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Places, Earth |
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Throughout the country, state parks, historic sites, homes, buildings, museums, and similar institutions are struggling to continue operating. Because of general financial problems, many of these institutions are operating on a reduced schedule or in danger of closing. Some are being forced to sell off artifacts and property. Many will not weather these hard times without your help. Places Earth urges everyone to support these vital and important public resources any way you can. Please donate your treasure, time, and talent. Write to your governor and other elected officials telling them to find a way to keep state parks open. It will be your loss. Public Service Announcement | Test space for future ad if donations don't increase. |
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| Back | Los Angeles County Main Page |
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America's oldest surviving original Bob's Big Boy restaurant still serves fans along Riverside Boulevard in the Toluca Lake area of Burbank, California. Designed by Architect Wayne McAllister* in the Streamline Moderne style, this concrete crescent was built in 1949 by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert. An addition, which doubled the size of the original building, was made in 1978 by the architectural firm of Armet, Davis & Newlove. This is the third Bob's ever built and is considered an excellent example of the transition from 1940s Moderne architectural style toward 1950s freeform "coffee shop modern" which was so popular in Los Angeles at the time. This Bob's was popular for the international-style monolith sign and pudgy mascot beside the neon-trimmed Bob's Big Boy restaurant. In 1993, Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake has designated as a California State Point of Historical Interest. The current owner (the MacDonald Family) acquired control of the restaurant in 1993 and began to restore it. An exterior patio was added; the tower sign was rehabilitated; the dining room was remodeled; "Car Hop" service was re-introduced on Saturday and Sunday nights, and on Friday nights a classic car show fills the parking lot. *Architect Wayne McAllister was one of the most important of the architects who created and popularized the Googie style. In addition to Bob's Big Boy, he designed the first Simon's drive-in in Los Angeles in 1935, originating a new type of circular design with a central pylon. As his work evolved characteristically of mid-century modernism, his restaurant designs became widespread in the Los Angeles area, designing of more Simons, as well as Robert's, Herbert's, McDonnell's, and Van de Kamp's. McAllister's died March 22 in Arcadia, California at age 92. Location: 4211 W. Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505 818 843-9334 Other similar pages in this web site: Johnie's Coffee Shop Restaurant, Showboat (closed), Tail of the Pup (closed). |
![]() Photo date: 8-28-04 |
![]() Photo date: 8-28-04 |
![]() Car Hop sign. Photo date: 8-28-04 |
![]() Car Hop shelter. Photo date: 8-28-04 |
![]() From across Riverside Drive. Photo date: 8-28-04 |
![]() Photo date: 8-28-04 |
![]() Plaque. Photo date: 7-19-03. |
![]() Mascot. Photo date: 7-19-03. |

![]() Photo date: 1-16-05. |
![]() Photo date: 1-16-05. |
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| Los Angeles County Main Page |
| Note: This is not the official site for any of the places shown in Places Earth. Places Earth is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, exhibits, and sometimes locations are subject to change without notice. |
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This web site started because of my love for Architecture and interest in History. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven' been many this year. I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ... | ||
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This site maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2012, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
| This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
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