WHERE THE DEBRIS MEETS THE SEA
Venice Beach is a curious place that represents part of the unique history of Los Angeles and Southern California. The original Venice of America was once one of the most beautiful and fanciful beach resorts in America. Over time and for various reasons the community fell on hard times and many of its historic buildings and canals were filled in or razed to the ground. The development that was once more prestigious to a rival development, Beverly Hills, become known as, "the slum by the sea," or, "where debris meets the sea." That being said, history and culture are created through cycles of development and decline. Today Venice is being rediscovered and redeveloped. Now more than ever, celebrating it's past is important.
The Ellison Suites Hotel, Venice Beach
Photo credit: @LanaDelReyWorld
The Ellison was constructed in the early 1900's and has been fortunate to escape earthquakes, an annexing by the City of Los Angeles and economic downturns. And in fact, through all these times the Ellison and it's tenants have become part of the communities history. Relatively recently the building was adorned with 4 massive murals, by Mural artist Jonas Never, celebrating this history and those that added to it. The theme of the Art installation comes from lyrics to a Lana Del Rey Song, "singing in the old bars, swinging with the old stars, living for the fame."
Photo credit: Google Street View
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9935372,-118.4788315,3a,60y,11.03h,103.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1silG30zKzZGroNmTzCiZpxw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
While Lana's direct connection to the Ellison is more inspirational, her haunting lyrics help to elicit memories of days gone by and the specters of its tenants past.
Sir John Vincent Hurt: 1940 – 2017
Sir Hurt is rumored to have lived in the Ellison for a period of time.
Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/Ejc36Zri0ko8OePKxMF0eLCc1FnRmYOE8vb5lWzZyxg
Two other bygone celebrities and vast importance to today's telling of Venice history are Jim Morrison and Marylin Monroe. Images of Marylin, while still Norma Jean, were taken here and Jim was a rumored to have stayed here as well. While's unclear whether Jim was an official tenant or just lived on the roof during a transient period of his life, the latter paints a more poignant picture.
Marlin Monroe: 1926 - 1962
Jim Morrison: 1943 - 1971
Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/XNnzX2z49cOqyvmf3f5zwC60z5bW3B8roYjzlD5p190
If you're considering a stay at the Ellison don't be scared off by the off alley location or the rugged exterior. It's this boardwalk adjacent location, connected by a walk-only path and entrance, that has made it the destination of all those before you.
Photo credit: Aaron Spohn
https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/P7yutc7uy3I3jo83OLElPNEAuDshkENVNeWsMPhYCU4
It's what's inside that counts and being in the heart of Venice is why you should come anyway. Quaint, quirky, debris by the sea charm and all the excentrics that come with it.
Photo credit: ellisonsuites.com
https://theellisonsuites.com/
Lana Del Rey - Videos Games (haunting lyrics invoking a storied past)
Video credit: youtube
I lived in Venice for many years and it formed part of who I am. I return when I can, and maybe someday I'll just stay.
Steemitworldmap:
[//]:# (!steemitworldmap 33.993786 lat -118.478825 long Swinging with the Old Stars at the Ellison Suites in Venice d3scr)
Explore in Google Maps 3D:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Venice,+Los+Angeles,+CA/@33.9934585,-118.4777999,29a,35y,280.8h,78.01t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c2bac03052685d:0x8f1101b40d5c8d3c!8m2!3d33.9850469!4d-118.4694832
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