A Library, a Road, and a Queen

My second day on Palos Verdes Peninsula was not quite as flurry-filled with Reminiscent Reveries as my first day, but then, that may be expected. I drove around a bit more in Anticipation of finding my old Library. I was successful and I am pleased to report that it is better than ever! The building is quite unique having been designed by a noted architect of the day (1925?) and has five different levels. Fortunately, the Keepers of late have realized what a gem they have and have endeavored to bring the spaces back to their original Glory Days complete with original furnishings. I will confess that I remember more of the outside of the building than the inside as there are several fountains and terraces out there that I do remember.

                        I took the liberty of driving (carefully) whilst photographing the road that goes through the Slide Area of Portuguese Bend. This is the section that my two homes were located in, and the area was sliding even back then. It has since worsened and I don’t know if you remember back a few months ago, a very significant slide occurred talking several homes with it. This news did make the national scene, so you may have seen it there. Here the photos of the Roller Coaster Ride that is Palos Verdes Drive South through Portuguese Bend.

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                        After lunch at a neat place by the Library, I went down to Long Beach and the home of the Queen Mary. The Queen Mary (1934) has been docked in Long Beach since 1967, immediately after she retired from her trans-Atlantic service. She has been maintained (?) or at least been tried to be maintained as she has passed through various “Operators”, some better than others. Here is another story from over here that makes national news from time to time, as the condition of the Queen could be much better. The City of Long Bach is her actual owner, and she is leased out to “Operators” who are responsible for her upkeep and incredibly important maintenance. As you may imagine, if business is not quite up to the forecasted numbers, something suffers and that is usually the upkeep. When this issue befalls a ship, it becomes rather catastrophic in proportion. The City Council has since taken more control over the ship and better times are here and hopefully more in the future. I spoke with one of the officers yesterday and he was quite optimistic in his outlook for this. This ship is one of those things that if it ceases to exist, that example of those days of Travel will no longer be available for us to experience as she is the last of her kind.

                        If you are regular reader of this Blog, you know how important Ships and their History, especially Ocean Liners, are to me. So, paying a visit to one of the most famous and revered ships in nautical history was quite a treat for me.

                        And….. I am taking the liberty of showing you the photos of her in a Black & White format. There was no color film back in 1934 so in an endeavor of trying to be Nostalgic (?) I have assembled these here for you. There are a few that I will show you in color, just to illustrate the finer points of the way that they decorated her. It is quite Art Deco as would be expected.

                        So, here for your viewing pleasure I give you,

                                                The Queen Mary