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/

Women using virtual reality sets in Bangkok, Thailand, 02 April 2022.

 

Photo: UN Women/Ana Norman Bermudez

Lately I've been working pretty closely with Memphis artist extraordinaire and homie Brandon Marshall on a mural for the newest addition to the Memphis City School system (or whatever the school system will be called) in Fox Meadows (Hickory Hill). Being involved is especially sentimental to me because a) Jackie luvs da kidz and b) the new school is located directly behind the house I spent my later childhood- early adulthood in. I don't visit my parents (who still live in that house) nearly as much as I should, so when we started to canvas the area for inspiration it was like a homecoming of sorts for me.

 

After walking and riding around the area for a few hours we found ourselves parked outside of what was left of the Boxdale Apartments. Located at the corner of Winchester and Boxdale, the property was once a sprawling luxury apartment complex just like many complexes in the area were. And just like many complexes in the area, time had not been kind. Nor had its former (maybe even present) inhabitants. We walked in the gate and sidestepped a pile of mattresses while I told Brandon about my former escapades there. The complex at one point was seized by the Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit (it had become overrun with gangs, drugs and all that good stuff) and several doors and windows still bear the roughly stenciled labels left behind. The complex seemed abandoned and we made our way through the front section in awe of what we leave behind. We turned a corner and saw a group of 4 sitting outside of 'their' 'apartment'. Two guys, a woman, and a huge, white, pit bull. We locked eyes, mutually wondering what the hell the other were doing there. We nodded, they nodded. Brandon complimented the pit while I kept my camera to my side, silently saying, "I don't see shit, Bro.."

 

We went along our way but you could feel the eyes on our backs. We walked quietly for a moment, ears tuned for the sudden charge of man or beast from behind. The reality set in quick that nobody would find you there. At least no time soon. After pushing a little further into the abyss off discarded tires, furniture and partially burned buildings we saw a black cat eying our path. Say what you want about omens and their validity but I was not going to test theories that afternoon. I suggested that we leave. We did so promptly.

Ghosts of the past move P&SR Combo #26 back into the depot at Petaluma for the next run out. Reality sets in and I'm just photographing the present day operations at Rio Vista Western Railway Museum. Rio Vista, CA. Western Railway Museum for more info on this fine operation.

 

©2002-2011 FranksRails.com Photography

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/

Oh those Partners. They just never get old, no matter how many times you shoot them.

 

This was taken on my last night, while I was walking around trying to soak it all in before that evil thing we all call reality set back in. The light shining on them was simply too much to resist in my weakened, I have to leave tomorrow, state and so I took about 15 or so frames. This one ended up being my favorite.

 

Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!

Okay, okay . . . it was really Gregory Peck, but to me he is Atticus (the noble and courageous attorney from To Kill a Mockingbird who, along with Hart and Professor Kingsfield from The Paper Chase, made the idea of Law School have a certain romantic appeal for awhile . . . until I worked for some lawyers and reality set in!!)

 

Wilton Candy Kitchen - Wilton, Iowa

You can tell I loved this place - took way too many shots - another one below in the comments. Aren't those swell little booths with the marble tabletops? They even have some RI railroad memorabilia scattered about. My kinda place! : ) Good ice cream, too, by the way!

Global Research, July 28, 2021

Forced Vaccination and the Road to “Digital Tyranny”:

Agenda ID2020 Revisited

By Peter Koenig

 

The directors of the world, the Merkels, Macrons and other compromised world leaders, plus their nameless tiny elite-bosses way above them – are calling for tightening the screws again. To use Madame Merkel’s terminology of what she decided to do with the German people a few months ago. She has hardly loosened the screws since.

The populace has had their summer fun. They have enjoyed their Gladiators.

Now reality sets in again. Preparation for the Fourth Wave. New lockdowns.

Imagine we are only in year 2021, There are another almost ten years left in the UN Agenda 2030 to accomplish the nefarious objectives of the Great Reset – if We, the People, don’t stop it.

The tyrants, first in disguise, then in semi-disguise – and now with the Fourth Wave coming, they show their true face – wide open. No scruples. They have been given their quota of vaxxing by the higher masters, and god-forbid, they may not reach their targets.

The Presidents of Tanzania and Burundi, they did not want to jab their people with poisonous mRNA inoculations. They knew about and had natural remedies to heal. While there is no firm evidence, they died mysterious deaths. Just a few months ago. And nobody dares to investigate them.

The President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse (A right wing president who was the object of mass protests), on 7 July 2021, was assassinated in the middle of the night in his bed, by a well-organized group of 28 mercenaries, they say.

He too, said there was no need to jab Haitians. They were free of masks, and they were free to hug and socialize. No social distancing. And Haiti’s “case numbers” and deaths were very low. Proportionately much lower than the artificially blown out of proportion, fear-inducing “cases”, disease and death numbers of the obedient tyrannical West.

Haiti was the only country in the Western Hemisphere which refused to implement the mRNA vaccine.

 

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/

2023.07.24;Les Canadiens make an appearance! Another massive condo tower still under construction. This one is a bit of a let down for some people. Its original design has much higher panels at the top, higher than the top roof structure, basically two floors worth of height. Reality set in I guess and the made them one story tall, basically little flippers instead. To me it still looks good.

I'm getting excited as the reality sets in. In early September we're flying to Seattle and exploring for a couple of days. Then we bus to Vancouver, where we will board a cruise ship and travel the inside passage, Our ultimate goal is a three day stay in Denali, but we'll be making stops along the way. It will be our first cruise experience and our first visit to Alaska as well. Starting to feel nervous anticipation.

btw- My other post of today tells of my little camera-related saga.

Reality set in when a brief thought of where to put three kids in the Murciélago came to mind. I also couldn't help but notice the absence of armed guards carrying a large cash case in my vicinity...

 

At that moment, I came across this attractive and sleek minivan. The Odyssey is reportedly in the "concept stage" because the interior is incomplete. However, it should ship this Autumn with the exterior shell shown here and an estimated 19c/28h mpg from its V6 powerplant.

 

2010 Chicago Auto Show

Upon this large stone to the left of the face you see here:

 

An ancient Indian trail once passed this boulder skirting the forest along the Des Plaines River, through groves of wild plum and hazel thickets.

 

Eastward the tall grass of the prairie stretched as far as the eye could reach. Later it served as a road for the early settlers in the long months when the flooded prairies were impassable. May those who now follow this trail gain comfort from nature's peace and beauty. - 1942

 

Interestingly, minutes before we reached this marker, I had an odd experience.

 

It was 85-90 degrees outside, very sunny, very humid, very hot. I was sweating profusely and had a heat headache. There was a breeze, though it was a very warm breeze.

 

We'd spotted this marker, Teolly, amazingranda and I, and were starting to make our way towards it. All of a sudden, I was stopped dead (no pun intended) in my tracks by a blast of icy cold air. My first thought was of cold relief, but it was over before I knew it and then the unsettling reality set in.

 

I reported what I'd felt, and Teolly, who'd been right behind me, said at the same time that I'd stopped, she'd felt a burst of heat. She then asked me if I realized what this meant.

 

Yes, I fully believe I walked into a spirit. There was absolutely nowhere such a blast as if from a powerful air conditioner could have come from. Maybe it was a spirit from the graveyard. Maybe it was a spirit walking eternally along the ancient Indian path described on the stone.

 

I don't know. All I know is that I've never in my life experienced such a thing.

It doesn't take a genius to see the admiration a child has for her mother.

I wanna be just like you when I grow up.

Before reality sets in and the individual minds develop, we tend to grasp on to the people closest to us only to realize later that it's better not to have said those unspoken words and then proceed to live otherwise.

 

Taken with iPhone 4 and edited using Pictureshow, crossprocess, blurFX and photogene

The Rat Pack

 

From L - R; Audie Jones, Mike Greer, Mike O'Shea, Réal Desputeaux, Jeff Lindsay, Pierre Lefvbre, George Burke, and Ty Sommonds. All Retired

 

Friendship.

 

What does it mean to you? I had a wonderful eye opener on the 31st of March 2006, as I attended an old friends retirement function. CWO Ty Simmonds retired from the Canadian Forces after 30 years (29 + so they say) of service.

 

I’ll admit I was attending this celebration for selfish reasons. Yes of course I was going to support Ty & Les, but I was also excited about getting the chance to get together with a large group of old friends, many who I’ve not seen in several years. My biggest revelation was that we were not kids anymore. I say kids, because most of us were when we 1st met. I was 17 when I joined, and I know that most of the gang wasn’t more than 20. Well, my oldest daughter turned 20 on 1 April 06. So reality sets in. A good reality though. We were the old guys now.

 

I can vividly remember looking up at the “old guys” a way back and thinking that, man that’s a long way off. They were the likes of Joe Short and “Hippy”.

 

So, there we were. The Rat pack as we’re affectionately called, Real & Fay Desputeaux, Jeff & Ann Lindsay, Pierre & Jackie Lefvebre, myself & Lynne, sitting together at a table we commandeered, over looking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, joined by some more of the old gang, George Burke, Mike O’Shea and Audie Jones. Occasionally rowdy and slightly vocal, but all in good nature as the presentations for Ty were announced. It was as if we just picked up where we left off, and not a day had separated us. It was surreal. It went too fast.

 

I’m still wishing it wasn’t over, but I’m immensely grateful for the time we did get together. A time when I can easily reflect on the memories from the past. I mean really good times, as that’s all that comes to mind. I’m sorry that more of these gatherings are not organized, but very grateful for the ones that are. For these people are nothing but true friends for which we hold a common bond.

 

A small group of people from all over the country, brought together over time from a choice many years ago to serve our country. I’m a better person today because of this fine group of friends, and I’m truly blessed to have them in my life.

 

Cheer Guys,

 

Michael Greer

I am a person of many interests. This is one of mine from childhood.

 

Like most young boys growing up, I did the typical "boy" things - Played with Star Wars figures, collected comics (Well, more like bought them, read them, treated them like crap, not realizing their collection value. ^_^;), played way too many video games. (Atari's home version of Pong, the countless Pong clones, Atari Video Computer System (a.k.a. 2600), had a Commodore 64 computer from junior high through high school!), watched cartoons, rode bikes with friends, went swimming. Oh, yeah, my friends and I were totally into the Smurfs, strangely enough...

 

But, from about the time I had access to encyclopedias (World Book and Encyclopaedia Britannica), and books at the school libraries (Remember them before school funding got cut severely?), one of my interests was space travel, primarily the Apollo Moon program.

 

Yes - Long ago before I was even Raider3, but simply a rather odd young boy named Michael, I too wanted to be an astronaut. I could read for hours about the early days of NASA, from the Mercury and Gemini programs, to the Apollo missions.

 

(I was born about a couple weeks after the Apollo 11 moon landing - Yes, I've just "aged" myself again -- Now, ask me once again if I care. ^_^;)

 

Unfortunately, reality set in sometime around junior high. Math and science weren't my strong suits...

 

But, still, I can dream... This is something I'll always like.

 

I even spotted scale models of the Apollo Lunar lander module and the Command and Service modules. I spotted them at a hobby and model shop in San Francisco's Japantown. I'll see if I can get them on a wish list, or I'll fast track them to get when I achieve continued/new employment and am well on my way to "Act 2" of my life.

 

One of these days, I'll have time to put this baby together, paint it up (Yes, I'll paint it up myself - I can paint myself up quite well. ^_-;), and display it somewhere in my room or house.

One of these unexpectedly turned up In W.P. North's yard quite unexpectedly, in the mid seventies. They had all been withdrawn circa 1969, so goodness knows where it had been in the interim. I think they wanted about £1000 for it. It seemed in good condition and I nearly bought it until reality set in.

But I wished I had gone the extra mile, as there are no ex NGT Guy Arabs left, save a LUF single decker, which I believe still exists in Nprth Wales.

(from my collection)

Normally I let my pictures stand for themselves. But this needed a bit of backstory. This was the innkeeper at a local bed and breakfast on his last night before his departure. Offered a job from the comfort of the states, it sounded like a dream come true. Manage a hotel by the beach, in sunny Costa Rica. For your trouble get a roof over your head and $800 a month and you'll be on one of the world's best beaches through the dreary winter months. Sounds like a great deal before the reality sets in. Come to find out its in a remote part of town with nary a human nearby. Dealing with the local politics and people ripping you off left and right as you try to renovate to get ready for the tourist season. The sticky hot solitude with no AC to offer any respite form the sweltering suffocation. The corroded Macbook from the damp salt air. Daily life offers two options, keep the windows open for some airflow and find yourself swarmed by jungle insects or stay boxed in and let the stuffiness, humidity and temperature build while your sanity wanes. Finding out the man who started the hotel died in the room you are now occupying. Feeling a "presence" dragging you down. I was trying to capture all of this in the two images of this series. That's why we find his face obscured in shadows as he was lost to his own shadow. The tilted horizon line is suggestive of the world being turned askew from his time as the charge of the Inn. He made it halfway through the 6 month stint he had signed up for.

Girls Theme Week *Live*

*dress up*

 

Hands touch, eyes meet

Sudden silence, sudden heat

Hearts leap in a giddy whirl

He could be that boy

But I'm not that girl.

 

Don't dream too far

Don't lose sight of who you are

Don't remember that rush of joy

He could be that boy

I'm not that girl

 

Ev'ry so often we long to steal

To the land of what-might-have-been

But that doesn't soften the ache we feel

When reality sets back in

 

Blithe smile, lithe limb

She who's winsome, she wins him

Gold hair with gentle curl

That's the girl he chose

And heaven knows

I'm not that girl...

 

Don't wish, don't start

Wishing only wounds the heart

I wasn't born for the rose and pearl

There's a girl I know

He loves her so

I'm not that girl...

Civil Courts Building. St. Louis, MO. August 2009.

 

www.insidetheviewfinder.com

 

Short version -

 

I was taking photos at the park again because I was trying to finish a roll of film in the Brownie Hawkeye that I had started in Chicago. A bunch of twenty-something girls showed up in circus hooker outfits and lighted hula hoops. That sounds more interesting than it looked but some blue haired ladies seemed to get pretty exited about seeing them perform and started chasing them (slowly) to the other end of the park. My lovely assistant seemed to think that had photographic potential so I (reluctantly) followed along and set up or in reality set down my two tripods about twenty yards away from where they were milling about.

 

About thirty seconds later the head circus hooker hula hooper comes over and says, "I'm not really comfortable having photos taken of my group."

 

I was pretty tired having just come back from Chicago and having just earlier yelled at my own daughter for messing with my computer while I was trying to back up the hard drive and having just lugged two cameras and tripods across the park and so on and so forth.

 

"What?"

 

"Yes, I'm just not comfortable with having photos taken of me and the group."

 

Uh, you do realize that you are in a public park and eight out of ten people here are taking photos right now?

 

"Well yes but..."

 

I started into my boilerplate speech about civil rights and the constitution and who knows what else and then she said, "Well I just wanted you to know."

 

Fine by me, in general I loath taking photos of people who don't want to be photographed because nothing useful usually comes from it. So I picked up my cameras and tripods and moved about another twenty yards away to a comfortable bench to watch the big "performance."

 

Now mind you the "group" had their own shmuck photographer with a big ass bag of who knows what, taking available light shots (it was dark by now) using the floodlights from the sculptures I guess. No fill flash at this point though much, much later he did start using an on camera flash (lame). Very dramatic and probably pretty unflattering.

 

So now I am sitting and minding my own business when a security guard comes over with another guy in tow who I figure is the father or grandfather of one of these circus hooker hula hoopers (man I love saying that). So the security guard asks if I was taking any photos of the girls.

 

I'm on fire now and the first thing I say (loud enough for half the park to hear) is, "Do those girls have a commercial photography permit to take photographs in this park?

 

"Did they reserve the park?"

"Do they have a city license?"

 

Bam, bam, bam I hammered on that guy like nobodies business and when I finally came up for air he said, "I just wanted to ask you if they told you that you could not take photographs."

 

"Oh."

 

So basically (for once) somebody was on my side and so was the other guy he had in tow, who was bragging by this time about getting the circus hooker hula hoopers photos with his special night vision camcorder. I imagine those turned out every bit as well as the official shmuck photographers efforts. We all agreed to play nice and that so far the circus hooker hula hoop girls did not really seem as photo worthy as we had all hoped...

053

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Fortune Brainstorm Tech

 

9:00 AM

HOW THIS STARTUP PASSED THE SCALE TEST

It wasn’t so long ago that a generation of on-demand startups commanded billion-dollar valuations and bullish growth prospects. Then reality set in. We talk to two business partners who weathered the storm and maintained their focus on sustainable scale.

Speakers:

Alfred Lin, Partner, Sequoia Capital

Tony Xu, CEO, DoorDash

Moderator: Leigh Gallagher, Fortune

 

Photograph by Michael Faas/Fortune

052

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Fortune Brainstorm Tech

 

8:00 AM

BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLES

MARKETING REIMAGINED: LEVERAGING NEW TOOLS

Never before have there been so many tools—and so much customer data—at the fingertips of today’s top marketers. And yet: How do you model, predict, and improve performance when customer journeys keep changing? You need to work with other corporate functions effectively, know what the platforms of tomorrow can offer, realize when big data is too big and always personalize, personalize, personalize.

Speakers:

Brad Dickerson, CEO, Blue Apron

Dawn Laguens, Chief Brand Officer, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Monica Long, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Ripple

Joe Marchese, President, Advertising Revenue, Fox Networks Group

Ross Martin, CEO, Blackbird

David Roman, CMO, Lenovo

Dara Treseder, CMO, Business Innovations and GE Ventures, GE

Moderator:Andrew Nusca, Fortune

 

Photograph by Fortune Brainstorm Tech

© All rights reserved

Dyson went in for his annual checkup today. He was a bit obsessed with the idea of getting a shot. Better hide under the examining table!!

 

This was just him clowning around, though...

10 hours' drive from our comfortable city lives, a different reality sets in.

 

Taken in the Kalahari in the Northern Cape.

Don't know if you are aware that men's minds are made up of boxes, for example one box may be for sports, one can be for food another for hobbies etc. however there is one box that's completely empty and you can tell when he is in that box when he is flipping through channels aimlessly or staring into a refrigerator or driving around aimlessly. And usually that's when he does dumb and strange things. Well I was in my empty box driving down the freeway and ended up in a RV Center being handed keys to my new trailer. Which immediately put me into another box called the panic box.. That's when reality sets in.... What the hell Am I going to tell the War Department? I know the first thing she's going to ask was I driving down the freeway aimlessly??? (She knows about my empty box.)

I'm in the midst of doing a 365 doll project. I don't actually have 365 dolls but the basic intention is to photograph a different doll each day, in addition to a different doll's photo every day I will also post up some pertinent details about them.

____________________________________________________________________

Model- Pullip- Eos

Name- Lithium

Mods- None

Bio- Lithium was obsessed with the idea of flight since she was a little girl. She was quite disappointed when the reality set in that humans are not really capable of flight. Instead of giving up on her childish fantasy she decided she would make her dreams a reality through the use of mad science. After years of studying the logistics and countless failures Lithium finally made herself a set of wings capable of flight. Her wings are not really capable of sustained flight but she is diligently working on improving their design. The Comprachico later stole her wing design and modified it then used Valkyrie as an unwillingly test subject for them.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+

_+_+_+_

I bought a second Eos a while back because my first one's stock died within days of my deboxing her, the wings broke a bunch of stuff fell off the hat and her goggle/monocle thing broke and I barely touched her. I was so heartbroken that her stock was so subpar I bought a second one hoping for better luck, I just deboxed her today her monocle thing has already become detached T_T.

   

A phone charging and a pet on the lap.

Anyone remember when this casting used to have an all metal construction and opening bonnet/hood? In fact both features were common on basic Hot Wheels and indeed Matchbox until harsh economic realities set in and now they seem reserved for premium releases! I should be thankful its body remains metal and its bumpers chrome effect!

This ancient casting lives on into 2018 and has just appeared in the latest Flame themed five vehicle set where its probably my favourite casting of the bunch. Clean looking with its classic styling intact I can forgive its foray into flames! ;-p

Mint and boxed.

 

Channel 5's the Gadget show took part in the Britcar 24 hour endurance race with a virtual reality set up.

Just like playing on the playstation, except this kit costs in excess of £32,000.

A software programme was provided by Lotus which accurately depicted every bump & turn in the track along with Alienware's hardware, this made the experience as real as real can be said all three presenters.

 

If you wish to see the photo identification that was contained in the previous report as well as the entire report you can get there by clicking on the following: ttps://www.flickr.com/photos/60428361@N07/17426782126/

  

The KOM League

Flash Report

for

Week of May 17 thru 23, 2015

 

Due to lack of input from readers and too much output in my yard and garden this week, this report will be much briefer than past issues.

 

Bulletin: I interrupt this report for a late breaking story that came to my attention at the time the Columbia, Mo. Tribune hit the street on Friday afternoon May 15. I will carry the article in next week’s Flash Report. If you want a preview of it you can go to this site: www.columbiatribune.com/arts_life/community/pick-up-timel...

 

Ever since that report appeared in the evening edition of the Columbia Tribune my telephone has been ringing and books have been flowing out the garage door like hot molten lava going downhill. (But it is a small flow). I am going to have some great and unlikely tales about the people who showed up to claim their prize in my next report. As I attempt to reduce the stack of books in my garage I’m reminded of the legendary stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee. When asked why she didn’t bare all she replied “If you give it away you can’t sell it.” In that spirit my saying is “If you can’t sell your published books, give them away.”

 

With the “Midweek Missive” being sent last week I’m about out of anything of significance to report. The primary reason for sharing the May 12th information was to let Lilburn Smith’s friends know of his passing. I had planned to share his full obituary in this issue but what was released through Internet sources was pretty sparse. So, if you need to know more about him get in touch and I will either give you a response or find someone who can.

 

Another reason for sending out the May 12th report was to see if I could find more information on Jack Lee Dorrell. I didn’t mention him by name for a reason. That being, I didn’t want to influence anyone with what they might wish to share. I had heard some conflicting stories over the years with regard to his life. Fortunately, some of the tales I heard were not true. Here is a quote from the previous Flash Report and I’ll go from there. “Look the photo over ‘real good’ and let me know who you think the Yankees signed. The third guy signed, and not in this photo, inked his contract in 1954. That one is pretty easy. Another hint about probably the least identifiable was that in 1952 he was one of the top 48 high school football players in the State of Kansas. I probably just gave you the hint that makes him identifiable to most of the readers. And, if you haven’t figured it out by now his dad was born at Ash Grove, Mo. in 1884. He was a widower by 1915. He was a miner who moved to Prosperity, MO (between Carthage and Joplin) where he took unto himself his second wife that was where his son was born in 1933. (Later found the son’s birth place as Picher, OK) Daddy was 49 when the future Whiz Kid was born. The young man’s dad died in Baxter Springs in 1949. Okay, that is enough of the hints about the young men Tom Greenwade signed out of Baxter Springs, Kansas. I’m working on a story for the next Flash Report and I thought maybe someone would like to fill in the blanks.”

 

Coming in as the first guess as to who the third Baxter Springs Whiz Kid was receiving a “significant” bonus from the Yankees was from Bob Mallon. He was Mantle’s roommate at Independence in 1949. Here was his guess. “Was the other boy named Deatherage? Mantle got 1500.00 dollars. I'll guess the other boy got 6000.00 dollars. In reply to that guess I stated “Abner Edward Deatherage was a Joplin High athlete but never played for the Whiz Kids. He became a foreign service agent.”

 

Next up in answering the quiz regarding three Whiz Kids getting bonuses to sign with the Yankees came from Don Steele. He wrote “Hello John...Would one of Greenwade’s signees be Jack Dorrell? Well, of course he hit the nail on the head.

 

Ed reply

 

I was looking at some old Joplin Globe stories and I figured out Jack Dorrell got more money to sign with the Yankees than either Mickey Mantle ($1,500) or Ralph Terry ($2,000). I know that he died around age 30 in Baxter Springs. Do you know what he did after high school and that one season in minor league baseball? I wonder if he worked in the mines around there? You guys had a great football season in 1952. Carthage (MO) used to play Baxter Springs, once in a while, in football. I don't recall if those two teams played each other that year or not.

 

Steele’s reply:

 

Jack died at the age of 31 due to a blood clot after a surgery at Baxter Memorial. He had married a daughter of one of the owners of Root Mfg. and became a salesman for that company.

 

We did have a great season in 1952 going undefeated. Our only blemish was a tie with Carthage. We had beaten them the prior year 12-6. Guess who caught the winning TD!

 

Jack was my best friend in school and was truly sorry to lose him.

 

Ed reply:

 

Thanks for that update. I never knew what happened to Jack. Some of the guys had asked me about him and I just didn't know anything.

 

Congratulations on that winning catch even though it was against Carthage. I remembered that Carthage Tigers always had its hands full when they played your Baxter Springs Lions.

 

Comment:

 

With the issue on Jack Lee Dorrell resolved I went directly to another question I’ve never been able to figure out about another Whiz Kid team member from 1948, Gene Linderman-Lindenman?? This note was sent to Don Steele. “If Gene was Linderman's middle name his first name was Floyd. He had a sister named Nellie and two other brothers one of which was Albert. Do any of those names ring a bell? Another interesting item is that Jack Dorrell and his family lived on the 600 block with the Linderman family in 1940. One was at 607 and the other 615. That family must have included Gene. I did verify that Jack Dorrell was born in Picher, OK by virtue of the 1940 Federal Census.

 

Steele’s reply:

 

I remember Gene, but no one else in that family. My memory keeps telling me that Gene spelled his last name Lindenman. I will try to research that further and get back to you.

 

Ed reply:

 

There was a Juanita and a Richard Lindenman in the 1941 Baxter Springs Yearbook. On the same page was Robert Steele Jr. That was their sophomore year. (A quick errata note was sent. “That was Floyd Steele Jr. in the 1941 yearbook.)

 

Steele’s reply:

 

Floyd was our oldest brother. He graduated in 1943 and entered the Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Hornet. He is now 89 years old. I would ask him if he knew Richard Linderman, but unfortunately has severe dementia.

  

Ed reply:

 

Juanita was the sister of Richard Lindenman. She died in Bartlesville, OK in 2002.

 

For what it’s worth, which isn't much, the Joplin Globe always spelled the name, Linderman. They had him in an article from August 21, 1948 as being one of the Whiz Kids who went to see the Red Sox and Yankees play the Browns on the 18th and they saw a doubleheader with the Yankees on the 19th. That was the trip where Jim Kenega started climbing the side of the YMCA in St. Louis claiming he was “Spider Man” and in the process had Barney Barnett very upset. I do have a photo of the group who made that trip and they posed in front of the YMCA which was directly behind the centerfield wall at Sportsman’s Park.

 

________________________________________________

Another former Whiz Kid responded with his wife doing the computer work.

 

John: Both of my computers are down. One is in the shop & the other one I am dealing with (very slowly). 1949 Mickey, 1954 Ralph Terry signed with Greenwade. Wylie signed in 1947. Billy Joe Pace & Bennie Lee signed with Miami Owls soon after. Babe Garrison (pitcher). Seven signed professionally that he knew from the Whiz Kids.

I’ll get back to you as soon as I get up and rolling. Mary Ann Pitts—Riverton, KS

 

Ed reply:

 

Also Jack Dorrell signed with the Yankees in 1953. The first Whiz Kid to sign was Jackie Moore with Miami in 1946. Of course Ray, Roy and Max Mantle signed after playing for the Kids and Tri-State Miners. I think Ben Craig played a couple of weeks in the Sooner State League, didn't he? Also, Jim Kenaga played for about seven years in the Big State and Sooner State leagues.

 

The Pittsburgh Pirates tried to sign Nick Ferguson after he moved to San Diego, from Commerce, OK, but they were going to send him to Bartlesville and he didn't want to return to Oklahoma so he didn't sign with them.

 

The whole point of my inquiry was to learn little bit more about Jack Dorrell. I think he was 30 years old when he died. I've been trying to figure out what he did in the 10 year period after he played minor league ball with Owensboro, Kentucky and Joplin in 1953. (That was determined in my correspondence with Don Steele)

 

Billy Joe Pace and Bennie Lee signed with Miami in 1950. George Garrison pitched for Miami in 1951 when I was the batboy at Carthage. Garrison also played for Miami in 1950. Out of that group of fellows only George Garrison survives. He lives in Joplin and the last time we spoke I found out he spends part of each Sunday in Webb City where he attends church services.

 

When Mickey Mantle went to Coffeyville, KS on the night of his high school graduation, Wylie Pitts was back with the Whiz Kids. Tom Greenwade was there to ink Mantle to a Yankee contract and was shocked to see Pitts wasn’t playing professional a baseball that season. As it turned out Mantle had a good night at the plate in that “last look see” before being signed but Wylie Pitts had a better one.

 

Comment:

 

This story was found on the Internet regarding Ralph Terry www.agg.com/media/interior/publications/baseball49th.pdf It is mostly accurate but some obvious errors such as Tom Greenwade being called “Greenway.”

 

One thing to which I’d take exception is the spelling of Tom Greenwade’s name and also the lack of any mention of Terry’s days with the Whiz Kids and also at Independence. I’ve spoken with Terry a number of times and his Whiz Kid experience was very important in his life. I guess it proves that it depends upon who is doing the interview and writing the story on what gets reported. At the time of Mickey Mantle’s funeral Ralph Terry picked up Barney Barnett Jr. at the Lowell, KS nursing home where Barney was living and they drove to Dallas. On the way home they stopped at the old Whiz Kid ball park for a moment of remembrance and the shedding of a few tears.

 

Still on the topic of Mantle et. al.

 

John, still have Mantle Pins? I can't find the address to send the ten dollars

 

Ed reply:

 

I can solve that dilemma.

 

John G. Hall

1709 Rainwood Place

Columbia, MO 65203

________________________________________________

Lilburn Smith remembered:

 

I DO REMEMBER THE NAME LILBURN SMITH FROM 1948 WHEN HE AND HARLAND (Coffman) PLAYED IN INDEPENDENCE. Donna Coffman—Topeka, KS

________________________________________________

A few people I’ve known weren’t connected to baseball

 

A note to a friend in Texas who lived near a guy I saw mentioned on the Internet this past week. “ I just saw the obituary of a guy I got to know in Round Rock, Texas. It was the obituary of Johnny Gimble. He was a great guy. I was talking about him this past week with the columnist who was interviewing me for a story. Then, a couple of days later I found that Gimble had “graduated” to another realm. Gimble was the kind of guy who didn't let fame and talent go to his head.” www.google.com/search?rls=aso&client=gmail&q=John...

 

Friend’s reply:

 

I saw that in the paper today. A fiddler. Sorry, Dave—Austin,TX

 

Tying the loose ends.

 

A note was received from a lady by the name of Connie Ward stating that her husband, Jim, would take one of those Mantle books because he was interested in the subject. On the other hand Connie claimed to want the book because of the author and she wished to learn more about Baxter Springs, KS.

 

It is doubtful that Connie has or ever will see the bright lights and skyscrapers of the old mining town. Going back in history was family by the name of Nealy and one of the Nealy girls became my grandmother. She married Geddes Hall at the turn of the 19th century and they moved about from such places as Ford County, Kansas to Delta, Iowa and to many of the mining communities of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. They never “stooped” so low as to live in Oklahoma. Ha!! ha!!

 

In this section of the report I’ll attempt to synthesize every thing contained in the rest of it. Back in the mid 1920’s my paternal grandparents were pretty much Baxter Springs residents. In 1931 my grandfather was suffering from a mine related lung disease and after a trip to a hospital in Topeka went back to Baxter Springs and died. My grandfather, Geddes, was the great grandfather of the lady I mentioned earlier, Connie Ward. Connie’s father (son of Geddes) passed away in 1919 in a mine accident while he was oiling the machinery on the surface. At barely age 18 he was too young to do a dangerous task. The machine he was oiling caught his clothing, pulled him inward and took his life. Connie’s father was just an infant at the time and never knew his father, Harry.

 

Are you still with me?

 

Like my second cousin, Connie, I lost a Hall family member way too early. By 1930 my dad was still living in Baxter Springs and didn’t leave there until his father died, in 1931. At that time he moved my grandmother and Connie’s great grandmother (same person) to Carthage.

 

All things in research will take you to places you never imagined. The KOM league has been the basis of all my research in the past 20 years. One day I was searching for former members of the 1946 Miami, OK Blues and the trail of a member of that Miami team pointed directly to Baxter Springs. In looking up the ancestry of the person I’ll call William Jackson Moore, since that was his name, caused me stop and glare at the Census page where his name was contained on the 1930 Census. I had seen thousands of pages of Census records but not many so fully filled out and with such great handwriting. When I determined Moore was the fellow who played for Miami I looked at the top of the page to see who had done such a great job of filling out the form. It read “Cecil C. Hall.” Other than seeing his signature on a couple of documents in the past I had never witnessed his penmanship. I can assure you that I don’t possess the same skill daddy did.

 

Now, this is a shaggy dog story so stay with me. Connie’s father, Ernest Hall, left the area after hid dad, Harry, was killed and moved back to the small community where Ernest’s mother, Bryna, had been raised. It was a place actually called Competition, Missouri.

 

Over the years, when I was a kid growing up in Carthage, cousin Ernest (21-years my senior) was connected with the Federal Narcotics Agency, the forerunner to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and going between investigations in Oklahoma and Kansas City would stop for a visit. Cousin Ernest and I never talked about that affiliation. However, in recent years I was contacted by former Iola Indian, Bill Ashcraft, and in comparing notes both he and another former KOM leaguer Bernard Leroy Coulter had worked in the DEA with cousin Ernest.

 

Well, that is part of the story as to how I can locate information if I have any questions. In the case of Jack Dorrell and Jim Linderman I made contact with Don Steele. He played his high school sports at Baxter Springs, KS and then attended Joplin Junior College. While there he played on the same basketball team with Eddie Nealy from Webb City, MO. Eddie’s father was the brother to my grandmother Minnie B. Hall.

 

When I want to know something about Eddie’s college days I ask Don Steele. Like many of my cousins, I never got to know Eddie real well but saw him play basketball against Carthage during my days in junior high. I must say that I didn’t get the writing skills from my father or my athletic ability from Eddie.

 

However, he did pass along those genes to son Eddie Jr. who plied his skills with Kansas Sate University and later with the Chicago Bulls during the heyday of the era that included Michael Jordan.

 

Now you know how I obtain reliable information. It all reverts to Baxter Springs, Kansas. By the way my mother and dad made the trek by streetcar from Carthage to the Kansas mining town for their wedding

________________________________________________

Going way back

 

From time to time, like most of the time, I’ll mention amateur teams around SW Missouri, NE Oklahoma and SE Kansas. Those teams were loaded with players who went on to professional baseball careers and other significant fields of endeavor. The Baxter Springs Whiz Kids are now well known to this readership. I suspect Yours truly has written more about that team than anyone.

 

In the era of the Whiz Kids there was a team out of Treece, Kansas called “The Tri-State Miners.” Many of the guys who played for the Whiz Kids also saw action with the Miners.

 

When word got out that there were some cheap Mantle books to be had I had a call (not Hadacol) from Grove, Oklahoma. The caller introduced himself as Dewayne Treece. I chuckled and remarked, “That is a pretty famous name.” Dewayne said that his ancestors had founded that mining town which for the readers in “far away” places sits on the Oklahoma-Kansas border and is a “twin city” to the recently condemned and vacated, Picher, OK. In a recent Flash Report I mentioned Jack Johnston whose father, “Rattler,” founded the Tri-State Miners before turning it over to Jack McGoyne, who, when he was playing, was a baker for Junges Bakery in Joplin. (Junge’s was the bakery that introduced “Bunny Bread” to the grocery stores of the area. Bunny Bread was an instant hit with the homemakers who would stand in line waiting for the truck to arrive each morning.. The bread came to the stores, (Safeway, where I worked) still warm, and could only be stacked two rows high. The real reason for that was due to the amount of air in the bread but you would never have convinced the ladies standing in line that was what made it so soft.)

 

Dewayne recalls attending many games in 1950 when Joplin was in the Western Association and Mantle was playing shortstop for that club. He recalled one game where the home plate umpire was a bit “questionable” on some strike calls. The batter happened to be Mantle and the first pitch was out of the strike zone in his estimation. The second pitch was even worse, in Mantle’s opinion. Dewayne recalled that Mickey’s dad, Mutt, had told his son never to argue a pitch call. So, according to Dewayne, Mantle glared at the umpire. On the third pitch Mantle hit a ball over the flag pole in centerfield.

 

Of course, if anyone saw Joplin play in 1950 they would recall Lou Skizas for two things, being able to hit hard line drives and then having a “ceremony” before stepping into the batters box. He had to enter between the umpire and catcher for starters and then slip his hand in his back pocket before hitting. There are a lot of stories about that but one of my readers was the batboy for Independence, KS in 1949 when Skizas showed up there, about a month into the season, and the other batboy was at Kansas City when Skizas showed up there. So, if Dan Dollison and Jim Jay wish to comment about their memories of Skizas I’ll share them in this forum in upcoming issues.

 

Other stories about Ralph Terry, Ken and Cletis Boyer and Sherman Lollar wound up in Dewayne’s conversation with me. But, I don’t have the space for all that. However, he did inject the names of Bobby Cox and Jim Beauchamp and a banker from Grove, OK. Bobby Cox hired Jim Beauchamp as a coach with the Braves. That led to the banker being allowed in the Braves clubhouse and being treated like royalty. Beauchamp had KOM league ties through his uncle, Herschel Beauchamp, who was a co-founder of the KOM league and President of the Miami, OK baseball team in 1946.

 

During the 1951 season Jim Beauchamp saw KOM games at Miami, Ralph Terry attended a few at Bartlesville, OK and as a batboy for Carthage that year I didn’t realize that two of the young men viewing those games would have big league careers and the only games at the “top of the heap” I’d ever get into would be by virtue of paying the price of admission.

________________________________________________

About out of stuff to report.

 

The following article is one I found tucked away on the Internet that I had written about a decade ago. For those of you who are new to the Flash Report you may find some of this material of interest. And, then again, maybe not. The following article was written to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the KOM league. This is the 70th year of the league’s founding and next May 1 will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first year of operation.

  

Glimpses of Baseball

By John G. Hall

Friday September 15, 2006

 

September 6, 2006 was a day when the pick-up truck was pointed Southwest and the occupants took a 225 mile trip from Columbia to a destination to relive some memories of a part of history that began in 1946.

 

With the cessation of hostilities of World War II, the minds of Americans again returned to baseball, apple pie and Chevrolets. The years of ration stamps and cities devoid of young males had come to an end. Many of the young men returned to the United States to pursue their aspirations of playing baseball. The places where those dreams could be pursued were in leagues that spanned classifications including: D, C, B, A, AA, AAA and the Majors.

 

The landscape of minor league baseball stretched from border to border and coast to coast. The "D" leagues were found in towns with populations ranging from 10,000-15,000. One such Class D league sprang up in 1946 and included the towns of Carthage in Missouri; Iola, Chanute, Iola and Pittsburg in Kansas, along with Miami and Bartlesville in the Sooner State. In 1947, the towns of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Independence, Kansas were added to the league and, with the Brooklyn Dodgers sending players to Ponca City and the New York Yankees sending peach-faced boys to Independence, some great baseball players called the Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri (KOM) league, home for their initial year in the game.

 

From that humble beginning, 32 (later found two more) young men worked their way to the top of the baseball ladder: the Major League level, which in that era was limited to 400 players. One of those 32 was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame--Mickey Charles Mantle.

 

Many of the aspirations of young ballplayers of the 1946-1952 era were interrupted due to another armed conflict and three lost their lives on the battlefield called Korea. Many of the 1588 young men who didn't make it to the Major Leagues played the game for another decade or so and found their way to the higher classifications of baseball.

 

As with all dreams they come to an end and reality sets in. In a twelve year effort, Yours Truly has attempted to locate the young men who wore the uniform of a KOM League team, even if it was only for one day. At the present time, 1225 (number has increased to about 1450 since that time) of those former players have been contacted or their fate determined.

Learning of the post baseball lives of those formerly young men has precipitated the publishing of three books, a newsletter that has been published for 12 years and a KOM League Internet Flash Report that is published probably far too often for those on the receiving end.

 

One of the most popular functions of the past dozen years is the gathering of former players, their families, friends and former fans. These functions have been held around the Northeast Oklahoma, Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri area where the KOM league teams competed. This past weekend, the beautiful surroundings of Precious Moments in Carthage, Missouri were the site billed as the 60th Anniversary celebration of the league. It was also stated that it would be the final event.

 

For an event that was supposed to start on Thursday, it was my decision, as coordinator of the event, to get there before anyone else and get the "loose ends" handled. Upon my arrival at the Precious Moments headquarters, I was shocked to find 17 people in town one day ahead of any planned events.

 

Those early arrivals had come from Kansas, Texas, Nebraska, California, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Their first clamor was "Where are we eating?" So, an unscheduled dinner was quickly set up and a weekend of fun began.

 

This writers affiliation with the KOM league was that of a batboy. Only 10 years of age when I first took on the job of visiting team batboy at Carthage, it was my job to look after the wants and needs of the ballplayers. It was only poetic justice that as I entered the motel in Carthage I found a number of the guys and gals refusing to go to their rooms. A snake had been spotted inching its way along the wall to the rooms in the 100-190 section. With my room assignment of 163, I assumed I would have to do my St. Patrick or Steve Irwin impersonation and rid the motel of at least one snake. Since it was only about a foot long, it was presumed that there were more from where that one emanated.

 

Throwing caution to the wind the snake was captured, placed in a baseball cap and escorted outside. Upon release, it curled up in a knot and then sprang for freedom as it straightened out its body. Everyone speculated as to what kind of snake it was. Not one person guessed right. It was a Great Plains Rat Snake. Needless to say, no one in rooms 100-190 slept too soundly the first night.

 

On Thursday the crowd gathered from across the United States and by mid-afternoon over 100 people were registered representing 20 states. The usual cast of characters showed up with a few new faces. One person getting a lot of attention was the last St. Louis Cardinal manager to lead the team to a World Series title -- former manager Whitey Herzog.

Herzog looked much younger than his 75 years on this planet would indicate. He was there with former Kansas City and New York Yankee second baseman, Jerry Lumpe. Lumpe and Herzog had played for the 5th Army team at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri in 1953 and that club eventually went on to win the National Baseball Congress tournament in Wichita, Kansas. Three other former players on that Ft. Leonard Wood team and their wives attended the reunion.

 

Registered at the reunion were eight men who were former major leaguers. To recite their names to baseball fans of this era would bring blank stares. However, these names: Bill Virdon, Bob Speake, Boyd Bartley, Gale Wade, Cloyd Boyer and Joe Stanka were known to fans of the 1940s, 50s and even into the 1960s.

 

In the environment of the KOM League reunions, however, the fellows who only played one year and that at the Class D level are held in as high esteem as the guys who "made it all the way."

 

Walking through the reunion venues a lot can be learned about the success of the baseball players. On their fingers are World Series rings and around the necks of some of the wives hang a World Series ring altered for necklace apparel.

Over the course of the many reunions, one of the impressive things is the number of couples who have been married to the same partner for 50 to 60 years. These are people of great moral character. Over the years a large number of the former players have provided constant care for their disabled spouse. They took their wedding vows seriously and never complained.

 

In their days in the KOM League many of the players dated the local girls. Each went their separate ways and yet, when the wives of the players pass away or the husbands of the former local girls go to the great beyond, it is not uncommon for Yours Truly to receive a call from each of those groups asking about their former boy and girl friends. Time changes a lot of things, but it doesn't erase memories.

 

KOM League reunions follow a fairly predictable format. There are initial greetings, a lot of eating, sight seeing, shopping, more eating and finally the final banquet. At the final banquet, it is never known in advance what the entire program will be. As the reunion, organizer great attempts are made to give it some structure but old baseball players can decimate the best laid plans.

 

On Saturday evening, I arrived at the Precious Moments eating establishment to find a couple of the fellows selling raffle tickets. When I inquired as to what they were doing, I was informed it was none of my business. Later in the evening, the drawing for the prize was made. The winner was Bill Clark of Columbia, Missouri, but I was handed an envelope stuffed full of money instead. From the raffle, the fellows had collected more than $1,000.

 

To say the least, I was speechless and that is a difficult thing for me to be. What Clark had won through the raffle was a baseball lamp. The lamp's pedestal was constructed of ash, the same lumber used in the manufacture of baseball bats. The pedestal was an exact replica of home plate. The supports for the lamp were three miniature Louisville Slugger bats with a former KOM leaguers name on each--Mickey Mantle. A set of baseball spikes was placed on the home plate with an official National League baseball signed by three former KOM leaguers who attended the reunion--Bill Virdon, Gale Wade and Bob Speake.

 

Speaking of Speake, I couldn't speak at that moment and signaled the Miller Bluegrass band to continue to "pick and grin." In my most valiant effort, I was attempting to delay the inevitable--my final statement. At the close of the musical portion of the reunion, Joe Stanka, former Chicago White Sox hurler and later the first American to star in the Japanese Major Leagues, stepped forward.

 

In 1951, when I was the Carthage Cubs batboy, Stanka and his manager, George Scherger were two fellows the Carthage fans "loved to hate." Stanka came to the front, turned to the audience and encouraged them to stand and give the old batboy the longest and loudest ovation they had ever given anyone in their lives. That was a nice gesture on his part but way too embarrassing for the recipient of the accolades.

With the applause concluded, it was time to utter the last words of that reunion. After a couple of futile attempts at getting the words out, they finally came. My concluding remark was, "As a young man I went in search of my heroes and I found you."

posted by John @ 8:03 AM

 

 

I began today thinking that today would be a no photo day…..a no story day……But that was before I came across this photo again …….It’s one that was just to raw to speak about when it was taken……And now for the first time in over 3 years, I have revisited the time that this was taken, and you finally get to see baby Tiger…….And even after all that time, I don’t think it is any easier to talk about….…The pup as I said is Tiger….Who put a mighty fight up to stay with us…..But no matter how much we willed him not to go…..The Angels were having none of it, and came for him not so long after this photo was taken……..Misty was heartbroken……Di was heartbroken…..We all were heartbroken…….As the reality set in ……And we realised that he had been taken back to the heavens….. We had an unerring moment, As Midnight, Maysie-May, and Molly, (who had all seen and watched Tigers uneven fight for life during his few days ) Taking it in turns in saying a solemn goodbye to Tiger…..Followed by mother Misty….Who still believed that she could bring her pup back from the heavers to her side ……It was time Di took Misty back to her five beautiful healthy pups, whilst I covered Tiger over and saying a final goodbye to this little brave baby Sheltie ……Whilst still wishing I could see a Miracle to happen…….But no….. The only thing I was to see, was teardrops <3 <3 <3

.

The whole time I was taken aback with this photo…..Misty has been lying at my feet (On my feet in fact) under my desk…..Just how did she know I am talking about Tiger….. (Because know she does) …….I have no idea xxx.

 

Everything in Asuka’s life was going according to

plan. Content with her job in the fish factory, she spends her nights

making preparations for her upcoming marriage to her boss, Taki. That

is until one day when she spots a mysterious creature emerging from a

lake near work. Asuka quickly realizes that it is Aoki, an old school

friend of hers who drowned at the age of 17 and has been reincarnated

as a kappa – a scaly, reptilian watersprite found in Japanese

folklore. There is an instant attraction, but reality sets in and soon

Asuka is going to great lengths to hide not only Aoki’s true identity,

but also their true feelings for each other.

   

Playfully riffing on the kappa mythology, UNDERWATER LOVE is not your

typical romantic comedy. Director Shinji Imaoka, a Fantastic Fest alum

(UNCLE'S PARADISE, 2007) and one of the legendary Seven Lucky Gods of

Pink, turns the popular Japanese softcore genre on its head. Employing

everything from musical numbers by the French-German group Stereo

Total, unforgettable sumo wrestling and necrophilia sequences and

slapstick hijinks worthy of a British farce, Imaoka culls together an

inventive cinematic experience that is as silly as it is sensual. Shot

by world-class cinematographer Christopher Doyle, the man responsible

for much of the iconic imagery of the Wong Kar-Wai films, UNDERWATER LOVE brings a level of visual ingenuity to pornographic cinema.

   

But fear not - for all of its innovation, UNDERWATER LOVE does not

disappoint in shock value. Reveling in the absurdity of kappa-human

copulation, Imaoka presents us with some outrageous sex scenes

involving aquatically enhanced genitalia that are sure to illicit a

strong audience response. Raunchy, hilarious and, at times, just down

right wrong, UNDERWATER LOVE is one naughty good time you won’t want

to miss out on. (Michael Lerman)

This woman was so convinced she was going to be walking out of that caught a free woman, she had the hair, all coloured golden blonde, the legs all tanned up, red stilettos?????? I assume all ready for the limelight of media attention on the steps afterwards.Instead she was within minutes of the verdict being carted out the back into a prison van on her way to jail! The irony is significant. Right to the very end appearances meant everything to Keli Lane. Well enjoy your prison greens the only outfit you will ever wear from this day forward. Child Killers are despised in jail.Mothers even worse, so good luck in there, you will need it Keli

John nervously begins his stint at the wheel.

 

Channel 5's the Gadget show took part in the Britcar 24 hour endurance race with a virtual reality set up.

Just like playing on the playstation, except this kit costs in excess of £32,000.

A software programme was provided by Lotus which accurately depicted every bump & turn in the track along with Alienware's hardware, this made the experience as real as real can be said all three presenters.

 

© All rights reserved

John receives guidance from Ben who is in charge of the software

  

Channel 5's the Gadget show took part in the Britcar 24 hour endurance race with a virtual reality set up.

Just like playing on the playstation, except this kit costs in excess of £32,000.

A software programme was provided by Lotus which accurately depicted every bump & turn in the track along with Alienware's hardware, this made the experience as real as real can be said all three presenters.

 

When I first arrived at this monument it was about 3pm. Although eye aspiring at first, I noticed that the lighting was as bad as I had seen anywhere.

 

I choose this image to upload first into this folder because it was made much later in the afternoon where the contrast range was more manageable. But when I first arrived there was so much white that it was very hard to try to compress and compose an image into something I liked. So as to not waste time just waiting for the later afternoon light to arrive, I broke out my 100-400mm lens and began looking for much smaller compositions to work with.

 

I also began shooting in IR, as it seems to favor strong lighting. This is a weird place because it really appears as if it just snowed. Only when you opened the door and the rush of heat hit you did reality set in.

 

I shot until dark-thirty and gave thought about returning in the morning but the gates didn’t open until after sunrise, and the lighting would have been much the same early on as it was in the late afternoon, so I choose to head to Texas instead.

 

View Large On Black

 

Camera, Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lens, Canon 24-70 f 2.8”L

Exposure, 1/60 sec.

Aperture, f14 Lens Focal Length,60mm

ISO Speed, 400

Polarizing Filter

Sometimes in the late 60s or early 70s I bought a Honda motorcycle and rode it down to the recording studio Phil Walden had converted from a Pepsi Cola bottling plant to a recording studio in Macon, Georgia. I had never seen a record recorded before and asked Phil if I could sit in. Johnnie Sandlin, a local record producer was puttiing the finishing touched to a "Wet Willie" tune. It had been laid down in many tack and that night the "Do-way" girls where there adding back up. I got to hang out and felt like a member of the gang for a short time but reality set in and I went home. They finished the record. I never saw them and until I saw this photo of "Wet Willie" what they looked like.

Virtual Reality Set w/ Model Carter