Old Towne Mall-View 2

"Good old Days" in the Old Towne Mall

Since I noticed that so many visitors come here searching for my Old Towne Mall post, I thought I would share another view of the mall. You can see the Carousel gift shop on the left. What a wonderful place this mall was. Forget that the shops began as independent, local, and unique places, and that Children, Parents, and Grandparents could all enjoy Old Towne together. What made Old Towne so memorable was atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere! Check out "the west's slowest cable car" in the background (called so because it didn't move). I am not sure if it was a real car, or a replica, but it was supposed to be from the Powell and Market Streets line in San Francisco, and found its way to Torrance somehow. People could sit in it and just enjoy the ambiance of the late great Old Towne Mall!

Tags: Old Towne Mall Torrance California

Currie's Ice Cream Parlor

I'm sure you all have heard the story of how Lana Turner was discovered sitting at the counter at Schwab's drug store. How many aspiring starlets rushed over there hoping to be discovered too? Well, as most myths go, there was an element of truth to it. Depending on who you believe, she was actually discovered at either Top Hat Cafe, or Currie's Ice Cream Parlor. This photograph shows what the interior of a Currie's looked like. These three lovely ladies are ready and willing to prepare a "Mile High" ice cream cone for their loyal patrons.

I have a personal connection to this photograph, being that the woman in the middle is my Grandmother. She has kept this picture on the mirror in her bedroom for years, and it always made me smile when I saw it. Growing up with Thrifty ice cream in what are now Rite Aid Drug Stores, I did not have the same grand ice cream parlor experience that past generations had. Unfortunately, Currie's Ice Cream Parlors are long gone and the large scale Parlors are a thing of the past. Sure, there is the Gibson Girl Parlour at Disneyland, but as far as I know that is about it here in Southern California. What I enjoy about the picture is how well stocked, open, and clean the place was. The uniforms are nice and more professional than you'll find today. You're lucky if you see employees wear matching Polo shirts with the company logo on them. But one thing that has not changed is the continuing rising prices. Notice the sign apologizing for the price increase. Wow, ten cents for a cone! Outrageous!

Tags: Currie's Ice Cream Parlor Lana Turner

Catalina Stables

Catalina Island, although no longer in its heyday, still provides Southern California residents with a wonderfully quaint get away spot. Spend a day, weekend, or a whole week on the island and experience everything from a bicycle ride to a submarine voyage. With its blend of old and new, Catalina Island has something for everyone.


These photographs were taken of the Catalina Stables, a business that offers horseback riding excursions into the wilderness of the island. The old west theme of the buildings, along with the artifacts around them gave the feeling of being in another time and place (even if not completely authentic). I highly recommend a trip to Catalina for anyone wanting to escape for a couple of days. The sign on the carriage says "Keep Out" instead of "Keep Off".


Visit the official Catalina Island website here.

Tags: Catalina Roadside Attractions Stables

Hollywood Hounds Sunset

8217 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Ca 90046

I thought that this photo of a Rocky and Bullwinkle statue was pretty cool. This building is now a dog care center, but once was the home of Jay Ward studios. For me, the Rocky and Bullwinkle statue was one of those southern California icons that I always heard about but never saw. This summer I had the opportunity to finally see this local landmark. I love painted statues, especially of animals, and any other fantastical elements. Not that I am a fan of the Rocky and Bullwinkle show, but the show's popularity and the character's influence is significant.

Visit the Hollywood Hounds website here.

Visit more information about the statues here.

Tags: Hollywood Hounds Rocky and Bullwinkle Sunset Boulevard