We began our day with a brief walk through Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.
From there we met our oldest daughter for lunch at the Dog Haus in Burbank, across the street from Warner Bros. We get the chance to eat there about once a year and I always enjoy it. I recommend the corn dogs in a root beer batter dip!
After lunch we went to the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale.
I've been curious about the museum for some time and was glad to finally have the chance to check it out.
The sign below explains the history of the Jantzen Diving Girl, recreated above:
A brief history of neon. Click this or any photo to enlarge for a closer look.
My favorite thing in the museum was the sign from Grauman's Chinese Theatre!
The history of the Chinese sign is explained here:
More shots taken in the museum:
I knew the museum was small but admit I was surprised at just how small; it was basically one room and a gift shop. I've seen photographs of other signs in the museum online, such as the Brown Derby sign, but they were not on display yesterday. I assume the museum must rotate its collection.
I especially like the "Birthday Cookie" with sprinkles, seen in the center below:
We stopped by Larry Edmunds Cinema Bookshop, where I purchased HALLIWELL'S HUNDRED.
I photographed the signs for a couple classic Hollywood restaurants, including Miceli's on Las Palmas Avenue, where we plan to eat this evening...
...and Musso & Frank on Hollywood Boulevard, which celebrates a century in business this year:
Our dinner destination last night was the Pig 'n Whistle on Hollywood Boulevard, established in 1927.
Coming soon, my post on opening night of the Noir City Hollywood Film Festival! (Update: Here is coverage of opening night!)
Halliwell was a brilliant observer and a great gentleman. Long before I entered the business I corresponded with him, and he was always appreciative and receptive. Quite a guy, although in the old days, most people were.
ReplyDeleteI envy your round of these landmark Hollywood eateries, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI also envy you getting to visit Larry Edmund's Cinema Bookshop. We had a wonderful little Cinema Bookshop in London, in Gt. Russell Street, near the British Museum. I first discovered it in 1969 and was a frequent visitor (and purchaser) thereafter for many years. Sadly, now gone.
Fascinating fun. Thanks for all the links and the history.
ReplyDeleteHalliwell was one of the bibles in our family. My dad would say "Check Leslie" or "Check Leonard" depending on what he wanted to know. I haven't heard of Halliwell's Hundred either. So glad I have now.
In Toronto, we used to have CineBooks on Yonge Street. So many purchases of books and lobby cards. So much time just browsing happily. I miss it.
Loved hearing your reminisces of Leslie Halliwell and cinema bookships of days gone by. Thank you all for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Laura