noirish Los Angeles

[ethereal_reality]

originally posted by BifRayRock:


LAPL

I've often wondered what was previously on the site of Tower Records Store. That is one charming little building.

Also notice the stop signs. At first glance I thought it was one of those historic cameo real bells.
Why the light on top? I don't recall seeing that (a lit stop sign) in other areas of Los Angeles.

-just color me curious.
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[ethereal_reality]

Originally Posted by Blaster

I've been a frequent customer at the Bounty for many years. They recently made some "improvements" to the decor but fortunately didn't do enough to wreck its ambience.

Did they keep the William Randolph Hearst brass plate?

http://yutjangsah.blogspot.com/2009_12_24_archive.html



HMS Bounty decorated for Christmas

http://yutjangsah.blogspot.com/2009_12_24_archive.html
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[Blaster]

[QUOTE=ethereal_reality;6179604]Did they keep the William Randolph Hearst brass plate?


It's likely to still be there. They didn't do anything radical -- new wall lamps in the barroom. I'll check the next time I visit. There's also a brass plate for Jack Webb.

Webb got around. I remember him on a talk show many years ago, talking about how in the 40's he worked as a salesman at Silverwood's and sold a tie to Fred MacMurray.

[BifRayRock]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

I've often wondered why so many of the buildings on Sunset have the same architectural style (peaked roofs, shutters, bay windows etc.)? Was there a grand scheme that the builders (and architects) were following, or where they simply following the precedent set by the Sunset Plaza development?


http://laurelcanyonassoc.com/Canyon1920.html
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______________________

Before and after:

http://imageshack.us/a/img7/176/nnuh.jpg


http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics45/00072115.jpg

______________________

Doesn't everybody like castles, chateaus and great Estates? . . . With a nod toward R Banham, big construction landmarks - and geography - may have set the trend for this growing neighborhood. Consider Chateau Marmont (8221 Sunset). Built in '27, and allegedly inspired by Château d'Amboise, in France's Loire Valley. Not that there is anything wrong with Adobe and the ubiquitous Spanish Provincial - Colonial Revival.

Suspect a similar case can be made about the proliferation of seemingly Mount Vernon-inspired structures . . . . ( http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...ostcount=10196 )

More French Revival mishmash is hidden below.


http://skyscraperpage.com/forum/show...ostcount=14085


http://la.curbed.com/uploads/2010.11...gwehofonts.jpg

8383 Sunset - no date
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics45/00072134.jpg

'83
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics16/00007757.jpg


http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics48/00058515.jpg


9023 Sunset - Crosby Bldg. (see prior post)
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics45/00072133.jpg



'38
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics45/00072118.jpg

http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics45/00072116.jpg


http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics19/00009431.jpg

Sid Chaplin's humble Hollywood home on Sunset.
http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics42/00070846.jpg

Peaked - on Sunset
http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics49/00059051.jpg




8300 Tampa Avenue, Northridge
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GaUWTZzFQ...11106-1652.jpg

______________________

Amboise, France
http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/med...in-amboise.jpg

http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/...ris-115461.jpg

http://www.parisshuttletransfer.com/...auANGID00Z.jpg

[srk1941]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Wonderful photographs of Sunset Boulevard BifRayRock. -thank you for posting them-

I've often wondered why so many of the buildings on Sunset have the same architectural style (peaked roofs, shutters, bay windows etc.)? Was there a grand scheme that the builders (and architects) were following, or where they simply following the precedent set by the Sunset Plaza development?


http://laurelcanyonassoc.com/Canyon1920.html
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I believe this is deliberately planned. I don't have it in front of me, but I remember reading about this in "Los Angeles: Preface to a Master Plan," from 1941. Landscape architect Ralph D. Cornell is writing about the the importance of planning in terms of a pleasing and cohesive appearance, and how such things can positively enhance a community and its inhabitants. In any event, I specifically recall him talking about this particular business district at Sunset Plaza, describing the style as influenced by Colonial architecture, all painted in white, and how this cohesive design along both sides of the street was a positive thing. I'll dig out the book and get the actual quote.

[Chuckaluck]

Originally Posted by BifRayRock

Anyone remember the easy-to-miss "Butterfield's?" 8426 Sunset Blvd? (Slightly east of "Blue's House") A place which John Barrymore may have been quite familiar.

1985
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics40/00039547.jpg

Several sources state as an accepted fact that John Barrymore's residence preceded both Butterfield's and the HOBlues. Can anyone verify?


Do pictures exist of such a place?

Assumed the building was constructed as a bungalow or cottage, similar to rustic Laurel Canyon abodes.

Was main access from below (south) of Sunset? (Vaguely remember the stairwell down from Sunset)

When exactly did JB occupy the place, or have his name attached to it?

Did Butterfield's actually use the preexisting structure? Substantial remodeling?

Further east on Sunset is an entrance William Hart park - a former residence of actor W Hart. The address listed is 8341 De Longpre Ave. - backing up against Sunset Boulevard. I've wondered whether this wasn't a similar situation with the so-called Barrymore home "backing up against Sunset too.


http://www.scvhistory.com/gif/lw2276j_large.jpg

http://www.scvhistory.com/gif/al2276_large.jpg

William S. Hart
http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics40/00054632.jpg

http://www.image-archeology.com/Wm_S...fornia_811.jpg

http://www.image-archeology.com/Home...fornia_A70.jpg

http://www.image-archeology.com/Resi...California.jpg






not to be confused with

http://www.image-archeology.com/Home..._Calif_A83.jpg

http://www.image-archeology.com/Resi...fornia_825.jpg

[GaylordWilshire]

Thanks for the tip, ER--I have seen an actual copy of this...not sure I want to spend $38 on it on ebay to own it, but it's tempting. Meanwhile, speaking of Wilshire, I've got a new post up on my Wilshire blog. Above is one of the illustrations I've been creating in the manner of old glass slides. I like the way this one came out in particular--it's 4444 Wilshire Boulevard in 1927.

(http://wilshireboulevardhouses.blogspot.com/)

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Los Angeles Express 1913

ebay

I thought GW might like to see this.
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Originally Posted by BifRayRock

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="2"][FONT="Tahoma"]


Interesting observation. Bruce is a given. Sonja?
Bruce, was reputed to stand at 6'3." Sonja a foot shorter and diminutive. Yes, Sonja could have been wearing her skates (obscured by tire). She would have been about 19 when the picture was taken ('31) Over the years, she underwent a dramatic glamorization that makes it difficult (for me) to place her with Bruce. But I am just a lowly noir'er.*


1930
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...onja_Henie.jpg


http://blog.allanellenberger.com/wp-...a-olympics.jpg

http://www.hok.no/getfile.php/145921...ett%C2%A04.jpg


http://blog.allanellenberger.com/wp-...ix-herman1.jpg




Cody, née Bruce or Herman, was too stubborn for his own good. He just couldn't accept the explanation: "tracking tiger cats and anything of commercial value."


http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2...8mqvo1_500.gif

A couple of priors on Bruce Bennett, none other than Mr. Mildred Pierce:


http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...postcount=3403

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show...postcount=3414

[Chuckaluck]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

originally posted by BifRayRock:


LAPL

I've often wondered what was previously on the site of Tower Records Store. That is one charming little building.

Also notice the stop signs. At first glance I thought it was one of those historic cameo real bells.
Why the light on top? I don't recall seeing that (a lit stop sign) in other areas of Los Angeles.

-just color me curious.
__

8801 Sunset - The building pictured was a Dolores Drive-in Restaurant from the '40s, and later replaced by another restaurant, "Jacks on the Strip" followed by Mad Man Muntz. http://www.wehoville.com/2013/03/27/...-in-the-world/ But prior to that . . . could it have started out as the Moscow Inn? An unsubstantiated rumor.

My attention is drawn to the dark markings on the street at the 8:00 o'clock position on your red dial. Hill side tree shadows seem unlikely. WW: Don't think it's dirty pea gravel!


Edit: just discovered a discussion on the history of the Tower Records Location:



http://www.wehoville.com/wp-content/...5602854_n1.jpg


http://www.wehoville.com/wp-content/...untz-store.jpg

8531 Wilshire - GONE

'78
http://jpg1.lapl.org/00090/00090578.jpg

http://jpg1.lapl.org/00090/00090579.jpg

[Mstimc]

I think there's a norish fan on the staff of the L.A. Times. Yesterday, there was a great piece on the Spring St. arcade, and today one on the site of the old Statler/Hiltion/Wilshire Grand!

[srk1941]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Wonderful photographs of Sunset Boulevard BifRayRock. -thank you for posting them-

I've often wondered why so many of the buildings on Sunset have the same architectural style (peaked roofs, shutters, bay windows etc.)? Was there a grand scheme that the builders (and architects) were following, or where they simply following the precedent set by the Sunset Plaza development?


http://laurelcanyonassoc.com/Canyon1920.html
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Here is what landscape architect Ralph D. Cornell said about this stretch of Sunset Boulevard in 1941's "Los Angeles: Preface to a Master Plan."

"Farther west, along this bench of high land that clings to the Hollywood Hills, Sunset Boulevard carries a bit of roadside development that is a joy to behold. Sometimes referred to as the White City, it presents on both sides a continuous frontage of shops that have been built in harmony of style at once outstanding and pleasing. All of them white and done in what might be called a Colonial feeling, they present satisfying contrast to the average business development.

Curiously enough these results were accomplished through the controlled results of spot planning, which usually should be avoided. With the district zoned against business uses, permits for these shops were issued only as exceptions to the rule and only after the owner had submitted plans for a building that would conform to the general, approved style of architecture."

"Los Angeles: Preface to a Master Plan," Edited by George W. Robbins and L. Deming Tilton, The Pacific Southwest Academy, The Ward Ritchie Press, 1941. p 231-232.

[ethereal_reality]

Thanks srk1941 for looking up that quote. It definitely answers my question. -much appreciated.
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[ethereal_reality]

Originally Posted by GaylordWilshire

Thanks for the tip, ER--I have seen an actual copy of this...not sure I want to spend $38 on it on ebay to own it, but it's tempting. Meanwhile, speaking of Wilshire, I've got a new post up on my Wilshire blog. Above is one of the illustrations I've been creating in the manner of old glass slides. I like the way this one came out in particular--it's 4444 Wilshire Boulevard in 1927.

(http://wilshireboulevardhouses.blogspot.com/

I really enjoyed the post on 4444 Wilshire at your new blog GW. You do a tremendous job. (as always)
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[ethereal_reality]

I was surprised to learn William H. Hart's house still stands. (especially since it's in my old neighborhood)

The view below is different from the postcards ChuckaLuck previously posted. Here we are looking down onto the property
from Sunset Blvd. toward De Longpre Ave. (the Baldwin Hills are in the distance) -the north south street visible at left is Flores Street.


ebay



Here we see the Hart residence (built in 1919) from De Longpre Avenue.






main entrance to the park. -Hart residence is on the right.

gsv




east stairs. -the house is visible through the trees on the left.

gsv



the park from Sunset Blvd. -at right is one of the most amazing buildings in L.A., the art deco Sunset Tower built in 1930.


Initially I thought the roof line visible through the fence (outlined in red) was a stand alone garage at the Hart residence, but now I'm not so sure.


interior, Hart residence

http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/al2276.htm



interior, Hart kitchen

http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/al2276.htm
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overall view for out-a-towners (like myself)

gsv
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[ethereal_reality]

Oh..I almost forgot this beautiful apartment building (in the sunset style we've been talking about) across the street from the
old Hart residence, on the southeast corner of De Longpre Ave. and N. Flores St.


gsv
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[Johnny Socko]

After mainlining the thread for a few days to catch myself up, I decided it was high time to actually contribute something again -- if only modestly.

Unfortunately, when previewing the post, the images refused to display. I followed all the directions to the letter, I even went back and read other people's posts regarding how to display images, and none of it worked!

It should work -- I mean, I have done other posts on this thread, and they did work, and it was not difficult.

Oh well, back to taking advantage of everyone else's hard work while I go and lick my wounds.

[ethereal_reality]

As my grand-niece says...'If you don't first succeed, try, try again." I want to see those photos Johnny Socko!
__

-earlier tonight I came across this interesting 1959 slide.

ebay

-trying to figure out the address, I searched under 'florists' in the 1956 city directory since the 'plants' sign is prominent. Eventually I found a Germain's...but as a pet shop at 625 S. Hill Street. I looked at the slide again and decided the window display does look a bit like a pet shop.

1956 directory

http://rescarta.lapl.org/ResCarta-We...7s&submit=Find

...then I noticed 'Snafu Coffee Shop' several lines below Germain's in the directory and remembered this photograph I posted here last week.

ebay

At first I thought the 'Transocean Air Lines' office was the old 'Germains Pet Shop' space. -but the addresses don't seem to add up.
Now (after a few beers) I am completely c o n f u s e d!
__help

[Godzilla]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Oh..I almost forgot this beautiful apartment building (in the sunset style we've been talking about) across the street from the
old Hart residence, on the southeast corner of De Longpre Ave. and N. Flores St.


gsv

I'd live there in a minute!
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The White "Colonial Revival" architecture mentioned in the '41 Master Plan enjoyed widespread popularity throughout the Southland in the 20s, 30s and 40's. Many examples can be found from Burbank to Beverly Hills. The style was simple and clean - whether it was inspired from French Hotels or homesteads on the Potomac.



That neighborhood must have many buried secrets. I would enjoy more information on the so-called Barrymore house. I have looked without success for an aerial or two and guess that the Barrymore house could also have had a De Longpre address similar to Hart's.

There are several other properties that must have had long forgotten histories in the neighborhood.

8477 De Longpre (?) - used to be an iconic plain-faced apartment building that was a throwback to a different century. It looks like the building received a modern facelift, but I picture a large imposing - white - structure reminiscent of a Southern Plantation House clad in a forest's-worth of titanium white clapboarding. I'm guessing communal bathrooms "at the end of each hall" and would guess the building was constructed before Hart's residence.

De Longpre's sharp slope could make parking near the structure challenging - (but nothing beats watching old cars sliding out of control down the wet concrete roads near Beachwood Drive/Terrace)



And, speaking of would-be Antebellum mansions, a few blocks away on Laurel Avenue, is a similar property, affectionately named "Tara."

1343 N. Laurel Avenue Built in '14 and "reputedly" visited by the likes of Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt. (See article: http://offthefreeway.wordpress.com/2...est-hollywood/ )


http://jpg1.lapl.org/00081/00081641.jpg






http://parklabreanewsbeverlypress.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/TaraFromright.gif


Tara's next-door neighbor at 1355 N. Laurel is quite interesting too. Villa D’Este or the Court of the Fountains was mentioned before, but I can't recall if it received much coverage: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5161907&postcount=2838

http://files.apts247.com/files/000/0...s/dsc_4223.jpg




8254 Fountain Ave is another striking example of the royal French -Normandy motif. Guessing Fountain could have served as moat. (Searching for a phantom photo on USCDigital) Will post if located.

[Godzilla]

Avery & Taggart's Subdivision of Lot 60 of the Western Subdivision of the Lick Tract in Hollywood. The map includes lots in the area bounded by Sunset Blvd., north; Benefit Street, south; Edgemont Street, west; and Winchester Street, east. A drawing of Hotel Winchester is at the top, but it was never built. The firm of Lindsey & Avery, 34 North Spring Street, is mentioned at bottom (the same address as the office of original developer H.H. Wilcox). It is noted that one member of the firm, with a carriage, may be found on the grounds at the Edgemont Station, Los Angeles County Railway, to show the property. A later name for Cooper Street is Catalina Street; for Winchester Street, Berendo Street; and for Benefit Street, Fountain Avenue. LAPL

http://jpg3.lapl.org/pics42/00070948.jpg

[Godzilla]

Originally Posted by Johnny Socko

Oh well, back to taking advantage of everyone else's hard work while I go and lick my wounds.

Yes. "Carl Switzer" has received coverage in this thread, but I won't say where!

http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics33/00051006.jpg



Unidentified "Model" licking $5 postage stamp. (Could it be Linda Darnell?)
http://jpg2.lapl.org/pics32/00050972.jpg


Linda Darnell on right. Marlene Dietrich and Lucille Ball too. (Moffett Field near Palo Alto on May 27, 1942)
http://jpg1.lapl.org/pics49/00044001.jpg

[Oviatt Building Fan]

Or could the "unidentified licker" be Dorothy Lamour?