Port Townsend

Our final stop before Joel’s business meeting in Seattle was Port Townsend.The Swan Hotel, Port TownsendWe stayed in the cottage right behind the sign, adorable inside and out, no we never did sit in those lovely Adirondeck chairs. Right after checking in it time to explore.P1030514I LOVE ghost advertising.  Back in the day, before billboards, companies painted their advertising on the unused sides and backs of building. This one is clearly something you wouldn’t see anymore.P1030515Port Townsend had the ability to be the largest port on Puget Sound, very deep harbor, but time, influence, roads and land accessibility, led to Seattle taking that role. So once again, the town fell into sleepy disuse which means wonderful Victorian commercial buildings. P1030529Three stories is about as high as they get, no one wants to climb higher than that to get to their office. Love the cupola and the widows walk on the roof.P1030534Today the interior of this building is all creative businesses – yes I did buy yarn here.P1030532 P1030538At another location I stopped and added at least 10 pieces to this puzzle while Joel spoke to the proprietor.P1030525The signage, both Ghost and Blade remain, but today this is another cutesy tourist shop, not a theater.P1030541Interesting  detail on the facade of this building.P1030524The town was still very successful in the 20s. A wonderful example of Art Deco.P1030536Outdoor staircases are a real magnet for me to climb, especially if there is an interesting tower at the top.Fire tower in Port TownsendBuilt in 1890. this bell was rung for over fifty years to call the volunteer fire department.  Fires were the biggest hazard that people experienced in both commercial buildings and homes.  These kind of towers used to dot the landscape, today this is the only remaining restored tower of it’s kind in the US.P1030549Right across the street is this little Church, straight  out of New England.  Built in 1865, oldest church in Washington. The Bell tower was donated five years later by a sea captain. The bell was used in foggy weather like a lighthouse warning, as well as Church bells for the community.P1030547One block off the main street and the architecture is still Victorian but on a much smaller scale.PicMonkey Collage (4)We walked out on the pier and looked back at the town.P1030561On a beautiful weekend day, a lot of people were out sailing.P1030569Remnants of the old industrial pier. Today there is a ferry to Whidby Island. In general Port Townsend is a lovely weekend retreat for people from the Seattle area. It restored it’s wonderful old buildings and is a very active busy little town.

Leah

Astoria Part II

The next morning I left Joel sitting in front of a book store and I explored downtown Astoria.P1030420There are many interesting Victorian homes dotting the hills.  One way to know that a city is past it’s prime, is how many of the old buildings remain. If a city is prosperous, old gets replaced by new rapidly.  It is only when the old becomes classic (at about 60-70 years) that people want to protect it.  If the city has prospered, there may not be much left, if the city has declined – the old remains. One thing you don’t see here is any midcentury modern.P1030418This goat lives right downtown.  She has her own little hillside but is kept out of the kitchen garden by a fence and gate – otherwise there would be nothing left for the homeowners to eat.P1030438One of the most beautiful Victorians is  now the Historical society museum.P1030425This brought me great joy! Unfortunately it was too early in the morning, so I never got inside.P1030422This kind of flowering hanging basket is something that would easily work in LA, unlike these wonderful street planters that need too much water and moisture in the air.P1030436P1030430Lovely old commercial building.P1030434As well as a theater, that is being used for live productions.P1030441I didn’t go in, but what a great adaptive reuse, from county jail to museum!blue heronBlue Heron

P1030405A lot of sea lions, loud, obnoxious and clearly being studied. They were near our hotel and I heard them barking through the night.

P1030398Another view of the bridge, with the old pilings from the defunct port underneath.P1030453On the bridge going to Washington.

Leah

Another Los Angeles treasure, The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

I keep on saying how much I love Los Angeles. Today was another example of why.Clark Memorial library, Los AngelesView of the back. I didn’t bring my good camera and I forgot to take a picture of the front facade. One of the biggest rewards of volunteering is the interesting opportunities that come my way. A fellow LA conservancy docent had booked a visit here and since there was room, a group of us joined in the tour.Clark Memorial library, Los AngelesI really need to spend more time exploring the neighborhood of West Adams. This is one of the first exclusive residential areas outside of downtown.  Adams Blvd. was lined with incredible mansions. The library was built by William Clark Junior in honor of his father. His Craftsman mansion sat on what is now a parking lot. Here you can find a brief history of the family, there is so much more, it would fill a few books. Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, ceiling in entrance hallThe library is not very large, although the reading rooms and book storage are in the basement.  When building the library William Clark Junior bequeathed it to the new Public University that would become UCLA. Although practically next door to USC, it is run and managed by UCLA.  The interior is gorgeous!  This is the ceiling in the entrance.Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, 17th c. globeHere we are in the great parlor, this was used in the past for performances and lectures. In the summer it is set up as a sitting room, during the year the furniture comes out, the rug is covered and it is used as a lecture hall.IMG_4054More ceiling IMG_4059Detail of the carved wood in the ceiling, no-one does this kind of workmanship any more.IMG_4055Looking out the windows at this expansive garden, right in the middle of the city. Chamber music and plays are performed here in the summer.IMG_4067This room looks like what a gentlemen’s library does in the movies. IMG_4069Aside from the books, I found the ceilings to be fascinating.Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, 17th c. globeA 17th c. globe with the island of California. This is probably accurate to how CA was viewed. Later of course explorers realized that Baja CA was a peninsula and the the north was firmly connected to North America. For many years map makers would still portray it as an island.IMG_4077The books on display are pieces of art, many miniatures such as this one. The slips of paper are the cataloging system, they do not want to mar the books by putting any kind of stickers on them. The opulent portion of the library can only be viewed by appointment or by coming to an event here.Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, entrance to basement reading roomsThe reading room entrance is on the side of the building and down stairs. Btw, unlike other research libraries, all one needs to do here is make an appointment and show ID. No need for recommendations from a University or research center. So if you are interested in 17-18c British literature as well as the works of Oscar Wilde. Come on down.Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, back parkSetting up for  a performance of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, performed by Chalk Repertory Theatre, which will take place over  the next two weekends.  We saw the theater group getting organized and rehearsing.Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, follyThis wonderful folly is next to the library, literally abutting busy Adams Blvd. All you see from the street is a large brick wall.Clark Memorial library, Los Angeles, follyI call this a folly, because it is a very classic space but we just couldn’t figure out what it would be used for. Finally, the Ficus Tree.IMG_4092One of the oldest largest Ficus trees in southern CA. It was probably planted in the mid 19th Century. The deed of the library states that no building can be built within 100 feet. The brick building in the background are that far away. Most of the library is therefore under this expanse of lawn.IMG_4093As impressive and as old as the library. The trunk of the ficus as well as the canopy are a sight to behold. Parking was very easy, maybe during the school year it is busier. But even if you can’t get a tour inside, I highly recommend paying a visit to The William Andrews Clark memorial Library at 2024 Cimarron st. Los Angeles. I will probably head back with my good camera, since there are so many wonderful old houses in the area, it is  a neighborhood worth exploring.

Once again proof that there is so much more to LA than just freeways and strip malls.

Leah

I love LA, Last Remaining Seats

In my daily life I don’t think much about LA as Hollywood. Most of us live  very ordinary lives, even those who work in the business.                                                                                                        Things are different in June. The Last Remaining Seats put on by the LA conservancy.  For 28 years their biggest fundraiser has been a chance to view classic movies in the classic theaters along Broadway.

This year the old United Artist Theater is back in the game.  Ace Hotels bought the theater and adjacent building a few years ago and created a wonderful boutique hotel. They continued the wonderful work of Dr. Gene Scott of the University Cathedral Church. They occupied the theater for 20 years. Churches don’t make changes to theaters when they own them, they have no problem with the raked floors and often are fine with the heavy ornamentation of these old movie palaces. Dr. Scott loved and cared for this theater. Ace hotels has done many necessary upgrades as well.

It was quite an honor that the debut of the Theater was the movie Back to the Future. We arrived early, to get in line, no reserved seats. This is what greeted us at the front door.DeLorean from Back to the Future.A local car buff recently purchased the original  DeLaorean from a prop house.  IMG_3864 - Version 2That is the overboard on the passenger seat.IMG_3862This one already has the Fushion tank that Dr. Brown brings back from the future.

The line to get in wound around the block, true to my name – no idle hands even in line.IMG_3868Me knitting a sock.

Then it was into the lobby where my mind was blown.  Sorry about the quality of the photos. I brought my small camera, not very good for dark shots. But how can I not share this incredible building??IMG_3878Gothic is probably the best way to describe the decor.IMG_3881I’m glad they retained some of the church decorations. Most people in LA are familiar with the ‘Jesus Saves’ sign that stood atop the building for years, it has been reinstalled behind the building. Unfortunately one aspect of all the construction going on downtown is that it isn’t as visible as it used to be. At least it is still there.Theater in the Ace HotelWe rushed in, grabbed seats as well as pictures, clearly I’m not the only one. Then out again to explore.United Artist muralSorry this is so grainy but I had to get some Studio Hubris in here. Murals, here are better images as well.  For some reason, being half a block south of 9th street put this theater  out of the district. The Orpheum is half a block away and was very successful. This one – not so much.IMG_3895This is shot from the upper balcony, love how the mirror reflects the mob down in the lobby.IMG_3874Details of the ceilingIMG_3897Unknown sculpture down by the women’s bathrooms.

Then it was on to the movie. One great thing about Last Remaining Seats is that before each movie there is a short live offering. This time it was Leonard Maltin interviewing, Lea Thompson – Lorraine, Claudia Wells – Jennifer and  Donald Fullilove – who will become mayor in the future. He was having so much fun taking photos of us.

An amazing Los Angeles experience, have I mentioned how much I love this city?

Leah

A few blocks in Pasadena

Pasadena is lovely, always has been.  Lucky for us many of the older buildings remain.  About 25 years ago the western end of Colorado Blvd regentrified and became a very popular destination. It is interesting to see how the process is moving east along the Blvd. This is true of the original development of the city.

Colorado Blvd is the main street in Pasadena, like Wilshire in LA or Ventura Blvd. in the valley.

Yesterday I met a friend for lunch. I walked three short blocks and captured these wonderful details on the buildings.LInden Optometry, PasadenaLinden Optometry, Yes, their marquee sort of gets in the way of the wonderful tile work, but not in a bad way. This is stunning tile work on an Art Deco building. Here is the info I found:

Warner Building

built 1927, by Jess Stanton

 

Pasadena art deco Warner Linden Optometry Building

The Warner Building was built by Gladding, McBean and Company. It is remarkable for the incredible Art Deco green-glazed terra cotta grille over the display windows. The grille was designed by Jess Stanton of the Marston and Maybury design firm; he also did design work on the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The Warner Building was originally occupied by a row of exclusive shops that catered to wealthy visitors, especially from the nearby Maryland Hotel. The building has long been occupied by Linden Optometry and is sometimes referred to as the Linden Optometry Building.

I got this info from this website City of Pasadena, unfortunately there was no way to link just to this info, so that is why I copied and pasted.  Btw, Gladding, McBean didn’t build the building, they made the tiles. They are the oldest tile company still in existence in California. One of these days I need to write a post just on that company.close up of tilesThis looks like one big mold, I can easily find the repeat, but still, this isn’t a piece of fabric, it’s glazed terra cotta! I’d love more information about how was made.Star news building. PasadenaHere is the info about this building. Pasadena Star News building, today the Cordon Bleu Culinary institute is housed here. I love that I captured two of the students standing outside. That was pure coincidence.

The blade sign for 24 Fitness should probably come down, they aren’t there anymore. But then again, by now it might simply be part of the building. There isn’t purity in architectures, building change and evolve with time and that is ok.IMG_3789Across the street are more offices of the Cordon Bleu, in the window – decorative cakes. Really like the sugar sculpture of the swan and blue rose.IMG_3786Details, details. Patio World now occupies this building, I notice things like the cornice over the doorway.  The balcony is probably original, not sure about the scrolls that hold up the awning. If they are new – they work very well here.IMG_3787More design elements on the side of the building. My guess- more Gladding McBean Tile. I love how I captured the reflection of the palm tree. So SoCal.IMG_3788Along the side walk, decorative tile. This does not look like Gladding McBean at all. It could easily be Mexican tile.  Pasadena is full of decorative tile.mosaic behind VromansThe mosaic behind Vroman’s Bookstore. This mosaic is made of tile as well, not glass.IMG_3794Sorry the image is blurry. I shot this to show the tile risers, but yet again, I love the human and dog aspects of this picture much more.

Lunch was lovely, yes, I will be taking my camera with me where ever I go. There are interesting things to see – if you open your eyes, take a moment and look.

Leah

Walking LA

Nobody walks in LA – well that is the cliche at any rate. Thanks to a number of good books, many of us venture far from our neighborhood and explore on foot.

I have slowly been making my way through Secret Stairs, this past weekend I revisited walk #38, Universal City- Happy Trails. Only one set of Stairs up and another down. I would consider this the very eastern end of the San Fernando Valley, but residents prefer to think of this as West Hollywood Hills.  Either way, there were interesting things to see.P1020467Jewish star on a Spanish style house? Well that is the way I see it.P1020471I don’t think this house would get building permits today.  Looks like there is a small front door at street level as well as a very steep staircase up to the main level of the house. Not sure what style this is, European miss-mash?P1020472There is an inscription over the garage door, ‘Huset Karl Bygget Dorthea’ Which many mean House Charles has built for Dorothy – in Norwegian. Which also may explain the look of the house.P1020474Other wonderful details, are these trolls or elves holding up the small window box balcony? Nordic either way.

Further on we come across this.P1020476Yes, even in the nicest parts of town you will find houses that have fallen so far into disrepair that they are derelict empty  shells. Ehling HouseAnd now we come to something I love – a whole house covered in mosaic. The life long work of George Ehling. Started in 1927 and still being worked on today. I know this because a few years ago when I first took this walk, I met a young man who rented a room in the house.  He told me that George asked for rent in cash so he could buy more materials (he is working on the interior now) and for some physical labor as well. Since George is no longer young.  I guess the house was built in 1927, but George didn’t start the mosaics until latter.P1020478P1020479I think some of the work was done by workmen when the house was build, the bands around this tour look like they were installed with the building, but many other features, like the window sill were added latter.

And now, for something completely different.P1020481These strange looking homes,  surround the end of a canyon.  There are probably about 20 of them along the rim, being supported by massive girders to the hillside. I’d be scared to live in one of these. Yes they have survived many an earthquake. But I still remember the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. A similar house on stilts on another canyon off Beverly Glen Blvd,  fell off those kind of foundations and landed on a house underneath it – killing a 5 year old girl.

Ok,  enough of the morbid talkP1020485Who doesn’t like unicorns, I for one would be happy to see one crossing by.

P1020484The same house has a very successful hanging succulent garden. Those are not easy to maintain. Often it is easier to simply replant every few months.P1020483I love this, remnants of another long gone house, but the look of this is more like the entrance to a secret garden out on some country road. Not in the middle of Los Angeles – practically overlooking the very busy 101 freeway.

To top it off, we stopped into an open house. Being looky-loos in 2 million dollars homes in Los Angeles is always fun. No, I didn’t take any pictures, but this was a lovely old 1930’s home that was renovated and brought up to the standards of a more modern home. It had a lot of character. I’m happy to say, I love my house, but it is always fun to peek into other peoples homes.

 

Leah

El Dorado Apartments, formally the Hotel Stowell

At my son’s wedding I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely young couple who live downtown. They were very gracious and invited me to come see their apartment in a wonderful old building on Spring St. el_doradoHere is an image from the 1980s’ before the building was renovated. There used to be a blade sign in the middle of the building which is now gone.

El Dorado Apartments, Hotel StowellHere is the renovated exterior, the fire escape was removed, and the platforms became balconies.  On the south side of the building, they broke through, added windows and balconies as well.El DoradoThis building was built in 1913, named for the developer. The beautiful design elements on the exterior are  Art Nouveaux, a style seen more in Europe than in the US. Charlie Chaplin lived there as he was starting his career here in LA.IMG_3378The wonderful designs are molded concrete. The Green is colored bricks. A few years later Gladding McBean would start manufacturing wonderful glazed terra cotta tiles. It’s nice to see what predated that.IMG_3670Last year, the building got this designation.

A resident found this sign and it is now in the lobby. Hotel Stowel signNotice the misspelling of the name, I think they ran out of room for the second L. Fireproof was a big selling point in those days, fires were the biggest hazard to buildings in the early 20th century. Those prices are what one would expect for a nice hotel in those days.

One of the things that made this hotel famous was the lobby. Scan of old lobby in Stowell Here is an old image of the lobby. Below the lobby in the basement there was a cafe as well, a very necessary service to offer guests a place to eat. Both made extensive use of Batchelder Tiles.  To my delight and amazement, there are plans underfoot to turn this into a restaurant. We were able to go take a look.IMG_3686Apparently they are working in conjunction with historians to maintain the correct colors.  You can see two of the pillars are being painted black, they do have some leeway with their design choices. They are building a bar (right side of the photo) and are covering up some of the tiles.Staircase in the Stowell Hotel LobbyIt appears that they are removing the white paint from the bannister, interesting, since in the old photo it looked white. Maybe that is why they are choosing black for the pillars, to match the dark bannisters.IMG_3682Also, cleaning up the woodwork, which I think will be a great improvement.PIIR57eVRge7MewgapqbCAHere are examples of the tiles, both plain and decorative. Batchelder is known for unglazed tiles and often uses these wonderful animals, both real (bird) and mythical (griffin).The top image shows how they have covered all but the decorative tile. It’s covered with drywall – so no tiles are being destroyed.

Batchelder tilesExamples of the floor.  Not all the original floor remains but what does is beautiful.

As for the apartment. It is lovely. My hosts asked it I was surprised that it doesn’t have any historical elements. Not at all. The exterior and the lobby of many buildings are beautiful and made to impress. Once you go into the office areas or hotel rooms – they are standard and pedestrian. The need to impress is only in the public areas. I can say that the apartment was light airy and had storage!  The modern developer did a great job but to be fair, had nothing historic to work with.

 

Leah

The Gerry Building

These days I try and take my camera with me when I am about town.  Even when I am somewhere I go often, like the garment district downtown.  I don’t know how many times  I’ve walked by this building, of course  I think the color changed recently.The Jerry BuildingSorry about  the quality of the picture, I cleaned my lens when I got home.

First of all, this style is a little unusual in the garment district, and this building was built for for garment show rooms, unlike other Beaux Arts buildings in the area that served other purposes. This is Streamline Moderne, late Art Deco.  One of these posts will be about architectural styles in LA, right now, I’ll just mention that  at the end of the Art Deco period (1930s’), money was tight , no more major decorative elements and a very strong horizontal feeling. Think big steamer ships. P1020178The color picture is mine, but you can see, in 1947, the only difference is the color and the cars.  This building was built in 1947, which is really after Art Deco ended (WWII put an end to most building for a good 5 years). Maybe the design was already approved, so once the war was over and the economy was coming back the developers just went with what they had and built the building.

Today it is once again used for fashion showrooms. Although it seems that someone wants to turn this into apartments.  I wish they would leave some of the buildings downtown for business – this isn’t suburbia after all.P1020179LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the lettering, the only decoration on the building. It just screams Art Deco!  I have no idea who Gerry was, I’m guessing it’s the name of the developers.  And I also love the bright orange color. I know it’s not original to the period, but it’s ok if some buildings take on a more modern look. I’m not a purist when it comes to restoring buildings.

Leah