In honor of the Beach Boys and their beginnings
Here's how it all started.... Beach Boys
Name: EL ROJO () on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at 09:47:53
Email: I-DY-HO
City and State: Kuna , ID
Maiden: OK
Class: 1960
Message: That picture of the UA still brings back the memory of the night my brother and I, Cal Kappen and a couple of others had just come back from the studios and were crusin the blvd, in my bros. pristine, Army Green 53 Chevy pick-up, around 12:30 am.. The movie a Summer place was showing at the UA. We were in front of the UA and there was a placard of Sandra Dee and Tab Hunter, all chicks heart throb at the time, standing in front of the theatre. I forget who jumped out and ran up and grabbed the placard, but it forever lived in "the room" on 137th st. until we went into the service. And by the way, "the room" was a gathering place for many Cougs of prominence at the time. Some of them even learned to sing songs. Lord that was fun back then. We looked for the police the rest of the time we were on the Blvd that night. Needless to say we didn't cruise the theatre's anymore that evening. By the way John that Chevy was the great grandaddy of Kermit! :-) Fun times. MAY THE COUGAR BE WITH YOU. Jake n Jude.
Actually Kermit was a 51, so it was the other way around.
Breaking into the studios and kidnapping placards; just another weekend on the Bl, Huh Russ..... Name: al murphy () on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at 08:54:41
Email: pops83217@hotmail.com
City and State: Idaho
Message: Hi John, seen the picture of the salvage yard on Hawthorne Blvd North of Imperial. In the late 40's I went to Inglewood High with a James Scarborough and his Dad owned it then. [not sure of last name spelling] Boy, does that picture of the U.A. bring back old memories. I really enjoy your site and check it often. Have a good one, Al
Hey Murph', Glad the pics are bringing some good memories back to you. I know they did me too.
Name: Tom Shelley () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 22:47:03
Email: tomshelley@earthlink.net
City and State: Torrance, CA
Class: 1962
Message: Yeh, the U.A. was cool on a Saturday afternoon and the Academy was a very classy theater, but when my family went out to a movie, we liked the Baldwin Theater in Baldwin Hills. I saw one of my all time favorite movies there sometime in the mid '50s. "The Long, Long Trailer" with Lucy and Desi. I have a copy of it on video and I will admit to throwing it in every now and then just to take a trip back in time. Good mems!
Name: gfc () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 22:36:04
Email: gfcrist@sonic.net
City and State: valley of the moon
Class: 1964
Message: Good thing it's always 6 o'clock somewhere in the world.
Yep, especially in Sonoma Name: Jim Dally () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 22:10:22
Email: jmd619@netzero.com
City and State: Carson, CA
Class: 1963
Message: Some words about my friend Ron Firey ('62) who I read was killed last November on page 716 of C-town. Ron and I became very good friends after high school. We took trips down to Mexico and hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney together. He was voted 'Most natural and unaffected' his senior year and he was. After he graduated his folks moved him & brother Dana to Tustin, CA where they stayed for several years. Ron graduated from Long Beach State, married, moved to Oregon, got divorced and during this period we lost touch with each other. Everytime I see Mt. Whitney I think of 'our' adventure up there. Does anyone know the circumstances that caused his death? Or a contact that would know? Thank you.
Hi Jim, I'll send you the story...
Name: Armand Vaquer () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 21:56:32
Email: AMVaquer@aol.com
City and State: Tarzana, CA
Class: 1972
Message: The Academy Theater in Inglewood was the most impressive when lit up at night. A person could see the neon-lit tower for miles. We used to go to the Academy Theater after having dinner at the old Yum Burger on Manchester.
I agree, the Academy had that running neon tower with a light at the top. Very cool in the 60s.
Name: David McConnell () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 21:15:55
Email: Thedesertcafe@yahoo.com
City and State: Palmdale,Ca
Class: 1974
Message: Sorry John, for some reason the link doesnt seem to wanna work. Pleasew visit us at Soundclick.com, The Bullets
song: What The Hell Happened.
This song was partially inspired by what Cliff and I read right here at Cougartown. We visit regularly and enjoy sharing our fellow Cougs triumphs and everyday events and share the pain of our tragedys as well.
Thanks David, we'll try it that way...
Name: Larry Hutchings () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 20:34:58
Email: Hutchim88@aol.com
City and State: Oroville, Ca
Class: 1969
Message: This is a great site I attended HH only one year..I check this site every time I am on line..brings back many great memories..keep up the great work!!Thanks
Thanks Larry, Glad you like the site and come on back anytime.
Name: Keith Jones () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 20:25:50
Email: cmi50@yahoo.com
City and State: Kona, HI
Class: 1976
Message: Roccos had the best Bar-B-Que beef sandwiches anywhere. And the mention of the attendant reminds of when I was in Hong Kong a few years back. I went and saw a movie. It was an Arnold movies but can't remember. When you bought your ricket there was a huge board behind the ticket counter. It should every seat in the house. It divided into areas and each area had a different price. When you picked your seat they would escort you to your seat with a guy with a flashlight. If I remember right I think they had guys going up and down the isles selling food during the movie so you don't have to get up.
Name: Kathy () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 16:40:02
Email: Doubullds@aol.com
City and State: Redondo Beach
Maiden: Duran
Class: 1964
Message: Mike, I think Rocco's was the name of the sub shop. It was on Inglewood Ave and 137th(?). My sisters Patricia, Barbara and I would walk there for the sandwiches. It seemed like a long walk from 134th and La Cienega (formerly Anza), but worth it. Stellino's was down the street..They made great sandwiches too.
Name: David McConnell () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 15:56:45
Email: Thedesertcafe@yahoo.com
City and State: Palmdale, Ca
Class: 1974
Message: Hi Folks,
In honor of turning the big 50! weve written a song for the baby boomers called "What The Hell Happened", Check it out if you get a chance.
http://www.soundclick.com/util/Streamm3u.m3u?ID=2470313&q=hi
Happy Birthday David, It doesn't work
Name: David Neuschafer () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 15:45:16
Email: Dendan2@aol.com
City and State: Vista, Calif.
Maiden: Leuzinger
Class: 1959
Message: JB, Party Girl was released in 1958... It was directed by, Nicholas Ray and stared Robtert Taylor, Cyd Charisse, Lee J. Cobb & John Ireland. I guess it was a pretty good movie but I don't remember seeing it...I guess I was more into flicks like "Black Board Jungle", "The Wild Ones" and "Love Me Tender" Didn't know they made other movies too! Name: Chuck Armstrong () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 13:53:28
Email: Chuck@ArmstrongConsultingGroup.com
City and State: Orcutt, CA
Class: 1967
Message: Happy Birthday Dennis! The shot of the United Artist during the Holidays brings back a lot of fond memories. Inglewood was so beautiful during the Christmas Holiday. All the ribbons and bows and garnish, the Christmas bells and plastic Santa's hung on the lamp posts, and lit store front lights. I waited in great anticipation to make the rounds to see Santa at Sears and JCPenney. Although the Plaza was a fun place on the weekends, the UA was much classier, but you had to mind your manors. Remember when you were actually seated by an attendant who used a flashlight? He/she also made frequent visits to ensure that everyone minded there P and Q's, and the threat of expulsion loomed large for anyone "screwing off" or "horsing around." The title on the Marquee reads, "Party" and I can't read the last part. I can't remember any old movies that started with "Party." Could it be a New Years Pary?
Hey Chuck, It says "Party Girl" on the marquee. Adding to what you said, it's really remarkable how the city of Inglewood has declined (guess I better not use any of Ironmikes terminology here). As Inglewood slowly withered away, little by little, you didn't really notice the changes that much. Then to see pictures of how it truly was, in all its neon....well it REALLY took me back.
Thanks again to Mike Hinsch for sharing these with all of us. I've truly enjoyed all of these pictures so far.
Name: Dennis Campbell () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 12:56:04
Email: Denniscampbell2000@pacbell.net
City and State: MV CA
Class: 1961
Message: Hey Paco I never knocked out your front tooth you old fart?that was Kenny Blomsterberg or your old buddy TY Goodman or maybe Pat Desmore?I never did those kinds of things?
"Put another can candle on my birthday cake I can collect and dollar today" O yah Paco see you and JB at San Juan Hills in about and hour I?ll be the guy in the bar on the floor drinking all those free drinks yep e
I don't drink until 6 and I'm afraid it'll all be gone by then, so I'll just stay here. Name: Paco () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 12:23:35
Email: doo4usc@cox.net
City and State: LF
Class: 1961
Message: It's official, Dennis Mammal Campbell is on his way to collect his first Social Security check! Happy Birthday my friend!! I've known Mammy since kindergarten, where he knocked my front tooth out! Happy Birthday to Petey too!
Happy Bday to Mammal. Enjoy the free round of golf, pitcher of beer, and have a great day.
Name: Big Kell () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 10:03:43
Email: surfbabe@charter.net
City and State: Englewood,OR
Class: 1967
Message: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GOOD FRIEND PETEY (GOMEZ) SMITH..HAVE FUN LE WOOF
Happy Bday, Konnie
Name: al rocca () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 09:40:20
Email: alfred.p.rocca@boeing.com
City and State: Mesa, AZ
Class: 1970
Message: Thanks John and Larry for your input on The Hobby Den and Rockwell kiddie land. Lots of good stuff. I like the recollection about "put a dollar of regular please". That's what I used to say when putting gas in my VW. It's amazing how far you could go on a buck. Speaking of VW's, I used to sneak Jim Henderson (1970) in the front trunk of my VW to get into the drive-in. You have to be down-right skinny to get in there with the spare tire and all. It would be fun to watch the expressions of the people in the car next to us when I would pop the hood and out pops Henderson!!! The things we used to do to save a quarter!!!
REAL skinny... Name: Mike Shay () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 09:14:04
Email: shayshere@verizon.net
City and State: Cerritos, CA
Maiden: OS6-9393
Class: 1961
Message: If I'm not mistaken, someone opened up the very first submarine sandwich takeout place that I can remember, right in the middle of that little strip mall, but I don't think they were among the original tenants.
M.S.
I think there WAS a Sub sandwich place there. See, if you just ask, someone will have the answer. Thanks Mike...
Name: Mariah () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 08:19:58
Email: happy_bunny753
City and State: Rhinelander,WI
Message: this web site is so cool! i love it, will always come to this site when in need of history.
Thanks Mariah, but we only go back as far as when Lincoln was shot... Name: Raymond Smith () on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 06:24:44
Email: Kawabunganorth@juno.com
City and State: Portland, OR
Class: 1981
Message: Talk about model shops. I only knew of one growing up and that was Chuck's model shop. It was quite a bike ride to get there so I often times would go Kresges next to Clark Drugs to buy my model airplanes. I would get my money from cutting the neighbor's yards. After a few years they would end up as bottle rockets "Takeoff lifts" or firecrackers demo. My passion in collecting soared when I started working after H.S. and to this day I still collect them. I have over 550 of them but 240 are currently built. I guess livng by Hawthorne Airport helps promote my interests. There was a better hobby store I am unable to locate when I was in town last Sept. Called Military Corners. I couldn't find them listed in the phone book but they used to be located at Old Towne Mall but later moved a few building from Bob's Big boy. They had the coolest Air war battle mural. Anyone knows their whereabout? Another Hobby shop that opened up was right next to York Elementary School. Don't know how long they lasted. It was sort of a warehouse building. They had some hard to find items.
Name: Bob Fraser () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 23:23:22
Email: krafalski@hotmail.com
City and State: Hawthorne, Ca.
Class: 1960
Message: I bought my first 22 at Perry's. It was a Winchester, Model 77. Roy Carpenter liked it so much that he bought one the following week.
Name: Larry Bach () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 23:14:08
Email: lawrence.bach@navy.mil
City and State: Seal Beach, CA
Class: 1972
Message: The name of the Hobby Den's proprietor was Joe Weber. He lived down the street on El Segundo in an older apartment building across the boulevard from McDonalds. He was born with many disabilities. I also thought he was mean at first. A lot of kids made fun of him on their way home from school, explaining his seemingly sour disposition. After becoming a 'regular customer' over time, buying fifty cent 'Revell' airplane models, paint, glue, and candy too, I found him friendly and glad to tell his stories. One of these involved a doctor removing one of his big toes and making a sort of thumb to fit on the stump of his one deformed arm that lacked a hand. Joe had a prosthetic leg too. Around the corner from the Hobby Den was the main Hawthorne fire station. A family friend, Dale Martin, who was a Hawthorne firefighter in those days, said Joe's nickname around the firehouse was "the Fugitive", this in reference to the one armed man character in the "ABC" network television series of the same name, starring David Jannsen. Firehouse humor hasn't changed much since then either.
In the same strip mall, in the late 50s early 60s, as the Hobby Den was the barber shop of Pat and Lee, a Florist on the corner by the Firehouse, a laundromat on the other corner by Tangers Shell Service, and one other business, but I'll be darned if I can think of what it was.
Name: Armand Vaquer () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 23:07:40
Email: AMVaquer@aol.com
City and State: Tarzana, CA
Class: 1972
Message: John, the only place I know of who has 1950s era telephone books is the L.A. Central Library.
Thanks Armand, I've received 4 emails telling me the same thing....I'll check it out.
Name: Chris Prewitt () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 22:23:24
Email: cjprewitt at juno dot com
City and State: Fullerton, CA
Maiden: Todays Favorite Disney Character: Yzma
Class: 1967
Message: Did you catch the telephone numbers on the Auto Wrecking Yard building? OR7292 and OR8841 the prefix and four digits instead of five digits.
Happy Birthday Adrian Reynolds c/o '67
Happy Birthday (tomorrow)to my brother-in-law Gary Deckard.
Actually I thought the same thing but looking closer, they have one more digit down there behind the ladder.
Happy Bday Adrian and Gary....
Name: Jean Macernie () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 20:01:05
City and State: Albq NM
Maiden: Caldwell
Class: 1968
Message: I was just catching up on all the scoop here and noticed Perrys Sporting Good....My dad used to go there all the time. In fact every Wednesday, in the 60's...He would go there after they closed....and hang out with the guys, have a couple beers o so...talk guy talk and play cards. I think that Perry went fishing with my dad some time. They had a friend whose last name was Gravel...and thats what they called him...who used to fish with them too. Perry always worked on my dads boat too. I remember my mom would have me call at Perrys every Wednesday to ask my dad something....I think she was checking up on him...but he was always there. My dad was also good friends with Gene who ran the Richfield station on El Segundo and Inglewood Avenue. I used to go to Fun Haven all the time...mostly just to look at the stuff...I also loved the glittery sidewalks in front of Sears....My parents lived on 117th st in the late 40's and then in 1952 moved to 122nd. I believed they paid $11,000 for that house. Enjoy the memories...Especially from Cindy Maxson Colby, and Pat Underwood....I love it all actually......
I remember those glittery sidewalks too, now that you've flooged the cerebrum. Thanks Jean
Name: Larry Biller () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 19:21:23
Email: lbiller49@yahoo.com
City and State: Portland,Or
Class: 1967
Message: Speaking of gas stations, does anyone remember the phrase "a dollars worth of regular please"? If you say that today you're fillin yer weed wacker.
Yep, I do, in fact that was my standard line. A dollar would get me about 3.2 gallons of Chevron Custom Supreme and that's all I needed for couple of trips up and down between the "A" and "The Hill" on a Friday or Saturday night.
Name: David Neuschafer () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 17:53:44
Email: Dendan2@aol.com
City and State: Vista, Calif.
Maiden: Leuzinger
Class: 1959
Message: Question JB...Do you remember "Ye Ole Print Shop" and a guy by the name of Bernie who owned it? The shop was just south of the old National Market on the east side of the Blvd. Bernie was from NY & trying to start a magazine about car clubs in and around the So. Bay area. In the front window of his shop he had his old printing press (very old)That place was a hang out for many of us kids back then...Do you happen to remember? Hey Dave, Sorry that one I do not remember.
Name: deano () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 17:08:32
Email: dkarels@sbcglobal.net
City and State: tustin
Class: 1965
Message: a 58 thomas guide and i thought i didn't throw anything away but that one takes the cake.
What I really need is a late 50s LA Area phone book. Anyone save one of those?
Name: Mike () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 17:06:09
Place Last Name Here: Shay
City and State: Cerritos
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey
Class: 1961
Message: Hello Cougars;
Hello Baker! When you and I worked at Tangers Shell we used to service the old faded red plymouth that belonged to Joe, the fellow at the hobby shop. He was sitting in the office one day while I was working on his car and I went in to ask him a question. He had one of his boots off and was making an adjustment to his artificial leg that was still inside of it. The arm and hand were pretty obvious but I didn't have any idea about the foot. He was a tough little dude. Like you say, he was always nice to me.
M.S.
Didn't know about the leg, but the name Joe is correct. Thanks Mikey
Name: David Neuschafer () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 16:23:53
Email: Dendan2@ aol.com
City and State: Vista, Calif
Maiden: Leuzinger
Class: 1959
Message: Sorry JB, I just now looked back on here...Great detective work! Yes, As I remember it was up a couple blocks north of Imperial and on the East side of the Blvd...Hope you guys didn't burn out too many brain-beans! I didn't realize you were looking for the old locations...Hey, back then we didn't go by addresses, cuz we knew where it was and just drove there, Right? Yep....
Name: al rocca () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 15:35:18
Email: alfred.p.rocca@boeing.com
City and State: Mesa, AZ
Class: 1970
Message: Speaking of tear drop trailers, what was the name of the kiddie park with the merry-go-round and other rides? As I recall there was a tear drop trailer dealer right next door. Another memory jogger
Hi Al, The Kiddie park was owned by the Rockwell family and I think it was called Rockwell Kiddie Land, but not sure. The teardrop trailer place next to it was Boyce Trailer Rentals.
Name: Chuck Armstrong () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 14:32:56
Email: Chuck@ArmstrongConsultingGroup.com
City and State: Orcutt, CA
Class: 1967
Message: If the Inglewood Auto Wrecking Yard was on the Boulevard with an address of 990, I think it would be closer to Century on the east side of the street, and it would have been in Inglewood proper.
Hey Chuck, I just looked at a 1958 Thomas Guide and the 800 block was at Imperial Hwy, so I'm guessing it would have been a couple of blocks North of Imperial on the East side of the Bl.
Name: Dennis Campbell () on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 13:31:29
Email: Denniscampbell2000@pacbell.net
City and State: MV CA
Class: 1961
Message: Hey JB the Inglewood Wrecking Yard was located on the east side of the boulevard very close to Imperial Hwy as best I can remember?(in the same area as where you would rent the bigger camp trailers not the little tear drops but the ones you could stand up and cook in and walk around inside) there were 3 yards on that side of the street back in the day.
Hey JB remember going in and asking if the wrecking yard had a certain kind of a part say a 55 Chevy radiator or whatever and the guy behind the counter would start yelling over an old looking radio ?Hey I need a 55 Hey I need a 55 give me 55 Chevy radiator I said Radiator Son give me a Radiator come on give me a call I said give me call? and with in a couple minutes there would be a call telling you to go to say Lawndale junk yard and pick it up?The Wrecking yards were way ahead of their times back then? O the smell of good old grease YA baby that?s what I?m talking about mm?
I remember Colorado Auto Wrecking right there, but don't remember Inglewood. Yes I do remember all the junk yards being connected to some sort of intercom system. That was a memory flogger for sure. Thanks Mammal...
