Serving Suggestion: former restaurant needs TLC

Link to still photos above

Just half a mile up the street from our Eichler Homes neighborhood sits an old shell of a restaurant, Neptune's Table -- once a well known, old-school surf-and-turf in the 1960's to 80's. In its heyday, Hank and Tim Stroh ran this traditional white cloth establishment. Lobster dishes and Cornish hens were specialties.

It is hard to imagine (in its current state) that for 19 years it was also the home of the Raider Rooters Booster Club and visited frequently by Raiders team members for a weekly feast. Per R.E. Graswich, in a Sacramento Bee article dated May 1, 1998, "They toasted victory and vowed revenge, laughed and filled their bellies with beer and booze and chicken and baked potatoes and green beans and French bread."

Also per Graswich's article, restauranteur Hank Stroh owned many other Sacramento bars and restaurants: "Clunie Coffee Shop, Parkview Restaurant, Little Roma, Henry's Bottle Shop and Lounge, the Windsor, the Arcade, and others.... Among Stroh's armada of food halls and watering holes, Neptune's Table was his crown jewel. He bought it in 1967..."

According to my research, the building was designed by William Koblik and built ~1960. It was first occupied by The Red Rose, a cocktail lounge (with burlesque, per Patty Russell, a former dancer.) The Sacramento City Directory from 1962/63 then states the restaurant was home to "Raeders Gourmet Restaurant," later corrected to "Roeder's" in the 1965 Directory. In 1966, it was listed as "Vacant" and then it became Neptune's Table in 1967.

In the late 90's, Neptune's Table was simply "Neptune" under local chef David Soohoo.  Afterwards, for a short period of time it became the Highlander, a Scottish pub/restaurant. However, since 2004 it has been unoccupied. I would love to see this space turned into a coffee shop/diner such as Pann's in LA (the coffee shop in Pulp Fiction) more on their food here; Latif's in Turlock; or Jimmy's in San Jose. Or how about a tiki bar/lounge/restaurant like they had in-the-day here in town, such as the Zombie Hut or Coral Reef?

I'd love to hear any memories of this restaurant or other constructive ideas on how to bring this building back to life. Any local restauranteur or investor willing to step up to the plate -- literally?

More Googie goodness: Eppie's Restaurant

Eppie's Restaurant, Sacramento, CA

This Eppie's Restaurant was designed by world-famous Googie architects Louis Armet and Eldon Davis from Los Angeles. It was completed in 1964. Apparently, per Mr. Armet's self-report to the American Institute of Architects for their directory, Armet & Davis received an award for this building.

Louis L. Armet (1914-1981) & Eldon C. Davis via GoogieArt.com

Per the current website for Armet Davis Newlove Architects "In the 50's and 60's the firm became internationally known for its "Googie" design style and built hundreds of restaurants that reflected the nation's emergence into the age of flight and its look to the future."

Rendering of Eppie's by Armet and Davis via GoogieArt.com

Per a Sacramento Bee article written by Jon Ortiz dated April 28, 2004, "The chain started in 1964, when founder Eppamianondas "Eppie" Johnson opened the first 24-hour restaurant at 30th and N streets. At its zenith, it boasted 20 shops stretching as far south as Fresno."

Sadly, this coffee shop/diner has been closed since 2004. However, restauranteur Eppie Johnson is still working hard. Mr. Johnson founded The Great Race in 1974, reportedly "The World's Oldest Triathlon", which generates "over $600,000 in donations for regional programs that benefit the physically and mentally disabled" per their website. More here.

Other posts in this blog regarding Sacramento's Googie architecture can be seen here, here, here and here.

Hope your weekend is filled to the brim with fun!

My favorite bookstore: Richard L. Press Fine & Scholarly Books on the Arts

One rainy day last Fall I had the pleasure of revisiting Richard L. Press Fine & Scholarly Books on the Arts. I've been a long-time client but hadn't visited this independent bookstore since he had been at his former L Street location.

A kind, cultured, learned and generous soul, Richard will help you find any book he has in stock. If you behave and are respectful, you may get to pet the resident cat, be offered a piece of fine chocolate, and peruse the shelves for fine and rare books on any number of decorative arts of the 20th century as long as you wish.

His store is welcoming, cozy, and makes you want to slow down. Don't go here in a hurry. Relax and take it all in. Can't make it to his store? Then make a virtual visit online. Per his website:

"I buy and sell new, out of print and rare books primarily in the arts, i.e. sculpture, painting, printmaking, prints, printing, graphic arts, posters and poster art, photography, architecture. All the decorative arts of the 20^th century is a specialty as is pre-20^th century decorative arts the world over. Other specialties include textiles and textile art, books by and about women artists, ballet and dance, how-to books, very selective, as applied to the arts, books about books, artists' books, and a small selection of literature, music and film books."

If you're in town, I highly recommend a visit; support our community and patronize a local, independent book dealer.

Let's do the time warp again

My friend Jason over at Studebaker Guide did a recent post featuring a picture he took of his 1950 Studebaker Champion (named "Doc") in front of Pancake Circus. Cards and prints are available online.

I love this image! Nothing reflects post-war optimism and exuberance more than 1950s cars and Googie architecture. For more about Googie, see my previous post and for more regarding Studebakers I highly recommend Jason's blog.

Sacramento's "Home of Tomorrow"

In 1951, a joint project created by the ~160 "Associated Home Builders of Sacramento" and Sacramento architect Albert Dreyfuss resulted in the "Home of Tomorrow" which was reportedly "the first of its kind to be erected in the United States."

The "Home of Tomorrow" was promoted during the 1951 California State Fair (which coincided with National Home Week) and received national attention. Per a November 7, 1951 Kentucky New Era newspaper article written by Fred J. Walker: "Tens of thousands of interested homeseekers, architects, and builders from all parts of the west have inspected the structure since Sept. 8 when it was opened for a 60-day public inspection." Admission proceeds were given to charity.

Chock full of "the latest in modern architecture and living conveniences" the home stood as a monument to post-war innovation and enthusiasm. For example, General Electric's "New World Kitchen" with a built-in soda fountain and snack bar. Sweet! The kitchen -- which reportedly cost GE $100,000 to develop -- also had the following features: "electric sink with garbage removal unit, automatic dishwasher, automatic washer and ironer, and kitchen cabinets with doors which raise upward and are held out of the way by spring action."

The L-shaped floor plan was designed to allow easy passage throughout the home without traveling through multiple rooms. Note the large kitchen and living room areas.

The large living room windows (referred to as "major fenestration" in an August 1952 American Builder article) allowed an open view of the home's back yard. Other fantastic features included air conditioning, heating equipment and "automatically-controlled garage doors." Some today might consider these features standard issue but back then they were considered modern and luxurious.

 

Perhaps my favorite feature is the "remote control wiring system" for lighting throughout the home which "lights a person's way, then darkens rooms after one passes through."

The 2,500 square foot home cost $59,500 in 1951. According to my calculations using the CPI Inflation Calculator, that equals $495,062.88 in 2009 dollars.

 

I'm still trying to determine if this home remains standing today, its current condition, and in which neighborhood it was built. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional information. Special thanks to Sacramento Eichler home owner Dane Henas for passing along the American Builder article!

Come Fly With Me

"Sacramento Municipal Airport on South Freeport Blvd.

Fritz Vibe Postcard Service, Sacramento, California"

Our 1955 Eichler Homes neighborhood is a little over one mile from what was then known as Sacramento Municipal Airport (now known as the Sacramento Executive Airport). The circa 1955/56 terminal pictured above (which still stands today) was designed by renowned Sacramento architect Leonard F. Starks (more on him in a forthcoming post). Can you imagine riding in style in a large finned, chauffeured black convertible to the airport? Air travel was more glamorous back then!

According to a Sacramento Magazine article from October, 2007 written by Reed Parsell:

"Plopped on a then-rural 680-acre patch of land a few miles south of downtown in 1930, it was taken over by the military in World War II. The city subsequently regained control and by the 1960s... was handling about 750,000 commercial passengers a year."

"Air Terminal Building, Sacramento Municipal Airport...

This modern building serves air commerce and scheduled

air transport for the Capital City and its surrounding area.

- Color photo by Mirl H. Simmons

Published by W.C. Spangler News Agency, Sacramento, Calif."

via Ginsburgh Family Pictures

I found a great personal account of what it was like to visit the airport in 1963, per blogger Azure:

"We are going on an airplane trip and it's a big deal. Here we are at the old Sacramento Airport. We are all dressed up, my little sister and I have on dresses with our white socks and Mary janes. My brother in his jacket and tie, my mother in her smart suit. You dressed to go on an airplane then, especially to fly all the way across the country. The airport is looking pretty smart itself, everything looking shiny and well-kept, nice garden and that pervasive California light. Within 5 years, the new airport will be built way north of the city and this airport will be mostly for small aircraft. But in 1963, it was the way out of town...."

via Ginsburgh Family Pictures

Below is a familiar view that we still see across from the airport -- hasn't changed much at all!

"Sky Riders Airport Motel 6100 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822.

On Scenic Highway 160, with the Executive Airport restaurant facilities,

and golf course across the way. Car rentals available. 32 deluxe units,

beautifully furnished in South Land Park area.... photo by Henry K. Yee."

On October 21, 1967, commercial flights out of Sacramento were handled by the newly built Sacramento Metropolitan Airport (now known as Sacramento International Airport). Our wonderful Executive Airport is still operative and is still the way to travel for the rich and influential.

Ah, the good old days when riding on an airplane was special -- and people didn't put bombs in their underwear!

VIDEO link via TCM - Frank Sinatra "Come Fly With Me"

Come Fly With Me

(click on Frank for video)

by songwriters Sammy Cahn And Jimmy Van Heusen

Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away
If you can use some exotic booze
There's a bar in far Bombay
Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away

Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru
In llama land there's a one-man band
And he'll toot his flute for you
Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue

Once I get you up there where the air is rarified
We'll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I'll be holding you so near
You may hear angels cheer 'cause we're together

Weather-wise it's such a lovely day
You just say the words and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay
It's perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away

Once I get you up there where the air is rarified
We'll just glide, starry-eyed
Once I get you up there I'll be holding you so near
You may hear angels cheer 'cause we're together

Weather-wise it's such a lovely day
You just say the words and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay
It's perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say
Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly
Pack up, let's fly away!!

"And don't tell your mamma!!"

Here's to better flying in the year ahead. Cheers!

Have a Cool Yule!

Our seven year old son was excited to tell us at the dinner table Monday night about the gingerbread house he was constructing at school: "It's a flat top -- an Eichler! And I'm the only one doing it that way."

The following day we were really looking forward to seeing it and then.... he ate it.

But luckily our friend, Toni, took a snap of it before it was devoured while we were out having our "date night." Other than the flat top not sure the rest fits the modern aesthetic. When you're talking about candy, more is more after all!

Not to be outdone, our five year old daughter got to work and drew a picture of a house with the label "Ikler" and arrows pointing to the house. Her drawings always crack us up. This one has what looks to be a bird-o-copter and other interesting features. I tagged the various explanations on the Flickr pic.

Wishing all of you a Cool Yule!

Oh perforated hourglass light fixtures, how I love thee! Chance to win!

Rejuvenation has re-issued one of my *favorite* Mid-Century light fixture designs based on the 1959 Stockholm series manufactured by EJS lighting. I have to say, they look fabulous. Great names too: "Galaxy," "Asterix," "Vektr," and "Spektr."

For their upcoming introduction in February, Rejuvenation is having a giveaway contest. Entries accepted through January 26, 2010, 12PM PST; only one entry per person; winner selects ONE fixture in finish of his/her choice.

A beautiful addition to any Mid-Century household. Hope your holiday season is out of this world! Oh, and before I forget: Eep Opp Ork Ah-Ah.

Original Sacramento Eichler Home Building Permits

I was at The Center for Sacramento History yesterday trying to see what goodies I could find regarding our neighborhood. I wasn't sure exactly what they might have that would be relevant but did discover they had a cache of (mostly) original Eichler Home building permits (see more information at the bottom of this post).

 Holiday card available from The Center for Sacramento History

Putting up holiday decorations at 13th & K Sacramento 1956

The Center also had some interesting items that would make great holiday presents -- historic Sacramento maps, calendars, cards, and more -- all available at their store and at their Zazzle site. For example, they have a card of the 1956 13th & K scene above. They also sell local history books published on various Sacramento neighborhoods and subjects.

I also found a cool 45 rpm record called "The Sound of Young Sacramento" that they handed out for free at a previous event, now available for free ($5 mailing charge) from their store. This is a compilation of four tunes from Sacramento garage bands, "recorded in 1966 at the Franklin Boulevard Studios of the legendary Bill Rase." A larger compilation that can be found here. Groovy!

 

Sample permit I picked up for all South Land Park Hills Eichler Home neighbors 

Getting back to the building permits.... e-mail me if you want a copy of yours. For privacy reasons, I'm reluctant to post per usual on Flickr. No charge, I do this as a hobby.

I tried to identify all Eichler Homes in the neighborhood and will gladly send you a copy if one was to be found at the Center. I know of six existing Eichler Homes for which I could not find a permit. My email address can be found in the blog description on the upper left corner above. I also found some voided permits which demonstrate Eichler Homes intended to build an additional 16 homes all the way down South Land Park Drive to 13th Street.

Happy holidays from our house to yours!

Spirits of Xmas Past

While I'm toiling away in my workshop on other MCM posts, I thought I'd share some of my mid-century family holiday pictures. I realize it is rare for me to get personal here but 'tis the season!

My grandfather, 12.25.43

My grandmother took this picture of my grandfather

outside his Officer's Candidate School on Christmas Day, 1943.
He was an attorney in the Army during WWII.

My grandparents in Mexico, 12.6.44

My grandfather asked to be stationed in Los Angeles;

I believe they took a little vacation to Mexico near the holidays in 1944.
I was primarily raised by my grandparents and love this picture!

My mom, 12.25.51

My mom, Christmas Day, 1951. Living the Boomer childhood. Yippee Ki Yay!

 

Me, 1964

My early childhood wasn't documented that well, so I'm happy to
have these few photos to show you; especially the ones of my brother.

This is me, close to my first birthday.
Check out Santa's Mod chair and tree!

My brother and me, 1966

 My little brother and me, 1966. Sadly, this was his last Christmas.

My brother, 1966

He was a happy guy! Not quite 2 years old in this 1966 photo.

He was only 2.5 when he died (8 months after this picture was taken).

Hand-beaded Christmas tree made by my grandmother

In 1973, while I was away at camp, my grandmother made this

and surprised me with it later that year. She made beaded flowers

as a hobby. This took her weeks to make. A labor of love!

 She never admitted this but I know she was beginning

to lose her eyesight back then.

Detail, beaded tree

My favorite detail on the beaded tree: the candy canes!

My household now celebrates a different holiday this season but I still treasure these memories and special times. Hope you have fond memories of your holidays past.