ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
These are photos of the Imperial Hotel that preceeded Frank Lloyd Wright's momumental landmark building that survived the great Kanto quake of 1927. It is unbelievable that his hotel was razed in 1967. I believe the decision would be different today. "Stupid" is the only way to describe this move. Yes, entirely "stupid."
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
The really marvelous feature of the Hotel New Grand that had a fantastic view of Yokohama harbor was the bar, a long mahogony bar and the elegance of the interior. It was if one might expect the Allied Supreme Commander of the Occupation to drop in at any moment. But of course that was not, I later learned, his manner. General Mac Arthur was not one to make such impromteau stops. And if he drank a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned, I have never heard anything about his alcohol consumption.
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
This is one hotel that represents many that were prevalent throughout the 40s through the early 70s. There came a time when most of these places did close, but I am glad to have had the memories of what it was like to have spent time in "seedy" hotels of this genre. If my transient residency in these type of hotels in my youth did anything for me, it helped me to realize I did not want to spend a lifetime in such establishments as some of my close family members did.
As for the rest of the hotels listed in this gallery, I did spend time in each one. The Del Coronado was among my favorites; the Palmer House in Chicago was a favorite place of mine while attending merchandise shows at the Old Navy Pier in the 1970s.
Having been stationed in Japan in the early 60s, the Imperial Hotel and the Hotel New Grand were excellent establishments for weekend getaways from the Naval Air Station at Atsugi. That was when yen was 360 per dollar, thus the accomdations were a terrific bargain and most impressive to most of us young men stationed throughout Japan.
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
WHAT A SHAME...IT IS TOO NICE FOR THE CITY FATHERS AND MOTHERS, RIGHT?
And yes, I stayed here too, back in the 60s and had a great time. If I recall, there was a bar either in the hotel or nearby. It was a blurry few days, but it was a fun time. Sad to see it go. There goes another icon of the golden age of America...
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER says:
IF THIS IS NOT THE BEST HOTEL WINDOW AND SIGN PHOTOGRAPH...I have ever seen, my name is not Robert. When I saw this sign, I was immediately transferred back to 1960 and found myself checking into a hotel that might have been this one, but one that looked a bit brighter 50 years ago.
It appears that neon once graced this sign, but time has taken the buzz out of its spirit. Perhaps its spirit is gone, but if one could see the faces of all those who peered out of this corner window,one would have a concise history of the many moods of New York City. My congratulations to Joe Western for stopping to capture this aged landmark of a great city.
Even in its state of disrepair and neglect, it appears to be a proud reminder that once upon a time, people came to New York City with a suitcase or two and stayed. Some made millions while others died in bed with a bottle of Smirnoff.
Such is life. There is the good, the bad, and the ugly. But in my mind, this photograph is a beautiful image and reminder of youth gone bad. Time does that; it is the way life begins and ends.
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