The Donn of Tiki: A Journey Into Escapism and Invention
From the Palm Springs Tribune: – When you sit down to watch The Donn of Tiki, you realize quickly this is not just another documentary about cocktails or a clever bar trend. It is a layered story about Donn Beach, the restless visionary born Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, who essentially invented the modern immersive restaurant and is remembered as the father of tiki culture. Beach didn’t just pour drinks; he crafted entire worlds. He fused environment, narrative, theatrical design, exotic food and cocktails, and immersive atmosphere into the prototype for what we now call “themed entertainment.” Without him, there might never have been Trader Vic’s, the tiki bar revival, or even Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.
NYC Removes World’s Fairs Mosaics, a Slice of Queens Art History
The Robert Moses by Andy Warhol mosaic was one of a series of works recently paved over by city park officials. (Photo by and courtesy of Michael Perlman)
From Hyperallergic: From Coney Island to Niagara Falls, there are few places in the state of New York that don’t bear traces of the controversial urban planner and public official Robert Moses. Until this summer, that included Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, where a color-blocked portrait of Moses by Pop artist Andy Warhol was depicted in an in-ground mosaic for nearly three decades.
The tiled medallion, which harkens back to an infamous artist dispute at the 1964 World’s Fair, was one of 11 works embedded in the pavement of the park’s David Dinkins Circle to commemorate the international exhibitions that gave the “World’s Borough” its nickname. In June, city workers removed the group of mosaics due to “significant deterioration” due to weather-related factors, a spokesperson for the Department of Parks and Recreation told Hyperallergic.
Mr. Milk Bottle is gone, but iconic sign in Pomona will stay
A former drive-thru dairy in Pomona has been demolished, but the jaunty sign for Mr. Milk Bottle has been declared historic and will remain. The business opened in 1960. (Photo by David Allen, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
From the Daily Bulletin: After 65 years, Mr. Milk Bottle is empty.
The former drive-thru dairy, a mainstay of Pomona, CA, since 1960 at 1533 Indian Hill Blvd., was demolished in September. It’s now Mr. Vacant Lot.
The jaunty pole sign at the curb is how many of us knew the business.
Dressed in formal wear, an anthropomorphic milk bottle smiled at motorists. He doffed his top hat to us with one hand and, with the other, pointed toward the entrance with a thin cane.
Type Tourist, City Signs with David Quay
From Type@Cooper: Type Tourist explores the rich heritage of urban and vernacular signs and lettering in our cities and towns.
RI’s Original New York System to close its doors
From WPRI: PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Ocean State’s first-ever New York System restaurant will serve its last hot wiener later this month.
Baba’s Original New York System on Smith Street, which first opened in 1927, announced on social media Friday evening that it will be closing its doors for good on Oct. 31.
“It has been our greatest honor to share meals, memories and traditions with you,” Baba’s wrote. “This decision was not made lightly, but comes with immense appreciation for the unwavering support you have shown throughout the years.”
Pier Bridge Project Moves Forward: Santa Monica City Council names contractor, OKs replacement and upgrade
The famed Santa Monica Pier sign will be restored, and it will be stored until project completion. (File Photo)
From The Argonaut: The Santa Monica City Council approved a construction contract for the replacement and upgrade of the Santa Monica Pier Bridge, a $35 million project, during its recent meeting. The project is slated to begin by the end of the year.
The city contracted Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. for the pier replacement and upgrade.
The pier restaurants and shops, parking and visitor access will remain open during the project, with 2027 as the expected completion date.
How a simple question about American hotels led to ‘the greatest immigration story never told’
“The Patel Motel Story” explores the history of Indian immigrants in the US hotel industry. The short film includes this photo of Dhayabhai Patel and Santaben Patel, in front of a motel their family once owned in Palo Alto, California. Courtesy Amar Shah and Rahul Rohatgi
From CNN: Little kids line up in white graduation caps and gowns. Family members pose for formal photos at a wedding. Cousins laugh as they cut into the frosting of a giant birthday cake.
These scenes from Amar Shah’s childhood flash across the screen in a new film. And they share something in common.
All the photos were taken at motels owned by Indian immigrant families.
Shah grew up in that world.