5d8ZGhmOS5ONTzWcpzYkHqwS_gCTEYp_XHdKUcw/s1600-h/DSC01749.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R9CcOh-QsWgktFRCNfzRZUjfIrczaVKOiwOIjgJQWWyYjBIdqJzBhu2WK_5TbYQGEkd16EVKRK1I1uE7wQGIOBiT43y5sKp5d8ZGhmOS5ONTzWcpzYkHqwS_gCTEYp_XHdKUcw/s400/DSC01749.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043067795250091746" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, it's been open since 1922, so it's not quite Googie, but I still get a kick out of the architecture, the shapes, the signage, and the fonts enough to post it here. It's a Googie precursor, a predecessor if you will. And don't worry, you purists, I'll be coming home to Orange County soon (as in once I find time to do some more hunting!) Until then, enjoy Bailey's.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bailey's Liquor Beverage</span><br /><span><span style="font-size:-1;"><span style="font-size:100%;">11415 Whittier Blvd<br />Whittier, CA 90601<br /></span><nobr><span style="font-size:100%;">(562) 695-7341</span><br /><br /></nobr></span></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-90651266760725498162007-03-01T15:38:00.000-08:002007-03-01T15:47:02.189-08:00Whittier Area Commerce BuildingWhittier Area Commerce Building, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I9cw6dYtBzYkY9Xbx313NOpbJKxqy-yk1cVa6Oy0Fy9NPXLz79Q2Dgsb3bKTtd-FYEVSMhfF7SK61HyhrxMiTFcAZlu-PO_bJ0C-bod3G_8Jc56sZVzXkHBzoFeVko04opkvng/s1600-h/DSC01747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I9cw6dYtBzYkY9Xbx313NOpbJKxqy-yk1cVa6Oy0Fy9NPXLz79Q2Dgsb3bKTtd-FYEVSMhfF7SK61HyhrxMiTFcAZlu-PO_bJ0C-bod3G_8Jc56sZVzXkHBzoFeVko04opkvng/s400/DSC01747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037104796160305842" border="0" /></a><br />As a graphic designer, I find myself not only enthralled by Googie's and Mid-Century Modern's architectural forms, but also the typographical particularities of the age. I usually find a combination of these two great design elements only in neon signage, so it was a treat to finally take notice of this building, sitting on Whittier Blvd. as it likely has for decades. Geometric and decidedly Modern, the building is livened considerably by the typography which describes the building's purpose. The tracking, the kerning, the mish-mash of uppercase and lowercase letters-- it's enough to even get the most jaded and cynical of designers to smile a little!<br /><br />Maybe this isn't the best example of lettering from the era, but with months of studying Googie, it's easy to wonder where the joy of gimmicky typography went, and why we don't live in a world where the "Googie's" logo for which this whole architectural movement is named isn't functional today, in a design sense. It's kitsch, it's retro, it's almost pandering, but Googie typography is fun and carefree. I hope fun typography will make a comeback someday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Whittier Area Commerce Building</span><br /><span><span style="font-size:-1;">13601 Whittier Blvd<br />Whittier, CA 90605<br /></span></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-66779194177773375332007-02-16T11:15:00.000-08:002007-02-16T11:28:36.669-08:00Real EstateRealty Executives Cornerstone, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fEgaQ-B-6RKh1-L1UfBNFRgFL6Sl3s-1XUjdwOlvwD-OcEmZUe9gGZfb6qwpjZYq4g_WN3qqJ8Ezp-l0Pf6wIUAv98KDbO6Pru_HWrBb4i4aWBpm3U80RkTxqmaC60JGg6ScuA/s1600-h/DSC01745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fEgaQ-B-6RKh1-L1UfBNFRgFL6Sl3s-1XUjdwOlvwD-OcEmZUe9gGZfb6qwpjZYq4g_WN3qqJ8Ezp-l0Pf6wIUAv98KDbO6Pru_HWrBb4i4aWBpm3U80RkTxqmaC60JGg6ScuA/s400/DSC01745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032213183129143138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDNuSWejc0PKDCpP0_-s7SdpC7tyK6n2GI51tFrBehCssvsWVlirGdcFrith_F8N0Fpau8Aor2O6r2IJLT27RXTVA1pMLZvm3buKuxUL5lxRqL-gSPEi7sZZozutjqT1yA_ky6A/s1600-h/DSC01746.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDNuSWejc0PKDCpP0_-s7SdpC7tyK6n2GI51tFrBehCssvsWVlirGdcFrith_F8N0Fpau8Aor2O6r2IJLT27RXTVA1pMLZvm3buKuxUL5lxRqL-gSPEi7sZZozutjqT1yA_ky6A/s400/DSC01746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032213191719077746" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not a photographer. I'd think over the six months of reading this blog, many of you may have come to realize this. My camera will take a heck of a crisp picture as far as a basic digital camera goes, but I can not for the life of me manipulate lighting, composition, etc. Christine at <a href="http://www.eleventwentyseven.com/">eleventwentyseven</a> is a photographer, though. Click <a href="http://www.eleventwentyseven.com/archives/000557.html">here</a> to see her photo of this same sign.<br /><br />When I was a little girl and Dad used to take me and my sister up to Uptown Whittier to eat my usual basket of popcorn chicken at <a href="http://www.judysbook.com/cities/whittier-ca/Restaurants/25057981/p1/Rocky_Cola_Cafe.htm">Rocky Cola</a> and buy a "The Girls are Prettier in Whittier" tee shirt at <a href="http://www.4melrose.com/">Melrose Vintage</a>, I used to wish that one day I could buy this old building and reopen it as a really hip clothing store called "Real Estate". Maybe it sounds silly now, but this is one of my all-time favorite old signs.<br /><br />Of course, it only contains a real estate agency, nothing quite as cool as a great coffee shop. Contents aside, this is a great sign. Wish they'd sell it to me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Realty Executives Cornerstone</span><br />13604 Whittier Blvd.<br />Whittier, CA 90605melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-19332289141285013562007-02-08T10:46:00.000-08:002007-02-04T09:30:22.175-08:00Whittier Budget InnWhittier Budget Inn, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LrDB5dZtcNOmkcvsLb9vAp1SZeYXrOii_hUkpAr7js9Gf-n8gMPmMMqAtYjkg_d6LuyF4CLWNpgYB2vTc27E7eHklP-lMsy6-w4St38NsodmN5oKUjb7JFqXZqKldC1Al3Xrfw/s1600-h/DSC01743.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LrDB5dZtcNOmkcvsLb9vAp1SZeYXrOii_hUkpAr7js9Gf-n8gMPmMMqAtYjkg_d6LuyF4CLWNpgYB2vTc27E7eHklP-lMsy6-w4St38NsodmN5oKUjb7JFqXZqKldC1Al3Xrfw/s400/DSC01743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5029237522412291922" border="0" /></a><br />A motor motel turned "inn", this delapidated sign still stands between dozens of others along the west side of Whittier Blvd. It's hardly even legible any more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Whittier Budget Inn</span><br />14030 Whittier Blvd.<br />Whittier, CA 90605melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-78282832427593573732007-02-01T22:39:00.000-08:002007-02-01T23:00:05.860-08:00News & UpdatesThis will be my first post to this blog without any photos or frills-- if that's what you're here for (which would be understandable, it's all I've ever done), then you are invited to continue to page down to the other, more graphical entries. I just wanted to reserve a little space to play catch-up.<br /><br />Of course, the biggest news story to concern Googie in years is raging all around us, in Downey. Johnie's Broiler, a classic Googie diner, featured in almost every publication on Googie architecture, even featured on the back cover of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Googie-Redux-Ultramodern-Roadside-Architecture/dp/081184272X/sr=8-2/qid=1170398574/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-9753051-3832812?ie=UTF8&s=books">Alan Hess' <span style="font-style: italic;">Googie Redux</span></a>, has been mostly demolished. The news has been pretty widespread, with many LA-area preservation websites taking notice and making a stand, showing up at Downey city council meetings to ensure that something is done about this blatantly illegal act of intentional damage to a building which was eligible to become a national landmark.<br /><br />Here are several links related to the demolition, both in the news and across the web:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-broiler9jan09,1,6713818.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california">L.A. Times</a><br /><a href="http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_008113457.html">CBS 2</a> (with video)<br /><a href="http://www.johniesbroiler.com/">johniesbroiler.com</a> (take action!)<br /><br />I'm very sorry that something like this is what it finally takes for preservation societies like ModCom to take notice of Googie as a very important architectural style in the history of Los Angeles and the roadside landscape. Googie is important, it is a valid architectural style, and if somebody doesn't step up for it, and soon, it's going to be gone, and all we're going to have are watered-down remodels and contemporary remakes of the classics.<br /><br />In other news, I had dinner tonight at the <a href="http://googier.blogspot.com/2006/09/la-palma-chicken-pie-shop.html">La Palma Chicken Pie Shop</a>, and it was as delicious as it always has been. The current, original owners apparently have no interest in selling the place, and since it's been operating for about 50 years now, your best bet is to experience the great food to be had here before it's gone for good, along with another great Googie sign. The chicken noodle soup is the best you're ever had, and for less than $7, you can get a meal with several courses, all served up with a smile. It's a classic, don't put it off.<br /><br />Googie is important. It needs to be preserved. We need to be reminded of what we used to think our future could be, to remind us how our current view of the future is so bleak. I won't rest until I have my floating car and my rocket ship, and my house made all of plastic. I want the future, I want it now, and Googie is a great way of finding it. We need to all remember that.melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-38809709357826983112007-01-31T00:45:00.000-08:002007-01-31T00:53:44.568-08:00Twin Palms VillageTwin Palms Village, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGl2goZvPz3R1RKyiNzxC7Cvb5DnDoMQ4j9JKr5G9itSO6NgKj69aRn7mKkoCnMl0ols6wY3SFTz1oi-Rc54WNwRCEYdE4Nqyv5JoxD9_YxktviuVE0kWlDj4rx1cB1vzyHuaPCQ/s1600-h/DSC01741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGl2goZvPz3R1RKyiNzxC7Cvb5DnDoMQ4j9JKr5G9itSO6NgKj69aRn7mKkoCnMl0ols6wY3SFTz1oi-Rc54WNwRCEYdE4Nqyv5JoxD9_YxktviuVE0kWlDj4rx1cB1vzyHuaPCQ/s400/DSC01741.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026113312217949826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7ye_M-9xmCyxcE0HYakIET3Iw65MPt3GNUSse5wWyqj0ulygtyZZus-THNeBHBbKoHgd48QsQVu2p52b5kbKqi2_sEedOvAYh79s3ynTHFgQAwCptNU6clTZQ8iehmCboh6cDA/s1600-h/DSC01742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7ye_M-9xmCyxcE0HYakIET3Iw65MPt3GNUSse5wWyqj0ulygtyZZus-THNeBHBbKoHgd48QsQVu2p52b5kbKqi2_sEedOvAYh79s3ynTHFgQAwCptNU6clTZQ8iehmCboh6cDA/s400/DSC01742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026113316512917138" border="0" /></a><br />A great old set of signs (yes, there are TWO!) along Whittier Blvd. A lot of great shapes, and it still lights up at night!<br /><br />Twin Palms Village<br />14748 Whittier Blvd.<br />Whittier, CA. 90605melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-67027512054512433732007-01-19T12:33:00.000-08:002007-01-19T12:44:43.144-08:00Friendly Hills BowlFriendly Hills Bowl, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK3EuZVTGdWaUK9wIqlxeY8U9-mY02cd6jGC_I5unoh8nb-kRIQwkK24B-RIJazu0kjYC-I_0iQ6m12pUzgKYeJcJbYAgv7w2lI3M0IMqjWgnnij8QMYV1BXKOtSnvQUTfqcAWw/s1600-h/DSC01736.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK3EuZVTGdWaUK9wIqlxeY8U9-mY02cd6jGC_I5unoh8nb-kRIQwkK24B-RIJazu0kjYC-I_0iQ6m12pUzgKYeJcJbYAgv7w2lI3M0IMqjWgnnij8QMYV1BXKOtSnvQUTfqcAWw/s400/DSC01736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021843067362107890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEEh7loerJMDahxxdJQpHOkJBy9EUzS91rPSQyRI58oK2gQ0jrKXL_chSDoaWQt-F9scF3USWWbYT4GWhrlhvFarj0Tb5nF20-Zd9ab5gBQsNiiA0JKvt86-OrqYF1agiVbPXzA/s1600-h/DSC01737.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEEh7loerJMDahxxdJQpHOkJBy9EUzS91rPSQyRI58oK2gQ0jrKXL_chSDoaWQt-F9scF3USWWbYT4GWhrlhvFarj0Tb5nF20-Zd9ab5gBQsNiiA0JKvt86-OrqYF1agiVbPXzA/s400/DSC01737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021843071657075202" border="0" /></a><br />Above are both sides of Friendly Hills Bowl's beautiful marquee. The "O" has fallen off on both sides. The place certainly announces itself, from it's quiet nook across the street from Whitwood Mall. I can't believe there's a hair salon INSIDE the bowling alley.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UhHK9l89OJvQE2xMbHd71k5GKqTPhl4GVRa256VqJ9T5raoWwK1cl7XPUDhcfP8ZtUD428y0MoXzZ7xwzonOl5DPz71IzOsd78Mp7y-Fpj1Eicd243IBUe7qJZiliSFNqT_IRQ/s1600-h/DSC01738.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UhHK9l89OJvQE2xMbHd71k5GKqTPhl4GVRa256VqJ9T5raoWwK1cl7XPUDhcfP8ZtUD428y0MoXzZ7xwzonOl5DPz71IzOsd78Mp7y-Fpj1Eicd243IBUe7qJZiliSFNqT_IRQ/s400/DSC01738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021843075952042514" border="0" /></a><br />There's this great boomerang shape that makes of the roof overhang of the entrance to the alley, and some great stonework that supports it. Oh, that Googie satisfaction of primordial man and modern technology. The perfect anachronism.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBEJuqs7JdKgt_C8Zn1GWnUJafKCBw9tIDGYgyfQ8xcoJmuYgjhEeQ0esyEoW7m5PGCgpdfax9tinNsMO4Nh4it5WfitEzz599Ja0opYCnez0xy6JSWnNnKtZE6LG6VGjerfdMQ/s1600-h/DSC01739.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBEJuqs7JdKgt_C8Zn1GWnUJafKCBw9tIDGYgyfQ8xcoJmuYgjhEeQ0esyEoW7m5PGCgpdfax9tinNsMO4Nh4it5WfitEzz599Ja0opYCnez0xy6JSWnNnKtZE6LG6VGjerfdMQ/s400/DSC01739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021843080247009826" border="0" /></a><br />The Brush Script font which has become so cliche in today's design graces the side of the alley, with that classic Googie font spelling out "BOWL", all in lavender.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKMX6sWIZRIjAl7Wy7OGpnuRV9E_BGRLdbzaN8FaweUqmKmquiL8Gl2Capgc1C8eb5czEJki8ARCSoEzqGVFgNXU20LTNj87U2Du5DKa19MTyz032ro39rnfg1SGVv13ZeiJuSQ/s1600-h/DSC01740.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKMX6sWIZRIjAl7Wy7OGpnuRV9E_BGRLdbzaN8FaweUqmKmquiL8Gl2Capgc1C8eb5czEJki8ARCSoEzqGVFgNXU20LTNj87U2Du5DKa19MTyz032ro39rnfg1SGVv13ZeiJuSQ/s400/DSC01740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021843084541977138" border="0" /></a>I fell in love with there light fixtures, which looked old enough in person to be original. The shape is oh so Googie, I just love it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friendly Hills Bowl</span><br /> 15545 E. Whittier Blvd.<br /> Whittier, CA 90603<br /> (562) 947-3815melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-73601742942065754602007-01-12T12:21:00.000-08:002007-01-12T12:22:04.314-08:00La Habra MotelLa Habra Motel, La Habra, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jp6JFrZ0h_PL4N6bwbFlPQoh5MDByZs5Yll3nlOYZ27AEoRKfCpDtkblIyMjrowjcMHKvT4zE68RCENYA7vzuS0L9Ix0xKzjiA7o2sWnr6DH-0_eSofpK5sUd1ZHokI8YTgcuA/s1600-h/DSC01730.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jp6JFrZ0h_PL4N6bwbFlPQoh5MDByZs5Yll3nlOYZ27AEoRKfCpDtkblIyMjrowjcMHKvT4zE68RCENYA7vzuS0L9Ix0xKzjiA7o2sWnr6DH-0_eSofpK5sUd1ZHokI8YTgcuA/s400/DSC01730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5019241790354514402" border="0" /></a>Taken from the driver's seat of my car, through the windshield, traveling east on Whittier Blvd., one more shot of some of La Habra's Googie gold. I love how all these old motels have had the "no" part of their "no vacancy" signs removed. Always a vacancy at these now-crummy places.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Habra Motel</span><br />200 E. Whittier Blvd.<br />La Habra, CA 90621melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-32891234404895406972007-01-04T09:31:00.000-08:002007-01-04T09:40:23.690-08:00Seafare InnSeafare Inn, Whittier, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-ZDzlZxe1IAjh3_a_JFPby36jwGwbGsRPNXYwarnqHIggd-CitJK-1wwRK_mYZvTLrzHmZ1JmreewghQX9hc-K46Y7prIYowXq6tEUm2AwnaoFXjyglcsbQF5PBLvI-ERnc6FQ/s1600-h/DSC01734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-ZDzlZxe1IAjh3_a_JFPby36jwGwbGsRPNXYwarnqHIggd-CitJK-1wwRK_mYZvTLrzHmZ1JmreewghQX9hc-K46Y7prIYowXq6tEUm2AwnaoFXjyglcsbQF5PBLvI-ERnc6FQ/s400/DSC01734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5016229435354553282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR0qsbWMJ4O5OYxcpKJ5d7c12vgd2OioKXK9cEgy78RsL5sWwAx19sLYw2CGft9dC4FGo_vIAvo3IrviphUUf8Q1fPrDJbobCpyxwMBLdIQQw2WoIPk_L9WEcaTkEdoCkLlDxHw/s1600-h/DSC01735.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR0qsbWMJ4O5OYxcpKJ5d7c12vgd2OioKXK9cEgy78RsL5sWwAx19sLYw2CGft9dC4FGo_vIAvo3IrviphUUf8Q1fPrDJbobCpyxwMBLdIQQw2WoIPk_L9WEcaTkEdoCkLlDxHw/s400/DSC01735.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5016229439649520594" border="0" /></a>On my recent pilgrimage into La Habra for Googie hunting, I traveled a little farther into Whittier. Another town that's dear to my heart, though technically in Los Angeles County, Whittier is filled with most of the Googie architecture that I'm familiar with.<br /><br />I'm going to say that January's going to be Whittier Month around here at the OC GOogie Archive, because I can't ignore some of the great stuff I took snapshots of. It's worth posting.<br /><br />The Seafare Inn opened in 1961 and is still family owned and operated. Despite driving past it hundreds of times throughout the course of my life, I have never eaten there. If I rectify the situation, I will post photos. Either way, they whole front of the structure is built from stone, there's an outdoor seashell fountain, a shipwrecked skiff, and other sea-related paraphenelia. Of note most of all though, is the beautiful sign, with a swordfish for an "S". The pylons stick through the sign and emerge out the top. Beautiful place, someday I'll explore the inside too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seafare Inn</span><br />16363 Whittier Blvd.<br />Whittier, CA 90603<br /><span><span style="">(562) 947-6645<br /></span></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-6117265324196894022006-12-29T21:24:00.000-08:002006-12-29T21:31:58.789-08:00La Habra CircleLa Habra Circle, La Habra, CA<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFO_TFxQaO34jjxWjGJ1G5gVIhUS68YeFcsDqQyiBVveL7vQ99Zal8RT7BIE4iFXvApGxhYHBKgOEoD_2gL43Q-P398ktBo67FP5ZCCsnQYmTpHGT4isQKjLLXCo-qpOxTHwU4w/s1600-h/DSC01733.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFO_TFxQaO34jjxWjGJ1G5gVIhUS68YeFcsDqQyiBVveL7vQ99Zal8RT7BIE4iFXvApGxhYHBKgOEoD_2gL43Q-P398ktBo67FP5ZCCsnQYmTpHGT4isQKjLLXCo-qpOxTHwU4w/s400/DSC01733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5014186645505859618" border="0" /></a><br />This is a bad picture. It's taken from the driver's seat on my car while traveling east on Beach Blvd. So I'm on the opposite side of the street. It bothers me that I forgot that these two sets of signs existed. I literally lived for 9 years in an apartment about a mile away from this shopping center, and my step-father was a shift lead at that Blockbuster for a while. I was driving up Beach Blvd. from Whittier Blvd., determined to photograph Googie gold, when I did a double-take and noticed this lovely sign.<br /><br />So, I snapped a photo (my memory card was begging me to save room on it for photos in Whittier), and although it's not the best quality, it gets the point across. A great, great sign in one of the last old shopping centers off La Habra Blvd.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Habra Circle</span><br />1900 block, W. La Habra Blvd.<br />La Habra, CA 90631melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-21850676142653716122006-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:002006-12-20T10:21:09.024-08:00La Habra Car WashLa Habra Car Wash, La Habra, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_ji4wJXZk-EWAvKW24COlQIlN_43mebkOVh-tmLIjJw7eQ6vVvtvH7Bfa3KADjlLXD_3cPJao4FreL7lFh5YH4JZOvRfgvfHP5TlC8p1rWal4gsUZaafx7uXPS7rC9Wbm8ZwwA/s1600-h/DSC01731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_ji4wJXZk-EWAvKW24COlQIlN_43mebkOVh-tmLIjJw7eQ6vVvtvH7Bfa3KADjlLXD_3cPJao4FreL7lFh5YH4JZOvRfgvfHP5TlC8p1rWal4gsUZaafx7uXPS7rC9Wbm8ZwwA/s400/DSC01731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010673495401717762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX7Az28HqbV_6ZOmLmoGVAQtjxDzfIrTdT1vcpfMf_j6SBHfzUHNHdxC8XJ7Qwdj2i4RojoMrJ1h0pJCRA7Es-FHeOhKUIPkOm6XEqwXchK5WbfhzymQtcnQ51hD7T4EG6bLwgg/s1600-h/DSC01732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX7Az28HqbV_6ZOmLmoGVAQtjxDzfIrTdT1vcpfMf_j6SBHfzUHNHdxC8XJ7Qwdj2i4RojoMrJ1h0pJCRA7Es-FHeOhKUIPkOm6XEqwXchK5WbfhzymQtcnQ51hD7T4EG6bLwgg/s400/DSC01732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010673499696685074" border="0" /></a><br />In the top photo, the sign looks bad but you can see that beautiful row of steel pylons jutting up into the sky. Each pylon is matched with a palm tree. This car wash really announces itself, and I remember that I used to love to drive past it as a little kid. This Googie fascination started early!<br /><br />In the second photo, you can see that twirling sign a little bit better. Unfortunately, I don't think it spins any more. At least, when I was there it wasn't.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Habra 100% Hand Car Wash</span><br /><span><span style="">1801 W Whittier Blvd<br />La Habra, CA 90631</span></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-18806676797266665402006-12-12T02:29:00.000-08:002006-12-12T02:33:07.570-08:00White AutomotiveWhite Automotive, La Habra, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdLfBUUxDhXgEeLDC92qBH9TBApwn9aRrhD9fjY0Zn-AlkPgD9sR5WIItA4WGIe0kVt-vHkPEpknhFzVCwz4GhaHJC6q4zW341ROULCABB4EjkPizs92wUOfSrLzmuXOOV8f9mQ/s1600-h/DSC01729.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdLfBUUxDhXgEeLDC92qBH9TBApwn9aRrhD9fjY0Zn-AlkPgD9sR5WIItA4WGIe0kVt-vHkPEpknhFzVCwz4GhaHJC6q4zW341ROULCABB4EjkPizs92wUOfSrLzmuXOOV8f9mQ/s400/DSC01729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5007585863767642050" border="0" /></a>What a boomerang! It's been a while since I've seen one like that! Love the font on "white"-- really retro and hip. So many different shapes on this sign!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">White Automotive</span><br />250 E. Whittier Blvd.<br />La Habra, CA 90631melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-33693590690355244622006-12-06T11:26:00.000-08:002006-12-06T11:30:01.679-08:00Hyland MotelHyland Motel, La Habra, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6N9Y7_0B2fETqcVOCoV_NA2AD1HyCsqF9JNWM1HZFgceK3wnMAlLDG1WDeBlHTRUTT51rjKh_pmouPWlsa6izfcDL0Fewyk4Uf9GIxMaLKu7NG9c2zSPH5HEEi36elUVKYmLIQ/s1600-h/DSC01728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6N9Y7_0B2fETqcVOCoV_NA2AD1HyCsqF9JNWM1HZFgceK3wnMAlLDG1WDeBlHTRUTT51rjKh_pmouPWlsa6izfcDL0Fewyk4Uf9GIxMaLKu7NG9c2zSPH5HEEi36elUVKYmLIQ/s400/DSC01728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5005497531249806930" border="0" /></a>A run-down motel across the street from the La Habra 300 Bowl. Day Sleepers Welcome. Looks like it used to have a swimming pool (but they've rubbed that bit of information right off of the streetside neon sign)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hyland Motel</span><br /><span style="">301 E Whittier Blvd</span><br /><span style="">La Habra, CA 90631</span><br /><span style=""><div><nobr>(562) 694-1071</nobr></div></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-84275687354207474322006-12-01T12:42:00.000-08:002006-12-07T11:12:29.574-08:00La Habra 300 BowlLa Habra 300 Bowl, La Habra, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/573418/DSC01723.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/959930/DSC01723.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/672383/DSC01724.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/865782/DSC01724.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/422063/DSC01725.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/368080/DSC01725.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/674880/DSC01726.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/513622/DSC01726.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/987632/DSC01727.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/460716/DSC01727.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ah! Ah! What is there to say?! It's beautiful. The sign. That starburst! The neon! Oh, those A-frames! Those pylons with the big holes punched out! That coffee shop, almost perfectly preserved! Why, I'm in Googie heaven!<br /><br />I think the reason I'm so obsessed with Googie is cause I grew up right off the street from all this stuff. Born and raised in La Habra, nestled in a crummy apartment off Idaho, between Lambert & Whittier Blvd, I have the unique perspective of being raised in the Space Age-- in the '80's! I'm going to be spending the next couple weeks covering Whittier Blvd, from it's residential beginnings in Brea to it's big time boulevard status in Norwalk. I know, I'm gonna dabble in LA County, but there's too much good stuff just to not post it 'cause it's in Los Angeles!<br /><br />Stay tuned, kids. Some of the best examples of Orange County Googie are off of Whittier Blvd. in La Habra, and I don't intend to let you miss a bit of it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Habra 300 Bowl</span><br /><span><span style="font-size:-1;">370 E Whittier Blvd<br />La Habra, CA 90631<br /></span></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-70659122185205347542006-11-24T11:44:00.000-08:002006-11-24T12:03:23.390-08:00Coco'sCoco's, Garden Grove, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/285370/DSC01206.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/902669/DSC01206.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/734087/DSC01209.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/812228/DSC01209.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/171224/DSC01207.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/557168/DSC01207.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/733878/DSC01208.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/860890/DSC01208.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Designed by the Googie architects Armet & Davis, this Coco's sits nestled on the corner of Chapman and Harbor Blvd. minding its own business. Little has changed about the exterior of this building since it opened as the first Bob's Big Boy designed by the legendary architects in 1957. Those concrete pillars holding up that beautiful sloping roof used to be covered in flagcrete, but considering the preservation apparent in the rest of the bulding, its removal can be forgiven. Those jutting pylons still shoot out of the sign, announcing yet a another greasy spoon off the road.<br /><br />Unfortunately there's nothing left of the original interior (I doubt it was "Coco's" enough), so I stuck to the outside. At least there's something left of this building's history, unlike the Coco's right up the street on Katella and West, which used to be a glorious Sambo's on the lot of Stovall's Space Age Inn-- there's nothing left of this Googie landmark but the basic foundation. It's a regular ol' modern-day diner. So much for preservation.melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-71488961697932506192006-11-17T12:16:00.000-08:002006-11-21T02:10:56.596-08:00Huff's Coffee ShopHuff's Coffee Shop, Long Beach, CA<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/1600/625500/DSC01188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/2449/3315/400/789391/DSC01188.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The sign doesn't turn anymore, half of the neon is burnt out, there's rust and dirt and grime. Yet, it's another Googie coffee shop sign. The side of the building was built up with volcano rock, which was amazing, but my camera's battery died and I didn't get a chance to snap it.<br /><br />Huff's is "technically" in Long Beach, but since it's right across the street from Los Alamitos High School, I figured that it was close enough to count as Orange County.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Huff's Coffee Shop</span><br />8105 E. Wardlow Rd.<br />Long Beach, CA 90808melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-1163103702732645082006-11-09T11:48:00.000-08:002006-11-09T12:21:42.840-08:00The Tower of HopeTower of Hope, Drive-In Church, Garden Grove, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/googie%20006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/googie%20006.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/googie%20002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/googie%20002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/googie%20005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/googie%20005.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/googie%20001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/googie%20001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/googie%20004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/googie%20004.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Another mid-century modern masterpiece, (which seems to be my focus more and more lately), Richard Neutra's Tower of Hope and Drive-In Church at Garden Grove's Crystal Cathedral has some of the foundations of Googie architecture-- The melding of technology and the natural world, long flat buildings, wide windows, and soaring towers. A student of Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra probably would have been offended at the thought that his building could be considered Googie in the slightest.<br /><br />A contemporary of Eames, as well as a co-architect on the Case Study House project, Neutra worked on several Modern masterpieces from the 1930's through the 1960's. In fact, my ex-boyfriend's aunt owned the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kaufmann Desert House</span> in Palm Springs, and filled it with Eames furniture (DCW chairs and Lounge Chairs and Ottomans), and it's unfortunate that I never pushed him to take me when I knew him (Trust me, there's no chance of going now).<br /><br />The Crystal Cathedral is relatively open to visitors--with it being so large, it's easy to wander the grounds and take pictures without anyone asking questions-- and I recommend going to visit the church site yourself. (I'd love to go back and climb the beautiful staircase)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crystal Cathedral</span><br /><span style="font-size:-1;">12141 Lewis St<br />Garden Grove, CA 92840<br /></span>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-1161992774905752172006-10-27T16:29:00.000-07:002006-10-27T16:46:14.946-07:00The Eames Case Study House (#8)The Eames House, Case Study House #8, Pacific Palisades, CA.<br /><br />A little trip outside of Orange County for something really special. These designers created a world of geometry and science in art which planted the seeds for Googie. The Eames' are my everything, and it was something magical to visit their home and studio in Pacific Palisades. Please enjoy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01652.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01652.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01650.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01650.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01647.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01647.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01651.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01651.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01646.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01646.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01641.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01641.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01644.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01644.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01642.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01642.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01640.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01640.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01643.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01643.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Eames house was built in 1949 in about three days, by hand, with off-the-shelf steel parts. Originally designed in 1946 with Eero Saarinen, the layout was rearranged to accomodate the beautiful meadow that the real estate contained. The house was instead nestled in the corner within the meadow. The Eames' occupied the house until their deaths.<br /><br />Having watched all the Eames' films available on dvd, I was wowed to see little details inside the house that I had seen in <span style="font-style: italic;">House: After 5 Years of Living</span> and other Eames' films. I would have taken photos, but it was asked that I only take photos of the exterior (although you can see the beautiful staircase in one of the photos, through the open doorway).<br /><br />The Eames' House is open year-round for exterior-only tours, although the curtains and doors are open to be able to look inside. The home is still filled with Eames furniture, from the fiberglass molded chairs to the lounge chair.<br /><br />I even convinced my boyfriend how great the Eames are. He's dying for an armchair, trying to get me to buy one for him-- sure, when I have a spare $5000! (Herman Miller still manufactures them).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/1343402040_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/1343402040_l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-1161795612046527612006-10-25T09:55:00.000-07:002006-10-25T10:01:54.110-07:00Ye BarberYe Barber, Anaheim, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01424.3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/320/DSC01424.3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Same shopping center as the La Palma Chicken Pie Shop, a great old sign. According to Roadside Peek <a href="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socalretrolook/socalgoldera/index.htm">[link]</a>, the sign was brought over by the owners from Vietnam when they moved to Anaheim.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ye Barbers</span><br />930 N. Euclid St.<br />Anaheim, CA 92801melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-1161246670768307562006-10-19T01:23:00.000-07:002006-10-19T01:31:10.780-07:00Chappy's LiquorChappy's Liquor, Anaheim, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/DSC01200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/400/DSC01200.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Right next to "Tomy's Drive-In" on Chapman, another great sign for a liquor store.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chappy's Liquor</span><br />9682 Chapman Ave.<br />Garden Grove, CA 92841melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27158929.post-1161021046072264932006-10-16T10:26:00.000-07:002006-10-16T10:50:46.136-07:00Satellite CenterSatellite Center, Anaheim, CA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/satellite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/400/satellite.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Although nowdays it's the standard for Googie architecture to be removed for the "greater good" of the community and "progress," sometimes there sign regulations can manifest a snarky little jibe at the city council, too. Case-in-point, the Satellite Market in Anaheim. Located right off the 5 freeway at Katella, the glowing metal sputnik that used to grace the top of their sign was claimed by progress in 1999, when the city began revamping the Anaheim Resort area to prepare for all the revenue that Disney's now-failed California Adventure park would pull in, and also for widening of the I-5 freeway.<br /><br />But, the clever shop owners at the Satellite couldn't just let their beloved sputnik be dismantled completely. Instead, they threw a big "F you!" to the establishment, putting a vector-based image of the same sign on their new, city-mandated sign, identical in shape and size to every other sign on the street.<br /><br />The sign was apparently saved by a fan and was stored in a backyard in Pasadena, according to anaheimcolony.com <a href="http://www.anaheimcolony.com/jane.htm">[link]</a> The American Sign Museum in Ohio now has the Satellite sign as a part of its permanent collection. <a href="http://www.signmuseum.com/">[link]</a><br /><br />An homage to the Satellite Shopland's sputnik of the past:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/1600/sputnik6lm.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1839/2853/400/sputnik6lm.2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In a way, Googie's shopowners can preserve a shell on their history. At Satellite Shopland, still a good old-fashioned market, they have done just that.melissac.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03681773523297448264noreply@blogger.com4