tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10670465644339306062024-03-12T20:30:47.364-07:00Living Vicuriously, aka Pasadena Daily Photo, has moved.PETREA BURCHARD and Boz Books are now at petreaburchard.comPetrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.comBlogger2179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-70187378937546801172016-03-25T15:15:00.002-07:002016-04-07T12:06:42.899-07:00Onward Upward Forward Through<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1px8HiHIO3A/VvW0f9in2SI/AAAAAAAANWk/dipqZOqgVEQwtJhxTjtrdDkf9zT3m_J_Q/s1600/ZenMonday%252337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1px8HiHIO3A/VvW0f9in2SI/AAAAAAAANWk/dipqZOqgVEQwtJhxTjtrdDkf9zT3m_J_Q/s640/ZenMonday%252337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by John Sandel</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
Remember Zen Monday? This was <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/02/zen-monday-37.html" target="_blank">#37</a> from 2009, a photo taken of me by my husband, John Sandel, at <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Hahamongna%20Watershed%20Park" target="_blank">Hahamongna Watershed Park</a>. Our dear, departed <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Boz" target="_blank">Boz</a> was still with us.<br />
<br />
How things change. We're hiking in different places, and now it's Wilma who comes along on the leash. We still get our doses of Zen, though.<br />
<br />
This is the last time I'll be posting here at Pasadena Daily Photo/Living Vicuriously. I've shifted operations to a new website, <a href="http://petreaburchard.com/" target="_blank">PetreaBurchard.com</a>. Please join me there! The site has an event calendar, links to my books and voice-over demos, and even <a href="http://petreaburchard.com/blog/" target="_blank">a blog</a> where I'll post on Fridays. I hope you'll follow it and add your comments, which have come to mean so much to me over the years.<br />
<br />
Don't be a stranger!<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-87072363355238673832016-03-10T12:00:00.000-08:002016-03-10T12:00:25.349-08:00On a Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JktPxMEYu04/Vs5emnZpn_I/AAAAAAAANV8/q5Xrszb7agw/s1600/0224%2BVersailles%2Bkitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JktPxMEYu04/Vs5emnZpn_I/AAAAAAAANV8/q5Xrszb7agw/s640/0224%2BVersailles%2Bkitty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Versailles Kitty, 2006</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm working on something new for the web and taking a break from Living Vicuriously. Just living curiously for the moment.<br />
<br /></div>
Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-4744132072184772702016-02-28T15:27:00.002-08:002016-02-28T15:27:35.752-08:00Story Kitchen Cooks Again in March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0BqBUVBFqg/VtN-oOAP_iI/AAAAAAAANWQ/vckIRPeQIy0/s1600/Bob%2BTanabe%252C%2BGloria%2BLee%252C%2BPBS%252C%2BCatherine%2BYesayan%252C%2BElaine%2BLaMarr%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0BqBUVBFqg/VtN-oOAP_iI/AAAAAAAANWQ/vckIRPeQIy0/s640/Bob%2BTanabe%252C%2BGloria%2BLee%252C%2BPBS%252C%2BCatherine%2BYesayan%252C%2BElaine%2BLaMarr%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bob Tanabe, Gloria Lee, Petrea Burchard, Catherine Yesayan, and Elaine La Marr at the Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeeshop.</i></div>
<br />
The Story Kitchen's January/February class was an absolute hoot. We had two memoirs (one travel, one life/historical), one novel and one novella. Now each of the authors has the tools to make their stories into whatever they want them to be.<br />
<br />
We focus on story structure: how to organize your ideas onto the page. The next workshop begins in March: 4 weeks, 4 students, $199. The flyer below gives you the details, but of course you can email me with any questions. I've got a <a href="mailto:storykitchn@gmail.com" target="_blank">special email address for the Story Kitchen</a>. Save your spot in the workshop by stopping at the store, 1010 Foothill Blvd. in La Canada Flintridge, or by calling (818) 790-0717.<br />
<br />
A couple of testimonials for you:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<i>I’ve been running story lines in
my head but never could put those thoughts into words. That is, until I signed
up for the Story Kitchen writing class. Petrea takes a personal interest in
each of her students. Her teaching style keeps me focused and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>inspires me to keep on writing.</i>—Bob Tanabe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<i>Petrea's workshop has motivated
me and made me want to kick my procrastinating self back into creative mode. She inspires us to be
ourselves when writing. So grateful I
attended this session.</i>—Elaine La Marr</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<i>It has been a most enjoyable
workshop, and has expanded my understanding and appreciation of the writing
process.</i>—Gloria Lee</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cm60O1Ujn9M/VtN-iyDFEvI/AAAAAAAANWM/FvAq35s0uVQ/s640/SK%2Bflyer%2BMarch%2Bclass%2B2016.png" width="496" /></div>
Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-17513306809384994012016-02-14T08:05:00.001-08:002016-02-14T08:05:57.561-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="470" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sqVTnaGa-yw/VsClh5QKmXI/AAAAAAAANVs/QmseE21bLps/s640/coffee%2Bwith%2Bheart.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-9334710083976326062016-02-06T16:22:00.000-08:002016-02-13T08:24:44.487-08:00Just Float<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVukl-WTCNI/VrZxWHNU6II/AAAAAAAANVI/_UcthNZolEA/s1600/IMG_5747%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVukl-WTCNI/VrZxWHNU6II/AAAAAAAANVI/_UcthNZolEA/s640/IMG_5747%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Was tension written on my face? In my posture? A friend insisted I needed to float.<br />
<br />
I like to try new things, so okay. Fortunately, Pasadena has the nicest, newest, biggest float therapy spa anywhere. It's called <a href="http://justfloat.com/" target="_blank">Just Float</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9qB8ExcTq0/VrZxU8Kd0FI/AAAAAAAANU4/-Bntec0Ym-w/s1600/IMG_5741%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9qB8ExcTq0/VrZxU8Kd0FI/AAAAAAAANU4/-Bntec0Ym-w/s640/IMG_5741%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's a protocol to follow. The <a href="http://justfloat.com/my-first-float/" target="_blank">video on the website</a> shows you around the place and tells you how floating works. If you don't have a chance to look at it before you go in, you'll be asked to watch it on an iPad while you relax in the slinky, peaceful lobby. You will also be asked to sign a release saying you won't hold Just Float liable if any number of horrible things happen to you. I read that and my shoulders climbed up around my ears.<br />
<br />
I took the release to the front counter and asked the clerk, "Can I actually drown in there?"<br />
<br />
"It's eleven inches deep," she said.<br />
<br />
We laughed. I'd have to work pretty hard to drown in that.<br />
<br />
It's also 1300 pounds of epsom salt dissolved in 250 gallons of water. That's buoyant stuff. I figured I could take the chance.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ew3EJbSnZnc/VrZxV8apxtI/AAAAAAAANVE/lARnMBpJ9ho/s1600/IMG_5744%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ew3EJbSnZnc/VrZxV8apxtI/AAAAAAAANVE/lARnMBpJ9ho/s640/IMG_5744%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The lobby ceiling murmurs the theme of floating in calming water.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TBlrN81Ym8/VraDNvNwGmI/AAAAAAAANVc/B7c-uuXHB4E/s1600/IMG_5711%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TBlrN81Ym8/VraDNvNwGmI/AAAAAAAANVc/B7c-uuXHB4E/s640/IMG_5711%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Everything is soothing, from colors to lighting to a hot cup of tea.</i></div>
<br />
Owner Jim Hefner has poured his passion for floating into Just Float. It shows. Even the decor is about health and wellness. <a href="http://justfloat.com/my-first-float/" target="_blank">Take a look at the video on the site</a>. It was shot at Just Float, so you see exactly how the place looks. It's amazingly clean. It smells good. You get your own room with a towel, a washcloth, and a damned fine bathrobe. You have your own shower with organic body wash and shampoo, much nicer than the stuff I get at the grocery store. Creme rinse, too, but that's for after.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WT7lzqPFIvM/VrZxU8VANuI/AAAAAAAANU8/tCIvayi_Xos/s1600/IMG_5719%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WT7lzqPFIvM/VrZxU8VANuI/AAAAAAAANU8/tCIvayi_Xos/s640/IMG_5719%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
You have one hour. You'll want to luxuriate in your shower but I say don't linger. Get yourself clean then get into the 94 degree water. Adjust the lights the way you want them. You can have low light, high light or complete darkness. I get a little claustrophobic so I chose low light. If you get a lot claustrophobic you can leave the door open between your float tank and your private dressing room.<br />
<br />
I sat down in the warm salt water and my legs lifted on their own. Yep, it would be hard to drown in that. I laid back and tried to find a position for my arms. Up? Down? Either way, my shoulders refused to unclench. They hurt so badly I didn't think I'd last the whole hour. But I wanted to give it a good shot, so I took turns rubbing each shoulder and being careful not to splash. You do not want that salt in your eyes.<br />
<br />
The soft music faded out. Jim had suggested I count backwards from 100 to shut my mind off. This might not have been the best thing for me because my brain likes counting. Rubbing my shoulders, first right and then left, I counted down on each exhale. "...65...64...63..." All the way to zero. Then I didn't have anything else to do. I was pretty sure I wouldn't last the whole hour. I floated around, touching the sides of the 7'X5' tank.<br />
<br />
.....<br />
<br />
Then the music faded back in and the lights came up. I haven't the faintest idea where my mind was for at least thirty minutes. I've never been successful at meditation. I would not say I was in a mindful state. More like mindless.<br />
<br />
It relaxed me. I didn't think anything could do that. It was just what I needed.<br />
<br />
I pulled myself out of the water, crusty with salt, and closed the door. I was about to enjoy my shower when I heard whooshing inside, so I opened the door to look. The tank was cleaning itself. Later, Jim told me salt is a hostile environment for a lot of icky bacteria. Plus at Just Float, they use ultraviolet sterilizers and hydrogen peroxide to clean the water after each use. This way they provide a sanitary environment without wasting water.<br />
<br />
Sanitary, environmentally conscious and totally automated. I felt like I was in a Stanley Kubrick version of 2016.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_sl04tzh9Y/VraDNly5C_I/AAAAAAAANVY/u2itySnPVx8/s1600/IMG_5721%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_sl04tzh9Y/VraDNly5C_I/AAAAAAAANVY/u2itySnPVx8/s320/IMG_5721%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You <i>need</i> creme rinse after soaking in salt. You might also want a nice cup of tea in the lounge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WD0CG2a26wA/VrZxU7q_XDI/AAAAAAAANVA/02IWlF5BqwI/s1600/IMG_5724%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WD0CG2a26wA/VrZxU7q_XDI/AAAAAAAANVA/02IWlF5BqwI/s640/IMG_5724%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I relaxed in the lobby and sipped my tea. You can write in <a href="http://justfloat.com/float-center-los-angeles-jim-hefner-shares-journey/" target="_blank">the journal</a> to express what your experience was like. Jim Hefner's entry is the first one. You can see how much he loves his business, and how deeply he believes in floating as therapy for mind and body. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He's not the only one. On a Tuesday afternoon, Just Float was busy. A couple came in to float together. A pregnant woman. A mom and her little girl. An athletic-looking young man, not so fresh from the office. In one short hour they would be refreshed, relaxed, renewed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My shoulders are back up around my ears. It doesn't take much. But now I have a solution.</div>
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-44404658289639172292016-01-23T15:35:00.000-08:002016-01-23T19:11:07.684-08:00Whelmed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uew3ZlbaxUI/VqLh-jXWecI/AAAAAAAANUY/rRZl59yA95k/s1600/typewriter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uew3ZlbaxUI/VqLh-jXWecI/AAAAAAAANUY/rRZl59yA95k/s640/typewriter3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Being overwhelmed is not good. It means you've got more than you can handle. Yesterday I felt overwhelmed. But I decided it was my attitude so I decreed that my attitude would change.<br />
<br />
Being underwhelmed is also not good. It means nothing's good enough. That's a bad attitude right there.<br />
<br />
So, I'm whelmed.<br />
<br />
My Story Kitchen writing class is happening and it's fun. I have a couple of editing clients and I love the work. I've got new voice-over opportunities thanks to the home studio I've put together. I'm writing. I'm consulting. I'm building a new website. And more.<br />
<br />
More work, more learning curve, more busy, more......aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!lllll good! Yes yes yes. It's all good. I decree it.<br />
<br />
I WILL NOT GET SCARED.<br />
<br />
or<br />
<br />
I AM SCARED BUT I WILL NOT LET THAT STOP ME.<br />
<br />
Sorry for shouting.<br />
<br />
I've always sought ways to turn my passion into my day job—to get paid to do what I love, or at least something related. I'm getting there.<br />
<br />
(Can I monetize eating ice cream and surfing the web?)<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-33050199120058134832016-01-10T14:05:00.002-08:002016-01-10T14:05:11.407-08:00The Story Kitchen Cooks Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mGVIJWqJhk/VpLUtCYDrKI/AAAAAAAANT4/5efjKUU8TEs/s1600/IMG_5609%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mGVIJWqJhk/VpLUtCYDrKI/AAAAAAAANT4/5efjKUU8TEs/s640/IMG_5609%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
This month I start teaching again! My class is called the Story Kitchen. It takes place at the Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse and the first four-week session begins January 20th.<br />
<br />
Even though I know how to write and I even have a degree in Creative Writing, when I began work on my novel, <i>Camelot & Vine</i>, I still had a lot to learn. A novel is a big project! But over time I've come up with some methods that can help other writers streamline the process.<br />
<br />
Most people know how to write good sentences and paragraphs. But longer forms, like a screenplay or a book of fiction or nonfiction, are harder to piece together. At the Story Kitchen I'll help you organize it all—the scene ideas, themes and characters that have been running around in your head—into the whole story. <i>Your</i> story. I can't tell you what to write. But I can help you write the story you want to tell.<br />
<br />
A kitchen is a cozy place where people gather to talk, enjoy the warmth of the stove, and have a cup of tea. The Story Kitchen is cozy, too, a safe place to work on your story with people whose goals align with yours. Class size is small, so everyone's work gets a lot of attention, every time.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal:<br />
4 students, 4 weeks, $199<br />
January 20th & 27th, February 3rd & 10th<br />
Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:45pm<br />
<a href="http://flintridgebooks.com/" target="_blank">Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse</a> (yes, we get to have coffee and snacks in class)<br />
Call now! Or stop by the store to register: (818) 790-0717<br />
1010 Foothill Blvd., La Canada, CA 91011 (it's easy to get to, right of the 2 and 210 freeways)<br />
<br />
At the Story Kitchen, I know you have the ingredients. All you need is the recipe.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://hometown-pasadena.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Editing-BW.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: small;">photo by John Sandel</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHfRaipeWEM/VpLEa3v5QNI/AAAAAAAANTk/xuF-T7EHsvg/s1600/SK%2Blogo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHfRaipeWEM/VpLEa3v5QNI/AAAAAAAANTk/xuF-T7EHsvg/s400/SK%2Blogo_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-73374017608207340872015-12-24T15:25:00.000-08:002015-12-24T15:25:02.553-08:00Happy 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7rAf-sD9v4/VniKB6MN-dI/AAAAAAAANS8/AHnzl3jwS9A/s1600/122415RubelCastleChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7rAf-sD9v4/VniKB6MN-dI/AAAAAAAANS8/AHnzl3jwS9A/s640/122415RubelCastleChristmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rubel Castle, Glendora, California</span></i></div>
<br />
Best wishes for all your holidays, and a Happy 2016. See you then!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-25925096989347990452015-12-21T15:01:00.000-08:002015-12-21T19:57:49.252-08:00Rubel Castle, Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bi202uTIIk/Vnhv3N1McjI/AAAAAAAANRc/JTT8hB4awXs/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Bi202uTIIk/Vnhv3N1McjI/AAAAAAAANRc/JTT8hB4awXs/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Several artists live and create at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rubel-castle-glendora" target="_blank">Rubel Castle in Glendora</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP6ANKVcrRg/Vnhv41YAmlI/AAAAAAAANRk/xsb2d2KFzGE/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP6ANKVcrRg/Vnhv41YAmlI/AAAAAAAANRk/xsb2d2KFzGE/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's a fantastic print shop operated by Iris Porter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyC8_239KJF-gACZmk2mzgVD49q1Vp8SAE8P0np6Qya64TvTldPttL3VO_lpvti9svw0_M7k-2qhjExfpZ_CA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Scott showed us how the press works. He and my husband John are speaking on this video.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0MPXTNhoZ4/Vnhv5XKBj-I/AAAAAAAANRo/nuGsyt6jBHU/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p0MPXTNhoZ4/Vnhv5XKBj-I/AAAAAAAANRo/nuGsyt6jBHU/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There's a blacksmith. His name is Big John Lybrand and he "works with other interested amateurs on Saturdays," says Scott Rubel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbUYsB-4oSg/Vnhv6qET0fI/AAAAAAAANR0/LGheXOOYnIo/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbUYsB-4oSg/Vnhv6qET0fI/AAAAAAAANR0/LGheXOOYnIo/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I couldn't resist messing with this photo of part of the anvil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GT3VhWNRtCA/Vnhv7jMr9fI/AAAAAAAANSA/B00sUlHAeTc/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GT3VhWNRtCA/Vnhv7jMr9fI/AAAAAAAANSA/B00sUlHAeTc/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's a musician. That would be <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Craig%20Woods" target="_blank">Craig Woods</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cUNTLdg4lqo/Vnhv7sInqWI/AAAAAAAANR8/jWE93SiY5_Q/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cUNTLdg4lqo/Vnhv7sInqWI/AAAAAAAANR8/jWE93SiY5_Q/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And sculptors. And a tile maker, Sandy Krause, who also lives at the Castle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeppwA0Y97I/Vnhv8GojEdI/AAAAAAAANSE/XVby6nP2jWQ/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeppwA0Y97I/Vnhv8GojEdI/AAAAAAAANSE/XVby6nP2jWQ/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And many more. Artists have been part of the Castle since as early as the 1960's. In this large studio building there was so much, I didn't know what to look at. It's a wild and wonderful space.<br />
<br />
There was much more to photograph and I took so many pictures! But you get the idea. Rubel Castle is a great place to visit, and you'll probably want to go more than once. Tours are by reservation only. You can make them at <a href="http://glendorahistoricalsociety.org/Castle.html" target="_blank">the Castle's website</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQRVEhJ3mFg/Vnhv9ZfpAOI/AAAAAAAANSU/o-3MkfErolA/s1600/122115RubelCastleArtists8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQRVEhJ3mFg/Vnhv9ZfpAOI/AAAAAAAANSU/o-3MkfErolA/s640/122115RubelCastleArtists8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Here's Scott Rubel, standing inside the real caboose that's an apartment at the Castle. Chickens, dogs and horses live just outside. Like I said, there was so much to photograph.<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone at the Castle for being so nice (<a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/12/rubel-castle-communal-kitchen.html" target="_blank">and for eating the donuts!</a>). Special thanks to Scott Rubel for sharing his knowledge, and his memories of an amazing youth spent living and working in the family Castle.<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-84508027657420239462015-12-17T20:50:00.001-08:002015-12-17T20:50:49.532-08:00Rubel Castle, Vehicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3kckG-M1ho/VnDeENq6iJI/AAAAAAAANQI/kqR0Zu6Af_c/s1600/IMG_5130%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3kckG-M1ho/VnDeENq6iJI/AAAAAAAANQI/kqR0Zu6Af_c/s640/IMG_5130%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tucked into sheds, garages and corners around the two-acre grounds of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubel_Castle" target="_blank">Rubel Castle</a> you'll find lots of old cars. Our tour guide Scott Rubel had a story about each of them. Since I don't know a lot about antique vehicles, I enlisted Scott's help with this post. His additions are in italics. Thank you, Scott!</span><br />
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1. The large Ford flat bed truck you have viewed from the front is a 1949, given to Michael [Rubel] by his former tenant Glen Speer, builder of </i><a href="http://www.mongoosejunctionstjohn.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="s1"><i>Mongoose Junction</i></span></a><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">, a shopping center hand-built from stone (where did he get the idea?) in the Virgin Islands.</i><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRqNmeVIuYs/VnDeD6mOVDI/AAAAAAAANQE/CoHj1h48T5U/s1600/IMG_5132%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRqNmeVIuYs/VnDeD6mOVDI/AAAAAAAANQE/CoHj1h48T5U/s640/IMG_5132%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's possible some of these have seen their last active days.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>2. These are the 1924 International and 1924 Chevy flatbed trucks. Although they are rusting away, they were used in our field trips to collect stones for the Castle, and the last time they were run was in the 1987 Glendora centennial parade.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_xUINkXhEg/VnDeEaf_tqI/AAAAAAAANQM/BBbBWkRaOj0/s1600/IMG_5133%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_xUINkXhEg/VnDeEaf_tqI/AAAAAAAANQM/BBbBWkRaOj0/s640/IMG_5133%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Full on...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQvx5MWpF0o/VnDeEsoehRI/AAAAAAAANQU/nHuCSCKpXRc/s1600/IMG_5134%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQvx5MWpF0o/VnDeEsoehRI/AAAAAAAANQU/nHuCSCKpXRc/s640/IMG_5134%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">...driver's side...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Lbej47Ift4/VnDeE5CDhuI/AAAAAAAANQc/iduWHBiwiT0/s1600/IMG_5135%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Lbej47Ift4/VnDeE5CDhuI/AAAAAAAANQc/iduWHBiwiT0/s640/IMG_5135%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">...passenger side. All three are views of the same truck.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">3. These three pictures are of the 1925 Chevy one-ton flatbed.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzYUKLL7S08/VnDeFImnxlI/AAAAAAAANQk/1Ke8b9dz-2Q/s1600/IMG_5225%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzYUKLL7S08/VnDeFImnxlI/AAAAAAAANQk/1Ke8b9dz-2Q/s640/IMG_5225%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You might notice a lot of dust. Though most of these old vehicles are in sheds, due to the nature of the Castle many of them are partially exposed to the elements. There's no staff to keep them shiny. The dust, rust and lopsided junk at Rubel Castle are part of its funky charm.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">4. The 1932 Ford Tudor is the first year V8 was made. Even though we had a bulletproof Mercedes, this Ford was more commonly used for our evening car when we were being spiffy. (The Studebaker was strictly for the best occasions.) I always like to mention that the Tudor was a gift to Michael from <a href="http://rubelcastle.com/edson_rorabeck.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Edson Rorabeck</a>, who was a beau of my grandmother's [Dorothy Deuel Rubel]. </span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oICMj2K_kNg/VnDeFekv3fI/AAAAAAAANQs/YyJ0dQfRQ9I/s640/IMG_5241%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the front of an old tractor.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">5. The Cletrac I cannot provide an accurate date. Giving a round number I usually say it's a 1918. Cletrac was made by the Cleveland Tractor Co. The last time all these tractors were put to much use was during the 1969 floods.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s9pGxiq8Mk/VnDeFvjjB6I/AAAAAAAANRA/k9s2zafDuTk/s1600/IMG_5244%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s9pGxiq8Mk/VnDeFvjjB6I/AAAAAAAANRA/k9s2zafDuTk/s640/IMG_5244%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A couple of the cars were locked in a special shed. This is the grille of the car below.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">6. The car with the "9" in front of the grill is a a six-cylinder 1929 GJ model. Only 1,200 were made that year. The "9" is supposed to be a "6", but my uncle [Michael Rubel], when he wasn't exaggerating numbers, at least would get things upside-down when he worked on things.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuPcHwsHDfg/VnDeF34JmAI/AAAAAAAANQ4/uAJv0K2E6rU/s1600/IMG_5245%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuPcHwsHDfg/VnDeF34JmAI/AAAAAAAANQ4/uAJv0K2E6rU/s640/IMG_5245%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That's Scott Rubel on the right, with my husband, John Sandel, on the left. As I mentioned in <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/12/rubel-castle-3.html" target="_blank">an earlier post</a>, Scott grew up at "the Pharm" and even had a hand in building the Castle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTP9QhlqwDM/VnDeFx5AjPI/AAAAAAAANQ8/SpSo9Otscng/s1600/IMG_5247%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTP9QhlqwDM/VnDeFx5AjPI/AAAAAAAANQ8/SpSo9Otscng/s640/IMG_5247%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the interior of the "bullet-proof Mercedes." I don't know why anybody at Rubel Castle needed a bullet-proof car, but I can tell you the doors are damned heavy.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">7. The bulletproof Mercedes is a 1957 model. It was a parade car for dignitaries. Charles De Gaulle rode in it for one parade, allegedly. It had a telephone in it which worked back then by radio. When my uncle and I drove it around in the 60s, he would pick up the telephone and pretend to talk on it whenever someone was watching. In the days before mobile phones this performance was a head-turner.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Michael would pick these cars and trucks up for nearly nothing during the 1950s. People were prospering after WWII, and during the 50s these old vehicles began to sit around in the Glendora ranches because they were being replaced by new vehicles. They were so easy to come by, just for the asking, that young teenage Michael had no way of valuing them. Some vehicles he didn’t manage to keep for a day because of his mistreatment of them. He was a superb mechanic at a very early age and could get an old truck or tractor running after it had been rusting for ten years in a field, then speed off through the orange groves until they would meet their end.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Scott! And believe it or not, there's more to come. We haven't talked about the artists yet.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span>Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-3471035212743706002015-12-15T18:50:00.001-08:002015-12-15T18:50:42.347-08:00Rubel Castle, Michael's Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9a7BpmYa7E/VnDLZSK_E-I/AAAAAAAANPk/YBZMWImo_MA/s1600/121515RubelCastleMichaelsRoom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9a7BpmYa7E/VnDLZSK_E-I/AAAAAAAANPk/YBZMWImo_MA/s640/121515RubelCastleMichaelsRoom1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I almost forgot I promised to tell you more about this triangle shaped, glass bottle wall when I posted <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/12/rubel-castle-3.html" target="_blank">a photo of it</a> last week.<br />
<br />
The wall forms part of the loft above Michael Rubel's private room, one of the first things he built as <a href="http://glendorahistoricalsociety.org/Castle.html" target="_blank">Rubel Castle</a> was beginning to form.<br />
<br />
Michael's mother Dorothy liked to host lots of parties. Hollywood celebrities came to the Packing House. Dorothy was good friends with the famous fan dancer and actress, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Rand" target="_blank">Sally Rand</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubel_Castle" target="_blank">Jack Benny came, and Bob Hope, even Alfred Hitchcock</a>. There was usually dancing and a small orchestra.<br />
<br />
Michael was not a party guy.<br />
<br />
So he began to build himself a retreat where he could dream of his ambition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z16n9t8BYLE/VnDLaIYbK_I/AAAAAAAANPs/eDfmSAZY7IE/s1600/121515RubelCastleMichaelsRoom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z16n9t8BYLE/VnDLaIYbK_I/AAAAAAAANPs/eDfmSAZY7IE/s640/121515RubelCastleMichaelsRoom2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
There's something poignant about this little room. The loft above it is reached by a rickety ladder. There's nothing up there now but the bottle wall, some dust and a rug. But Michael's ambition surrounds it, in the form of his Castle.<br />
<br />
We'll look at some of the antique Castle vehicles next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-90799516792337110712015-12-13T15:00:00.001-08:002015-12-13T15:00:14.252-08:00Rubel Castle, the Old Parts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxJFb_pHXig/Vm31E8VPa8I/AAAAAAAANO0/xbM0leTkf-U/s1600/IMG_5124%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxJFb_pHXig/Vm31E8VPa8I/AAAAAAAANO0/xbM0leTkf-U/s640/IMG_5124%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The oldest buildings on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubel_Castle" target="_blank">Rubel Castle</a> property are the packing buildings, used when this area was orange groves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYb30sqDFQ0/Vm31Fa_geXI/AAAAAAAANO8/QodOnu-sPEA/s1600/IMG_5128%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYb30sqDFQ0/Vm31Fa_geXI/AAAAAAAANO8/QodOnu-sPEA/s640/IMG_5128%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
This one was kind of a bachelor pad for a friend. The gas pumps were working when <a href="http://glendorahistoricalsociety.org/Castle.html" target="_blank">our guide</a>, Scott Rubel, was growing up at the Castle. They don't look like they're in use now, but you could fool me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwKRRFlTXYg/Vm31E2f2YCI/AAAAAAAANO4/0NYOIC6SGO4/s1600/IMG_5142%2B-%2BVersion%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwKRRFlTXYg/Vm31E2f2YCI/AAAAAAAANO4/0NYOIC6SGO4/s640/IMG_5142%2B-%2BVersion%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Michael Rubel and his mother Dorothy moved their family antiques into the large Packing House. There's a huge main room with a pool table and comfy seating, and along the sides are smaller, "refrigerator" rooms. The rooms are definitely cold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6icjzgbfm4/Vm31FlgCi6I/AAAAAAAANPQ/S0V37tUSR0o/s1600/IMG_5143%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6icjzgbfm4/Vm31FlgCi6I/AAAAAAAANPQ/S0V37tUSR0o/s640/IMG_5143%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There are a lot of things in the "thing room."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UCiNLWp0yU/Vm31Foxa0zI/AAAAAAAANPM/3LmdUe1AtS0/s1600/IMG_5147%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UCiNLWp0yU/Vm31Foxa0zI/AAAAAAAANPM/3LmdUe1AtS0/s640/IMG_5147%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was Michael Rubel's room. Cold and cozy at the same time. If I'd had a book with me I'd have sat down to read.<br />
<br />
Next time, I'm going to show you the amazing collection of vintage vehicles at "the Pharm."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-7940606634691850662015-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:002015-12-09T15:07:03.958-08:00Rubel Castle, Communal Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVTJ1XbMPEk/VmeH6sCF7aI/AAAAAAAANOE/-9kfIbHLINg/s1600/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVTJ1XbMPEk/VmeH6sCF7aI/AAAAAAAANOE/-9kfIbHLINg/s640/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen1.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
You may remember our good friend <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Craig%20Woods" target="_blank">Craig Woods</a>, the Superintendent at <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Mount%20Wilson%20Observatory" target="_blank">Mount Wilson Observatory</a>. Craig invited us to a special Sunday potluck breakfast at Rubel Castle, otherwise known as Rubel Farms, or simply, "the Pharm." Craig also introduced us to <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Scott%20Rubel" target="_blank">Scott Rubel,</a> who grew up at the Castle and is now the Facilities Manager at the <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/search/label/Carnegie%20Observatories" target="_blank">Carnegie Observatories</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope you're following this, because I'm not sure I am.<br />
<br />
By the way, it's pronounced roo-BELL.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc6jNRZVZrs/VmeH69H9BSI/AAAAAAAANOI/umY4LWSOT2Q/s1600/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc6jNRZVZrs/VmeH69H9BSI/AAAAAAAANOI/umY4LWSOT2Q/s640/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I make decent granola. I thought it would be good to bring some to a breakfast potluck. But I asked, just in case. Craig said we should bring donuts.<br />
<br />
Donuts? Really? We discussed it and decided: if Craig wants donuts, he shall have donuts. We kept the granola for ourselves, and hoped other people would bring something healthy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STyfh7uLEls/VmeH7gDdmGI/AAAAAAAANOU/yLavS3npF5k/s1600/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STyfh7uLEls/VmeH7gDdmGI/AAAAAAAANOU/yLavS3npF5k/s640/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Apparently there's a tradition. Newbies are roped into bringing donuts and basically no one eats them. I had two. (Others managed to grab a few as well, so it wasn't a total loss.) Everyone thought it was funny that we fell for it and everyone was nice. AND there was plenty of healthy food to eat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1oXb78YTbs/VmeH7ZccnWI/AAAAAAAANOM/K79hRsWUXpE/s1600/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1oXb78YTbs/VmeH7ZccnWI/AAAAAAAANOM/K79hRsWUXpE/s640/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There are six apartments at the Pharm, most of them occupied by resident artists. Once a month they hold a potluck breakfast and invite friends. Some people are regulars. It felt special to be there enjoying something different, meeting new people, seeing folks I knew, feeling included.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbPLVKBcQvc/VmeH7-5qTvI/AAAAAAAANOQ/NbsqxNCi9YE/s1600/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbPLVKBcQvc/VmeH7-5qTvI/AAAAAAAANOQ/NbsqxNCi9YE/s640/120915RubelCastleCommunalKitchen5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Every single corner of the Pharm holds something weird or wonderful or old or special. There are too many photos to take. You will not see everything here on the blog because it would be impossible to show it all. But there's more, and I'll do my best.<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-51581301720516934982015-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:002016-01-10T17:26:19.200-08:00Rubel Castle, Rocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbyB_6iyeHo/VmTbLwNxyfI/AAAAAAAANNM/tTvImq1aR4E/s1600/IMG_5179%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbyB_6iyeHo/VmTbLwNxyfI/AAAAAAAANNM/tTvImq1aR4E/s640/IMG_5179%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Enter beneath the portcullis and you are in a weird and wonderful vision made real by Michael Rubel and is friends and neighbors. He enlisted help and free stuff wherever he could, and what he got was magical. They made towers...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsW6L0Br864/VmTbMO-a22I/AAAAAAAANNU/ReeTWm38ysk/s1600/IMG_5201%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsW6L0Br864/VmTbMO-a22I/AAAAAAAANNU/ReeTWm38ysk/s640/IMG_5201%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
...walkways...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgXptYTG_lM/VmTbMKfoGYI/AAAAAAAANNQ/XThhlsVL8oY/s1600/IMG_5203%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgXptYTG_lM/VmTbMKfoGYI/AAAAAAAANNQ/XThhlsVL8oY/s640/IMG_5203%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
...stairwells...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZw1aAxSnn8/VmTbMqwSIrI/AAAAAAAANNg/6dVJGvREcMg/s1600/IMG_5204%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YZw1aAxSnn8/VmTbMqwSIrI/AAAAAAAANNg/6dVJGvREcMg/s640/IMG_5204%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
...art... (door courtesy of the old Glendora jailhouse if I've got it right)...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUKSkMaYJOM/VmTbNHQnHmI/AAAAAAAANNs/g1W4C_6Zdrk/s1600/IMG_5206%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUKSkMaYJOM/VmTbNHQnHmI/AAAAAAAANNs/g1W4C_6Zdrk/s640/IMG_5206%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
...and jumbles of all kinds.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsG0joBIb0A" target="_blank">Huell Howser visited twice</a> and said the place "defies description." He hit that iron nail directly on its head. (The video is well worth watching. You get to meet Michael and see some great vintage photos.)<br />
<br />
We wandered a bit but it was more fun to stay with our friend and tour guide, Scott Rubel. Scott grew up in the castle and helped his uncle Michael build it. Scott shared stories of the history of this unusual place, as well as his own memories.<br />
<br />
Scott doesn't give tours often, but <a href="http://glendorahistoricalsociety.org/Castle.html" target="_blank">all the tour guides are great</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="588" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRavhdAgpMs/VmTbM4OqEFI/AAAAAAAANNw/qXkfTffgZ-U/s640/IMG_5209%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
You can bet they all know what this is. We'll talk about it when I post Rubel Castle, 4.<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-1554568931453444512015-12-05T17:14:00.002-08:002015-12-05T17:16:32.199-08:00Rubel Castle, Portcullis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAnpx8ks28Y/VmOG1cs8mLI/AAAAAAAANM8/qDPKEhgxM6E/s640/120515RubelCastle2.jpg" width="480" /></div>
Once you're inside the <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/12/rubel-castle-i.html" target="_blank">security door</a> of the Rubel Castle property, you approach Rubel Castle proper. You enter through a portcullis. Yes, you do.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubel_Castle" target="_blank">Wikipedia article</a> mentions that the builder, Michael Rubel, purchased the Glendora property in 1959. It doesn't point out that he was only 19 years old at the time. He and his mother worked out the deal and moved into the existing citrus packing house with their family antiques.<br />
<br />
Michael's mother, <a href="http://www.geni.com/people/Dorothy-Rubel/4836846131430032268" target="_blank">Dorothy Deuel Rubel</a>, had been a dancer on Broadway in the Greenwich Village Follies and was friends with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Rand" target="_blank">Sally Rand</a>. (You'll find their memorabilia when you tour the castle.) Dorothy loved to host parties, and many Hollywood glitterers attended.<br />
<br />
The castle is another story, to be continued...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-40088381006625899232015-12-03T20:35:00.003-08:002015-12-05T17:05:18.917-08:00Rubel Castle, Security Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG2hzDLb4FM/VmEWPkd3rpI/AAAAAAAANMk/jxlZjqe_0Us/s1600/IMG_5107%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG2hzDLb4FM/VmEWPkd3rpI/AAAAAAAANMk/jxlZjqe_0Us/s640/IMG_5107%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
It looks a bit off, doesn't it? Like maybe I need to straighten the photograph, or perhaps try a little tilt-shift to sort it out. But if I did that, you wouldn't know what it really looks like.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZHD1tL7b0Q/VmEWQeusXsI/AAAAAAAANMw/Y1MWxxbVf6w/s640/IMG_5106%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Prepare to enter the artsy, creative, eccentric, heartfelt and beloved confines of <a href="http://glendorahistoricalsociety.org/Castle.html" target="_blank">Rubel Castle</a> in Glendora, California. </span></div>
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-35052334416346650382015-11-21T18:00:00.000-08:002015-11-26T18:25:02.943-08:0050 HP Fairbanks Morse, II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5IUZkkWBL0/VlEYZm9fHeI/AAAAAAAANLk/8J_XaTbBEf8/s1600/IMG_4380%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5IUZkkWBL0/VlEYZm9fHeI/AAAAAAAANLk/8J_XaTbBEf8/s640/IMG_4380%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktHS6z8jBf0/VlEYY_XQHOI/AAAAAAAANLc/nnC6zEKx1Fs/s1600/IMG_4343%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktHS6z8jBf0/VlEYY_XQHOI/AAAAAAAANLc/nnC6zEKx1Fs/s640/IMG_4343%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA8dFIQgG4c/VlEYY0prFtI/AAAAAAAANLY/1MlMhqxqoA4/s1600/IMG_4339%2B-%2BVersion%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mA8dFIQgG4c/VlEYY0prFtI/AAAAAAAANLY/1MlMhqxqoA4/s640/IMG_4339%2B-%2BVersion%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDHZ0XtFDtY/VlEYZoJ0IYI/AAAAAAAANLg/rWfnw0pTcPg/s1600/IMG_4362%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDHZ0XtFDtY/VlEYZoJ0IYI/AAAAAAAANLg/rWfnw0pTcPg/s640/IMG_4362%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This 50HP Fairbanks-Morse engine, built in 1911 and installed at historic <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/" target="_blank">Mt. Wilson Observatory</a> in 1912, was for many years the only source of power at the Observatory campus. It's "a twin cylinder gasoline fueled engine, directly coupled to a generator capable of producing 40 kilowatts of power at 125 volts DC." There's more about the engine <a href="http://oldengine.org/members/levans/mtwilsonfm/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://oldengine.org/members/levans/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VfnC8vplyw/VlEYax0vN3I/AAAAAAAANL8/o97naWu4byI/s640/IMG_4396%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got our tour courtesy of Ken (L) and Larry (R) Evans, who've been keeping the engine running for more than 15 years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ready, set...let's see what this baby can do.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyyZx6F2Cra5Z1opMrezri6eCfikJ0ps67R8Xd56iEMhnIPNLmpQXTvZKAjsUwBQ-4jLKSWFzE6fVSPw0JXXQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">A brief view from the other side.</span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyHwo0miw1P3JYxKOfsyohasXwiTCQC374gzf7mSn-SymXaPBU8jrRVnm-BYbIBVdnIV7oqV_UB79GOxEmdsw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgYr4nBnKKs/VlEYajGpBvI/AAAAAAAANL4/YJ8vLDcL3lU/s1600/IMG_4392%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgYr4nBnKKs/VlEYajGpBvI/AAAAAAAANL4/YJ8vLDcL3lU/s640/IMG_4392%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not everyone gets excited about it. But a lot of us do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Fairbanks Morse engine is in a restricted area of the Observatory campus, but the Observatory itself is <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/index.html" target="_blank">open to the public every day</a>, 10am-5pm, as long as the roads are open. The Cosmic Cafe is open on weekends from April through November. Guided tours of the Observatory are available on weekends, or by reservation. You can even reserve one of the telescopes for a star gazing party! Or a photo shoot! Or an anniversary party! Or a wedding! I'm pretty sure there's not a more unique location, at least not within driving distance of my house.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
11/23/15 update from Ken Evans (left, above): </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">If that lizard got onto the running flywheel, it would have to go 60 miles per hour to stay in one spot. Just a little trivia I once figured out.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">"I am draining the water out of it tomorrow, Tuesday Nov 24</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"> for the winter. Freezing nights are predicted for several days and we don't want to damage anything on such a treasure. So the show season is over. Of course it can be looked at, just not run."</span></i><br />
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">11/26/15 Here's another update from Ken Evans, and let's all thank him and Larry; they've been so helpful and informative and that's what makes this fun.</span></span><br />
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">"</span></span>Electricity Now and Then - The AC electricity for Mt Wilson is supplied by SoCal Edison. In the Power House where the Fairbanks-Morse engine is located the DC is provided by solid state rectifiers and distributed from there. Originally DC was provided by various sizes of internal combustion engines. The F-M being the last. It was really a battery charger. There was a room with glass jar wet batteries and were charged during the day. At night the batteries were used which provided non polluting quiet power that astronomers liked. When AC power came to the Observatory in 1917, an AC motor driving a DC generator was installed and the F-M was a back-up. We are not sure if the AC-DC motor set was used to charge the batteries or ran all the time.</span></i><br />
<div class="p2">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fuel Oil - A fuel oil called California Distillate was used as the source of heat. It is lighter than kerosene maybe like paint thinner. A large storage tank was set on a high spot and distributed to Day Tanks at various facilities by gravity. The Fairbanks-Morse engine was run on it. However, we use gasoline now for the demonstration runs. They had to start it on gasoline and then switch over to the distillate. It had to be delivered up the Toll Road but no reference has been found about delivery.</span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of propane is now used at Mt. Wilson for heating and cooking.</span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Engine Running - The engine had to be run during winter because it was the main power source. So freezing was not an issue. The combustion air intake can come from three sources. First is outside air, then room air and last, a shroud around the exhaust manifold would provide warmed air. We only use outside air. We only run the engine for demonstration during the summer. We have another volunteer that has figured out the generating system and we have generated electricity to run a light bulb and a motor for compressed air for starting. We have a modern air compressor for starting now. One cylinder of the two is converted to run on air to start the second cylinder and then converted to produce power from both.</span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">Water - Water for Mt. Wilson is obtained from wells near by. But because of the drought, they have gone dry and water is trucked in."</span> </i></span></span></div>
</div>
Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-53882710625582574572015-11-17T16:47:00.001-08:002015-11-20T11:01:01.862-08:0050 HP Fairbanks Morse, I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8N9ggGHC6yc/Vku_mcw9R9I/AAAAAAAANK8/AtOpZevRKss/s1600/IMG_4332%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8N9ggGHC6yc/Vku_mcw9R9I/AAAAAAAANK8/AtOpZevRKss/s640/IMG_4332%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
What do this place...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFbNh84KJDI/Vku_mTYgEUI/AAAAAAAANLA/C661DMZmm5o/s1600/IMG_4347%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFbNh84KJDI/Vku_mTYgEUI/AAAAAAAANLA/C661DMZmm5o/s640/IMG_4347%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
...and these men...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjK-AKN9Akk/Vku_mSJFcQI/AAAAAAAANK4/XMTwefmouFw/s1600/IMG_4335%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjK-AKN9Akk/Vku_mSJFcQI/AAAAAAAANK4/XMTwefmouFw/s640/IMG_4335%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
...have to do with this? And what the heck is this, anyway?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-51455341495095737392015-11-05T17:17:00.000-08:002015-11-06T11:18:33.952-08:00Pasadena Central Library, East Wing, Upstairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en68ZdxVxA8/VjvnFEacILI/AAAAAAAANJA/wJOb0y2XwGg/s1600/IMG_4676%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en68ZdxVxA8/VjvnFEacILI/AAAAAAAANJA/wJOb0y2XwGg/s640/IMG_4676%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We've returned to the main floor and the room north of the Reference Desk. I've looked at the floor plan and I think the room is part of the Reference Materials area.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/11/pasadena-central-library-east-wing.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a> we went downstairs. Now we're going up, into another "staff only" area. The upstairs in this wing is less used than that in the west wing because there's only one entry and one exit. It's not up to code, therefore not accessible to the public, nor is it a regular office space for staff.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dan-McLaughlin/e/B004GAT0XS" target="_blank">Dan McLaughlin</a>, librarian, archivist, historian and author, was my delightful guide for a wonderful tour of some of the library's secrets.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure he didn't show me everything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUMB1k3FVfc/VjvnFLX5riI/AAAAAAAANI8/YB79V-q2Sj0/s1600/IMG_4677%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUMB1k3FVfc/VjvnFLX5riI/AAAAAAAANI8/YB79V-q2Sj0/s640/IMG_4677%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The room above is at the top of the first flight of stairs.We couldn't get the door open. It's currently being used for storage, as you see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK_rwWHmjIY/Vjv44FPMHgI/AAAAAAAANKo/Z5p6uodsbNg/s1600/IMG_4678%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK_rwWHmjIY/Vjv44FPMHgI/AAAAAAAANKo/Z5p6uodsbNg/s640/IMG_4678%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dan takes a right turn and leads me across an open area with more storage. It's the balcony you've seen from the Main Hall.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Guo5iYXz0M/VjvnG6quNUI/AAAAAAAANJU/j_KNrPvTsVk/s1600/IMG_4681%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Guo5iYXz0M/VjvnG6quNUI/AAAAAAAANJU/j_KNrPvTsVk/s640/IMG_4681%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We're facing west now. On the left you see the large, arched windows that look out over the front courtyard and fountain of the Walnut Street entry. The counterpart to this photo, looking out from the opposite balcony, is in <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/10/pasadena-central-library-west-wing.html" target="_blank">my post about the east wing</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk8QXRkbrNA/VjvnGEiJOsI/AAAAAAAANJM/vI-IAe0lYH4/s1600/IMG_4679%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk8QXRkbrNA/VjvnGEiJOsI/AAAAAAAANJM/vI-IAe0lYH4/s640/IMG_4679%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Each window bears an inscription. This one is above the balcony we're standing on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plJCSbODcfg/VjvnInG2L6I/AAAAAAAANJ0/fcfK9IJDuyI/s1600/IMG_4705%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-plJCSbODcfg/VjvnInG2L6I/AAAAAAAANJ0/fcfK9IJDuyI/s640/IMG_4705%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
Another view of the same window shows something I didn't notice until I enlarged it on my computer screen: it looks out over more windows. These illuminate more storage areas. Some we were able to access, some we weren't.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_CTrkeQgjc/VjvnHDmispI/AAAAAAAANJc/xrFZ7YgSQs4/s1600/IMG_4683%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_CTrkeQgjc/VjvnHDmispI/AAAAAAAANJc/xrFZ7YgSQs4/s640/IMG_4683%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There is so much here. Archivists work constantly, and they will never catch up. Job security!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao7W-xO4xGY/VjvnHQHqr0I/AAAAAAAANJg/WafM1WUgpcY/s1600/IMG_4686%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao7W-xO4xGY/VjvnHQHqr0I/AAAAAAAANJg/WafM1WUgpcY/s640/IMG_4686%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfYNha5hHfw/VjvnH66mwDI/AAAAAAAANJo/MolmP-fceDU/s1600/IMG_4688%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QfYNha5hHfw/VjvnH66mwDI/AAAAAAAANJo/MolmP-fceDU/s640/IMG_4688%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
More stairs. We're heading to the third floor now. This small window looks across Walnut Street to Pasadena's Police Headquarters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_i8bJTOnhc/VjvnId-1b_I/AAAAAAAANJw/z9X5hHTZCS8/s1600/IMG_4700%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_i8bJTOnhc/VjvnId-1b_I/AAAAAAAANJw/z9X5hHTZCS8/s640/IMG_4700%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0usRvmmtccg/VjvnJHwhrnI/AAAAAAAANKA/2hSFDUI2IUk/s1600/IMG_4713%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0usRvmmtccg/VjvnJHwhrnI/AAAAAAAANKA/2hSFDUI2IUk/s640/IMG_4713%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Yes, there is a fourth floor in this wing. We were moving fast and I was snapping away; I can't remember if there's a fourth floor in the east wing. If there was, I'm pretty sure I didn't see it. Notice the dust on the stairs. They are used, but not much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb5BJo644eU/VjvnJqgZjII/AAAAAAAANKI/yJA1_fd3rvo/s1600/IMG_4720%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb5BJo644eU/VjvnJqgZjII/AAAAAAAANKI/yJA1_fd3rvo/s640/IMG_4720%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We weren't able to open this door, nor were we clear on the origins of the message, "ESK BEFORE USING THIS ROOM." It appears a letter has been scraped off, but it still doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
It's just as well. The library has secrets. It always has and it always will. I'm glad of that. Secrets are mysteries, and I like mysteries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkEHkPK8fWM/VjvnJ7eRhiI/AAAAAAAANKM/PddDQGy_vp0/s1600/IMG_4726%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkEHkPK8fWM/VjvnJ7eRhiI/AAAAAAAANKM/PddDQGy_vp0/s640/IMG_4726%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Dan calls the rope "security." It seems to be working.<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-43237241044864397262015-11-01T14:44:00.001-08:002015-11-05T15:31:40.288-08:00Pasadena Central Library, East Wing, Downstairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyq-SOdphHk/VjaE14cJmGI/AAAAAAAANHY/cpaO7Ws0-io/s1600/IMG_4626%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyq-SOdphHk/VjaE14cJmGI/AAAAAAAANHY/cpaO7Ws0-io/s640/IMG_4626%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="497" /></a></div>
Let's go downstairs first, shall we?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1lNA104TL8/VjaE1pAZ87I/AAAAAAAANHQ/etYVbooVbFA/s1600/IMG_4628%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1lNA104TL8/VjaE1pAZ87I/AAAAAAAANHQ/etYVbooVbFA/s640/IMG_4628%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This stairway leads down from the room just north of the Reference Desk at the east end of the Main Hall at <a href="http://cityofpasadena.net/library/" target="_blank">Pasadena's Central Library</a>.<br />
<br />
At the bottom you arrive in a public area where there are 30 or so (or more) computers available for public use. Just beyond that room is the copy/fax room, also available to the public.<br />
<br />
Between the two rooms, a door leads to more of the staff's working spaces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXeDLf1o0OU/VjaE2ncUvpI/AAAAAAAANHo/jjGlWv0r6vA/s1600/IMG_4631%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXeDLf1o0OU/VjaE2ncUvpI/AAAAAAAANHo/jjGlWv0r6vA/s640/IMG_4631%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Soon we came upon rooms of archives. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dan-McLaughlin/e/B004GAT0XS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1446417268&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Dan McLaughlin</a>, librarian extraordinaire, author and my guide, knew I was interested in archives because of the novel I'm working on about an archivist who finds something that puts her life in danger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqB9xR-MxpM/VjaE3i3FObI/AAAAAAAANH0/yM1R8ohDMDQ/s1600/IMG_4634%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqB9xR-MxpM/VjaE3i3FObI/AAAAAAAANH0/yM1R8ohDMDQ/s640/IMG_4634%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
Dan's an archivist. This is his office. This particular view is so useful to me and it was generous of Dan to show it off.<br />
<br />
Lots more people work in that basement. The library has a huge staff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_9T2UBHwK8/VjaE3sVdF3I/AAAAAAAANHw/t9zUKJODxNM/s1600/IMG_4643%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_9T2UBHwK8/VjaE3sVdF3I/AAAAAAAANHw/t9zUKJODxNM/s640/IMG_4643%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
Who knew? Right there in the library's basement, just about under the Main Hall, there's a shiny conference room that can also be used as a screening room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdisHLBAnTs/VjaE32VfTKI/AAAAAAAANH4/u70gCVWRKBI/s1600/IMG_4646%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdisHLBAnTs/VjaE32VfTKI/AAAAAAAANH4/u70gCVWRKBI/s640/IMG_4646%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
I've lost my sense of direction already. Can it be possible that the basement is larger than the main floor's footprint? There is so much down there! We're heading into more archives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkQbdQSeyS0/VjaE4l8AGbI/AAAAAAAANII/_-lsgfWVxq8/s1600/IMG_4649%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkQbdQSeyS0/VjaE4l8AGbI/AAAAAAAANII/_-lsgfWVxq8/s640/IMG_4649%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This wowed me. Presidential papers. Really? Well, not originals. Dan told me many libraries have these books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YeBa_Bp3Gs/VjaE6bAaGEI/AAAAAAAANIU/ElDqNa3PfvU/s1600/IMG_4651%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YeBa_Bp3Gs/VjaE6bAaGEI/AAAAAAAANIU/ElDqNa3PfvU/s640/IMG_4651%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzIjRQyVuXk/VjaE6BBh8yI/AAAAAAAANIQ/nz-i4fgTymc/s1600/IMG_4659%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PzIjRQyVuXk/VjaE6BBh8yI/AAAAAAAANIQ/nz-i4fgTymc/s640/IMG_4659%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
More and more, on and on. Not glamorous, just hidden and utilitarian and overwhelming. Thank goodness for the big staff, because one brain could not hold all the information about where everything is. Well, maybe a good librarian's brain could do that. Maybe that's part of what makes a good librarian.<br />
<br />
See if the room above looks familiar in the following clip from the 1978 film, "Foul Play." I never would have known about this if Dan hadn't told me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/icyb0jViVDk" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
At the end, Goldie Hawn runs out through the Central Library's Main Hall. The Hall is dressed up for the shot with extra shelves to block Goldie's escape. The shot was taken from the same angle where I took a photo from above the Main Hall <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/10/pasadena-central-library-west-wing.html" target="_blank">in my previous post</a>.<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-83040183714431186252015-10-24T16:18:00.000-07:002015-10-26T11:16:08.180-07:00Pasadena Central Library, West Wing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKf4Ng-7oP8/ViwE56BbvYI/AAAAAAAANGY/NgTHzSQlHzA/s1600/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKf4Ng-7oP8/ViwE56BbvYI/AAAAAAAANGY/NgTHzSQlHzA/s640/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast1.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
When it comes to Pasadena's Central Library, there might be no better tour guide than Dan McLaughlin, Librarian, Archivist and Pasadena historian. Lucky me, I asked him for a tour and he said yes. He even held my book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Act-As-If-Stumbling-Hollywood-ebook/dp/B00LTZMKQW/ref=la_B00BA6U2NI_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445726029&sr=1-2">Act As If</a></i>, when I took his picture. (Which I did not ask him to do but I wasn't going to turn him down.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dan-McLaughlin/e/B004GAT0XS">Dan is also an author</a> of novels, plays and history books, two of which I purchased at Art Night. You may remember <a href="http://pasadenahistory.org/all-exhibits/pasadena-pursuit/">Pasadena Pursuit</a>, the Pasadena Museum of History exhibit he curated across the hall from <a href="http://pasadenahistory.org/all-exhibits/mystery-history/">Ann Erdman's Mystery History</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm working on my new novel and it takes place in a library. It might even take place in Pasadena. For research and inspiration, I hoped to snoop around, above and behind things in <a href="http://cityofpasadena.net/library/about_the_library/central_library/architecture_brief_history/">Pasadena's Myron Hunt-designed</a>, 1927-opened, 130,000 square foot Central Library.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the library's west wing, which is way bigger than I imagined it could be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-bHuAoUx8U/ViwE6OXkf2I/AAAAAAAANGc/v0S666F4EJQ/s1600/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-bHuAoUx8U/ViwE6OXkf2I/AAAAAAAANGc/v0S666F4EJQ/s640/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
When you enter the door west of the check-out desk where it says "Staff Only," a corridor takes you past a coffee room and several offices. Pretty soon you come upon this long room where books are being checked in and catalogued. I'm standing near the west end of the room. The windows face out onto the parking lot. Does the purple protect workers and books from the sun? The door at the far end opens onto the hallway that leads from the parking lot into the library.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwqz2TmxNZM/ViwE6KfnZcI/AAAAAAAANGg/8hUn0p3YRk4/s1600/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwqz2TmxNZM/ViwE6KfnZcI/AAAAAAAANGg/8hUn0p3YRk4/s640/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We're on the second floor now, right above where I was standing when I took the previous shot. I hope the employees don't mind me showing their lounge. I think it's pretty nice. Very roomy and comfy, with a kitchen off to the left. The coffee room on the first floor is a lot smaller. This one's more like a full kitchen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pp9YaSZC_w/ViwE7PK9ZqI/AAAAAAAANGs/vXuEqTQFe2Q/s1600/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Pp9YaSZC_w/ViwE7PK9ZqI/AAAAAAAANGs/vXuEqTQFe2Q/s640/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I never knew about this and it's hiding in plain view! The walkway leads from the lounge to the office pictured below. You can look north over the parking lot and to the mountains from here. Next time I'm at the library, I'm going to look up from the parking lot and see if I can spot it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AuLvs6VERE/ViwE76JjDXI/AAAAAAAANG0/EUsLk7hdJP4/s1600/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AuLvs6VERE/ViwE76JjDXI/AAAAAAAANG0/EUsLk7hdJP4/s640/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We're looking toward the mountains. More purple. I'm gonna go with sun protection.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds2FQSrCMYA/ViwE8FGFg2I/AAAAAAAANG8/zywpvhpS0us/s1600/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds2FQSrCMYA/ViwE8FGFg2I/AAAAAAAANG8/zywpvhpS0us/s640/102415Central%2BLibrary%2BEast6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Dan asked me to be careful about taking photos of library patrons. "We like people to feel safe here," he said, "we protect their privacy." I don't think you can recognize anyone in this photo of the Main Hall, taken from the second floor balcony looking east. The Hall's floor is cork, to reduce noise. The woodwork is quarter-sawn oak.<br />
<br />
An interesting tale about the chandeliers: they're replicas of the ones Myron Hunt designed for the building. Other lights were installed in the 1960's "<a href="http://cityofpasadena.net/library/about_the_library/central_library/architecture_main_hall/">which obscured the beautiful ceilings</a>," and no one knows what happened to the originals. But Hunt had designed the same ones for the Huntington Library, and these are copies of the Huntington's.<br />
<br />
I took about a million photos and I'll post more. But I want to thank the library staff right now, and especially Dan McLaughlin. I had hoped to be inspired by my tour and I haven't stopped writing since.<br />
<br />
Do you want an architectural tour of the Pasadena Central Library? <a href="http://cityofpasadena.net/library/about_the_library/central_library/tours/">Yes, you may have one</a>.Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-65288601765684903422015-10-20T12:52:00.001-07:002015-10-20T12:52:36.169-07:00Behind the Scenes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzOFAnDVDJg/ViaZvs10I4I/AAAAAAAANGE/6vZ5DpDMTv8/s1600/102015BehindScenes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzOFAnDVDJg/ViaZvs10I4I/AAAAAAAANGE/6vZ5DpDMTv8/s640/102015BehindScenes1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This combination lock opens a door to a stairway that most Pasadenish have not climbed. Yet many of us have walked past this door. Where do you suppose we are?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLpbwGIVca8/ViaZvqPsBlI/AAAAAAAANGA/WYSQyP0Vl5E/s1600/102015BehindScenes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLpbwGIVca8/ViaZvqPsBlI/AAAAAAAANGA/WYSQyP0Vl5E/s640/102015BehindScenes2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's another clue. I'm giving it away!<br />
<br />
In the next few posts, we'll take a behind-the-scenes tour of...<br />
<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-418617535941056602015-10-12T12:34:00.000-07:002015-10-12T12:34:31.287-07:00The Cravens Estate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxLQ2nQVK7w/VhmWIQ7bIJI/AAAAAAAANFE/h6RMboloHlk/s1600/IMG_4210%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxLQ2nQVK7w/VhmWIQ7bIJI/AAAAAAAANFE/h6RMboloHlk/s640/IMG_4210%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I did some volunteer work for the Pasadena Museum of History and they invited me to their volunteer meeting at the Cravens Estate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24MQ7lJ0pYQ/VhmWIeFbnFI/AAAAAAAANE0/EeXw1ucXLQw/s1600/IMG_4217%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24MQ7lJ0pYQ/VhmWIeFbnFI/AAAAAAAANE0/EeXw1ucXLQw/s640/IMG_4217%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
Nice digs.<br />
<br />
The Cravens Estate was built in 1930 for John S. and Mildred Cravens. It was a headquarters of the Red Cross for some years, but is no longer. It might be on the market! We volunteers discussed the possibility of pooling our funds.<br />
<br />
The Estate is often used as a <a href="http://www.iamnotastalker.com/2008/07/08/the-cravens-estate/">filming location</a>. In 2010 it was the Pasadena Showcase House, and there's more information about it <a href="https://www.pasadenashowcase.org/content.php?p=137">here</a>. Some of the info is out of date but it gives you an idea about the history and size of the place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcimTeroMb8/VhmWIR8TkCI/AAAAAAAANE4/e8g2ErBvhM4/s1600/IMG_4218%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcimTeroMb8/VhmWIR8TkCI/AAAAAAAANE4/e8g2ErBvhM4/s640/IMG_4218%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This is just inside the main entrance. You can see a dining room beyond. I admit I'm not crazy about the murals, but I love the light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxGD8O2ocRk/VhmWJnCGnsI/AAAAAAAANFI/fNl7fGIUh0M/s1600/IMG_4226%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CxGD8O2ocRk/VhmWJnCGnsI/AAAAAAAANFI/fNl7fGIUh0M/s640/IMG_4226%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
Here's a hallway leading to the rear garden. I was trying to keep my reflection out of the picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-SV1YWeLVo/VhmWJH6tkAI/AAAAAAAANFQ/MqKvfyjqJJA/s1600/IMG_4220%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-SV1YWeLVo/VhmWJH6tkAI/AAAAAAAANFQ/MqKvfyjqJJA/s640/IMG_4220%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A staircase leads to the second floor and a showpiece skylight. Those rectangles are mirror images of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBaEi0kjTg8/VhmWJ7sGCjI/AAAAAAAANFc/1R3qgD-9t20/s1600/IMG_4248%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBaEi0kjTg8/VhmWJ7sGCjI/AAAAAAAANFc/1R3qgD-9t20/s640/IMG_4248%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
I really, really wanted to snoop around the second and third floors, as well as the rooms on the first floor where our volunteer meeting was not taking place. But mama raised an obedient girl and I didn't have the nerve. What if I were caught? Would I be spanked?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5zXnSiSVD0/VhmWKFXTrMI/AAAAAAAANFk/AjlyU569uHc/s1600/IMG_4253%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5zXnSiSVD0/VhmWKFXTrMI/AAAAAAAANFk/AjlyU569uHc/s640/IMG_4253%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--05c4oFoovQ/VhmWKU5mtXI/AAAAAAAANFw/ZOrfw4O0n8c/s1600/IMG_4276%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--05c4oFoovQ/VhmWKU5mtXI/AAAAAAAANFw/ZOrfw4O0n8c/s640/IMG_4276%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The back porch is nice, too.<br />
<br />
More pictures <a href="http://bigoldhouses.blogspot.com/2013/05/pasadena-paradigm.html">here</a>. A lot more!<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-64777824204788119262015-09-28T09:17:00.001-07:002016-04-29T13:59:30.731-07:00Mt. Wilson Observatory Hideout IV: Farewell for Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZgsjZl8GPE/VglcQKh0nYI/AAAAAAAANDo/BlvIVx_slZ8/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZgsjZl8GPE/VglcQKh0nYI/AAAAAAAANDo/BlvIVx_slZ8/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<i>Update 10/2/15: I heard from Ken Evans, Mt. Wilson volunteer (thank you, Ken!). He's always got great info:</i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">"Hi Petrea - I was looking at your web page and saw your photo of the big bucket outside the Monastery kitchen at Mt. Wilson. It was used to haul concrete up to the second floor of the Monastery during construction. I have seen <a href="http://hdl.huntington.org/cdm/search/collection/p15150coll2/searchterm/Mount%20Wilson%20Observatory%20Monastery/order/nosort" target="_blank">photos on the Huntington Library digital images page</a> that show the Monastery under construction. It shows a wood tower with pulleys and cable system to haul the bucket up. The power for the lift was a Model T Ford truck with ballast on the back to give traction. The truck would drive forward and the bucket would go up. I think the concrete was then poured into wheel barrows and moved where needed."</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thanks, Ken!</i><br />
<br />
Original post:<br />
<br />
Last night's blood moon brought crowds to the <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/" target="_blank">Mt. Wilson Observatory</a>. The parking lot is always open and it's a good spot for viewing the night skies. The Observatory itself closes to the public at 5pm but last night the staff left the gate open and people wandered, enjoying the grounds. Despite all the light from the city below it's still very dark up here, and fun to snoop. Everyone had a good time even though throughout most of the evening the moon demurely hid its heavenly body behind a tantalizing veil of clouds.<br />
<br />
One does not get a good photo of a moon, even a giant blood moon, with an iPhone. You will find all the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=blood+moon&es_sm=119&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAmoVChMI0JWxpouayAIVAiuICh2dkgHS&biw=1242&bih=539" target="_blank">gorgeous shots</a> you could possibly want elsewhere on the web. So for my last post from the mountain, I thought I'd show you things you won't find elsewhere. Above, that's a giant old bucket thing (technical term) behind <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/09/mt-wilson-observatory-hideout-iii.html" target="_blank">the Monastery</a> kitchen. Something from an old well? Chili cooker? The rim of the bucket came up to my waist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKTUpIvh9W0/VglcPgRiNzI/AAAAAAAANDc/eBYgCYhS0s8/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKTUpIvh9W0/VglcPgRiNzI/AAAAAAAANDc/eBYgCYhS0s8/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Here's a view from a second floor window in the Monastery. I don't know what it is. You tell me. I like it in black and white. <i>(Ken says these are "...<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">old fashioned heat vents. Some times used on water heaters, or stove flues. I would have to look in the building to see if they are still in use. My guess is no.")</span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_WRjqzILHk/VglcQGvXk2I/AAAAAAAANDg/_ib4q7WHKfs/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_WRjqzILHk/VglcQGvXk2I/AAAAAAAANDg/_ib4q7WHKfs/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A better view of that drain we saw <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/09/mt-wilson-observatory-hideout-ii.html" target="_blank">the other day</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv6sUS1lz0U/VglcTEpeRBI/AAAAAAAAND8/C66G_kEMI6c/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv6sUS1lz0U/VglcTEpeRBI/AAAAAAAAND8/C66G_kEMI6c/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Science moves on, always looking for the newest discovery. That's what science must do. Funding follows the biggest telescope, the latest thing. For the first half of the 20th century and beyond, Mt. Wilson Observatory was the cutting edge of astronomical research, but larger telescopes are now the norm. Important work is still done here (the <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/08/solset-on-mount-wilson.html" target="_blank">Solar Telescopes</a>, the <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/vir/CHARA.html" target="_blank">CHARA Array</a>, etc.), but the Observatory is in transition. What will it become? A museum of astronomical history? An Observatory? An educational facility? All three? What do you envision?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gArmmftP1No/VglcTD3JoMI/AAAAAAAANEA/JHOHCVvVWH8/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gArmmftP1No/VglcTD3JoMI/AAAAAAAANEA/JHOHCVvVWH8/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B6.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
I'm not sure what's in Mt. Wilson's future, but I know what's in its past: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wilson_Observatory" target="_blank">major scientific discoveries </a>that changed the world's understanding of itself and its place in the cosmos. Like <a href="http://pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2015/09/carnegie-observatories-iii.html" target="_blank">Hubble's glass plate proving the expansion of the universe</a> (a discovery he made here, using the <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/vir/100in.html" target="_blank">100-inch Hooker Telescope</a>), it's impossible to place a monetary value on that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmAbMlCkstk/VglcRNCwe4I/AAAAAAAANDw/sgNNqRZAsfA/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmAbMlCkstk/VglcRNCwe4I/AAAAAAAANDw/sgNNqRZAsfA/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been more than fortunate to experience this magical place in a private way. There's a lot here to do, see and think about. My endless thanks to those who made it possible.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFKXK7mNyes/VglcTWq8DvI/AAAAAAAANEE/Rg2ONlLEQdI/s1600/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFKXK7mNyes/VglcTWq8DvI/AAAAAAAANEE/Rg2ONlLEQdI/s640/mwo%2Blast%2Bday%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Come visit, then let's talk some more.Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1067046564433930606.post-49387066741499127582015-09-27T11:13:00.000-07:002015-09-27T11:26:36.253-07:00Mt. Wilson Observatory Hideout III: the Monastery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3P5mxRTFKA/VggeWi7UrfI/AAAAAAAANCA/sLnoRgBxX-Y/s1600/3mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bbest%2Bview%2Bof%2Bmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3P5mxRTFKA/VggeWi7UrfI/AAAAAAAANCA/sLnoRgBxX-Y/s640/3mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bbest%2Bview%2Bof%2Bmon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was my first view of the Monastery at <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/vir/welcome.html" target="_blank">Mt. Wilson Observatory</a>. <a href="http://www.mtwilson.edu/vir/monastery.html" target="_blank">Compare it to this photo</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's how to orient yourself to it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrDHXdKS_U/VgguaT-363I/AAAAAAAANC8/bJjZjRqgbTs/s1600/comparison%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrDHXdKS_U/VgguaT-363I/AAAAAAAANC8/bJjZjRqgbTs/s640/comparison%2Bphoto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took this from near the front door, looking between the main building and the cottage. The pooch in the linked photo was standing beside that chimney, behind the van.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No. They're pine cones.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Originally they called this a monastery because the only astronomers here in the early 20th century were men. That's not true anymore, but the name stuck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had always wanted to get a glimpse of the place but it's in one of the private areas of the mountaintop where astronomical researchers live while they're working here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvozrgd4n7k/VggeVratfwI/AAAAAAAANB4/SN7CwT76l6g/s1600/1mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bview%2Bof%2Bmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvozrgd4n7k/VggeVratfwI/AAAAAAAANB4/SN7CwT76l6g/s640/1mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bview%2Bof%2Bmon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The monastery is only steps from my cabin. I took this picture from my front porch this morning while the sun rose. I'm not normally an early riser but I'm going circadian here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4HzBENMVkE/VggeVqdov8I/AAAAAAAANB0/J7oh4uvwSuY/s1600/2mwo%2Bday3%2Bmon%2Bcabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4HzBENMVkE/VggeVqdov8I/AAAAAAAANB0/J7oh4uvwSuY/s640/2mwo%2Bday3%2Bmon%2Bcabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's a better look at the Monastery Cabin. Someone is living in the front part now. The back houses a kitchen and dining room that was once staffed to provide meals for the astronomers. I was able to peek through a gauze curtain and see a dining table that might have seated 12 or more people. It looks like there's a clean, white tablecloth on it. There are also a couple of bells, the kind with handles on them that you ring to let folks know the chow is on. Couldn't get a good picture through the gauze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7dw83zPByo/VggeYgy0lsI/AAAAAAAANCM/Tp7MA7syNA0/s1600/4mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bmon%2Bhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7dw83zPByo/VggeYgy0lsI/AAAAAAAANCM/Tp7MA7syNA0/s640/4mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bmon%2Bhall.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
The "day side" of the Monastery. Scientists studying the sun stay on this side. Those working at night stay down the hall behind me. There's also a second floor above the night side.<br />
<br />
The night side hallway is plain and carpeted. At the end is this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gPnD0gBiZ5s/VggvVGnAyfI/AAAAAAAANDE/NLT9C1Q38xE/s640/night%2Bside%2Bhallway.jpg" width="480" /></div>
I don't know what it is, but keep in mind that it's outside Room 4.<br />
<br />
This summer the Monastery housed students in the <a href="http://physics.kenyon.edu/people/turner/cureaweb/CUREA.htm" target="_blank">CUREA</a> program. I hope they do it again next year. The professor in charge lived in my cabin. She had a dog. I know because of the pupkiss on the windows above the couch. It makes me feel at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIc56YfM-r8/VggeZH9PFrI/AAAAAAAANCQ/8-lKFYCDdx0/s1600/5mwoday%2B3%2Bmon%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIc56YfM-r8/VggeZH9PFrI/AAAAAAAANCQ/8-lKFYCDdx0/s640/5mwoday%2B3%2Bmon%2Broom.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
You can see why the place is thought of as monastic. It's simple and clean. This room is luxurious; others I saw had bunk beds. Each has a sink. There's a communal bathroom and a laundry room (bring quarters).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWH4kNlwNz8/VggeahVGOjI/AAAAAAAANCc/XSxB8O46yp4/s1600/6mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bmon%2Bwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NWH4kNlwNz8/VggeahVGOjI/AAAAAAAANCc/XSxB8O46yp4/s640/6mwo%2Bday%2B3%2Bmon%2Bwindow.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Nice views from every room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpK01gE59mU/VggvVgnqzaI/AAAAAAAANDQ/7QjQ5fK2enE/s640/govt%2Bnotice.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Monastery is at the end of a promontory below the Observatory. Behind it this stairway leads down the steep hillside to buildings that are part of another entity. The warning works for me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLcCmVry2E4/Vggedssg4gI/AAAAAAAANCo/pRhgpUKg6lw/s1600/8mwoday3%2Broad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLcCmVry2E4/Vggedssg4gI/AAAAAAAANCo/pRhgpUKg6lw/s640/8mwoday3%2Broad.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Heading uphill in the other direction on your way to the telescopes, you'll pass my cottage. Mine at least for another 24 hours.<br />
<br />Petrea Burchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043950465171821852noreply@blogger.com8