Temple Tuesday: Shirley’s Birthday at the Chateau Marmont

Shirley Temple celebrated her birthdays (April 23) with the world; sometimes it was from the front porch of her Brentwood home (above), or even at the 20th Century-Fox lot (below) between takes for a movie (always working!).



Birthdays were often an integral part of the plot lines in her movies, like this memorable scene from “The Little Princess” (1939):



Even after Shirley died in 2014, her birthday continued to be celebrated annually at the Santa Monica History Museum with a lavish tea party. Since the pandemic began, that event has been put on ice. When it came time for Melissa (aka “The Colonel”) to head west during Shirley’s birthday, we decided something had to be done! Three years was too long to wait any longer. The first step: you need a cake. The choice was obvious: Sweet Lady Jane Bakery on Melrose Avenue.



If you happen to try to find it, don’t be confused by Sweet Jesus Cookies just down the block; “getting baked” takes on a whole different meaning there.



Back to the topic at hand…here’s an interior shot of Sweet Lady Jane. Their cakes are out of this world. They have had the Daveland seal of approval since I first started going there some fifteen or so years ago.



But first, a few photos from the Marmont 7th floor balcony overlooking Sunset Boulevard. Melissa and SJR:



Melissa looking pretty in pink…or is it peach?



And finally a selfie, with Melissa sporting her Shirley’s Army button:



The ladies all arrived on time and the celebration began with mimosas. It was the first time in three years that we had all been able to get together.



Willis was able to join, but was annoyed that lunch did not include bacon. Melissa attempted to explain that was for breakfast but that didn’t help.



After a delicious lunch, we went up to the room for a piece of the cake:



I had to do manual labor while Melissa played on her phone. Why should vacation be any different from every day life?!?



After cake, Diane was the first one to make a selection in the gift exchange. Willis stayed close by, hoping a stray treat might fall out for him.



Nope. Nothing in the bag for Willis.



He was annoyed, but the rest seemed happy with their Shirley loot!



One last shot with Willis & Melissa.



It was a very fun day and so good to have the gang back together. Can’t wait to do it again next year! See more Chateau Marmont photos at my main website.