noirish Los Angeles

[HossC]

Here's today's Julius Shulman post. It's "Job 3259: Hugh Gibbs, Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association (Long Beach, Calif.), 1961".



A closer view of the entrance.



The other end of the building looked like this.



I left out an image looking across this area from the entrance on the right.



This shot shows three pool tables. I'm not sure what else occupied their time.



All from Getty Research Institute

The 1962 Long Beach CD mentions the "Navy Landing and Armed Services-Y.M.C.A.--Located at the foot of Magnolia Street." and describes "The Armed Services Y.M.C.A., a recently completed $1,000,000-project, [which] provides recreation facilities for members of the armed Forces.". It lists the address as 520 W Seaside Boulevard. By 1969, the address changes to 101 S Magnolia Avenue. That address and (what I think is) the building above both appear on this 1960s matchbook.


eBay

Despite having two addresses, I can't see the building on Historic Aerials, and it doesn't seem to have survived (please prove me wrong). Maybe there's a recognizable building in this enlarged detail from the first image. A couple of rooftop signs are partially visible. Does anyone have memories of this establishment?

[GaylordWilshire]

I've finally sorted out that all-important matter of who was the real William Garland, legendary real estate man. As is well known, William May Garland was famous for his predictions of future Los Angeles population statistics and his red-and-white "semaphore" advertising; what could be confusing at times were reference to the contemporaneous, unrelated William "n.m.n." Garland, who after his railroad career in Arizona got into real estate himself and built several downtown office buildings, one prominent one bearing the Garland name. Anyway, both William Garlands built big houses for themselves, Wm May's on Adams Boulevard and seen here and here before. Plain William built an especially lovely house on Westlake Avenue in 1898, a new picture of which I've recently acquired and adapted to my catalogs of LA houses.

The full story is here.

[ethereal_reality]

Originally Posted by oldstuff

My mother worked at the Community Chest office in the 1940's. I remember we had a red plastic feather that was a "phone dialer" in the days of rotary phones and it said Community Chest on the back. I think I may still have it somewhere. (I save a lot of junk)

oldstuff, I like people that save a lot of junk.

Your post reminded me to look further in my files for the photograph below.

It shows a Community Chest Office in Los Angeles at a Santa Rita Clinic.


old file / originally from ebay



I wasn't sure where this was located until I noticed it says Bellevue Avenue on the post sign.

detail



Well...2321 Bellevue (the street number is more clear above the door) places the Santa Rita Clinic in the old Queen of Angels Hospital.

______



St. Rita is wondering what she's suppose to do with the feather.

[CityBoyDoug]

Originally Posted by HossC

Here's today's Julius Shulman post. It's "Job 3259: Hugh Gibbs, Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association (Long Beach, Calif.), 1961".
This shot shows three pool tables. I'm not sure what else occupied their time.



All from Getty Research Institute

The 1962 Long Beach CD mentions the "Navy Landing and Armed Services-Y.M.C.A.--Located at the foot of Magnolia Street." and describes "The Armed Services Y.M.C.A., a recently completed $1,000,000-project, [which] provides recreation facilities for members of the armed Forces.". It lists the address as 520 W Seaside Boulevard. By 1969, the address changes to 101 S Magnolia Avenue. That address and (what I think is) the building above both appear on this 1960s matchbook.

Here we see the building in a 1972 aerial.

Yes, I remember being inside this YMCA maybe twice when I was stationed at Naval Base Long Beach in 1968.
It was kind of a strange place, basically there was not much there. Few sailors visited the location as I recall. It did have an open bunk-room where you could sleep overnight for two or three dollars. [No private rooms.]
There may have been some sort of food service. The building was probably a PR gesture by the city that showed that Long Beach welcomed the Navy.

Most guys headed to the locker clubs and bars of Long Beach in those days.

Yes, it is long gone, as are the Naval Station and Navy Shipyard.


Netr

[CityBoyDoug]

Originally Posted by HossC

Here's today's Julius Shulman post. It's "Job 3259: Hugh Gibbs, Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association (Long Beach, Calif.), 1961".

The apartments we see in the background were a part of the blocks south of Ocean Blvd. that were known as "The Jungle". They had been there since the 1920s. They were a collection seedy apartments, small cabins and businesses that catered to the bohemians of that era. It was not a place for families and kids.
All of the ''Jungle" blocks were razed and redeveloped in the 1960s. They were gone by the time I arrived in Long Beach in 1968.

[ethereal_reality]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Graham

Hancock Fire probably refers to Hancock Oil and their refinery. They were a well know brand at the time and were purchased by Signal Oil in the 50's.
Hancock Park is named after Hancock Family.

Thanks for the info Hollywood Graham.

Here's an aerial view of the 1958 Hancock Fire.


http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/se...cock%20Fire%22




And some closer views.


http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/se...cock%20Fire%22





Burnt cars






Run!


http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/se...cock%20Fire%22



In the cab.


http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/se...cock%20Fire%22

That pistol thingy (that looks like a glue gun)....a guidance control? -for sprayer on top of the truck perhaps.



I believe that's the Hancock Oil Administrive building at lower left.


http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/co...d/88516/rec/18



Close-up of the Hancock gate (that was partially seen in the first photo)


detail

_

[CityBoyDoug]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Thanks for the info Hollywood Graham.

Here's an aerial view of the 1958 Hancock Fire.


http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/se...cock%20Fire%22





_

That's quite a massive conflagration.

Here is the larger view of the firemen in the cab of the fire truck.
Maybe someone can tell us what those controls do.


usc.edu

[odinthor]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Is this the image t2?


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021153/...r/rm1750401536

I've never seen this film, but that hair-pulling scene was pretty remarkable.

__

I have it on DVD, and have watched it three or four times. I'd give it a grade of B or B+. What I remember most about it is that Jack Buchanan, while he's thoroughly good and attractive and professional, has an acting style which makes me think we're doing a stage production in London's West End. He walks like he's on stage, his facial expressions, his gestures, just his everything are stage mannerisms rather than movie mannerisms. Not at all bad, but a little jarring. The final song, "Beyond the Blue Horizon," sticks in the mind. Here, let me sing it for you: [sings it] How'd you like it? An encore? Why, you're too kind! [sings it again].

[ethereal_reality]

Originally Posted by CaliNative

How about some cheesecake pics of Jane?

Your wish is my command CaliNative.


https://mikestakeonthemovies.com/201...his-mate-1934/


The pre-code Tarzan films (Tarzan the Ape Man-1932, Tarzan and His Mate-1934 have Jane wearing a leather string
supporting two narrow animal skins covering her front and back, but leaving her hips completely bare.

The skimpy outfit was later modified for something more family friendly......(see below)



http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/...=34744&forum=1



I really like this one. Jane takes a break.


http://www.dfiles.me/tarzan-and-his-mate.html



In Tarzan and His Mate Jane even has a 'nude' swimming scene.





As Tarzan throws Jane into the water her clothes are ripped off by a branch...
(the sound effect when this happens is pretty bad...it sound like a creaky barn door opening)


Watch it here:
• Video Link


Interesting comment on youtube.

"The underwater double for Maureen O'Sullivan was Olympic swimmer Josephine McKim
although O'Sullivan had no problem showing her body too as she wore nothing under her loin cloth
and there were several times in the movie where you can see her vajayjay. It wouldn't be a big deal
at all now but it was in 1934."

"vajayjay" lol

__

[ethereal_reality]

Originally Posted by odinthor

I have it on DVD, and have watched it three or four times. I'd give it a grade of B or B+. What I remember most about it is that Jack Buchanan, while he's thoroughly good and attractive and professional, has an acting style which makes me think we're doing a stage production in London's West End. He walks like he's on stage, his facial expressions, his gestures, just his everything are stage mannerisms rather than movie mannerisms. Not at all bad, but a little jarring. The final song, "Beyond the Blue Horizon," sticks in the mind. Here, let me sing it for you: [sings it] How'd you like it? An encore? Why, you're too kind! [sings it again].

Is this what you meant by odd facial expressions? They're like blind gamblers.


http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/ne...re-id507224977

Oh, and your song was wonderful odinthor.


Here's Jeanette's version in all it's scratchy glory.

• Video Link

Pretty amazing for one of the first sound productions.

__

[CaliNative]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Your wish is my command CaliNative.


https://mikestakeonthemovies.com/201...his-mate-1934/


The pre-code Tarzan films (Tarzan the Ape Man-1932, Tarzan and His Mate-1934 have Jane wearing a leather string
supporting two narrow animal skins covering her front and back, but leaving her hips completely bare.

The skimpy outfit was later modified for something more family friendly......(see below)



http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/...=34744&forum=1



I really like this one. Jane takes a break.


http://www.dfiles.me/tarzan-and-his-mate.html



In Tarzan and His Mate Jane even has a 'nude' swimming scene.





As Tarzan throws Jane into the water her clothes are ripped off by a branch...
(the sound effect when this happens is pretty bad...it sound like a creaky barn door opening)


Watch it here:
• Video Link


Interesting comment on youtube.

"The underwater double for Maureen O'Sullivan was Olympic swimmer Josephine McKim
although O'Sullivan had no problem showing her body too as she wore nothing under her loin cloth
and there were several times in the movie where you can see her vajayjay. It wouldn't be a big deal
at all now but it was in 1934."

"vajayjay" lol

__

Man, great skinny dip with Jane (or her double), temporary relief from the Depression gloom outside the theater . But Louis B. Mayer & the other studio moguls were outraged, and then came the production codes. No more nudity until the late '60s.

[John Maddox Roberts]

It wasn't just the Codes. One director wrote that Maureen was a good Catholic girl and in consequence was usually pregnant when filming the later Tarzan movies, requiring creative camera work and extensive use of body doubles.

[ethereal_reality]

Remember our discussion about the 'radiator water bags' a few weeks ago?

Well, I just found one on a postcard!

"c1960s Desert Center Cafe, Greyhound Bus Depot, Standard Gas California"



http://www.ebay.com/itm/c1960s-Deser...8AAOSw2xRYcnXV

note the bag is hanging on the side-mirror and not in front of the radiator. (I believe t2 said her family hung it like this...on the side mirror)


a closer-look

detail
___



update:

Desert Center is off of Highway 10, southeast of Joshua Tree National Park.

I believe the buildings in the vintage postcard might still be there, but the google-mobile refuses to go down Ragsdale Road


google_earth



Here's a better look at the buildings / viewed from the north


detail

What do you NLAers think...could these be the same buildings?

__

[CityBoyDoug]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

Remember our discussion about the 'radiator water bags' a few weeks ago?



detail

What do you NLAers think...could these be the same buildings?

__

Yes, same buildings.
Amazing ER to see you out in the middle of nowhere. Ragsdale was the founder of the old stage-stop in 1921.

1946...Desert Center - now abandoned but still standing.

paperzillo

The town was founded in 1921 by Stephen A. Ragsdale, also known as “Desert Steve”, and his wife, Lydia. Ragsdale was an itinerant preacher and cotton farmer, originally from Arkansas. In 1915, he left his farm in the Palo Verde Valley along the Colorado River to attend to some business in Los Angeles. The road between Phoenix and Los Angeles was mostly sand, and Ragsdale's vehicle broke down near a place called Gruendyke's Well. This featured a hand-dug well and was inhabited by a prospector named Bill Gruendyke. Gruendyke rescued Ragsdale and gave him food, shelter, and water until his vehicle was repaired and he could resume his journey to Los Angeles.

Upon his return, Ragsdale bought out Gruendyke and moved his family to the remote spot, where they constructed a small shack with a lean-to that served as the repair garage. A Model T truck was modified to serve as a tow car. Gasoline was pumped by hand from a 55 gallon drum. Lydia served food and refreshments to thirsty and weary travelers. In spite of the remote location 50 miles (80 km) in any direction from anything, the Ragsdales prospered. Ragsdale named his outpost 'Desert Center'.

[Mstimc]

Originally Posted by CityBoyDoug

Here we see the building in a 1972 aerial.


Most guys headed to the locker clubs and bars of Long Beach in those days.

Yes, it is long gone, as are the Naval Station and Navy Shipyard.


Netr

My dad met my mother when he was stationed in Long Beach. He moved from Missouri to California at the behest of the Japanese Imperial Navy. They were married Valentine's Day 1942 at the old St. Joe's downtown. He shipped out a few weeks later for the duration.

[CityBoyDoug]

Originally Posted by Mstimc

My dad met my mother when he was stationed in Long Beach. He moved from Missouri to California at the behest of the Japanese Imperial Navy. They were married Valentine's Day 1942 at the old St. Joe's downtown. He shipped out a few weeks later for the duration.

Wonderful memories....wartime romance.! Are there any photos from that time?

[CaliNative]

Originally Posted by John Maddox Roberts

It wasn't just the Codes. One director wrote that Maureen was a good Catholic girl and in consequence was usually pregnant when filming the later Tarzan movies, requiring creative camera work and extensive use of body doubles.

Pregnant with Mia Farrow maybe, future ex-wife of Frank Sinatra & Woody Allen?

[John Maddox Roberts]

Originally Posted by CaliNative

Pregnant with Mia Farrow maybe, future ex-wife of Frank Sinatra & Woody Allen?

Mia and Woody never married and thus were never exes. Hollywood matrimony was never very conventional.

[Blaster]

Originally Posted by CaliNative

Pregnant with Mia Farrow maybe, future ex-wife of Frank Sinatra & Woody Allen?

Mia Farrow wasn't born until 1945, several years after Maureen had retired her Jane costume.

[JimCraig]

Originally Posted by ethereal_reality

oldstuff, I like people that save a lot of junk.

Your post reminded me to look further in my files for the photograph below.

It shows a Community Chest Office in Los Angeles at a Santa Rita Clinic.


old file / originally from ebay



I wasn't sure where this was located until I noticed it says Bellevue Avenue on the post sign.

detail



Well...2321 Bellevue (the street number is more clear above the door) places the Santa Rita Clinic in the old Queen of Angels Hospital.

______



St. Rita is wondering what she's suppose to do with the feather.

It's not a feather. St. Rita is looking at a crucifix. We are looking at it from a side view.