Temple Tuesday: Dressed-up in Dayton

I would never have guessed that Shirley Temple ever went to Dayton, Ohio, but here’s the photographic evidence. Next to her is a mic from radio station WING. Originally licensed as WDBS in 1924, its call letters were changed in 1939 to WING to become synonymous with Dayton's aviation history. At that time, the station was located above the Loews Theater on Main Street in downtown Dayton. As progress would have it, Loews was demolished and is now a GORGEOUS parking lot! I am guessing that Shirley was here for a premiere, standing in front of the theatre. Here’s a pic of the theatre I found on the Cinema Treasures website:



…and during its 1975 demolition:



This dress must have been a favorite of Shirley’s. You can see it in this shot from her Sweet Sixteen party:



…and in this lobby card for “I’ll Be Seeing You”:



See more Shirley photos at my main website.

Manic Mickey Monday

In this April 1960 image at the entrance to Disneyland, it's fairly safe to say that Scary Mickey is sucking the life force out of the little tot he is laying his hand on.

Even scarier is what this Little Pig could be whispering in the ear of this very attentive little girl. Whatever evil deed he is telling, you can be certain she carried it out.



See more vintage Disneyland photos at my main website.

Leopold's in Savannah

I finally made it back to that southern city that I love, Savannah, Georgia. One of my rituals is a daily trip to Leopold’s. If you’re not an ice cream fan, then this probably won’t make sense to you. Look at that line...it’s not for the opening of Star Wars Land, but rather to get into Leopold’s for a few scoops of that delectable dairy treat.



Here it is. This is what caused me to run six miles every day while on vacation.



The owner, Stratton Leopold, is also a producer, director and actor who has been in the film business for 40+ years. Some of the movies he’s been involved with include “Mission: Impossible III,” “The Sum of All Fears,” and “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.” But back to ice cream. Here’s an interior shot of Leopold’s with a painting of the man who started it all, Stratton’s father Peter.



A jukebox plays vintage tunes, perfectly complementing the atmosphere inside this vibrant space which is mainly staffed by energetic SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) students.



For the first time, my Mom and I coordinated our almost annual visits to Savannah and after a delicious brunch, we stopped by Leopold’s for dessert. Both she and her friends agreed it was the best. Look at those smiles!



On my last visit to Leopold’s, I also enjoyed a tasty lunch…



which justified my double scoop of dessert. Or was it a triple. Oh how I miss it.



See more Savannah photos at my main website.

Tomorrowland Train Station Rehabilitation

In May 1966, the Tomorrowland Train Depot was apparently going under the knife. These curious kids just don’t believe the sign. They want to explore for themselves.



Good thing Dad is here to take control of the little varmints!



Yup, the Train apparently required an "E" ticket!



See more Disneyland Railroad Tomorrowland Station photos at my main website.

What A Difference A Day Made

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Doris Day; she truly was a living legend and a one-of-a-kind human being. She excelled as a songstress, an actress (both comedy and drama), and a champion of rights for animals. Stories of private heartbreak were just that...private. Not one to air dirty laundry, she almost always wore a smile in public and remained a class act until the end.

Today’s post celebrates Doris with a few behind-the-scenes shots snapped on the set of the 1959 classic “Pillow Talk.”



While Rock Hudson preferred the company of men, the on-screen chemistry of these two was undeniable and made for a string of highly enjoyable (and profitable) comedies.



Doris always looked letter perfect, especially when wearing gowns by Jean Louis!



Oh Doris...I should have made it back to the Cypress Inn to meet you when I had the chance!



See more "Pillow Talk" photos at my main website.

Temple Tuesday: Shirley on Wilshire

Built in 1925, the Wilshire United Methodist Church with its 144-foot tower casts an impressive shadow over Wilshire Boulevard. The architects, Allison and Allison, also designed First Congregational Church, Janss Investment Corporation, and buildings at UCLA. They were known for their unique use of concrete and fusion of Italian, Spanish, and Gothic styles.



The church's founding pastor, Frank Dyer, stirred up the proverbial pot a bit by holding a jazz concert in the sanctuary and by staging a church fundraiser at the Olympic Auditorium that was to include prizefighter Jack Dempsey. The church was also known for its celebrity weddings including Jeannette MacDonald to Gene Raymond (1937) and seventeen-year-old Shirley Temple to John Agar (1945). Here she is walking down the aisle with her father George.



The newlyweds standing outside the church after the ceremony:



The distinctive wood doors are still there:



All about the details:



Yes. I was there.



Love the concrete ornamentation!



The tower:



See more Shirley Temple photos at my main website.

Marmont Monday: Bungalow 3

My Chateau Marmont bucket list just got a little shorter. I was finally able to stay in one of the Bungalows perched along Monteel Road. I crashed a party there once back in 2001, but that’s another story for another time.



Bungalow 3 is a Mid-Century Modern architectural dream. Check out this private back patio:



…and how it looked back in 1956:



The living room circa 1956:



Circa 2019. Still way cool.



The master bedroom:



…and master bath:



The kitchen, which retains its midcentury vibe.



Bungalow 3 is one of the most famous "rooms" at the Chateau as a result of John Belushi’s tragic OD there back in March 1982. Here’s a shot from the hillside overlooking the Bungalow that morning:



Monteel Road is a VERY small one-way street. I can’t even begin to imagine what a mess it was that day with the press and the police/medical people just trying to do their job.



The same view, circa 2025:



Back to happier thoughts…I LOVE the candles that glow every night after turn-down service.



How about this private stairway down to the pool?



Yes, I definitely felt very much at home here. To live here, I would risk the heartbreak of downsizing.



If only…

See more Chateau Marmont room photos at my main website.

Friday at the Falls

Another September 1964 shot taken by a guest about to travel under the thundering falls of Cascade Peak. No longer at Disneyland, this beautiful mountain became part of a deferred maintenance disaster and ended up being torn down. Here’s a previously posted shot from July 1963 of the Mine Train taken from the Mark Twain:



When the paths of two transportation sources crossed at the Park, it added a beautiful energy. Today, with the loss of the Mine Train, The PeopleMover, and the Skyway, this energy has been diminished.

Just look at those falls! From May 1963:



See more Nature's Wonderland photos at my main website.