Our Sundays are not always overly-planned. We'll get in the car and I'll ask, "Where are we going, Honeybunches?" Walter will reply, "This way....." and point north, east, south, west or thereabouts.
I love mystery adventures! Walter has the same kind of "see where the day takes us" take on lazy days that I do, and the destinations he chooses are always fun.
Today as we headed east down Victory toward the I-5 on-ramp, Walter indicated that we were headed right(ish) and we ended up downtown at the Central LA Public Library, yay!
He'd mentioned earlier that he thought I should investigate the wonderful resources available on in the History & Genealogy Department there for my Grand View cemetery research. I love how he gets into things that I'm interested in.
Walter reading a 1909 Glendale City Directory
Since we only had about an hour to explore, I headed straight toward the city directory shelves and was excited to find books for Glendale dating as far back as 1909. Vintage directories are plethoras of information, including listings cross-referenced by name and streets, plus editorial pages describing a town's history.
One of the things we learned was that early on, Grand View Memorial Park (as it is currently named) was called Grandview Memorial Park, which makes sense because of the spelling of Grandview Blvd. on the cemetery's eastern border. Also that Grand View was actually a part of Casa Verdugo before that area was annexed by the City of Glendale.
More on the historical factoids we began to uncover in a forthcoming post to my ValleyNews.com blog.
Afterward, we had a scrumptious old-fashioned dinner at The Original Pantry Cafe, a legendary 24/7 ("We Never Close!") downtown dining institution since 1924. Another place on my Can't Believe I've Haven't Been There Yet list.
The cafe filled with booths and counter seating is currently owned by former LA Mayor Richard Riordan. His memorabilia appears to be the only modern items in the joint. It's deliciously Depression-era in style. Except for the cashier sitting in a locked security cage, it feels like you're stepping back in time.
My favorite bit of historical kitch is a class picture of sorts, comprised of Pantry employee portraits circa 1965, honoring them for 35 years of service.
Before you ever order your meal (rib-eye steak for Walter, baked chicken for me) the waitress brings you individual dishes of the best cole slaw ever, and a plate of sour dough bread.
My one-word review: YUM!
We left feeling full, and carrying a doggie bag that included souvenirs (t-shirt for him, coffe mug for her ~ thanks, Wallydog!)
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