Friday, February 13, 2009

A Throwback To The 60s

Built in 1965, the Palm Springs Visitor Center was once home of the Tramway Gas Station. I drive by this "Desert Modern" architectural masterpiece often but never stopped in until today. The flying angular roof is reminiscent of the Rat Pack guys like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. Bob Hope's house is just a few miles from here too. Those were the days!

The building is also at the turnoff for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram was completed in 1963 and whisks tourist up the side of Mt. San Jacinto to over 8,000 feet.

7 comments:

ben wideman said...

I really like this one. Sharp lines, vibrant colors, you really captured it well!

Vanessa Bates said...

yeah it definately looks like walking back in time. Great photo! I have never been to cali and would love to visit there one day

Anonymous said...

That's where I like to spend my birthdays. Straight up

abc said...

You know I like this kind of photo as taken by you. And the Rat Pack: great entertainment. It's been a while since I did, but it's easy to watch some of their stuff on youtube. You gave me a good idea.

Hope said...

I LOVE this photo! I'm glad you finally stopped at this wonderful place to share it's beauty with all of us. Have you been on the tramway?

Petrea Burchard said...

JT, the way you shot it is a period piece in itself. Excellent.

Anonymous said...

There is a ton in Palm Springs. Like the Oasis Hotel and the CCaliente.