Are The Stars Out Tonight?

The above is the title to a book that I'm very proud to own about the late, great Ambassador Hotel.

I'm going to keep the text here brief.  Not only because many of us already know much about the Ambassador (and if you don't there are many places to find out) but also because losing this place to the wrecking ball was one of the darkest episodes in the already bleak history of "Developer Madness" that is such a hallmark of Los Angeles. 

So here's what I'm going to do:  I'm gonna show you some mouthwatering pictures of what we lost, and then I'm going to close the post by directing you to a Kickstarter Campaign page that will enable the amazing  Camilo Silva to finish his documentary, "After 68".  Please, if you are able, kick some coin his way.  This is terribly important and may just help a turnaround in the consciousness of this city and others to realize that preservation is ultimately a good business move.

Okay, here's your pics:

Lobby

Wulitzer Organ Showroom, late 20s

I'm having a French Room put in at my place

The Field And Turf Club, 1930s

Poolside Merry Making

The fabulous Coconut Grove

The KickStarter page.

The After 68 facebook page.


And if you didn't look on the link above, maybe this short teaser will help to
change your mind.

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.