Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Well, it's mid-week again ... and you know what that means? It's time again for a post to wish everyone a HAPPY HUMP DAY! For those that might have been unaware, it's just my way of celebration that the work week is over the "hump" of the week and that the weekend is approaching. Isn't that what we all long for? LOL

People always ask me - when is the best time to go see the bears in Alaska. Sure, I have some idea of how I would answer, but the truth is, it's all about what you're looking for. With the coastal brown bears obviously the best time of year is when the salmon are making a run, which is somewhat haphazard, yet somewhat predictable. That's my favorite time to catch them in action, chasing down the salmon, etc.

If I had to say another time of year that I particularly enjoyed, it would be in the early summer, when the bears are out and about grazing on the fresh green grasses and are actively pursuing another activity. That would be the pursuit of a mate. It's quite fascinating how these big strapping bears, so ferocious at other times, show a softer, more gentler side of them as they begin their courtship. Well, at least between the male and the female - not between 2 males trying to win the female - that's a whole different story.

This image was taken in late June out in Katmai NP, where we spent some time with about a dozen bears. there was a lot of fast paced chasing, more subdued romancing, and full on mating (well, at least being attempted - don't think it really happened while we were observing). Totally fascinating!

When I spend time out in the wild with these brown bears, time just seems to stand still and I'm quite literally transported to another time & place within my own mind. It's such a place of peace and tranquility ... and really makes sense out of the world and how it should be. So many lessons can be learned by these magnificent creatures. I wish I could watch them forever!

But I can't and reality sets in. When I have a particularly challenging day, I pull up these images and go back to a more simpler time and place. I thank those bears everyday for what they have taught me over the years.

Thanks so much for stopping by to view and especially for all of your thoughts and comments.

© Debbie Tubridy / © TNWA Photography - All of my images are protected by copyright and may not be used on any site, blog, or forum without my permission.

Website: www.tnwaphotography.com

Blog: www.tnwaphotography.wordpress.com

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

“Paris is always a good idea”

-Audrey Hepburn

I seriously considered splitting up my blog post on Paris into daily accounts but I figured no one cares that much, and more importantly, I definitely don’t care that much. That being said, this will probably be an insanely long post; so please, bear with me and my embarrassing typos. Paris was insane and an absolute whirlwind and so many wonderful things happened, I am so very grateful.

This weekend I visited Paris and I don’t think I was ready. I was definitely excited enough, because one doesn’t just say, “Oh hey, btw, I’m spending the weekend in Paris”. When I got there, I was blown away. I found myself stopping every so often and saying aloud to my friend…”This can’t be real life” “I love Paris” or “I feel like I’m having an out of body experience”. Paris was magnificent. Everything about it exceeded every single expectation I thought I had. There was nothing to disappoint me, even the evil child pick pocketers who I gave way too much money to before I realized they were evil (no but seriously, OMG, those little demons). Even when reality set in, I was still in awe of Paris. I said in a previous post that London reminds me a lot of Boston, in the same respect Paris reminds me a LOT of New York. They have very similar atmospheres. Before I get into telling you about our adventures (there were a LOT), let me just start by saying that the people of Paris are GORGEOUS. Like. Seriously. I die. Here in Oxford…and England in general perhaps, people tend to be a lot less forward in their advances, most likely out of courtesy. I think the French must KNOW how gorgeous they are because they were FORWARD and it was totally fine because they were so drop dead gorgeous. This seems frivolous and superficial, but as a human I believe it’s VERY important to appreciate aesthetics, especially that of other human beings…which is the perfect segue for me to talk about Claire. Claire is the love of my life. Claire was our waitress in France on our first night. Claire was a spectacular human being. She took my breath away. I asked her to take a picture with me because I needed to document her beauty in a non-creepy way because posting pictures in which she clearly didn’t realize she was being photographed would be creepy…Yeah, so basically I fell in love in Paris, so you know, I’m living the dream.

To start, getting to Paris from London via bus is the worst thing to do ever. Ever. Don’t do it. Splurge on the plane. Just trust me, I won’t get into details because I’m trying to keep this short (she says as this hits one page, killin it). We got to Paris at some ungodly hour, considering the sun wasn’t even up yet. Our first stop was the Arc de Triomphe (Pictured above, right above the Mona Lisa), I was pretty travel worn but it was enough to wake me up because I WAS IN PARIS LOOKING AT THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE. From the Arc, you can see the tip of the Eiffel Tower, which was our next stop. I’m ashamed to admit that I would not accept that it even was the Eiffel Tower until after looking at a postcard because I thought it was too ugly to be that gorgeous Tower I’d seen in movies and on TV (yup, I called the Eiffel Tower ugly…IT LOOKS LIKE AN ANTENNA ON TOP). The Eiffel Tower is one of the few landmarks I’m certain I could look at for hours and hours and still be struck by its magnificence. After those two stops we had to check into our hotel to rest up. We stayed at the Hotel Ribera and I was so IN LOVE with that hotel. But I will say this; I would never ever recommend that hotel to anyone. It was adorable and charming and everything I could hope for but it was also really tiny. Like, they should have asked for my dimensions when I booked the hotel. If I were just a foot taller, or just a bit wider, I would not even fit into the bathroom. It was perfectly suited for girls our sizes but even we noticed how cramped it would seem to anyone else.

After our hotel stop, we made our way to the Louvre (pictured above top left). BUT the Louvre, as well as many other places in France, grants free admission to EU students/Student Travellers under 27 years old after 6pm so we decided, why not find Notre Dame?! Notre Dame (pictured above bottom left) was massive and beautiful and made me feel so wonderfully insignificant. As much as I hate being a tourist, I love the reminder of how grand the world I live in is. I love seeing the importance; it puts my life and goals into a much better perspective. We found a cute little restaurant around the corner from Notre Dame and this is the part where I’m supposed to talk about how AMAZING French food is (which it absolutely is) but this was overshadowed by my meeting Claire and promptly falling in a deep, deep infatuation. So yeah, French food was great but Claire was better. I left her a cute little note in French because she needed to know how beautiful I thought she was… Never going back to that restaurant, NBD.

The Louvre was MASSIVE. Like…MASSIVE. We were there until it closed and we didn’t see all of it. In fact, I’m not even sure we saw half. The absolute FIRST thing on our to-see list was naturally the Mona Lisa, we had to fight our way through the crowd to get a good look at her but it was worth it. The recreations do not do her justice. She’s stunning. Again, I could write a whole separate blog post just simply on the Louvre but I’m reeeaallyy not about that life. It was massive, it has amazingly gorgeous historical pieces…but then I went to Versailles and out of my mind went the Louvre (I don’t even care how bad that sounds).

Versailles. VERSAILLES. I died. If you know me well enough, I at one point told you about the 3blondes in my life who inspire me basically always: Marie Antoinette, Marilyn Monroe & Tinkerbell (used to be Britney Spears but that kind of died). Or, I would have told you that the one person I’d want to have dinner with, dead or alive, would be Marie Antoinette (until someone told me she’d think I was a slave, but let’s not go there) BASICALLY MARIE ANTOINETTE IS MY QUEEN AND I’M WEIRDLY INTO FRENCH HISTORY SO THIS WAS KIND OF A BIG DEAL FOR ME. Because of our age we also were able to see Versailles for free…. which was pretty sick. Walking up to the Palace felt like walking into a portrait. I don’t have an adjective to describe it. It wasn’t just beautiful. It wasn’t just breathtaking. It was otherworldly. I don’t really know what my expectations for Versailles were but it wasn’t this. There were times; walking through the palace, I was brought to tears at the beauty and history. In the Hall of Mirrors I had to remind myself to breathe. In the Queen’s Chambers, where Marie Antoinette just barely escaped her inevitable capture, I cried. Before I continue I just have to say VERSAILLES IS MASSIVE. Like, it’s a city. They have transportations between the gardens. IT HAS ITS OWN CANAL. Who lives like that?! (French Royalty, yah, but damn). We walked to Marie Antoinette’s Estate (which was at LEAST a mile away from the palace) and all I kept saying was, “She probably touched this” followed by my hands touching everything or “She DEFINITELY touched this” or “She walked up these stairs oh my gosh I’m crying”. I spent a majority of the time telling my friend all about Marie Antoinette’s life and her time at Versailles because sharing facts about my Queen is one of my favorite things to do. By the end of the trip to the Palace my legs were burning in pain because we walked around for 6hours nonstop (we still didn’t see everything, no wonder she cheated on Louis so easily! Bad joke? Deal with it) and ended up jumping off of the fence surrounding the Grand Trianon at one point (literally, don't ask. Just, please).

If you’re still reading props. Cause I don’t even feel like writing anymore -_-

After Versailles we went to see the Moulin Rouge (pictured above top right). After Tangled, Moulin Rouge is my favorite movie ever, I literally watched it everyday for two whole months...so big deal? Kind of. I really wanted to go in for a show but it was like 180 euros and I wasn’t about that life nor will I ever be about that life. Moulin Rouge is in the Red Light District of Paris so this is where I got exposed to the pick pocketers, no I didn’t get pick pocketed but I’m mentioning this BECAUSE THEY WERE CHILDREN. I saw a child and her “mother” (because I do not even KNOW) and I felt so terrible (because I’m human and kids are my weakness) and gave her all the change I had in my hands at the time. Then I was told that little girl was probably a pick pocketer. I was blown away. What type of EVIL?! I hope she’s in school…

The next day we went somewhere I never in a million years thought I’d ever get to see in person. Disneyland Paris (pictured above, if I have to direct you can direct yourself off of my blog). Disney World has definitely spoiled me with its grandeur but that didn’t stop Disneyland Paris from being magical and wonderful and a dream come true. Everything was just as you’d imagine it to be and better. It was cold and wet and rainy and I was the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Everything is decorated for Christmas and I walked in like a hater because Thanksgiving hasn’t passed yet but by the end of our visit I was singing along to every Christmas song they played on the overhead speakers because DISNEY IS MAGIC LIKE THAT. Also, on my theory that Disney controls the weather around the parks…it was raining and gross…but when it was time for the parade, the rain stopped. Then (and I SWEAR on this, I even have witnesses) as soon as the parade stopped, the rain continued. #DisneyRunsTheEarth

Each of these experiences deserves their own blog post…and maybe one day I’ll give them that due right but today I’ll just tell you that my weekend was brilliant. I cried tears of gratefulness several times and tears of awe a few more times because life is so so beautiful. How did I get so lucky… If/When I forget to be grateful and I’m being a brat, please remind me of this weekend.

*La vie est belle

xoxo Fakisha

The idea of #moving and starting over in a new place can be exciting, at least until reality sets in and you need to pack an entire house for the ride. Unless you have a good plan of action and stick to it, packing and trying to keep track of individual items can be a nightmare. The first thing to do if you want to avoid that kind of stress is find pen and paper then put them to use making a serious list.

First on that list should be #boxes. Other than #buying them new the two best choices for clean, sturdy boxes are either asking your local store to save them for you or ask at a hospital. Start packing things early that you don’t use often, and you’ll be glad you did later.

Get Organized and Lower Your Stress Levels

You’ll need more than strong boxes of various sizes to get the job done. It pays to spend money on quality packing supplies because they are what keeps your belongings safe during the move. Even if you’re only going a couple of miles it makes sense to spend a little extra time doing the job right. Here’s the rest of what you should have on hand before you get started.

•Dark Colored Marking Pens

•Heavy Duty Packaging Tape

•Plenty of Large Self-Stick Labels

•Sharp Scissors

•Packing Peanuts

•Newspapers, Wrapping Sheets, Bubble Wrap. (Or, think about using clothing instead of these supplies and save cash. Instead of bubble wrap to fill in “air space” shove a few shirts in those small empty spots, slide glasses into a sock to keep them from rattling around and breaking, etc.)

•Padding Supplies for Large Items.

Note: Before anything is disassembled for packing, especially electronics, always take a clear picture of how everything is connected. Unless you still have the original set-up diagram, remembering where all the wires go might be difficult when it’s time to put it back together.

You will need a file to contain all the #paperwork associated with the move so not the least item is lost or misplaced. Keep it in a secure, handy location because the last thing you want to do is have to go looking for it among all those boxes when you need something from it. Any paperwork you may need before you are able to unpack including things like moving co. contract, hotel reservations if needed, tip money for people that will be helping you, etc. should all be in this file.

Pack a “Personals” Bag

Every person making the move should have a suitcase ready with at least two changes of clothing and toiletries (including clean towels) long before serious packing begins. Doing this allows you to take your time unpacking at the new place instead of digging into boxed items because you need clean clothes or soap. Once the bags are ready, it’s a good idea to store them someplace away from the action (the trunk of your car or maybe at a neighbors) so they aren’t accidentally loaded up with everything else.

Give Yourself Plenty of Room to Work

Find the largest open space available to use as a “work area.” Move furniture aside if you need to because plenty of room to work in as well as keep all those packing supplies handy makes the job go so much faster and easier. As each box is sealed, use the labels to give it a number, indicate which room it belongs in and briefly list the contents. Numbering boxes will help you to know for sure where it goes or if one is missing when it’s time to unpack in your new place.

Don’t Be Tempted to Over-Pack

It isn’t always possible to completely fill in a box, that’s when you’ll need the bubble wrap, wadded up newspaper, or clothing to fill in any empty areas so the contents are more stable. Be careful not to over-pack just because you still have room. Remember, you’ll need to be able to lift it or not have to worry about the bottom falling out because it’s too full. Heavier items such as books or cookware should be packed in smaller boxes, so they can be easily lifted.

Tame the Madness with Method

One room at a time is a good plan. Small items should go first so they don’t become lost in the shuffle, and don’t forget those labels. The true value of labels, numbered boxes and clear dark ink shows itself when it’s time to unload the truck. Instead of a massive pile of unmarked boxes in one room that must be sorted through, each box can be taken where it belongs for unpacking at your leisure.

When large items are taken apart, put all the hardware in a secure bag, label what it came off and make sure that bag plus any others all end up in the same box with the appropriate tools for reassembly. This box is also a good place to pack things like boxes of nails, remote controls, charging cords, etc.

Note: To prevent items like jewelry or cords from becoming hopelessly tangled in a move, secure them to a piece of stiff cardboard with stretch wrap before packing.

So, You’re Finished Packing, Now What?

There’s no way to know exactly how many boxes you will end up with until everything has been securely packed, padded and protected. By having numbered each box, you’ll be able to tell what size truck to rent for the job, or at least estimate how many trips you’ll have to make in a standard pick-up to get everything moved.

There are professional movers more than willing to take on the whole job for you. From #packing, disassembly, loading, hauling, then unloading, and whatever reassembly may be necessary, paying a professional is more than worth it. Consider every expense, from packing materials to gas there is a lot of detail involved that requires cash and expenses can mount quickly. Hiring pros may end up costing less, and you get to skip most of the work.

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Whispering your last goodbye as you let go of my hand

A stabbing pain swept over me, a pain I could not stand

Unable to hold back the tears forming on the brim of my eyes

Could no longer look at you, so I turned my head to the skies

Praying for the rain to fall, and wash away these unwanted tears

Waiting for the rain to come, and sweep me away from here.

So I watched silently as your footsteps got smaller and smaller

And I watched hopelessly as your shadow grew taller and taller

I'm clinging on to your shadow in an attempt to hold you back

But sadly I am only reminded of the strengths I had once lacked

Wanted to tell you to stay because I still need you by my side

But once again my true feelings are hindered by my foolish pride.

So unwillingly I watched your silhouette slowly fade away

And reluctantly I let my heart die and gradually decay

But at last, reality sets in, and I wipe away these unless tears

Finally realizing I cant drawn in self pity as you disappear

So I gathered my last ounce of courage and I raced after you

Only to find that you are already gone and no longer within view.

~20/09/08~

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Blargos gone embargo...

FROM:/www.thedailybell.com

Great Depression Comes Knocking

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 – by Staff Report

China's Economy Grows 9.5%, Exceeding Estimates ... China's economy and industrial production expanded more than analysts predicted, indicating the nation is maintaining momentum even after interest-rate increases to cool inflation. Gross domestic product rose 9.5 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier, the statistics bureau said in Beijing today, after a 9.7 percent gain the previous three months. The median estimate was for a 9.3 percent pace in a Bloomberg News survey of 18 economists. Industrial output advanced 15.1 percent in June, the most since May 2010. – Bloomberg

Dominant Social Theme: See, things are good! China is in a good shape, Europe is recovering and America has the political will to deal with its problems. Recovery is on the way. No problem!

Free-Market Analysis: We are not convinced by the endless stream of happy talk that emanates from the mainstream media these days. Our view is less benign. From what we can see, the world is descending into a kind of controlled (or uncontrolled) Great Depression. It's taking time but the arc is clear.

This article will illustrate yet again how mainstream media covers the world – China in particular – and why the reality is so much different. We regularly observe that the world's conversation is organized via the Anglosphere elites' "dominant social themes." These fear-based promotions are intended to strip wealth and prosperity from the middle class in order to increase control of globalist institutions. But the Anglosphere elites also work via OMMISSION. That is, in addition to advocating fear, they actively encourage ignorance.

We are well past considering it to be coincidence. The world's economy is a kind of planned madhouse. Those in power have inflicted upon it scores of central banks – all busily printing/creating money from nothing at the push of a button. Those who run these central banks are well aware of their ruinous disposition. They understand fully the boom bust cycle that brings bankruptcy and hopelessness to so many. But one does not ever acknowledge this. If one works within the system, one is not supposed to.

In the upside-down world of modern finance, central bankers who print money are "hawkish inflation fighters." Politicians who endlessly create the distortive price fixes, called "laws," are "public servants." Corporate leaders who generate profits by linking their companies to the great, grinding machinery of Western legislation are "entrepreneurs."

Mainstream media coverage provides us with a disparate view: Each element of the puzzle is treated incidentally. Sometimes the news is good, sometimes bad. But ... somehow ... the Western world's economic situation continues to erode.

What is the result? Sooner or later, planned or not, the conclusion shall be reached. It will presented as a coincidental fait accompli, a solution that has occurred quite by accident, an evolution that seems inevitable but was not in any sense (so we are to believe) preordained: What is to be the apex of all this? A shiny new world order, perhaps, complete with a global currency.

In the meantime we are not supposed to notice the truth. Not ever. And what are the over-riding sub-dominant social themes when it comes to the world's non-existent economic recovery? In no particular order ... Europe's crisis is being dealt with; America is on the rebound; the BRICS are healthy and China continues to expand at a rapid pace while controlling inflation. If you believe this, dear reader, we have a bridge to sell you in downtown Brooklyn, NY.

There is ample evidence that none of this is as it seems. The US is broke. Involved in an ever-spreading war on terror, American political and corporate elites can't agree on how to confront an impending national default. In Brussels, powerful Eurocrats are meeting for the umpteenth time to deal with a sovereign crisis that never seems to go away.

Price inflation? China and the BRICS generally continue to announce that price inflation is under control: Every month the leaders of these countries assure it is so, while continuing to put into place Draconian price-fixing policies to control what is already controlled. It IS controlled. They tell us so.

In fact, America is staggering; it is finally retreating from its horrible wars not because the military-industrial complex wants to, but because it has to. The Pentagon, like the rest of the country, is broke. Europe is broke, too. And China has printed so much money that it has had to forbid people from buying and selling real estate.

There are more problems. Japan is reeling from a devastating earthquake. Russia is collapsing into a morass of corruption leavened only by additional "terrorism" and Africa faces devastating drought accompanied by "food insecurity" that threatens starvation for tens of millions.

Listen to the mainstream media and none of the above is placed into perspective. The reporting is serial and disconnected. In many cases it is determinedly optimistic. It wouldn't do for elite media to admit the truth. The idea that the Western dollar reserve system basically died in 2008 and only the injection of some US$50 TRILLION around the world has saved the system from complete collapse is not an acceptable epiphany.

The elite – in aggregate – needs to keep on spinning its promotions. They are hiding the collapse. They never tell the truth. In this case the operative plan seems to be top put on a happy face until the damage is so widespread and people are so miserable that they will agree to anything, including world government.

The mendacity is breathtaking. If people don't know what's going on, how can they plan? If they are being lied to by their most "trusted" mainstream media sources, how can they create valid strategies for themselves and their loved ones?

Most recently we came across a Bloomberg article (see excerpt above) that trumpeted yet another terrific quarter of growth from China. The Bloomberg article hews directly to the mainstream meme that while China – a great and sprawling economy – is having some growing pains, the nation's animal spirits are healthy and its longterm prospects are good. There are glitches of course, but the wise leadership knows how to deal with them.

In fact, the ChiComs in their wisdom have now required of China's central bank that it boost lending rates five times since mid-October. Bank reserve requirements are at a record high. Clearly, liquidity is being reduced. "Premier Wen Jiabao said yesterday that stabilizing prices remains the top priority, after food costs soared more than 14 percent in June."

Fourteen percent! And the price of pork, we learned the other day, had gone up by 50 percent. When is hyperinflation not hyperinflation? When it happens in China, dear reader. Here's some more from the Bloomberg article, much of it comfortingly clinical, soothingly numeric:

The government "can remain focused on inflation, given that growth was pretty strong," said Dariusz Kowalczyk, a senior strategist at Credit Agricole CIB in Hong Kong. The data "will encourage policy makers to maintain tight policy settings," he said. The economy expanded 2.2 percent in the second quarter from the first three months of the year, the statistics bureau said, picking up from 2.1 percent in January to March.

Fixed-asset investment, excluding rural households, rose 25.6 percent in the first half from a year earlier, today's report showed. Retail sales expanded 17.7 percent last month from a year before exceeding a median analyst estimate of 17 percent. The expansion in industrial output compared with the median 13.1 percent gain in a Bloomberg survey ... The People's Bank of China has raised the one-year lending rate to 6.56 percent and the one-year deposit rate to 3.5 percent, announcing the latest increases on July 6.

The nation's biggest banks are required to set aside 21.5 percent of deposits as reserves, up from 17 percent in November, locking up cash that could fuel inflation. Ding Shuang, a senior economist at Citigroup Inc. in Hong Kong who previously worked at China's central bank, said last week that he expects inflation to slow after this month. UBS AG, sees price gains remaining above 6 percent in July before moderating toward 4 percent at the end of the year.

And now here, unvarnished is the antidote: "Notes From the Field" courtesy of The Sovereign Man newsletter. The "Man" is traveling in China; what he's found confirms yet again what we have been suggesting in evermore emphatic terms for the past two years ... that the Chinese economy is a farce, a Potemkin Village; that the numbers cannot be trusted; that the "expansion" is built on the flimsy foundation of make-work. But don't take our word for it:

Reporting From: Chongqing, China ... By some accounts, Chongqing is the largest metro area in the world with a population of some 32 million. They ought to call it the largest construction site in the world. This is a place that, if you believe the official numbers, posted 17% GDP growth in 2010. It doesn't take too long to figure out how that happened. Driving around town, I found that Chongqing is in such a building frenzy, they're actually tearing down perfectly good (and reasonably new) buildings and infrastructure, and rebuilding them.

To give you an example, next to my 45-story downtown hotel was a building site where the constant drone of jackhammers signaled to me that there was some breaking of concrete going on. The new tower under construction had reached the 11th floor, but then they decided to tear it down and start all over again with something even bigger (102-stories).

[There are a half-dozen other such towers in Chongqing. Most of them are officially "on hold," signaling to me that China is getting ever closer to facing its bubble reality – that demand simply cannot support such investment.] Then there are the pavement workers... half of them digging up the road, half of them putting it back together. It is the literal equivalent of digging ditches only to fill them back up, all in order to create employment.

The government certainly hopes that actual businesses will come to Chongqing to mop up all the excess productive capacity that they're building (and then tearing down and rebuilding). Chongqing is, in fact, at the epicenter of the "Go West" drive in China, whereby manufacturers along China's coast are being encouraged to move their production facilities inland to take advantage of the untapped labor pool and cheaper all-around costs of doing business.

Curiously, Ford Motor Company is one of the region's cornerstone investors. The company's biggest concentration of production plants outside of Detroit is in Chongqing. Ford aims to use the city as its beachhead in China where its market share currently languishes at a paltry 2.6%.

Perhaps in the years and decades to come, dozens, even hundreds of businesses will relocate to Chongqing. Maybe the Chinese have it all figured out and are thinking 25 years in advance. But today, it's hard to see how ripping down buildings and roadways (and replacing them with ghost towers and the exact same roadways) could prove to be a worthwhile investment.

A half-built building is a liability. A completed building sitting empty is an even bigger liability. These aren't signs of clever planning, but of wasteful misallocations that are starting to crack the facade of the Chinese economy. So much superfluous construction did create temporary economic growth... but now you can see the visible signs of unemployment rising. The sheer volume of downtrodden and destitute Chinese on the streets, coupled with rising consumer prices and declining output, all suggest that deep instability is looming.

The Chinese have an old proverb: "Keep your broken arm inside your sleeve." They have been telling lies to the world and masquerading as an economic miracle for years, but the signs of stress are showing. Yes, China does have the right kind of potential with over a billion people, substantial productive capacity, and a high savings rate. But these dizzying growth rates have been a total illusion. With so much of the world's economic hopes pinned on the continued fantasy of 10% growth, it's going to be a hard landing for everyone once China's reality sets in.

This is the miracle! This is what the world is counting on to stave off a generalized inflationary depression! This is the reality of Chinese progress since it took a "capitalist" turn. It seems to us, in fact, a great deal like Europe and America – a planned system of government that mandates growth from the top down and produces results commensurate with the insanity of the strategy.

There is something very strange about all of this. The lack of truth-telling is willful in our opinion. Nothing stops Bloomberg or other Western organizations from traveling through China to report on what is really going on. Instead we get torrents of numbers – statistics that tell us nothing ; numerical conclusions that are false the instant they are issued.

Conclusion: Is that a great Depression knocking? Leave the door shut. Guard yourself and your loved ones. You are being lied to; it is a conscious campaign, a Dreamtime, lulling you. Lift the blinds and look outside. Trust your own vision, not what you're being told.

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Or, how I almost became one at the age of 14. After about nine months of agony I managed to pass off as normal angst in 8th grade it came blowing way out of proportion when I graduated. Days before graduation I tore up my hands clawing at a wall and my desk in a desperate bid to keep myself attached to reality. I slipped into a flashback that kept me still and frozen, locked into place by horror. When reality set back in, I shook. It was like I'd been punched in the face, stomach, and golf-clubbed again. My fingers bled. The nails were ragged.

My summer should have been spent working and relaxing. While I did work, I didn't relax at all.

Days after graduating, a strange, new, and horrifying feeling took over.

I was going to die. How, I didn't know, but I knew it would be imminent. I didn't know what I had had a name of its own, but I knew that it was the most out-of-touch I'd ever been with the world. When I was normal I knew that I was safe, but when I felt I was going to die, no one could convince me otherwise.

Through the panic attacks and manifestations of PTSD I managed to maintain a somewhat stable facade. I managed to think of all kinds of excuses to stay around the house, which was the only truly safe place. But excuse after excuse wore thin and I would get dragged out to grocery shop, clothes shop, car shop, and to just get me out of the house. I hated these excursions. I hated the shower curtains, the clothes that still hung on me (I'd lost 20 pounds due to being sick), the stupid dealerships and the cars and the bags of lettuce and dressings.

All I wanted to do was stay alive.

When the first attack hit at work I almost jumped out of a window. While displaying my ever-so-stable face I shut myself in the bathroom. As my heart raced and the building seemed to crumble around me I filled the sink with water. Taking only the time to whip off my eyeglasses I plunged my head into the basin. It always worked in the movies, right?

I'd forgotten about the body's shock response. My hair flipped water all over the tiles, the ugly flocked wallpaper and the stupid matching towels. I couldn't go back to the office like this. My whole ruse would come tumbling down. And I couldn't let it - how good I looked in my little cornflower blue buttondown, cuffs turned up ever-so-slightly with the little-bit-big black jeans (negative sizes don't exist) and the everpresent black shoes. Not a hair out of place. Brand-new black eyeglasses. Earrings all lined up.

So I opened the window. It took some forcing. When I'd finally raised it enough to permit the passage of a body I perched up on the sill, anchored by my bony hands gripping the window and my rubber soles hanging on for dear life. If I could safely fall I could run out of the alley and into the street and away from death. I could feel my thin shoulderblades poking at the shirt, straining to break free. I saw myself hitting the alley below like James Bond and making my getaway.

I also saw a meaty splat in a cornflower blue shirt. I looked down and my stomach dropped. With an inward cry I fell back into the bathroom. I waited for death but it never came.

Throughout the summer I tried to subvert the panic attacks. I stopped reading the newspapers. I ceased listening to the radio. I shunned the New York Times magazine that I'd been reading since I was 12. Even the end piece - my favorite part. I even stopped watching the Ten O'Clock News with Dennis Richmond, a nightly tradition ever since I'd been young. It would be difficult to give up, but by removing triggers I could guarantee safety.

Yet somewhere, there was always a radio turned too loud. A newspaper headline staring up at me from the gutter.

The attacks would come more often. They'd last longer. I'd try to escape them. I would run. There was one day when I almost ended up in the windshield of a brand-new Mercedes. Another day I ran all through San Francisco, depositing myself by the Bay Bridge. But I had outsmarted death. I had survived for the day.

I don't think I've ever feared for my life in any situation more than I have in those four months of hell.

Eventually I couldn't take it any more. After running all over San Francisco and having strangers feel the need to check my arms for track marks and comment on my weight and getting tired of trying to outsmart death, I couldn't take it any more. I got help for what had been troubling me, though sometimes I think the lady was more interested in telling me about the plight of the girls my age in the Albany school district. She was surprised about the physical scraps I'd been in and how my friends and never spread rumors and how I'd never been reduced to a sobbing heap over something someone said about my manner of dress. Not many 14 year old girls showed a prediliction for open buttondowns over tank tops. She told me about Tony Soprano and how he told his therapist what she wanted to hear - not exactly lying, but not telling the whole truth either. Maybe she gave me ideas, but I really think everyone does that when they're uncomfortable.

Four years later, I'm about to graduate high school and I'm doing well. Bumps were hit along the way, but that's life. My nails have long since grown out and scars have long since flattened and healed, but it will always be with me. Since I lost my job I don't wear my cornflower blue shirt that much, but sometimes I take it out and look at it and feel sad, but triumphant.

Some days I still wonder if death is waiting for me behind a light pole, but for now, I've kept on walking.

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

I bought an album online with only a couple of pictures shown. When I got it and thumbed through it, I came upon this postcard and was momentarily elated. Then reality set in, and I realized it was photolithographic and not signed by the great one. Oh well.

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

As Tildrum felt his knees give out and his eyes begin to close, he thought he heard someone whispering in his ear. His mother? He sunk down into the snow and lost consciousness.

For the first time in a very long time, he felt warm. His mother was there, licking his little face as he fought to free himself so that he could play with his favorite yarn ball. He closed his eyes as his mother spoke to him.

"Don't give up, Tildrum", his mother said. I'm just over the next hill. Save me, and I will save you in return". He saw a snow white Grimalkin, arms crossed, draped in a thick pink coat, laying lifeless in the snow.

Tildrum opened his eyes and reality set back in. The cold bit his paws once more. That was not his mothers voice, but someone else entirely. He couldn't let himself die like this. Someone was calling for help!

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/