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.
