A drive in restaurant. The automobile , although it quickly became an indispensable part of American culture, was still something of a novelty to most people who could now afford to buy one for every member of the family. All kinds of drive in establishments sprang up so people seldom had to leave the comfort of their own automobiles. Drive in restaurants, movies, pharmacies and banks, just to name a few. Cars were much larger and more comfortable in those days.
This picture was taken when the movement was still fresh. these types of futuristic constructs made from space aged plastics flourished from the late 1940’s through the mid 1960’s. The cars, often thought to be designed to look like space ships, were actually made to resemble war planes. Please remember the zeitgeist was very war oriented at this time.
Sign for what used to be the Carpeteria on Lankershiem Blvd. In order to be seen by both lanes of traffic, he had a front on his back too, a modern day Janus.
Feeling nostalgic for North Hollywood. the way it USED to be… This sign, the giant plastic clown, dominated the west end of the valley. My grandfather just bought his beer at the supermarket, so I never got to go into this store. When I finally did in the nineties it proved to be just like any other liquor store, despite the legendary sign. The giant clown sez, “GET DRUNK!!”
“Norms”. This restaurant was actually in west Los Angeles. Not very far from the San Fernando Valley.
Cowering in the shadow of the gigantic two faced genie was the checkered demon of ground round, BOB’S BIG BOY!! I don’t believe this is a picture of the actual statue, but, like their hamburgers, they’re all identical anyway! I remember in the exclusive part of Burbank, Toluca Lake, they had a Bob’s from the 50’s that still had the set up out back where people used to park and the waitresses came out to your car to serve you. They didn’t actually use it anymore though.
Loof Lirpa 