The readers and tikiphiles who grew up in Southern California will recognize the Pitcairn Motel sign that stood as an icon along Harbor Boulevard for many many years, just a few blocks down the street from Disneyland in Orange County, CA.
The sign is long gone, however, here is your chance to learn all about the storied tiki past of Orange County. My friend and fellow tikiphile, Chris Jepsen, will be presenting a fantastic seminar on the History of Orange County Tiki on June 10, 2010.
Join the the Orange County Historical Society for a special dinner at Don the Beachcomber. Amid the waterfalls and tikis of the "Hidden Village" room, historian Chris Jepsen will speak on the "Polynesian Pop" phenomenon of the 1950s and '60s in Orange County.
From architecture, décor and music, to literature, theme parks and backyard luaus, the South Seas was a wildly popular theme throughout Mid-Century America. This was especially true in sunny Orange County, where primitive carved figures, grass huts, 'Aloha shirts,' and lush jungle landscaping seemed right at home.
Don the Beachcomber is a historically significant restaurant that recently took up residence in one of America’s few remaining authentic tiki establishments: The former Sam’s Seafood. The place has recently been lovingly restored and improved.
The event is open to everyone -- not just Society members. But please sign up soon before they run out of space. To register or for more information, download a PDF flyer,
Hawaiian/tropical attire is encouraged, but not mandatory.
Speaker: OCHS Vice President Chris Jepsen is the Assistant Archivist at the Orange County Archives, a local historian, and a member of the City of Huntington Beach’s Historic Resources Board. He has been studying Mid-Century commercial architecture and design and 'Polynesian Pop' for 15 years. He has two websites: Googie Architecture Online (http://SpaceAgeCity.com), and O.C. History Roundup (http://ochistorical.blogspot.com).
Chris has also created a Facebook page for the event.
I'll be heading down to Southern California for the event, so I hope to see some of you there.
Thank you for the plug! If things keep going the way they are now, we should have a full house!
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