Movieland- Ben Turpin and Harry Langdon

In what is described by Movieland Wax Museum as a typical setting, we see Harry Langdon (1884-1944) and Ben Turpin (1864-1940). They never starred in movies together, yet Movieland put them together in this unusual scene. Langdon is on they left, and Turpin is on the right (For those of you who didn't already know, and that's probably most everyone).

As you can see, the scrim makes taking pictures very difficult. This photograph is from the auction, and I can't remember if they had the snow on when Movieland closed. Wow, a whole wax museum scene in such a small space. I guess they know how to utilize every bit of space.

The clapboard sign. The wax facts says: "Ben Turpin's crossed eyes were insured for $25,000 in 1925. More pies hit his face than any other man in movie history." And most people have never heard of him. His wax figure sold for a mere $850 at the Movieland auction. Langdon's sold for even less, at $500. The small set sold for only $125. Even I could have afforded it, if I had paid the $300 fee to enter the auction.

View the filmography of Harry Langdon here.

View the filmography of Ben Turpin here.

See even more wax museum pictures at Houses of Wax.

Tags: Movieland Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Ben Turpin Harry Langdon

Old Towne Mall- Paul Freiler's Historical Models

Today's focus is back on The Old Towne Mall. This time around, I thought I'd post on Paul Freiler's Historical models, and an ad they had back when they were located inside Old Towne. This ad shows how much the shop fit in perfectly with Old Towne, as they sold mostly historical, as their name stated, models and toys. I remember going into this shop when I was a small kid, and marveling at the displays of the military aircraft and ships. My uncle used to have small soldiers that were the scale of the jeeps and tanks, and I loved seeing them at that store. He gave me a whole bag full of them, but I soon lost them all. If I only ever had money as a kid, I would have bought more of them at Paul Freiler's.

Eventually, Paul Freiler's moved out of Old Towne, and relocated just down the street near the corner of Hawthorne Blvd. and 182nd Street. (Close to the last 76 ball in Torrance). I forget which year they finally closed, but I think I was still in High School when they did. A buddy of mine worked there, but by then, it seemed like they focus more on role playing games than on Historical models, as half the store had lead figures, and painted monsters displayed. The other half was split between model cars and stuff with only a small section dedicated to Historical models. The location is now a mattress store I believe, and El Pollo Loco is directly on the corner. I still pass by the building and half expect to see the Paul Freiler's sign.

Read a webpage about miniatures that mentions Paul Freiler's here.

Tags: Old Towne Mall Torrance California Paul Freiler's Model Shop

Sequoia- Moro Rock Then and Now

Last weekend I made my annual trip to Sequoia National Park. This was the first time since I've been married, and it was a blast. Today's pictures focus on one of the great treasures of the park, Moro Rock. In order to reach the top, one must climb countless steps, or t least it seems countless. This first picture shows what the rock looked like years ago, most likely the sixties. . .

And this shot shows how it looks now. As you can see, not much has changed at all! Maybe a little graffiti on a couple signs, but that's it.

Near the top.

A little teeter rock action.


I kind of like this shot.


I've always liked the trash cans in our National Parks.

View the official Sequoia National Park website here.

Tags: Sequoia National Park Moro Rock