After having researched the Garden of Allah Hotel for over 10 years, it’s not often that I come across a photo of it that I’ve not encountered before. So when I do, it’s always rather exciting. According to the caption, it was taken in 1927, which is the year the hotel opened. I’m not sure about that because Sunset Boulevard looks like it’s paved over and that didn’t happen until the early 1930s. Regardless of the actual date, it’s a glimpse into how the place looked early in its life. But what really catches my eye is that circular object standing on the curb to the right. It looks like it’s around two feet tall. Does anybody have a clue what it is?
It looks like a Rotary Club sign:
According to this article from the Los Angeles Times dated February 10, 1938, a Rotary Club meeting was held there. (Jump down to the final item.)
That’s what it looks like but given the Garden’s rather louche reputation, I find it hard to imagine that Rotary would want to have anything to do with the Garden of Allah. Or maybe the louchery hadn’t quite kicked in yet…?
I, too, vote for a Rotary Club sign. It looks as if it was placed on the median next to the curb, not on the GOA property itself, so it might have been approved by the city and have nothing to do with the GOA.
Many municipalities allow civic organizations to place such signs or logos at the entrance of the community to encourage participation. Often they have the meeting time/day/location on them.
After having researched the Garden of Allah Hotel for over 10 years, it’s not often that I come across a photo of it that I’ve not encountered before. So when I do, it’s always rather exciting. According to the caption, it was taken in 1927, which is the year the hotel opened. I’m not sure about that because Sunset Boulevard looks like it’s paved over and that didn’t happen until the early 1930s. Regardless of the actual date, it’s a glimpse into how the place looked early in its life. But what really catches my eye is that circular object standing on the curb to the right. It looks like it’s around two feet tall. Does anybody have a clue what it is?
Rotary Club sign, if I’m not mistaken.
Yes, I thought that too, but I’m not sure what the GOA would be doing with a Rotary sign out front.
Just what I thought when I first saw it.
Maybe something to do with the Auto Club?
https://scvhistory.com/gif/autoclubtopper.png
Yes, that’s a distinct possibility!
I think Rotary also maybe got permission from Garden to put up ?
That’s what it looks like but given the Garden’s rather louche reputation, I find it hard to imagine that Rotary would want to have anything to do with the Garden of Allah. Or maybe the louchery hadn’t quite kicked in yet…?
Some sort of fire hydrant?
I, too, vote for a Rotary Club sign. It looks as if it was placed on the median next to the curb, not on the GOA property itself, so it might have been approved by the city and have nothing to do with the GOA.
Many municipalities allow civic organizations to place such signs or logos at the entrance of the community to encourage participation. Often they have the meeting time/day/location on them.