COMING SOON
coffee table book
ROUTE 66: THE END IS JUST THE BEGINNING
ART, ARCHITECTURE + FILM
In 1926 Marion Davies, silent film actress, famed party hostess and the original beach house resident, moved into her Gold Coast residence at 415 Pacific Coast Highway.
Marilyn Monroe was born. Casa del Mar and Route 66 opened and the interstate highway system became the largest public works project in the history of the world.
Route 66 came to symbolize freedom and mobility, offering Americans new opportunities and uniting regions.
The extension of Route 66 to Santa Monica spurred economic and regional growth after the Depression. The city had somehow managed to keep producing some of the most beautiful buildings downtown. At some point, the city passed legislation allowing movie theaters only in downtown, to benefit from being the destination. Route 66 got them here, and theaters gave them a reason to stay.
The improvements along Santa Monica Blvd. included sidewalk and storefront enhancements, serving as an economic catalyst for the development of the boulevard.
From Lincoln to Third Street, from Ocean Avenue to the Pier, Santa Monica became a living film set: its beaches, boulevards, and oceanfront landmarks immortalized on screen. Here, the Pacific plays itself.
COMING SOON
eating guide
Mae West arrived in Los Angeles at the age of 40 and within two years rivaled William Randolph Hearst in wealth. Rumor had it that Westwood is named after Mz. West, her having owned so much real estate there.
Santa Monica is known for it’s sunsets, scandals, and iconic blondes. It’s also known for its weekly farmers markets.
Mae West had wanted to write a vegetarian cookbook. It’s probably the only thing she didn’t accomplish in her extraordinary 80+ years on earth. Inspired by the Empress of Sex, we give you an eating guide only Mae West could have created.
COMING SOON
trivia cards
Route 66 Santa Monica
A Cultural Corridor
History is just gossip that survived.
From Marion Davies favorite board game to the cast of Barbie’s frequented local dive, enjoy mischievously devised questions and plenty of giggles with your pals.
Just as Marion would have wanted.