One Big Donut

La Puente, CA -- The art of vernacular architecture is somewhat lost. I would image one reason for not building structures in the form of their product or service is due in part of city inspectors. It practically takes an act of congress to have a home addition approved in Los Angeles, let alone a two-story shoe-shaped building selling Nikes.

I happened upon this place by accident. I am a sucker for doughnuts (sometimes spelled "donut") but this time I fought my weakness and took the shot rather than a chocolate-covered glazed.

Nash Metropolitan Crash Car

North Hollywood, CA -- Hollywood, by nature is whimsical, weird and fun. Many store fronts beg a second look while driving, as well as some pedestrians. In Hollywood, everyone is out to make a statement and be noticed. "NoHo" is full of interesting subjects. A photographer could spends weeks and never run out of subjects to shoot.

Then there is the Nash Metropolitan. A funny-looking compact car made in the mid 50s to the early 60s. The Metropolitan was the antithesis of the large American cars made in that era.

If you are ever in NoHo, stop by and check out the Metropolitan Pit Stop.

LA's Own Eiffle?

Los Angeles icons change throughout the decades. In the 60s, LA was known for its City Hall, Dodger Stadium, and Watts Towers.

As a kid, I had a View-Master with a disk of seven popular Western destinations. Las Vegas being one with that historic sign reading, "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas," and LA with a stereoscopic photo of the Watts Towers seemingly stretching to the heavens.

Forty-something years is a long time to finally visit the historic landmark. I followed the well-marked signs through South Central LA, across the Metro Blue Line tracks and into a neighborhood of weathered homes with chain link fences and power lines with multiple pair of shoes hanging from the wires. I looked up through my windshield hoping to find one the towers guiding my way, much like the Eiffel does in Paris. One block to go and there they were.

The Watts Towers were built between 1921 and 1954 by an Italian immigrant by the name of Sam Rodia. Over the course of 33 years, he build, by hand, 17 structures, the tallest reaching nearly 100 feet high (30 meters). The towers are made of fragments of bottles, plates, pottery, tiles--anything Sam could find. The Watts Towers are another example of vernacular architecture made popular in the early to mid 20th century.

Bono's Pride

Fontana, CA -- Joe Bono took me on a tour of his prized, roadside diner recently. "This building has been in our family since the 30s," he said while pointing to an old photo on the wall. Bono's Deli has not been in service for a couple years but Joe is working on reopening the historic landmark very soon. Inside, the walls are lined with Route 66 memorabilia.

His family once owned 200 acres of vineyards along Baseline. The vineyards are long gone but he is trying to preserve the nostalgia by collecting wine bottles and building a wine tasting room attached to the 100-year old diner.

"You know there are probably six Route 66 enthusiast clubs out there; I belong to six of them," chuckled Bono. Looking back at the pictures on the wall, he pointed to a framed photo of he and Sonny. You mean Sonny as in Cher? I asked. Joe looked over at me with a big smile and said, "My cousin."

The large orange, pictured above, was built in the mid 1930s and was used as advertising. It used to be two miles down Route 66 but was recently moved to where it is now. Another example of vernacular architecture, which was very popular in the 30s and 40s.

Back on the Dry Dock

San Gabriel, CA -- Clearman's Galley is a fixture in the San Gabriel Valley. Since I was a kid, we used to perform acts of gluttony on chili cheese burgers, cheese bread and red cabbage salad. I also learned to play the original arcade game, Astroids and loose mass amounts of quarters. The Galley was also one of the first restaurants I visited to have a big screen TV, permanently set to ESPN.

While driving by, one couldn't help notice the big red boat (right), serving as the galley with a restaurant and wood pilings as a facade. It all started back in the late 60s.

A couple years ago, the boat was hauled away and a now a Kohl's department store occupies it's space. The new iconic restaurant was built but for months, no boat.

I am happy to report the old boat was replaced with a scaled down version of the original red vessel. I haven't gone there yet but sure curious to see if the old Galley is serving up the same old grub. Sure hope so!

Dinosaurs Found in Desert

Not far from LA stands a most impressive collection of dinosaurs. Built nearly 30 years ago, motorist can pay $5.00 and walk back into time as well as inside the dinosaurs.

(Wow, we are experiencing an earthquake RIGHT NOW. Hold on…!)

All is OK for now…

The dinosaurs were built to attracted tourist to the Wheel Inn Restaurant next door, which opened in 1958. These prehistoric giants are another example of the near bygone art of vernacular architecture. I featured another example of this at the Wigwam Motel along Route 66.