I guess motorists of the 1920s and 30s got used to driving around Los Angeles and seeing oil derricks scattered across the landscape. But I wonder if any of these motorists driving on La Cienega Blvd (at around where the Beverly Center shopping mall now stands) thought twice about driving around the oil derrick that stood in the middle of the street, northbound to the right, southbound to the left. I love the billboard of a brand of gin I’ve never heard of, Old Man London. If that advertisement can be believed, it was “The Finest Gin at Any Price!”

Bill says: “I remember it “well” (not the sign, but the derrick) – the derrick was removed while I lived in the neighborhood but the pump remained. It was right next to “Kiddieland”, fenced off for safety. Then came Rexall HQ across the street – I was there often. Rexall had a huge store on the bottom floor with a grand toy department and Santa at Christmas time. A See’s candy shop. Newest vinyls of the current recording stars. The “New” ballpoint pens (they either leaked all over or did not write at all) – Lindy was the better one. Ah, the memories.“

Is it gin o’clock yet?