Category Archives: Santa Monica

You’re Invited to Enjoy “The View From Santa Monica” Esther McCoy Lecture This Saturday!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Steve

If you love Southern California’s historic modernistic architecture and you have not yet “met” Esther McCoy then you will be in for a treat. From 1950 up until her death in 1989, McCoy wrote and lectured extensively and brilliantly on … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, General Announcements, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Along the Coast Highway 1936

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Steve

Travellers up and down the Coast Highway in the mid-1930’s were highly encouraged to stop and take a look at the unusual home of Mr. R.H. Stiles (how could they not?!), which was made, it is said, from “David Copperfield’s boat,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Movie Locations, Restaurants, Santa Monica, Vintage Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A “Lesser” Known House in Rustic Canyon

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Steve

(Apologies in advance for the punny title.) In the annals of film history the name Sol Lesser might not be a household one, but it remains a most interesting one to be sure. This veteran producer of more than 100 … Continue reading →

Posted in Interesting People, Santa Monica, West L.A. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The House(s) That Jack Built – Part VI – Conclusion

Posted on May 22, 2011 by Steve

And now, at last, we conclude the story of Jack Donovan and The House(s) That Jack Built. This is Part VI. If you’d like to read the first parts just click on them here: Part I, Part II, Part III, … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, Interesting People, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

The House(s) That Jack Built Part V

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Steve

And now we continue with story of Jack Donovan and The House(s) That Jack Built. This is Part V. If you’d like to read the first parts just click on them here: Part I, Part II, and Part III and Part … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, Interesting People, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The House(s) That Jack Built Part IV

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Steve

And now the continuation of the amazing story of Jack Donovan and The House(s) That Jack Built. This is Part IV. If you’d like to read the first parts just click on them here: Part I, Part II, and Part … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, Interesting People, Santa Monica, Windsor Square | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The House(s) That Jack Built Part III

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Steve

Princess Mae and Her House of Horrors… In July 1926, about seven weeks after her quickly arranged purchase, Mae Murray officially took possession of 13047 San Vicente. At first glance, everything seemed to be just fine. It wasn’t. To say … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, Brentwood, Interesting People, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The House(s) That Jack Built Part II

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Steve

Sorry for the absence of posts, but it was a CRAZY week this last week… And now we continue with the amazing story of Jack Donovan and his equally amazing houses, which began with my post from last week. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, Brentwood, Interesting People, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The House(s) That Jack Built – Part I

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Steve

Over the next few weeks I’m hoping to do a few posts on some fascinating Jacks – Jack Pickford, Jack London and Jack Donovan. Let’s start with Jack Donovan, a larger than life fellow whose incredible story deserves far more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Architects, Central Hollywood, Interesting People, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Incident at the Hotel Arcadia

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Steve

When it opened with a gala ball on the evening of January 24, 1887, the elegant Hotel Arcadia became Santa Monica’s first luxury hotel and the second largest, next to Pasadena’s Raymond, in all of Southern California. Built at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Hollywood on Holiday, Interesting People, Lost Hollywood, Santa Monica | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments