Last May we went on a short coastal cruise and stopped at Catalina Island here off the California Coast. I have been scuba diving there but never got onto the island until last May. A bit of the past added with new eateries had my name all over the ticket. For this Fall Back Friday I think sharing a bit of the past is in order with some snapshots.
The building is called The Casino but it holds the Avalon Theatre and opened in 1929. The building was a destination for the Hollywood elite and most would stay for days to enjoy the island. Once there I suppose travel situations and timing had a lot to do with that.
The theatre is on the lower level of the building. After buying our tickets at the ticket booth among the oceanscape murals, we walked through the doors and this happened. Time reversed and my heart went pitter-patter at the site of the interior lobby.
When I lived in Alameda, the Alameda had the same magical spell on me. It was built with the art deco style of the day and that is and always has been a favorite design in that it not only gives out curves, art in everything, and fine upholstered walls and furniture, it breathes straight lines that just simply marry perfectly together. In the above image, the ceiling’s wooden archway added with the carpentry of the wall’s lines paired with the rounded desk set made it all happen for me. As they say, “It’s all in the details”, and yet it is so simple. Elegance gone by.
The rounded chairs are so Hollywood and again, I can’t help but love the tufted lines set into the curvature. The stove – I am not so sure of but I am sure it comes in handy in the Winter.
I’ll have some Rasinettes, Junior Mints, and a Coke, please. Then for dessert, Jucy Fruit gum.
Below are my favorite chairs which boast of a *hat shelf* for men’s hats to be placed during the shows. The inside theatre has a few of them still today.
The Ladies Room.
The theatre itself is gorgeous. I could sit there all day and watch old movies. They still have movies on the weekends and the stage is set for live stage as it holds a full orchestra pit and the original organ used for silent films.
A Lot of Keys.
The original organ was used while watching silent movies and still plays on occasion. Its perfect.
Art All Over.
The beauty is abundant on this little gem of an island and the plan is to get back often.
Next time, we have the Avalon Casino. The Ballroom.
Til next time…
Kathleen Jennette
10 responses to “~Fall Back Friday~”
What a fabulous place!
Yes, Thank you Deborah 🙂
I’m so glad you shared this.
Thanks for this gorgeous tour. I’ve often wanted to explore Catalina Island. Your photos are beautiful.
Thank you! The island is a photographers dream. 😀
Lulu: “Catalina Island! That is one of our Mama and Dada’s favorite places in California!”
Chaplin: “Yes, Dennis told us how, years ago, Mama and Dada and some of their friends from the studio went away to Catalina Island for something called the Swing Dance Festival where they danced in the ballroom in the Casino. Dennis had to stay home with a dog-sitter, but at least it was somebody he knew …”
Yes, Chaplin, they have a wonderful ball room and I bet you would love to run around in it!! They don’t allow squating or lifing. You can see the photos next post on Friday. But, next time your Mama and Dada want to dance tell them I can watch you and I have a big yard for you to run in to squat and lift in!
The scenic images are so beautiful and bright and the theater images are a striking contrast to them. The theater is fabulous! When I was 16, I worked in a theater’s concession stand and your pics reminded me of that fun job. Thanks, Kathleen. 🙂
I was hoping some of the photos would hit a memory spot! Yes, those theatres are still in my head too, being that age. My Uncle used to work the Park Theatre in Lafayette and it was always fun to go in the the projection booth. My mother also worked the Alameda theatre as an Usherette in the 40s, the same theatre I saw Easy Rider in the 70s. Peter Fonda had a good snicker about my experience.. another story. Anyway, those theatres are sure embedded in our hearts. I am glad it hit yours. Fun days. It is sad that many don’t experience that luxury of the past.
I have never been to the island and wondered what is there, your photos are fantastic, Kathleen. Thanks for sharing this! “In a noisy bar in Avalon I tried to call you”… CSN. ❤️