The Big Five O Oh....A Love Letter.

Yup, about 2 1/2 years later, I arrive at my 500th post! 

In my first post I used a photo of the Warner Bros. first Hollywood studio (not much more than a barn really) and noted that in starting the blog I had no idea where the endeavor would take me.  Well, the coincidence is, the property in that old picture is now a featured stop on my Walking Tour!

I want to thank all you guys.  From the very start you've given me companionship, support, clarity, love and courage.  Courage to follow the dream I am now living!

So without further adieu.....

You may recall a post I did in September of 2010 on the fabulous El Royale apartments, but since you have a life, chances are, you don't.  To refresh your memory it's here.

I'm bringing this up because to celebrate my 500th, I want to turn this post over to YOU!  Recently one of you, a wonderful fellow named James Pappas sent me a message offering to share some pictures of the El Royale with us if I would like.  Would I ever!

James grew up in Hollywood and his dad was a lifeguard at the Ambassador Hotel pool in the '40s and '50s!  Of that star-studded poolside he had particular memories of gangster Johnny Roselli being an almost daily fixture.

As an adult, James lived in the building for many years.

Here are the 4 beautiful shots he sent for us:

From James' email:

"I have had these from my own collection for years. I also have an Architectural Digest with pictures from when George Raft lived in the penthouse. Even Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures had the other penthouse at one time. They was a bust in the parking garage in the 40’s with some gangsters."


Thank you James.  Thank you readers.  Thank you tour guests.  Now on to the next 500.