Atomic Age Alliance

Celebrating Mid Century Modern Design, Signage, Architecture, Culture & Business - Across ALL Geographic Boundaries


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2016

by

Chairperson

n.a.

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events:

Covina Bowl Anniversary Party

Event produced by Chris Nichols that celebrates the 60th birthday of the center. Gil Stratton was the sportscaster announcer at the opening day in 1956. His son Cary Stratton dressed up in a vintage suit and tie and hosted in homage to his father. The 1956 bowling alley was designed for brothers Louis, Leonard, and Angelo Brutocao by architectural firm Powers, Daly, and DeRosa. The Covina Bowl is also an advocacy issue.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/covina-bowl

20160211_201143

Advocacy

Van De Kamps

The giant Dutch Windmill (now Denny’s) on top of the 1967 Route 66 (Huntington Drive in Arcadia) folded plate roof coffee shop starts to operate again– the first time since 1989. Thanks in great part to the ModCom preservation efforts in 1999.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/dennys

Mission Hills Bowl

New development threatens the 1957 Bowling alley designed by Martin Stern Jr.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/mission-hills-bowl

Tangents

Trousdale Estates: Midcentury to Modern in Beverly Hills

Book appreciating the Hollywood Regency style towards the end of Modernism by Steven M. Price – October 25, 2016
https://www.amazon.com/Trousdale-Estates-Midcentury-Modern-Beverly/dp/1941393373/ref=llvn-20

2015

by

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

  • ModCom Turns 30

Meeting Locations

Advocacy

Church of Christ Scientist – aka Mosaic Church

Primary support for this preservation in 2015 came from http://www.saveresidentialhollywood.com/ however ModCom lent their support to the initiative.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/mosaic-church-fifth-church-christ-scientist

Kronish House

1954 Neutra Home in Beverly Hills Saved when it became a HCM in April 2015. Helped to solidy and activate the City of Beverly Hills preservation program.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/kronish-house
http://www.beverlyhillshistoricalsociety.org/

Norms Las Cienega

After the sale of the iconic eatery in 2014, a nomination was rushed to the city council. 1957 Googie by Armet and Davis received HCM on January 15, 2015
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/norms-la-cienega-coffee-shop

Robinson’s Department Store

Beautiful retail complex designed by Pereira in Beverly Hills Lost

Etc.

The predominance of issues described in the LA newsletter are Modern Issues
https://www.laconservancy.org/sites/default/files/files/documents/Mar-Apr15.pdf

Events

ModCom Turns 30

Thirtieth Birthday party for ModCom on March 28, 2015 at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Slide shows and presentations are given by Peter Moruzzi, Alan Lieb, Chris Nichols and Regina O’Brien

IMG_20150328_201547 20150328_205111

Annual Holiday Party:

December 7

Modern Master Awards:

  • Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr
  • Architectural photographer Wayne Thom

Tangents

MAK Architecture Valley Tour

Tour in conjunction with Dwell on Design on October 18, 2015 featured classic works of architecture in the San Fernando Valley: Van Dekker House (R.M. Schindler, 1939-1940) Goodwin House (R.M. Schindler, 1940) Phineas Kappe House (Ray Kappe, 1956) Barsha House (Ray Kappe, 1959) Struckus House (Bruce Goff, 1982)

John Elgin Woolf Exhibit and Talk

Steven Price lecture on Hollywood Regency style at the Palos Verdes Art Center

Palm Springs Paradise

by Peter Moruzzi – July 1, 2015
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Paradise-Peter-Moruzzi/dp/142363991X/ref=llvn-20

Tiki Style

by Sven Kirsten– February 15, 2015
https://www.amazon.com/Tiki-Style-Sven-Kirsten/dp/3836555085/ref=llvn-20

Crestwood Hills: The Chronicle of a Modern Utopia

by Cory Buckner (Author), Amy Inouye (Illustrator) – March 30, 2015
https://www.amazon.com/Crestwood-Hills-Chronicle-Modern-Utopia/dp/1626400245/ref=llvn-20

Shag Store Opens in L.A.

New store on Melrose September 2015

2014

by

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Bowlerama Exhibit

Chris Nichols Bowling Exhibit at the A&D museum
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Let’s go bowling with Chris Nichols

Advocacy

Norms Las Cienega

After the sale of the iconic eatery in 2014, a nomination was rushed to the city council. 1957 Googie by Armet and Davis received HCM on January 15, 2015

Annual Holiday Party

Richard and Dion Neutra Museum

Modern Master Awards:

  • Richard Bradshaw
  • Raul Coronel
  • Pat B. DeRosa, AIA
  • Ray Kappe, FAIA
  • Malcom Leland
  • Gordon Powers, AIA
  • Kent Twitchell
  • Tom Van Sant

Tangents

MAK Architecture Silverlake Tour

MAK Center celebrated its 20th year by opening a set of exemplary private houses in Silver Lake by R.M. Schindler. May 17 – May 18, 2014 featuring: How House (1925) Elliot House (1930) Bubeshko Apartments (1938/1941)  Wilson House (1938) Falk Apartments penthouse (1939) Droste House (1940)

Southern CaliforniaLand: Mid Century Culture in Kodachrome

Colorful photo coffee table book by Charles Phoenix published June 2014
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Californialand-Mid-Century-Culture-Kodachrome/dp/1883318424/ref=llvn-20

Eames: Beautiful Details

by Eames Demetrios  (Author), Charles Eames (Author), Ray Eames (Author)– November 1, 2014

Tiki Pop: America imagines its own Polynesian Paradise

by Sven Kirsten– August 1, 2014

Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles’ Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier

by Christopher Merritt  (Author), Domenic Priore  (Author), Brian Wilson(Foreword) July 22, 2014

2013

by

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Venice Tour

Architecture of the 1970s and 1980s

Advocacy

Johnies Coffee Shop

Classic building at Wilshire and Fairfax is nominated for Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument (HCM) Nomination on November 27, 2013. Nomination was written with the help of Alan Hess.

https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/johnies-coffee-shop

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/27/news/la-lh-case-study-houses-national-register-historic-places-20130824

Gregory Ain Mar Vista Housing Tract

Successful HPOZ nomination of the. 52 one story homes. Nomination primarily written by Amanda Seward

Case Study Houses

CSH received National Register Status. Eleven original dwellings remained in Los Angeles, Sand Diego and Ventura counties. Work by Charles Eames, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koeing, Eero Saarinen, and Rodney Walker. Ten of them ended up being successfully nominated by 2013. The eleventh was owner opposed. Volunteers who contributed to the successful completion of this effort include: Steven Kyle, _______________. The Modern Committee is given the Governor’s Preservation Award for its work on the Case Study house nominations.

Annual Holiday Party:

USC Religious Center

Modern Master Awards:

Tangents:

Palm Springs ModCom and Preservation Foundation

ModCom members continue to participate and advocate for preservation in Palm Springs, CA.

palm springs

Sheilah Graham’s Hollywood Drive Tour

Great Autos of Yesteryear produces a self driving car rally tour focused on location and dates of “September 1956”

MAK Architecture Venice Tour

Venice Area tour on June 23, 2013 featured architecture related to Everything Loose Will Land in the Getty Foundation’s Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A. Houses included: Spiller House (Frank Gehry, 1980) Alan Voo House (Neil M. Denari Architects, house renovation / extension, 2007) Peter Alexander Studio (Peter Alexander, 1999) Petal House (Eric Owen Moss, 1982)
2-4-6-8 House (Morphosis, 1978)

A. Quincy Jones: Building for Better Living

Hammer Museum’s first major museum retrospective of the Los Angeles-based architect’s work. Also included two days of exclusive architectural tours of some of Jones’s most remarkable built projects on June 22 and June 29, 2013.

The book A. Quincy Jones: Building for Better Living by Brooke Hodge is released June 25, 2013
https://www.amazon.com/Quincy-Jones-Building-Better-Living/dp/3791352652/ref=llvn-20

Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990

One of 17 museum and gallery multi-institution collaborative events featured in Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A.. Opened April 9, 2013 at the Getty, celebrates Mutual Housing Association in Crestwood, Richard Neutra’s glass box houses in Silver Lake and Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown. Overdrive is what its similar-sounding 2011 counterpart did for art.

2011

by

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Eldon Davis Memorial

On April 22, 2011 Eldon Davis Passes away. The Modern Committee gathersa few days later at Pann’s in Culver City in memorium.

Nichols Birthday Party at WigWam Hotel

Showcase of ModCom talent at Nichols’ annual birthday party.

wigwam piano1 gang

Advocacy:

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building

Office designed by Paul R. Williams in 1949 is successfully nominated as a HCM I Los Angeles and lobby murals are preserved in situ.

DWP Headquarter

Successful nomination of the Department of Water and Power headquarters designed by Albert C. Martin and Associates in 1965 and seen in so many movies and image of quintessential Los Angeles.

Glendale County Building

Modcom keeps a watchful eye out for this 1959 government building along with the City of Glendale and the Glendale Historical Society when the AOC proposed to demolish the existing annex “and much of the existing building.”
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/glendale-county-building

Annual Holiday Party:

UCLA Faculty Center

Modern Master Awards:

  • Robert Burman
  • Victor Cusack, FAIA
  • James De Long, FAIA
  • Edward Fickett, FAIA
  • Harry Gesner, AIA

Tangents

Rat Pack Moment

The Atomic Age Alliance in Las Vegas conducts a bus tour in which one of the highlights is finding the exact location of where the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford) stood for the famous picture of them in front of the Sands Hotel sign on the Strip. Many ModCom members are present.

rat pack moment 2011

John Lautner 100th Birthday Tour

MAK Center partnered with The John Lautner Foundation for a house tour on the occasion of John Lautner’s 100th birthday July 23, 2011. Included the Harpel House (1956), the Jacobsen House (1947), the Schwimmer House (1982), and the Sheats/Goldstein Residence (1963/1989).

AIA “East and West of 405”

Tour on March 2011 – four houses for its first spring Modern home tour.

Dapper Day at Disneyland

Retro fashion event, “Dapper Day” at Disneyland is started by Justin Jorgensen.

Modern Tract Homes of Los Angeles

Modern Tract Homes of Los Angeles touches on the history of modern architecture and explores five housing tracts built between 1948 and 1964. By John Eng and Adriene Biondo.
https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Tract-Homes-Los-Angeles/dp/076433865X/ref=llvn-20

2010

by

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

The Sixties Turn 50

Nine month program with various events spotlighting iconic buildings of the 1960s including tours, panel discussions, online polls, and a mobile app.

Home Sixties Home

Tour of iconic tracts of MCM Homes across Los Angeles.
http://takesunset.com/2010/03/home-sixties-home-tour/

Advocacy:

Lincoln Place

Ralph A. Vaughn & Heth Warton, 1949-1951 concludes a ten year long effort to save this important Garden city apartment complex. Saved!

Johnnies Broiler

Downey coffee shop receives a LAC Preservation Award
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/bobs-big-boy-broiler

Balboa Highlands

Successful HPOZ nomination of housing tract developed by Joseph Eichler. 108 Mid Century homes designed by A. Quincy Jones and Emmons as well as Claude Oakland. Nomination primarily written by Adriene Biondo.

Annual Holiday Party:

Clifton’s Cafeteria

Modern Master Awards:

  • Eldon Davis, AIA
  • William Krisel, FAIA
  • Dion Neutra, FAIA
  • Victor Newlove, AIA

Tangents

MAK Architecture Shulman Tour

Tour on the 100th birthday of renowned architecture photographer Julius Shulman, October 10, 2010. Featured modern residences shot over the course of his career: Lovell Health House (Richard Neutra, 1929), Gold House (R.M. Schindler, 1945), Kun House (Richard Neutra, 1936), Hillside House (Carl Louis Maston, 1948),  Shulman House (Raphael Soriano, 1950), and Gantert House (Pierre Koenig, 1981).

Stardust Las Vegas Closing

ModCom members meet to witness the last show in the showroom – Steve and Edye Gourmet.

stardust gang

Mondo Lounge III

Final Mondo Lounge event at the Palms Hotel October 10, 2010

Shag Store Opens

SHAG Store opens in Palm Springs. Cherry Capri finally introduces Alan Hess to SHAG on May 8, 2010

Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm

by Christopher Merritt  (Author), J. Eric Lynxwiler (Author), Tony Baxter(Foreword) – June 1, 2010. ModCom friends gather at the Birdcage Theater to enjoy a slide show.
https://www.amazon.com/Knotts-Preserved-Boysenberry-Theme-History/dp/1883318777/ref=llvn-20

Southern California Eats 2

More of Southern California’s roadside eateries by John Eng and Adriene Biondo.

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Eats-John-Eng/dp/0764336398/ref=llvn-20

2009

by

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2008-2009

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

  • Modern Masters Awards are established

Meeting Locations

Events

City of Seekers L.A. Unique Spiritual Legacy

Tour of buildings of the 20th century that have ties to unusual spiritual movements.

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod City

Tour was part of a year-long program called “The Sixties Turn 50” to highlight the fact than many of our mid-20th century buildings are now eligible for historic landmark status.
http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-mod-mod-mod-mod-city.html

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

Downey which was determined eligible for the California Register in 2002 is unceremoniously AND illegally demolished in 2007. Jim Louder agrees to rebuild the Broiler as a new Bob’s Big Boy restaurant along with assistance from the City of Downey Redevelopment Agency.

CBS Columbia Square

Saved March 2009

Columbia Savings

1965 bank building on Miracle Mile demolished in 2010.
https://www.laconservancy.org/issues/columbia-savings

Annual Holiday Party:

Los Angeles City Hall

Modern Master Awards

  • Jack Laxar
  • Leland Lee
  • Julius Shulman
  • Marvin Rand

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Tangents

MAC Architecture Tour

Annual tour focus Silverlake and Los Feliz on October 4, 200 including seven residences dating from 1926 through 1964, by seminal architects R.M. Schindler, Gregory Ain, Raphael Soriano, Harwell Harris and Craig Ellwood.

Palm Springs Holiday: A Vintage Tour from Palm Springs to the Saltan Sea

by Peter Moruzzi – September 1, 2009
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Holiday-Vintage-Saltan/dp/1423604768/ref=llvn-20

Autumn’s Come Undone

A radical departure in SHAG’s style away from satirical pop Modern look – to a dark and foreboding feeling. New book by Shag– October 15, 2009
https://www.amazon.com/Autumns-Come-Undone-Shag/dp/0979330734/ref=llvn-20

“William Krisel, Architect”

Film is produced by Design on Screen
http://www.designonscreen.org/dvds/william-krisel-architect/

Case Study Houses June 2009

by Elizabeth Smith (Author), Peter Gossel (Editor), Julius Shulman (Photographer)
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Study-Houses-Elizabeth-Smith/dp/3836510219/ref=llvn-20

Southern California Eats

A fresh look at Southern California’s roadside eateries. Embark on a road trip to out-of-the-way Route 66 landmarks, futuristic Googie coffee shops, and exotic Polynesian paradises. Part-homage and part-guidebook, this photo essay captures the flavor and character of Southern California’s most unique eating establishments. By John Eng and Adriene Biondo.
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Eats-John-Eng/dp/0764333321/ref=llvn-20

2008

by

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Alan Lieb, 2008-2009

Milestones in the Community

  • Dwell on Design Conference is launched. this conference later adds tours of Modern Homes to its offerings

Meeting Locations

Event

The ultimate Nichols wedding at historic Agua Caliente.

Advocacy

Lou Ehlers Cadillac

1955 car showroom designed by Stiles Clements Associates. One of the most significant automobile showrooms in the country. After a brief preservation effort, it was quickly demolished before advocacy could occur.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/lou-ehlers-cadillac-demolished

Tangents

MAK Architecture Tour

Tour produced in partnership with the Hammer Museum groundbreaking exhibition Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner on view July 13-October 12, 2008 in Westwood, focused on the work of John Lautner. Included: Harpel Residence (1956), Tyler Residence (1953) Schwimmer Residence (1982) Jacobsen Residence (1947), Harvey Residence (1950) Reiner-Burchill Residence also known as Silvertop (1963) Sheats-Goldstein Residence (1963).

Shag: A-Z: A BLAB! Storybook

by Shag  (Author), Monte Beauchamp (Editor) – March 5, 2008

Havana Before Castro: When Cuba Was a Tropical Playground Perfect

by Peter Moruzzi– August 1, 2008
https://www.amazon.com/Havana-Before-Castro-Tropical-Playground/dp/1423603672/ref=llvn-20

Frank Lloyd Wright the Buildings

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer), – October 21, 2008

2007

by

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Milestones in the Community

  • Johnnie Broiler is illegally demolished and galvanizes the community towards preservation.

Meeting Locations

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

Downey coffee shop which was determined eligible for the California Register in 2002 is unceremoniously AND illegally demolished in the middle of the night. Efforts to rebuild go on through 2009.

Driftwood Dairy

Successful nomination of the drive-thru retail spot built in 1960-1961 in El Monte. Registered to the California Register of historic place in 2007-2008
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/driftwood-dairy

Glen Luken’s House

Historic-Cultural Monument #866 in 2007
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/glen-lukens-house

Tangents

Atomic Age Alliance

Preservation group founded in Las Vegas by ModCom member, Mary-Margaret and Cary Stratton and Palm Springs preservationists, Jay Nailor and MiShell Modern

(This is what this site has become!!!)

MAK Architecture Tour

The tour focused on the work of Archibald Quincy Jones (1913-1979) on October 6 – October 7, 2007. Featured Jones’s work on the groundbreaking cooperative community built for the Mutual Housing Association (MHA) in the Crestwood Hills area of Brentwood from 1946-1950. Seven homes opened for the tour, and Jones’ first work, his own home and studio in Laurel Canyon (1938, in partnership with Ruth Schneider), and St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (1962) in Studio City. In addition, the tour featured The Lohrie House (Rodney Walker, 1947) and Bernheim House (Ray Kappe, 1961).

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Mondo Lounge Atomic Frolic

Mondo Lounge event moves to the Thunderbird Hotel in Las Vegas and features many ModCom members.
http://www.mondolounge.com

mlaf (5) bop_swat1 bop_fezguys

A Prolific Year for ModCom ‘family’ Books

The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister

Book written by Chris Nichols is published March 9, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Leisure-Architecture-Wayne-McAllister-Nichols/dp/1586856995/ref=llvn-20

Shop America: Mid-Century Storefront Design, 1938-1950

by Steven Heller  (Author), Jim Heimann  (Editor) – March 12, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Shop-America-Mid-Century-Storefront-1938-1950/dp/3822842699/ref=llvn-20

Los Angeles Neon

by Nathan Marsak (Author), Nigel Cox (Author) – July 1, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Los-Angeles-Neon-Nathan-Marsak/dp/0764315420/ref=llvn-20

Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock’n’Roll’s Last Stand in Hollywood

by Domenic Priore  (Author), Arthur Lee (Foreword) – July 12, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Riot-Sunset-Strip-RocknRolls-Hollywood/dp/1906002045/ref=llvn-20

Forgotten Modern: California Houses 1940-1970

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer) – September 11, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Modern-California-Houses-1940-1970/dp/1586858580/ref=llvn-20

Frank Lloyd Wright Mid-Century Modern

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub (Photographer) – October 23, 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-Mid-Century-Modern/dp/0847829766/ref=llvn-20

Tiki Modern Hardcover

Sven A Kirsten 2007
https://www.amazon.com/Tiki-Modern-Sven-Kirsten/dp/3822847178/ref=llvn-20

SHAG With a Twist

Stage Ballet Show moves to Las Vegas
http://www.shagwithatwist.com

2006

by

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Milestones in the Community

  • Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale by Dolphin Promotions and an annual symposium is organized by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, showcase the world-renowned midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs. This was an outgrowth of an earlier “20th Century” show that began in 2000.

Meeting Locations

Event

Spectacular Vernacular Tour

details

Advocacy

Capitol Records Building

HCM Nomination written by ____

The Foster Residence in Balboa Highlands

Successful HCM #848 nomination of Mid Century Modern home designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons. Nomination written by Mary-Margaret Stratton.

HCM 848 1

 

Mullen and Bluett building

1949 department store designed in great detail by Stiles O. Clements was demolished in 2006 alongside the 1936 Phelps-Terkel store by Morgan, walls and Clements.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/mullen-and-bluett-demolished

Tangents

MAK Architecture Tour

The 2006 fundraiser tour on October 1, 2006 featured houses by Modernist masters including Irving Gill, Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner and Pierre Koenig. It concentrated on residencies around the Hollywood Hills.

Americana the Beautiful: Mid Century Culture in Kodachrome

Coffee table book written by Charles Phoenix published in June 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Americana-Beautiful-Mid-Century-Culture-Kodachrome/dp/1883318548/ref=llvn-20

Oscar Niemeyer: Houses

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub  (Photographer) – May 16, 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Niemeyer-Houses-Alan-Hess/dp/0847827984/ref=llvn-20

Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub  (Photographer) – August 2, 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Architecture-Modernism-Alan-Hess-ebook/dp/1586858572/ref=llvn-20

Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes

by Michelle Gringeri-Brown  (Author), Jim Brown (Photographer) – August 29, 2006
https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Ranch-Design-Ideas-Stylish/dp/1423600029/ref=llvn-20

Eichler Network

The Eichler Network Newsletter changes its name to CA-Modern Magazine since 2006

2005

by

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Curating the City: Wilshire Blvd

A self guided driving tour that includes six docent stops on October 2, 2005. The tour is instigated by Eric Lynxwiler and Kevin Roderick with help from Jane McNamara, Willian Deverell, Thomas S. Hines, Richard Longstreth, Merry Ovnick, Doug Suisman and Robert W. Winter. A companion book is produced called Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles by Kevin Roderick with research by J. Eric Lynxwiler. A Special Exhibit on MCM architecture on Wilshire Blvd. is mounted at Johnies with a book signing of Googie Redux by author Alan Hess.
https://www.amazon.com/Wilshire-Boulevard-Grand-Concourse-Angeles/dp/1883318556/ref=llvn-20

palumbo

Retro Fashion Show at El Rey Theater

Fashion Show featuring vintage evening, cocktail & daywear from the 1930’s – 60’s from the lines Peggy Hunt and Jeannette Alexander and three course tea. Produced in association with the Art Deco Society.

DSC02503 lineup3

Tangent:

Event: A Tiki Tour of Southern California”

Ad hoc tour produced by Mike Skinner (aka ZuluMagoo)

MAK Architecture Tour

Tour on October 2, 2005 included: Walker House (R.M. Schindler 1936), Wilson House (R.M. Schindler, 1935-38), Yates Studio (R.M. Schindler, 1938-47), Silvertop (John Lautner, 1957), Tierman House (Gregory Ain, 1939), Bubeshko Apartments (R.M. Schindler, 1938 and 1941), Schlessinger House (R.M. Schindler, 1952) Elliot House (R.M. Schindler, 1930) and Wolff House in Sherman Oaks (R.M. Schindler, 1938).

James Bond Theme Party

Party event produced by Cary and Mary-Margaret Stratton in an Eichler in Balboa Highlands that ends with a ninja shootout and fireworks in the pool.

DSC02220IMG_0904

Frank Lloyd Wright – The Houses

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub  (Photographer), – November 1, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-Houses-Alan/dp/0847827364/ref=llvn-20

The Ranch House

by Alan Hess  (Author), Noah Sheldon (Author, Photographer) – January 1, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Ranch-House-Alan-Hess/dp/0810943468/ref=llvn-20

All Summer Long, Vol. 4: Dumb Angel

by Brian Chidester  (Author), Domenic Priore  (Author) – August 1, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/All-Summer-Long-Vol-Angel/dp/0977353206/ref=llvn-20

Shag: The Art of Josh Agle

by Josh Agle (Author), Colin Berry (Author), Billy Shire (Foreword) – August 11, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Shag-Art-Josh-Agle/dp/081185096X/ref=llvn-20

Shag, Ltd: Fine Art Limited Editions, A Catalogue Raisonne

by Shag  (Author) – December 11, 2005
https://www.amazon.com/Shag-Ltd-Editions-Catalogue-Raisonne/dp/0867196467/ref=llvn-20

2004

by

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

  • ModCom is Twenty Years Old!
  • Atomic Ranch: Midcentury Marvels – A new magazine devoted entirely to ranch houses. Jim Brown, the publisher, and Michelle Gringeri-Brown, the editor
  • Panorama on Hollywood Blvd closes and is torn down.

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Meeting Locations

Event

20-20-20: 20 years – 20 sites – 20 Bucks”

Tout that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Modern Committee that included 20 sites for attendees to choose from over a weekend. vernacular buildings, formal residential architecture, industrial buildings, innovative commercial design, recreational architecture. Attendees also could purchase a limited edition of 200 prints – 13 color serigraph by SHAG called “L.A. Modern” with all proceeds benefitting ModCom.

Sites included:

  • Eames House – Mary-Margaret Stratton, Tour Captain
  • Casa de Cadillac –Jeff Stork, Tour Captain
  • Downey McDonalds – Tour Captain
  • First Modern Historic District – Tour Captain
  • Cinerama Dome – Tour Captain
  • Crestwood Hills development in Brentwood – Tour Captain
  • VDL Research House – Tour Captain
  • Mar Vista Tract Homes – Tour Captain
  • Pann’s Coffee Shop – Tour Captain
  • Raphel Soriano – Shulman House – Tour Captain

nathan - marymargaret- jack laxar - charlene - daniel debbie-mike-mm-eames-matt-adam-cindy DSC00416

Hobo Party

In Glendale

Holiday Party

Beverly Blvd.

Advocacy

Case Study House

Efforts to landmark begin. Peter Moruzzi begins to prepare a National Register multiple property nomination for the entire Case Study House Program. Eleven original dwellings remained in Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties. Work by Charles Eames, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koeing, Eero Saarinen, and Rodney Walker. Ten of them ended up being successfully nominated by 2013. The eleventh was owner opposed.

Friend Paper Company

Portions of the fabulous Modern commercial structure designed in 1964 by Smith & Williams and located on West Green Street, were saved from demolition due to Pasadena Heritage’s advocacy along with ModCom support

Tangents

Mondo Lounge Event “Where Cocktail Cultures Collide.”

A full day event on October 16, 2004 produced by Mary-Margaret Stratton included a vintage car rally and a conference and entertainment event that included many members of the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee. Presentations by Charles Phoenix, Nathan Marsac, Eric Lynxwiler, Tony Merchell and Michael Palumbo.
www.mondolounge.com

10/16/04- Los Feliz-Shot at the first Mondo Lounge DAVID SPRAGUE-fezmen phoenix2

Googie Redux: Ultramodern Roadside

Book released October 7, 2004 by Alan Hess is a significantly expanded follow-up to the seminal book, Googie.
https://www.amazon.com/Googie-Redux-Ultramodern-Roadside-Architecture/dp/081184272X/ref=llvn-20

Getty Talks

Eric Lynxwiler and Charles Pheonix give talks at the Getty Museum

DSC00923 DSC00926

 

2003

by

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

Hollywood Star Lanes Bowling Alley – filming site of the Big Lebowsky is torn down.

 

 

Meeting Locations

Event: “Built by Beckett Centennial Celebration”

Tour of buildings by Welton Beckett and Associates. Event also includes a presentation at Beckett designed Cinerama Dome. Members of the Beckett family are in attendance.

beckett-cinerama-GenaroMolinaLAT beckett2 beckett7 beckett10 beckett-slides2 beckett-interior-LAT

Download Tour Map as a PDF

Advocacy

Holiday Bowl

Designed by Armet and David in 1958 – part of a long preservation battle that concluded with the salvation of the coffee shop. The bowling alley is demolished.

Ambassador Hotel Presentation

Panel Discussion on preservation options

limo front-petenix coffeeshop fromaudience

Tangents:

Mondo Tiki and Mondo Vegas Tour

Mondo Tiki event at the Hard Rock Hotel and Mondo Vegas bus tour on Friday Night, April 18thconducted by MM Stratton and Eric Lynxwiler ended just in time for cocktails at 9PM at Taboo Cove (Designed by SHAG and ___at the Venetian. Highlights included: The Infamous Giant Aku Aku Moai from the Stardust Hotel, 1950s and 1960s Boulder Highway Googie motels, Neon Sign Museum at Fremont Street, 1955 National Register Moulin Rouge, Narrated History of Vegas and the Strip.

logo

Apartment Living is Great

Leslie Marlene Siegel produces an exhibit and book celebrating Los Angeles graphic dingbats at the Outre Gallery in Melbourne, Australia

Art Cars at the Petersen Museum

Event is introduced by Michael Palumbo, former ModCom chair

MAK Architectural Lovell Houses Tours

November 1, 2003 tour featured the two houses designed for Philip Lovell: Lovell Health House (Richard Neutra, 1929) and Lovell Beach House (R.M. Schindler, 1926).

Book of Tiki signing

Book signing at La Luz de Jesus Gallery and Wacko book store solidifies the important place of Tiki in preservation of Mid Century architecture and design

Southern California in the ’50s: Sun, Fun and Fantasy

Book by Charles Phoenix is published June 1, 2003
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-50s-Sun-Fantasy/dp/1883318491/ref=llvn-20

2002

by

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Article on the Modern Committee – Photo at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank – Not sure where article appeared?

bobs big boy

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

Coffee Shop in Downey is determined eligible for the California Register.

Ambassador College of Fine Arts and Sciences

Ambassador College campus was sold to private developers. These historic buildings in Pasadena Lost

 

Tangents

MAK Tour

October 20, 2002 self-driving tour of Richard Neutra’s Van Cleef House (1942), R.M. Schindler’s Tischler House (1949-50) and Craig Ellwood’s Broughton House (1950).

God Bless Americana Book

First coffee table produced based on the retro vacation road trip slide collections of Charles Phoenix
https://www.amazon.com/God-Bless-Americana-Charles-Phoenix/dp/1558686444/ref=llvn-20

A. Quincy Jones

Seminal review of the work of the FAIA architect by Cory Buckner  released June 5, 2002
https://www.amazon.com/Quincy-Jones-Cory-Buckner/dp/0714840742/ref=llvn-20

Eichler: Modernism Rebuilds the American Dream

Eichler Network founder Marty Arbunich along with author Paul Adamson expose the Eichler story to the masses. It is not the first book on Eichler Homes, but it is the best. November 30, 2002
https://www.amazon.com/Eichler-Modernism-Rebuilds-American-Dream/dp/1586851845/ref=llvn-20

Future Perfect: Vintage Futuristic Graphics

Another Taschen Icon Series book by Jim Heimann – September 1, 2002
https://www.amazon.com/Future-Perfect-Vintage-Futuristic-Graphics/dp/3822815667/ref=llvn-20

2001

by

Chairperson

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

  • Tiki Oasis – Otto Von Stroheim, a friend of the Modern Committee, begins to produce what will become an annual event that celebrates the Polynesian Pop culture in Southern California and abroad. It was first celebrated at the Caliente Tropics Motel in Palm Springs in 2001. Modern committee members and extended family who contributed included: Pete Moruzzi, Sven Kirsten, Kevin & Jody, Steve Luchsinger, Crazy Al, Bamboo Ben, Derek Yaniger, Mateo, Jim Giddings, Lee Joseph.
    http://www.tikioasis.com

Meeting Locations

Events

Silverlake Tour

A LAC ModCom tour of SilverLake is produced in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art on May 5, 2001

3D L.A.: Modernism in Three Dimensions. The Stereo Photography of Jack Laxar 1953-1965

A 3-D slide show of mid-century buildings displayed in Downtown Los Angeles.

Tangents

Knotts Berry Farm Tour

Ad hoc tour of Knott’s Berry Farm took place on Saturday, June 23, 2001 produced by Mary-Margaret Stratton. Speakers included: Chris Merritt, Daniel Paul and Charles Phoenix.
http://new.lottalivin.com/events/past-lotta-events/knotts/

knotts_cover

MAK Architecture Tour

Tour on August 19, 2001 featured residences designed by architect R.M. Schindler: Gold House (Studio City, 1945), and Elliot House (Los Feliz, 1930)and Rodriguez House (Glendale, 1941).

All-American Ads of the 50s

by Jim Heimann  (Editor) – December 1, 2001
https://www.amazon.com/All-American-Ads-50s-Jim-Heimann/dp/3822811580/ref=llvn-20

ART OF SHAG: BOTTOMLESS COCKTAIL

by Shag
https://www.amazon.com/ART-SHAG-BOTTOMLESS-COCKTAIL-Shag/dp/0867195282/ref=llvn-20

Palm Springs Modernism Scene Explodes

Palm Springs Modern Committee

PS Modcom produces a comprehensive map to Modern Architecture

Alexander Weekend

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PS PF) produces an “Alexander Weekend” March 25-27

When Mod Went Mass: A Celebration of Alexander Homes

Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation produces a weekend of exclusive home tours November 2-4

Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

by Andrew Danish (Author), Alan Hess – April, 2001
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Weekend-Architecture-Midcentury/dp/0811828042/ref=llvn-20

 

2000

by

Chairperson

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Milestones in the Community

  • National Trust For Historic Preservation Conference – Conference held in Los Angeles. Several tracts on Modernism with participation by Modcom members. In addition a special 1 day bus tour version of the How Modern Was My Valley conducted by Mary-Margaret Stratton.
  • Dwell Magazine is launched.

Meeting Locations

  • El Paradiso ModCom Meeting
    modcom photo

Events

How Modern Was My Valley Two Day Tour

Tour – more info on website:
www.HowModernWasMyValley.com

valleytour_spread1

Mid Century Riverside Tour

Ad hoc, yet comprehensive self-driving tour of the greater downtown Riverside area on 9-30-2000. Produced by Daniel Paul. Coincides with the “Everyday Modernism Conference at UCR

Your Government in Glendale

Ad hoc walking tour produced by Laura Friedman. Laura later went on to become a Glendale city council member and mayor.

Advocacy

Holiday Bowl

Bowling alley designed by Armet and David 1958 becomes a long preservation battle – concludes in 2003.

Lincoln Place

Garden city apartment complex by Ralph A. Vaughn & Heth Warton, 1949-1951 become a ten year long effort to save. Efforts conclude in 2010.

August 14, 2014 marked the reopening of Lincoln Place, a historic 38-acre, 1951 garden apartment complex off Lincoln Boulevard in Venice.  thanks to Amanda Seward for her leadership as the ModCom residential committee chair and for her work on the California Register nomination.

www.laconservancy.org/gardenapartments

https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/lincoln-place

Tangents:

The Architecture of John Lautner

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub  (Photographer) – January 1, 2000
https://www.amazon.com/Architecture-John-Lautner-Alan-Hess/dp/0847822222/ref=llvn-20

Rancho Deluxe: Rustic Dreams and Real Western Living

by Alan Hess  (Author), Alan Weintraub  (Author)  – March 1, 2000
https://www.amazon.com/Rancho-Deluxe-Rustic-Dreams-Western/dp/0811824209/ref=llvn-20

MAK Architecture Tour

Sites included: Buck House (R.M. Schindler, 1934), DeKeyser House (R.M. Schindler, 1935), Dunsmuir Flats (Gregory Ain, 1937), Bonnet House (Richard Neutra, 1942), Fitzpatrick House (R.M. Schindler, 1936), Mackey Apartments (R.M. Schindler, 1939), Hailey House (Richard Neutra, 1958), Kallis House (R.M. Schindler, 1946), Kings Road House-Studio (R.M. Schindler, 1922), Shulman House and Studio (Raphael Soriano, 1950), Bergren Residence (John Lautner, 1951). And cocktails at Case Study House #22, designed by architect Pierre Koenig.

1999

by

Chairperson

Chris Nichols, 1998-1999

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Milestones in the Community

  • LottaLiving Online Community is born. Initiated by Mary-Margaret Stratton in order to widen the net of preservation to advocates beyond the Southern California area.
    www.lottaliving.com/bb
    online_lotta2
  • Palm Springs Modern Committee – PS Modcom is founded in part by ModCom member Peter Moruzzi
    www.psmodcom.org

Meeting Locations

Advocacy

Van De Kamps Windmill

Denny’s propses to demolish the giant Dutch windmill on top of the 1967 Route 66 (Huntington Drive in Arcadia) folded plate roof coffee shop designed by Pasadena architects Harold Bissner and Harold Zoo. Mary-Margaret and Cary Stratton don handmade paper windmill hats that garner much needed publicity at a rally. The building is preserved. The windmill actually starts to operate again in 2016 – the first time since 1989.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/dennys

windmill 

Tangents:

Cruising the Pomona Valley 1930-1970 Tour

Ad hoc tour and booklet produced by Charles Phoenix that also included an in-depth tour of the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. Given on June 15, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Pomona-Valley-1930-thru/dp/0967292107/ref=llvn-20

Leis, Luaus, and Alohas: The Lure of Hawai’i in the Fifties (Island Treasures)

Book co-written by Fred E. Basten and Charles Phoenix published in July, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Leis-Luaus-Alohas-Fifties-Treasures/dp/0896103978/ref=llvn-20

Fabulous Las Vegas in the ’50s: Glitz, Glamour and Games

Book of pure kitsch from Elvis to Liberace, Ann Margret to Sinatra and more, co-written by Fred E. Basten and Charles Phoenix published October 1, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Fabulous-Las-Vegas-50s-Glamour/dp/188331805X/ref=llvn-20

Sins of the City: The Real Los Angeles Noir

The author, Jim Heimann, gives a lecture on the other sinful side of L.A. at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. The book is releases May 1, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Sins-City-Real-Angeles-Noir/dp/0811823199/ref=llvn-20

1998

by

Chairperson

Chris Nichols, 1998-1999

Milestones in the Community

  • Modern Committee Website is launched initiated by Mary-Margaret Stratton
    320_983699530
  • Charles Phoenix First “Americana” Slide Show first showed his slides to ModCom members. His first public event, entitled “God Bless Americana: The Retro Vacation Slide Show of the USA”, was held at the California Map and Travel Store in Los Angeles in 1998. What begins as a friendly get-together mushrooms into a phenomenon. His outreach ends up bring Modern kitsch images to the masses
    http://www.charlesphoenix.com/
    _DSC0281

Meeting Locations

Events

A Place in the Sun: Architecture of Wayne McAllister 1928-1961

Exhibit honors the influential work of Wayne McAllister showcasing his career from 1930s drive-in restaurants to Las Vegas hotels in the 1950s

wayne3

Terminal Island Long Beach Tour

 

Ad hoc self-driving caravan tour produced by Daniel Paul

1998 terminal island tour

Advocacy

Albert Frey Gas Station in Palm Springs – check this date

Modcom travels to speak on behalf of the Tramway Gas Station at the PS City Council

Cinerama Done

Pacific Theaters, proposed a project that would have destroyed the theater’s existing plaza, box offices, and marquee. Modcom contributed to the efforts of Doug Haines to save the iconic theater in Hollywood (along with Hollywood Heritage and Friends of Cinerama) which was made an HCM on December 18, 1998.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/cinerama-dome

Tangents

MAK Center Schindler Tour

Tour on November 6 – 7, 1998 presented: Sachs Apartments (1926-1928, 1934-1940), Grokowsky House (1928), Elliot House (1930), Yates Studio (1938, remodeled 1998), Falk Apartments (1939-1940), Roth House (1945), and Laurelwood Apartments (1946-1949).

May I Take Your Order: American Menu Design 1920-1960

A book which sheds light on many obscure Los Angeles eateries by Jim Heimann  June 1, 1998
https://www.amazon.com/May-Take-Your-Order-1920-1960/dp/0811817830/ref=llvn-20

1997

by

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Cruising Industrial Los Angeles

Tour produced by Peter Mouruzzi which roughly follows the Los Angeles River and Major rails lines to discover the industrial backbone of Los Angeles. Stops include:

  • Sparkletts Water
  • Vernon Light and Power Plant

http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/03/local/me-38740

Advocacy

Grandma Prisbey’s Bottle Village Tour and Cleanup – check this date

Ad hoc tour of the folk art environment built between 1955 and 1983 in Simi Valley produced by Daniel Paul

Tangents

Modern Architecture in Palm Springs California, USA

A weekend Tour November 8 & 9 and Slide Show October 20. Produced entirely by Tony Merchell in conjunction with his presentation to the DOCOMOMO Conference in Germany. The tour becomes the foundation for future Palm Springs Modernism Advocacy.

1997 ps tramway gas station

SHAG Show

SHAG’s has his first solo gallery exhibition is in 1997. His seminal show “J is for Jetsetter” later in January 2001 at La Luz de Jesus Gallery at their original upstairs location on Melrose firmly cements the image of hip MidMod style in the arts community.

1995

by

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Architect’s Own Homes and the Modern Tradition in Los Angeles

Tour of homes designed by and for prominent local MidMod architects

Advocacy

 

Tangential

Exoticon

Steve Alper, Otto von Stroheim of later Tiki Oasis fame and co-producer Josh (Strike) Eick, put on major exposition at the Park Plaza Hotel. Event featured the smart set in vintage clothes drinking to the music of Combustible Edison, Korla Pandit, Joey Altruda Sextet (featuring “Pink Panther” saxophonist Plas Johnson), Phantom Surfers, Wonderful World of Joey, the Tiki Tones, Davie Allan & the Arrows, Brother Cleve, the Boardwalkers and Eddie Detroit
http://articles.latimes.com/1995-11-12/news/ls-2161_1_pop-music

1994

by

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

  • Downey McDonald’s issue gets ModCom national exposure.
  • First Los Angeles Modern Show. Years later it was bought by Dolphin Promotions who produce the annual Palm Springs Modernism Show.

Meeting Locations

Event

Cruising PostWar Los Angeles

Self Driven tour produced by ______ and _____ of Mid Century Modern landmarks. Tour attracts more than 1000 attendees.

Advocacy

Downey McDonalds

Rallies and protests are created to garner public support to save the oldest standing Golden Arches. Chris Nichols dresses up as the original company mascot, Sir Speedy. John English dresses up at the new corporate mascot, Ronald McDonald. Ronald acts out stabbing Speedy to death. The building designed by Stanley Clark Meston and his assistant Charles Fish in 1953 gets front page coverage in the New York Times and the McDonald’s Corporation makes the decision to re-open the location.

CBS Television City

Fairfax District, Los Angeles (Saved)

Azusa McDonald’s

Original Asuza landmark was demolished

Wich Stand Coffee Shop

Ladera Heights coffee shop was  saved

Tangents

First Annual Tiki Mug Party

Party at Otto Von Stroheim’s home in Venice. Sven Kirsten meets SHAG for the first time.

Scram Magazine

In the era of “zines” one is produced by ModCom friend Kim Cooper with Nathan Marsak as one of the authors
https://www.amazon.com/Scram-Magazine-Family-Reynolds-Division/dp/B00BFLTXTC/ref=llvn-20

1992

by

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

  • Modern and Post-WWII Committee Group changes name to Modern Committee (aka ModCom)
  • Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) is founded by Peter Loughrey.
    https://lamodern.com

Meeting Locations

Events

Neutra in the 1930s

Tour and Lecture

Advocacy

Bobs Big Boy

Preservation Efforts to save the coffee shop drive-in in Toluca Lake begins.

Tangents

Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design

Lectures at the Schindler House featuring Peter Moruzzi and Sven Kirsten and others

1991

by

Chairperson

Tom Gardener, Chairperson, 1991

Milestones in the Community

  • Fifties Task Force Group changes its name to Modern and Post-WWII Committee

Meeting Locations

Events

 

Advocacy

1990

by

Chairperson

Mike Ulander, 1990

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Yesterday, today and Tomorrow. Case Study Houses Tours

Tour coincided with the MOCA exhibit, Blueprints for Modern Living: History and Legacy of the Case Study Houses held between October 17, 1989 and February 18, 1990

Advocacy

1989

by

Chairperson

Gene Polk, 1987 – 1990

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

 

Advocacy

Modern Database

A very comprehensive 28 page database of Modern Resources is produced, compiled and concluded on September 8

1988

by

Chairperson

Kathleen Leonard, Co-Chairperson 1987-1988

Gene Polk, Co-Chairperson 1987 – 1990

Milestones in the Community

  • First formal ModCom Tour – John Lautner
  • Docomomo International (non-profit organization) is initiated in 1988 byHubert-Jan Henket, architect and professor, and Wessel de Jonge, architect and research fellow, at the School of Architecture at the Technical University in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Docomomo is short for the Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement.
    http://www.docomomo.com

Meeting Locations

Events

John Lautner: Real Architecture

Tour and Lecture

Before I started architecture school in 1988 I had a background in photography and filmmaking. I was a film editor on commercials, documentaries and feature films but I became more and more interested in architecture. I was telling a friend what I was really interested in architecture. He had asked me if I had seen the work of John Lautner? I started to research Lautner’s work and I stumbled on the Garcia House (The Rainbow House). The owner invited me in and said there was going to be a Los Angeles Conservancy Tour on Lautner and he asked if I would like to be his guest. I went inside the Carling House for the first time, the living room was on a hinge and the pool was inside and outside the living room. I saw the Silvertop House, Lautner’s own house and a few other houses, which were on the tour. The owner of the Garcia House said to me, “… you seem so interested in Lautner’s work you should go to Lautner’s office; it’s right on Hollywood Boulevard”. Bette Cohen, Producer of the documentary, “The Spirit of Architecture: John Lautner”
http://www.johnlautner.org/wp/?cat=11

Advocacy

Eames House

Early ModCom members worked with Ray Eames to ensure the Case Study House #8 (Eames House, Studio and Grounds) was nominated as HCM #381 on July 15, 1988

Tangents

Westwood

A series of Historic Cultural Monuments (HCM) in Westwood were accepted in June and July of 1988 – including several Mid Century Modern Richard Neutra designed homes.

1987

by

Chairperson

Tom Gardener, 1984-1987

Kathleen Leonard, Co-Chairperson 1987-1988

Gene Polk, Co-Chairperson 1987 – 1990

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Advocacy

Tangents

Close Cover Before Striking: The Golden Age of Matchbook Art

Another early example of Recollectible books which shed light on old places by H. Thomas Steele, Jim Heimann and Rod Dyer– August, 1987
https://www.amazon.com/Close-Cover-Before-Striking-Recollectibles/dp/0896596958/ref=llvn-20

1986

by

Chairperson

Tom Gardener, 1984-1987

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Fifties Architecture: Exploring the Issues”

Lecture and panel discussion. Alan Hess moderated a discussion with John Lautner and Whitney R. Smith. A slide show is presented to acquaint the audience with examples of historic and threatened buildings.

Huell Howser Interviews

Huell performs oral history interviews with

  • Julius Shulman, Architectural photographer
  • Garrett Eckbo, Landscape architect
  • Edward Frank, furniture designer
  • Ray Kappe, architect
  • John Lautner, architect
  • Whitney Smith, architect

Advocacy

Tangents

Bowl-O-Rama: The Visual Arts of Bowling

The first influential “Recollectibles” book of many more to come is produced by H. Thomas Steele May, 1986
https://www.amazon.com/Bowl-O-Rama-Visual-Arts-Bowling-Recollectibles/dp/0896596079/ref=llvn-20

1985

by

Chairperson

Tom Gardener, 1984-1987

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Advocacy

Pierre Koenig Advocacy Class – check this date

In addition to being a Case Study architect, Pierre Koenig was also a professor of architecture at USC for forty years. He hosted early members of ModCom at his own home in order to teach them the ropes of how to nominate a historic building.

Tangents

Pre-1984

by

Milestones in the Community

  • In 1977, the recent past begins to become a preservation issue, eventually the Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) primarily based in Boston shows the way to document recent past landmarks.
    http://sca-roadside.org/content/timeline
  • In January 1977, David Gebhard and Robert Winter write A Guide to Architecture in Los Angeles & Southern California. The book is later amended with editions in 1985, 1994 and 2003 that includes the ever increasing list of Modern architecture landmarks.
    1977 Edition
    1985 Edition
    1994 Edition
    2003 Edition
  • In 1981, SCA hosts a session at the National Trust for Historic Preservation annual meeting in New York, The Future of the Recent Past, along with a tour in Miami’s Art Deco District.
  • In 1981 The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is founded to save historic kinetic neon signs in Los Angeles.

Tangents

Some of the other groups and/or individuals inspired by or whose work either piggybacked on the efforts of ModCom or worked in tandem in order to educate the general public about MCM Preservation include:

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the LottaLivin and LottaLiving family of websites are your most respected authority on all the things you love: Googie, Atomic Age, Mid-Century Modern Living, Modernism Furniture, design, art, architecture and Post War historic preservation. We also reach out to fans of International design, Art Deco, 20th century lifestyle, Roadside attractions, Travel tips, motels, coffee shops, drive-ins, bowling alleys, dinner houses, gas stations, giant objects, neon signs, vintage fashion, entertainment, exotica, lounge music, cocktail hour, space-age, swing, tiki, theme parks, dancing, nostalgia, go-go boots, hairdoos, ephemera, SHAG artwork, collectibles, ALL ARE WELCOME!

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