Rosslyn Hotel

Great timeless architecture is represented here in the Rosslyn Hotel. I kind of just stumbled across these buildings during a recent trip to Downtown. There are so many historical buildings downtown, but I never have really studied what is there. Apart from the Bradbury building, I don't really know that much, and haven't visited many of them. But these two structures just call to you from blocks away. The signage is just so incredibly beautiful and classic.


Apparently, the first structure was built in 1913 and another across the street was annexed in 1923, thus creating the dual structure. A tunnel was built underground to connect the two buildings. This shot shows just how easily the buildings draw you from afar.


The Rosslyn Hotel sign.


The second sign atop the second building built in 1923.

View more information on the Parkinson Architectural Firm here.

Tags: Rosslyn Hotel Los Angeles Architecture John Parkinson

Three Rivers Big Rooster

In between Three Rivers Market and the drug store lies the Big Rooster. This massive carving by renowned artist and sculptor Carroll Barnes (1906-1998) stands as a reminder of the wonderful folk artistry that has come from this unique mountain community. Another Barnes carving, one of Paul Bunyan, stands in front of the Three Rivers Historical Museum. The design and artistry of this carving is so beautiful, and should not be missed when traveling through the town. It's visible from the main road but is also easily missed.

"BIG ROOSTER"
1954
THIS SEQUOIA REDWOOD CARVING WAS
MADE FROM WOOD SLICED OFF A BIG
SCULPTURE, "YOUTH", FOR CALIFORNIA
STATE FAIR, 1951. TREE 2155 YEARS AGE

CARROLL BARNES. SCULPTOR. THREE RIVERS.

Visit the Three Rivers Website to learn more about the town here.

Tags: Three Rivers Big Rooster Carroll Barnes Roadside Attractions

Knott's Berry Farm- Before and After Part 2

1970s

The focus of this next shot from Knott's Berry Farm is the Calico Railroad. Good old number 41 awaits passengers for a trip around the Farm. This picture was my dads. I am not old enough to remember when this shot was taken, which is between 1970 and 1973. I would not be born for several more years. The most noticeable aspect of the shot is the amount of space in Calico Square. Knott's had so much room. The lack of crowds in this shot also helps with the scale of the park. Another great detail are the trees behind the station. Beyond them is Reflection Lake, which was removed to make way for Silver Bullet, a very slow loading overhead coaster which kind of looms over some previously serene areas of the park.

2006

Notice how cluttered this shot is. Even without counting the people, there is so much going on. I suppose having more to do is a good thing, but this large square feels way more crowded than it was even when I was a kid. The train is barely visible since the addition of those small structures. They have also added safety rails to block people from the train, which basically cuts the square in half. Notice the lack of trees in the background. They sure could use them to block the view of Montezooma's Revenge and Silver Bullet. This is supposed to be in a ghost town, and having two very fast coasters up in the sky doesn't quite fit in with the theme.

Visit the official Knott's Berry Farm website here.

Tags: Knotts Berry Farm Ghost Town Calico Railroad

Sands Apartment Building

A friend and I were doing an architectural survey a while back, and we came across this completely unrelated building. Being a fan of mid century design, I had to take a picture. I can't remember the address of the building, but it was near the Normandie Casino in Gardena.


The title font is not too special, but the tile work is pretty cool.


The stars are what make this building so special. I always get excited when I see old apartment buildings with stars, or diamond shaped ornaments.


A close up of the star. It's in really good condition for it's age.

Tags: Sands Apartments Architecture Gardena