We received word from Adrienne, our West Coast major domo, that there are many things to look forward to this summer there. Take it away Adrienne (who can be reached at Adrienne (AT SIGN) dorothyparker (DOT) com.
The Dorothy Parker Society Los Angeles chapter is back from the dead this summer. Here are some activities to enjoy:
1. Cocktails in Historic Places™
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 6:30–6:45 p.m., event starts at 6 but I don’t get off of work til 6 PM
La Grande Orange Cafe
260 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-356-4444
La Grande Orange Cafe is housed in Pasadena’s historic 1935 Del Mar Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dorothy Parker frequently disembarked from the Pasadena station when taking the train in from the East during the 30s and 40s. Legend has it that a car from the Garden of Allah, DP’s favorite Hollywood hotel, would collect guests from this station. Who knows…
Let’s join the Art Deco Society of LA for no-host cocktails on June 19th for an evening with like-minded people at their Cocktails in Historic Places™ event for June. The event is open to members and non-members alike and reservations are not required. Located near the Gold Line, why not take the train?
2. If Pasadena is too far for you westsiders, let’s reconvene on Saturday, June 20 at 4 PM at the charming La Senora Research Institute in Boca Santa Monica Canyon. The Institute is housed in a home once owned by Anita Loos and her brother. Peter Graves will be the featured speaker at a screening of Airplane in the Institute’s Teatro del Canyon. Cost $20.75. You must pre-purchase tickets online. Hurry, seats fill up fast. La Senora (565 Dryad Road, Santa Monica) is located in the serene Santa Monica Canyon where lies the creek from which the City of Santa Monica took its name. Legend tells that a Spanish Solider with the first exploration party drank from the meandering creek running through our Canyon and exclaimed that: “The water is as sweet as the tears of St. Monica.”
From the Coast Highway drive up the Canyon along Entrada to San Lorenzo.
From Santa Monica take 7th Street across San Vicente. Start down the hill and, while on the big curve, turn right onto San Lorenzo.
3. Finally, let’s have a picnic!
I’m soliciting dates for a fun picnic in July or August at the Coldwater Canyon Park, just a few miles from where Mrs. Parker lived off Coldwater Canyon Blvd around 1938. Let me know which month works and what dates work and we’ll schedule it.
Also taking suggestions for ways to celebrate Parkerfest West in October.