ORIGINAL PHOTO OF GAS HOUSE IN VENICE BEACH, CA By R.L.Huffstutter 1960

ORIGINAL PHOTO OF GAS HOUSE IN VENICE BEACH, CA By R.L.Huffstutter 1960, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

A SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE GAS HOUSE AND VENICE WEST...By Robert L. Huffstutter

The first stop for the waves of would-be beatniks once they made it to Venice Beach, then referred to as Venice West. Originally built at the turn of the 20th century to resemble the Venice in Italy, canals were numerous and hotels such as the St Mark's had a definite Italian flavor.

Another item with definite Italian flavor was the strong espresso, the drink preferred by the beats until the desire for red wine became overpowering as the various poetry readings grew more animated and dramatic. A community that was barely spared the wrecking ball, the influx of the avante garde suddenly made Venice the weird and arty community it has become. In 1961, a beachfront property could be purchased for a mere ten grand; today, beachfront properties are rarely on the market.

Venice Beach was, indeed, an experience and the youth that met at the various spots such as the Gas House and the Venice West Cafe most likely cherish some fond memories of all night parties on the beach or in the confines of old garages turned into cool pads with candles burning in wine bottles and the sounds of bongos. The older and more established beats partied round-the-clock in the five story and quaint old St Mark's Hotel. It was definitely one of the most unique little beach towns on the coast.