I was born and raised in Orange County and have lived here for 39 of my 43 years. The county has changed tremendously during that time - some I like and some I don't. One I don't enjoy is the gradual disappearance of the urban landscape I grew up with: the post-war architecture (of which Googie is the most famous) that used to define so much of OC.
So, we're launching a new regular feature here on Red County/OC Blog called "Old School OC" in which we'll pay tribute to those pockets of crazy, neon post-war architecture still remaining the Orange Curtain: burning bright and untouched by the forces of redevelopment.
We'll start it off with Linbrook Bowl in Anaheim, located -- as the name implies -- at the corner or Lincoln and Brookhurst (201 S. Brookhurst Street, to be precise).
Linbrook Bowl has been around since 1958. If I recall correctly it came perilously close to going out of business a few years ago, but is thankfully still among the living.
The landmark sign -- with it's giant, rotating neon bowling pin -- is a glorious icon of Googie. architecture:
It's even appeared in the off-beat comic strip "Zippy the Pinhead."
I've been out photographing these neon landmarks of post-war, Space Age, American optimism and will be posting them regularly, but I'd appreciate tips from readers about any such landmarks (motels, liquors stores and drive-in dairies seem to be the remaining concentrations) that I may be overlooking.
Next week: the La Palma Chicken Pie Shop!
This is a step up from the world's largest laundry mat.
Posted by: | June 19, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Great idea Jubal! Many are found along what used to be the main routes across So. Cal. I look forward to seeing your photos.
Posted by: Fanatica de la escuela vieja | June 19, 2007 at 03:17 PM
an old favorite neon sign that has been restored:
"U-Drive" boat rental right next to the ferry on Balboa Penninsula. A cool cris-craft filled with fun seekers!
Posted by: retroneonlover | June 19, 2007 at 04:35 PM
The Linbrook is really gorgeous--they've restored it beautifully. And there's karaoke!
Posted by: rebecca | June 20, 2007 at 11:07 AM
I continue to be amazed that we share so many common interests - not just local politics, but Raymond Chandler and now Orange County history and architecture.
Strange.
Look forward to more. Maybe "Then and now" stuff or cool buildings that aren't here anymore.
Posted by: Publius | June 20, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Great idea, Jubal. Here's one off the top of my head:
Norm's
102 E. 17th St., Santa Ana
Not as over-the-top as you're two examples, but definitely iconic.
Also, I don't know if this is in Orange County, but as of ten years ago if you took the 39 north from the 5 freeway for about five or ten miles, a Pre-ronald Mcdonalds with the "golden arches" integrated into the structure appeared on the west side of the road. The first time I saw it was like a physical shock to me: it was 1968 again.
Does anyone know if that ancient McDs still exists? even then a lot of redevelopment was happening around it.
Posted by: tylerh | June 20, 2007 at 01:20 PM
I miss these styles of Bowling alleys. The new Lucky strike places are too expensive and lack that old school vibe.
Posted by: Orange County Mortgage | February 19, 2009 at 05:26 PM