Vintage Griffith Observatory

When I saw this vintage October 1957 slide available I looked at my Griffith Observatory page and realized, hey...this is a unique view taken from the top of the Observatory that I don't have. My completist gene kicked in and I bought it.

When I added it to my site, I realized I had this 1940s shot that I hadn't posted yet. Oops. This is what happens when you fall behind.



Still, this 1940s photo gives a nice view of a vintage bus...the 1957 one is unobstructed...so I guess there was still a reason to buy it.



Yeah...that's called justification.

And crazy.

One thing I KNOW I need to do is match this shot with a contemporary photo on my next visit.

See more Griffith Observatory photos at my main website.

Coit Tower

Even though I have been to San Francisco multiple times, I had never visited one of its most famous landmarks, Coit Tower. After reading about the fresco murals on the interior (part of the Public Works of Art Project), I decided it was time to take the long hike up Telegraph Hill to rectify the situation.



Built in 1933, the Tower is the worth the visit...but not for the faint of heart. Oh those steep steps.



I stopped along the way to marvel at the view...



and the vintage architectural details.



And then I finally made it. A statue of Christopher Columbus stands watch over the tower and the scene view below. Sculpted by Italy’s Vittorio de Colbertaldo, it was dedicated in 1957.



The tower itself.



Once inside I was awed by the murals.



I was in no hurry to take the elevator ride to the top.



Instead I enjoyed all of the amazing details in these 1930's gems. Mae West!





How about those prices?







Time to get in the elevator.



Even after we got off the elevator there were a few more steps in the spiral staircase to climb. I definitely got my cardio in!



And then I saw daylight through the top of the tower!



Was it worth the trip? Take a look at these views and you tell me!





You can see the back of the Ghirardelli building.



I could even see my hotel from here!



More Coit Tower at my main website.

Art Deco at The Hollywood Bowl

You may not know who George Stanley is, but you most likely know the little statuette that he created called "Oscar." On a recent trip to Hollywood, I photographed another one of his amazing creations, located at the entrance of the Hollywood Bowl. The Art Deco styled monument was built between 1938-1940and titled The Muse of Music, Dance, Drama. Here is a corresponding vintage shot from July 1963:



Here's the Muse of Music:



and how she looked in July 1963:



More details of this art deco beauty:







This vintage shot shows you the iconic band shell at the Bowl:



A closeup of the stage:



More Hollywood Bowl photos at my main website.