REMEMBERING THE ALLEYS OF
VENICE BEACH, CALIFORNIA 1960S

A watercolor by Robert L. Huffstutter. Remembering the alleys of Venice Beach while I lived there in 1959 and 1960. It was a fun time in my life on the beach.

REMEMBERING THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACH TOWNS OF THE 60S

You will notice the relaxed attitudes of this group of young people. This was the typical street corner crowd in most of any of the southern California towns along the beaches in the 1960s.
Those who were not here were either in Vietnam or still back on the farm, plowing, planting and making food for America to eat. Others you do not see here were working the mines of West Virginia, working their asses off to keep the lights on here in the USA. Some of those absent were hanging out in law schools, figuring out how to implement new ideas when their turn at bat came up.
But sooner or later, most everyone spent their share of time on the street corners here, until they got tired of the day after day routine of nothingness. Sooner or later, each would find a destiny, a path to follow. Those who remained became more tan and sun-baked; some became real estate moguls while others finally married the one they had been shacked up with for the past two years and began having children.
If you are in your late 30s to your early 50s, you could be an off-spring of this 60s generation. We are all Americans with diverse backgrounds, but we shared one thing in common for many years--freedom.

BEACHFRONT CONDO OFFERS SERENITY

AS I WALKED AROUND VENICE BEACH IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF 1960, I met several old gentlemen who owned a home right on the beach, right on the Strand or Promenade, whatever one chooses to call this long ribbon of concrete that runs the length from just north of the Santa Monica Pier all the way to Manhattan Beach and beyond. One can walk this Strand, cycle it on a pedal bike or jump on the "Nickel Snatcher." It costs more now.

So, in the early days of 1960, these two very old gentlemen whom I originally met at the Carousel or some other small and fun bar told me they were wanting to sell their small, two-bedroom bungalow for around ten grand and thought I might consider it an investment. They looked like they had enough money to last them far beyond their lifespan, but I just assumed they were ready to retire to a quieter and less hectic lifestyle. In their 80s, they had to be careful while walking to the grocery.

And they were drinkers too, so they had to watch their steps even more carefully. By noon, they were well into another world as they sipped California wines. "Buy this property and get it off our hands," the elder of the two demanded. I liked the place. And although Venice was in a general state of disrepair, I sensed the time would come when the property value would increase.

THE BEACH THROUGHOUT OUR LIFETIME

FROM THE FIRST TIME...I saw the Pacific Ocean and the beach, it was a relationship that was personal and loving, though it grew lonely at times and at times almost too lonely for me to continue. There is the photo of the footprints in the sand, taken by my good friend, Shane, a Kansas City friend who has been a friend and friend indeed. I borrowed his photo from his Facebook page because it reminds me of the "Footprints In The Sand" poem. The bench at the top is a concrete seat where I sat while taking some time out in the Veterans's Hospital back in Perry Point. If I had never seen the beach, if I had never walked along the beach, would my life have been different?

What would I have missed that has been so special to me throughout my lifetime? This is a question each of us can ask about a favorite geographical location. No matter how full of joy an area might be, there are usually some heartaches attached in our memories. I will not use this space to dwell on my saddest moments, neither will I say that "life is a beach" without the thought of some of the sorrow I have known as I walked the beach deep in thought about decisions I have made.

FREE LIKE A GULL, FREEDOM OF THE BEACH LIFESTYLE

At this very moment, there are bureaucrats sitting in cubicles drawing up new lists of rules and regulations about our nation's beaches and coastal waterways. One of the regulations in some areas is a ban on smoking anywhere near the beach. This is wrong. These type of bans are unconstitutional and should be stopped before the smoker has nowhere near the beach to enjoy a smoke. Since smoking is not unlawful, and since smokers usually pay tobacco taxes, there should be an area where smokers are able to smoke. Let us keep in mind that each of us, smokers or not, have very personal civil rights about the space around our faces and we must reach a mutual agreement on the presence of smoke. However, we must remain sensible about the bans that are posted.

The color photographs in this feature are by David Craig Wylie, one of California's best coastal photographers. I have known David for nearly five years now, though we have only met on the internet and share some of the same preferences in photography. I do not believe Dave is a smoker. I am a smoker and I am one who values my freedom as a treasure. David feels much the same as I do about liberty and freedom.

THE FIRST TIME I SAW THE PACIFIC OCEAN,

IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT...

I have never been the same. Since that summer day in 1959, my mind has been full of the kind of freedom gulls must feel as they soar, swoop, dip, dive and finally find a perfect place to relax for awhile. Freedom of the beach. Let us hang onto that freedom like we do our treasures. Let us not let those who make such rules and regulations ruin it for us and our offspring.

ENOSHIMA ISLAND, A WATERCOLOR BY R.L. HUFFSTUTTER

ENOSHIMA ISLAND was one of my favorite destinations for a weekend getaway while I was stationed in Japan in the early1960s, more than 50 years ago. While that is, indeed, a long time ago, my memories of Enoshima are as pristine and clear as if it was only yesterday when I climbed those steep stairs that led to the top where various shrines were located.

It wasn't the shrines, really, that appealed to me as much as the various little shops where gifts were sold. Some of the items sold were intended, if I recall, for the ancestors while others were for the tourists. Before meeting the young lady whom I shall never forget, I went to Enoshima alone. After meeting Noko, we went to Enoshima together. I still have one of the gifts she purchased for me, a seashell ship with masts. Since I was a sailor, she thought it was perfect. Yes, it was the perfect gift, wrapped in red paper with gold ribbon bow. I remember her eyes watching me as I unwrapped the tiny gift box. Our eyes met when the miniature clipper ship came into view. Neither of us thought about a time not too far in the future when she would be waving good-bye to me, a sayonara time, from Yokosuka pier. But we were in Enoshima and we were enjoying the moment. There would be so much time to think about the future--and the past.

Enoshima probably looks nothing like it did in 1962. What impressed me was the stone walls that were so perfectly constructed on the sides of the stairs that kept climbing up and up. Some were covered with a deep green moss, an emerald shade of green, moist and controlled by the creases in the various stones that served as boundaries for each stone.

Noko and I enjoyed several trips to Enoshima before I finally steamed away from Pier 7 at Yokosuka on 30 December 1963. At the time, our plans were to meet again and spend our lives together. Fate stepped in and changed our plans. As I grow older, I have to accept that it was Fate that made me forsake the love of my life. Am I alone in this situation or are there others who share my sorrows when it comes to affairs of the heart? In order to justify our romance, I must simply say that it was a short romance, one that was not meant to last. If her memories are as bittersweet as mine, then we still share a certain link that will never disappear from our hearts or minds.

ENJOYING SMOKE IN ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, PLAZA HOTEL 1960

ENJOYING SMOKE IN ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, PLAZA HOTEL 1960, a photo by roberthuffstutter on Flickr.

ENJOYING SMOKE IN ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, PLAZA HOTEL 1960

Frio amanecer.

Frio amanecer. a photo by constancio agüí on Flickr.

This work has two features that appeal to me: the abstract of the surf and the reality of the horizon, both combined to make a fantastic image of the sea and surf.

It is an oil of remarkable talent; the colors are spectacular and reflect the beauty of the sea as it comes ashore. A great work
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Frio amanecer.
Pintura rápida.

Óleo a espátula sobre lienzo, tamaño 45x55.

Uploaded by constancio agüí on 25 Jan 11, 12.57AM PST.

Odilon Redon - Breton Village at National Art Gallery Washington DC

Odilon Redon - Breton Village at National Art Gallery Washington DC
Originally uploaded by mbell1975

This is my first glimpse of this work. Immediately, I was enthralled by the levels of color, the levels of the composition using the rooftops and the geometrics of the buildings. It is well put together with colors that are complimentary, colors that speak Breton, and it bespeaks an era that I would have chosen to be a part of, at least for awhile. This is definitely a work I would rather see on my wall rather than in the Smithsonian, at least for a few months out of the year.

One of the best paintings I have seen in almost 70 years, and I just saw this work. There is so much left to learn and one lifetime is not nearly enough to enjoy the world of art.

This painting of Breton Village is a real masterpiece, in my opinion. It is one of the best works I have seen in many decades. I must see more of this painter's work and study the work much more. The light, the composition, the balance--it is truly a joy to view.

Odilon Redon - Breton Village at National Art Gallery Washington DC
Odilon Redon - Breton Village, 1890

East Wing - National Art Gallery Washington DC

Uploaded by mbell1975 on 28 Dec 10,

"NEW YEAR'S EVE IS OVER, NOW EVERYONE GO HOME AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011"

"NEW YEAR'S EVE IS OVER, NOW EVERYONE GO HOME AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011"
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

Earl R. Stonebridge's new year's eve party will be one of those events that will seem like fantasy as time passes, but the party is over and until next year, according to Earl, "...there won't be another party of this nature anywhere near my place." Earl talked to the reporters from TYME shortly before dawn this first day of the new year as the party was ending at his estate just south of Laguna. The theme was all about the 60s and according to some locals, the popping of the champagne corks could be heard beyond the twelve-mile off shore limit
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NEW YEAR'S EVE IS OVER, NOW EVERYONE GO HOME AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011"
Photo by Robert L. Huffstutter

Uploaded by roberthuffstutter on 1 Jan 11, 11.24AM PST.

TWO HOT WOMEN IN BIKINIS: WOW, WOW, WOW!

TWO HOT WOMEN IN BIKINIS: WOW, WOW, WOW!
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

THEY WERE ALWAYS MY FAVORITE COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS....Those were the days of innocent youth, a yearning to grow up, a normal desire for any adolescent. Those were the innocent days of the 50s, and then came the 60s...

Luxury launch at Thompson Bay

Luxury launch at Thompson Bay
Originally uploaded by Tram Painter

GRAHAM, YOU APPEAR TO BE HAVING FUN. THE ONE WITH THE BLACK AND WHITE COMBINATION IS MY FAVORITE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, MY FRIEND. I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO GET BEHIND THE HELM AND PULL THE THROTTLE.
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Luxury launch at Thompson Bay

Uploaded by Tram Painter on 11 Nov 10, 2.37AM PST.

POST FOLLOWERS, HELLO

IT IS SO SELDOM THAT I GET A CHANCE TO TALK WITH YOU OR READ YOUR POSTS. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO RECOVER COMMENTS, ETC FROM MY BLOG.

LET ME ASK YOU A FAVOR. PLEASE GO TO MY FLICKR ACCOUNT AND LEAVE ME A MESSAGE THAT YOU ARE A FOLLOWER. IF YOU HAVE A BLOG, LET ME KNOW. OR IF YOU HAVE A FLICKR ACCOUNT, LET ME KNOW SO I CAN FOLLOW YOUR PHOTOSTREAM. THANKS, ROBERT

DSC_3722

DSC_3722
Originally uploaded by imagirlwatcha

SHE WILL LEARN MUCH ABOUT THE BEACH LIFESTYLES AND WHATEVER ELSE SHE IS STUDYING.
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DSC_3722
Good study habits...

Uploaded by imagirlwatcha on 31 Aug 09, 1.48AM PDT.

Bikini Suntan

Bikini Suntan
Originally uploaded by Brave Heart

IS SHE WAITING FOR ME TO CATCH UP WITH HER? OH', I MUST HAVE LOST MY WAY IN THE WATER SLIDE. A GREAT PHOTO BY BRAVE HEART. Check out his photographics on Flickr. Click on the photo and you'll go to his photostream.
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Bikini Suntan

Uploaded by Brave Heart on 25 Jan 08, 5.30PM PDT.

sunset-morro-bay-11-30-06-4

sunset-morro-bay-11-30-06-4
Originally uploaded by mikebaird

MIKE BAIRD IS ONE OF THE WEST COAST'S MOST TALENTED BEACH PHOTOGRAPHERS. This is my opinion, but I am partial to the beaches. He shoots some other great scenes. Take a look at his photos by hooking on to the link below. The photo here is what I call an "art photo" of an impressionistic genre. It is a beauty....
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sunset-morro-bay-11-30-06-4
Sunset over Estero Bay, Morro Bay, CA 11-30-06, photo by Mike Baird, bairdphotos.com

Uploaded by mikebaird on 18 Dec 06, 10.12PM PDT.

SANTA MONICA on 28 March 1964

SANTA MONICA on 28 March 1964
Originally uploaded by Lance & Cromwell

...Oh', I could mention that my reason for selecting this photograph for this blog was because I finally found out the name of the hotel on the beach I so well remember when I arrived in Santa Monica, but that would be less than truthful.

Yes, I am happy to have learned that the hotel one sees in this scene is the Hotel Monica, but what puzzles me still is the color. No matter how hard I try, I cannot come up with the color, but something tells me it was white.

Now, about the real reason I selected this photo. Notice how the young lady with the long, gorgeous hair is standing, as if she had just captured the head of BLMISC Club*.

Without a doubt, she has plans for her captive. Keep in mind, Muscle Beach is only a couple of stones throw from where she is so gallantly standing with her toes curled around the young and handsome man whose expression is one of imaginative anticipation and surpressed glee.

If this photograph does not create a lustful thought or two in my mind, I would be too old to remember what fun it was to be young and on the beach in sunny southern California.

* Best Looking Men In Southern California
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MY GRATITUDE TO LANCE AND CROMWELL for permission to exhibit this photo, and others too, in my several online blogs or photo journals. Thank you for your patience with my intense enthusiasm for your great work then, and now. Readers can link to Lance and Cromwells Flickr Photostream by clicking on the highlighted text below________________________________________________

SANTA MONICA on 28 March 1964
WOMAN ON YOUR MIND!!! In the park adjacent ot "Muscle Beach" and near the Santa Monica Pier. Photo project for state college photo journalism class back in 1964.

Uploaded by Lance & Cromwell on 16 Mar 09, 6.48PM PDT.

SANTA MONICA 28 March 1964

SANTA MONICA 28 March 1964
Originally uploaded by Lance & Cromwell

A BRIEF ESSAY ABOUT YOUTHFUL MEMORIES AND REALITY By Robert L. Huffstutter

There is a nostaligic charm of a bittersweet nature that beckons me back to these photos posted by Lance and Cromwell.

Time and again, I return to view this marvelous set of photos. It is not only the lust and the wishful thinking that lures my aged mind to return to the promenade, it is the overall mistique of the set that takes me back in time if I simply close my eyes for a few moments after viewing.

It is as though I hear the voices of the youth drifting up from the surf to tantalize my senses; it is as though I catch a breeze that is carrying a Kosher submarine sandwich combined with the scent of 60s tanning lotion. My olfactatory elements are almost ready to blow a fuse from the intensity of this illusionary scene.

I close my eyes and relax; I doze off brief only to awake to find a dove looking at me with more curiosity than I care to describe. Several moments pass. The dove's mate lights beside the other.
It is good to have such fond memories. It is good to be alive and able to remember those youthful, joyful days when my eyes met the eyes of many of my peers and generated a lustful wish.

Perhaps, perhaps there is more to lust than one might want to admit, at least publicly, but it is a writer's duty to record the reality of the past and the present.
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MY GRATITUDE TO LANCE AND CROMWELL FOR PERMISSION TO USE THIS MOST OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPH IN MY BLOG.
SANTA MONICA 28 March 1964
Photo project for state college photo journalism class back in 1964.

Uploaded by Lance & Cromwell on 16 Mar 09, 6.36PM PDT.

ocean minded

ocean minded
Originally uploaded by Natalia F.

ocean minded

Uploaded by Natalia F. on 3 Apr 09, 12.10PM PDT

img01--SANTA MONICA 28 March 1964

img01--SANTA MONICA 28 March 1964
Originally uploaded by Lance & Cromwell

ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOS OF THE STRAND or PROMENADE that I have seen. Please note the old Merry-Go-Round on the Santa Monica Pier in the background. And there is the classic window of the bar of the Monica Hotel's cocktail lounge.

THE MONICA HOTEL'S COCKTAIL LOUNGE...was the best seat on the beach in the 60s for those who enjoyed a cocktail while admiring the bodies of the young women and men who paraded by the bar window in scantily-fashioned swimwear. While I was able to maintain my posture while enjoying a double vodka martini on the rocks watching my nearly naked peer groups parading by, some of the older customers tumbled off their stools as groups of pink-bikin-clad hotties paraded by the big bar window of the Monica Hotel bar. The Monica Hotel has been gone for many years now, possibly razed for more parking, possibly because of city regulations putting drinking individuals in such close proximity to half-nude women and men. Who knows for sure?
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THANKS TO LANCE AND COMWELL FOR APPROVAL FOR USE OF THESE CLASSIC PHOTOS IN BEACHFRONT LIFESTYLES___________________________________________

img01--SANTA MONICA 28 March 1964
Photo project for state college photo journalism class back in 1964.

Uploaded by Lance & Cromwell on 16 Mar 09, 6.36PM PDT.



This

img02--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964

img02--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964
Originally uploaded by Lance & Cromwell

She is a darling, for sure. One other feature of this set that fascinates is the old beach-style architecture, mostly all gone now and replaced by concrete condos. Back then, almost every dwelling was unique with the front doors right on the beach-front. A walk along the strand or Promenade would delight one with the various aromas of what was cooking in the individual homes or wafting from the balconies. Yes, it was much different then.
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img02--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964
Photo project for state college photo journalism class back in 1964.

Uploaded by Lance & Cromwell on 16 Mar 09, 6.36PM PDT.

Santa Monica Muscle Beach

Santa Monica Muscle Beach
Originally uploaded by cisco123

Santa Monica Muscle Beach
working out in santa monica muscle beach , my dad is the bottom support. Cisco on top. Circa 1988

Uploaded by cisco123 on 29 Sep 07, 8.00PM PDT.

img10--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964

img10--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964
Originally uploaded by Lance & Cromwell

img10--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964
Damn, she blinked! Photo project for state college photo journalism class back in 1964.

Uploaded by Lance & Cromwell on 16 Mar 09, 6.48PM PDT.

img04--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964

img04--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964
Originally uploaded by Lance & Cromwell

THIS IS A CLASSIC AND WARMS MY MEMORIES UP...I LOVE THIS.

I love the hot dog stand in background. Many of my retro paintings include these hot dog stands of the 60s, especially in this area. Some were in business one day and gone the next.
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img04--SANTA-MONICA-28-March-1964
Project for state college photo journalism class back in 1964.

Uploaded by Lance & Cromwell on 16 Mar 09, 6.36PM PDT.

Vintage postcard with Santa Fe Super Chief

Vintage postcard with Santa Fe Super Chief
Originally uploaded by cklx

This was the train that took me to that great land of California back in 1959. It was a great trip and the orange groves served to remind one that they were, indeed, almost to their destination where the blue Pacfic met the golden sands of the California Beach Scene...
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The below text by CKLX:
Vintage postcard with Santa Fe Super Chief
I bought this postcard in an antiques shop in Ludington, MI. It was only $3. They also had postcards of trains in Ludington and other Michigan towns, but these usually sold for $10-20 a piece...
The train of course is the famous Santa Fe Super Chief from 1936. I think I've seen this postcard before in a book on the Santa Fe streamliners.
The card was published by the Western Publishing and Novelty Co. in LA. It's numbered #506. Does anybody know if there were other postcards with train images?
According to the stamp, the card was mailed in San Diego in 1948. The sender wrote a short message in Oceanside - she bought tickets (for the train?) to travel home on May 28.
Is this a fantasy scene or do the mountains in the background indicate a specific location?

Uploaded by cklx on 29 Aug 07, 5.11AM PDT.

Strand Walker II

Strand Walker II
Originally uploaded by Floyd's Noise/BlueChablis

IF I RECALL CORRECTLY, THE STRAND ONCE WENT FROM SANTA MONICA TO HERMOSA WITH AN INTERRUPTION. GREAT VIDEO, GREAT TIME TO GET AWAY AND ENJOY THIS PRODUCTION....
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Strand Walker II
Another trip down Hermosa Beach's Strand this time with my HD Cam and Shotgun Microphone. And like a snowflake you never know what your lens will capture.

Uploaded by Floyd's Noise/BlueChablis on 22 Oct 08, 8.59AM PDT.

BEACHFRONT LIQUOR STORES

FREE SPEECH FOREVER 1584
Originally uploaded by roberthuffstutter

The impressions of sights seen years ago and sometimes only yesterday blend into the mind, making yet another impression and wait to be expressed in scenes like the one above. Just how many liquor stores are in Venice Beach anyway?

A Walk Down Venice Beach

A Walk Down Venice Beach
Originally uploaded by Floyd's Noise/BlueChablis

A Walk Down Venice Beach
Venice Beach has been toned down thru the years but there is still some crazyness to observe and some interesting inhabitants.
Music: Margaritaville by Reggae MacHine

Uploaded by Floyd's Noise/BlueChablis on 10 Aug 08, 12.22PM PDT.

Beach Crowd Hermosa Beach

Beach Crowd Hermosa Beach
Originally uploaded by Ron Felsing

Beach Crowd Hermosa Beach
Still getting the crowds today

Uploaded by Ron Felsing on 25 Feb 09, 3.17PM PDT.

Hermosa Beach Aerial 1932

Hermosa Beach Aerial 1932
Originally uploaded by Ron Felsing

Beach Aerial 1932
Hermosa Beach Pier

Uploaded by Ron Felsing on 25 Feb 09,