Esoteric Survey

Inspiration Heights, serene contemplative living. Designed in 1960 by Harold Zook.  This is a continuation on my latest visit to the Joshua Tree Retreat Center . To be honest, I never noticed these buildings before. However, they are now being restored in a collaborative effort by the retreat center and Homestead Modern . Brad Dunning  is leading the design and restoration. Needless to say, it's in great hands and soon you'll be able to stay at The Bungalows . The housing was built on a knoll referred to as Inspiration Heights. The permanent living suites were designed for students and retired members of the organization. They were completely furnished and touted as being  "thoroughly modern."  In newspaper articles of the day, it was also described as "serene contemplative living."   Harold B Zook A.I.A, a Cornell graduate and former Albert Frey employee, was the architect and O.K. Earl Jr was the builder. Both were based in Pasadena. Earl was fresh off o...

Wigwam Motel on former Route 66 in San Bernardino.  This is one of three surviving examples of a concept created by Frank A. Redford.  These type of roadside attractions were an obvious insensitive exploitation and whitewashing of Native American heritage. Even the name illustrates this sort of cultural homogenization. A wigwam is actually more of a dome shape compared to the co-opted teepee form used by Redford. There are conflicting stories regarding where Redford's inspiration for the design came from. This 1946 article in the San Bernardino Sun said he lived on a reservation as a boy. Although If he really did grow up on a Sioux Indian reservation you would think he may have known the difference between a wigwam and teepee. A few other sources state he was inspired by a teepee restaurant in long Beach. Some say an ice cream stand but perhaps it was Teepee BBQ that was on 2nd Street and Covina Avenue? Source: Monovisions This location would be the last "Wigwam Village"...

Lucia Rodriguez opened Mitla Cafe in 1937, on the heels of the great depression. The San Bernardino restaurant is located on a segment of former Route 66.   Segregation was in full effect at this point and west San Bernardino was where Mexicans were restricted to living. Mitla Cafe is where they gathered. It was also where the community organized. Politicians and civic leaders made frequent stops at the restaurant.   In fact, Cesar Chavez was a known regular when he was in town.  They also had their own baseball team. Source: San Bernardino County Sun Source: Route 66 Women 1945 Source: San Bernardino County Sun Besides the signage, it still looks the same.  They also did some redecorating in 1954. Source: San Bernardino County Sun In this photo of Route 66 from the mid 1950s, Mitla is on the left. In addition to being a landmark restaurant and cultural institution, Mitla Cafe is also responsib...