Atomic Age Alliance

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


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Home > Archives for Tiki

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

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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

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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

 

1996

by

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

  • McDonald’s Corporation rededicates the Golden Arches Downey McDonalds and adds an historic museum to the site.
    mcdonalds 1996

Meeting Locations

Events

Society for Commercial Archeology Conference

Tour coincides with the Society for Commercial Archeology Conference at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Four-day “Life in the Past Lane” conference is co-sponsored by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Over 200 people attend. Panels of historians, architects, preservationists and critics will tackle such topics as “The Four Level Stack as Los Angeles Icon,” “The Stucco Box,” and “Booze, Bread, MGM, Ham and Giant Dogs: The Emerging Urban Landscape of Washington Boulevard, 1920-1940.” Auto Club historian Matthew Roth speaks. Chris Nichols dances along to stock film footage of Los Angeles roads and streets during the decades that commercial archeologists most love–from the 1920s to the ’60s. John English, leads two bus tours Sat: San Gabriel Valley and Anaheim tour and Sun: Central Los Angeles

Advocacy

Bullock’s Pasadena

Ongoing preservation issue to save the Welton Beckett designed sprawling Pasadena Bullocks – now a Macy’s. A project that would completely surround the former Bullock’s Pasadena on South Lake Avenue. Modcommers worked in association with Pasadena Heritage. In an unforgettable moment of preservation activism, Michael Kiralla opens an umbrella up at the Pasadena City council meeting and claims: “It’s raining lies in Pasadena.” The issue dragged on for 2 years until success in 1998.

Van De Kamps headquarters

Modcom stages a rally at the Dutch revival headquarters in Glassel Park. The bakery closed in 1990 and the building became threatened. It becomes a HCM landmark in 1992, but is threatened with demolition.

Tangents

20th Century Tiki

Group show at La Luz de Jesus. Co-curated by Otto von Stroheim and Sven Kirsten that included the work of SHAG and the birth of pop surrealism when Mark Ryden showcases his definitive piece “Exotica.”

Car Hops and Curb Service: A History of American Drive-In Restaurants 1920-1960

by Jim Heimann March 1, 1996
https://www.amazon.com/Car-Hops-Curb-Service-Drive-/dp/0811811158/ref=llvn-20

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

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