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Neutra – 7 Things You Didn’t Know

The Glendale Historical Society “Icons Of Architecture” home tour is September 29. One of the featured homes was designed by Richard Neutra (1892-1970). Neutra is known for his Modern or Desert Modern architecture. When you think of sliding glass doors, well, think of Neutra. Neutra came to the US from Austria in 1923 and when you trace his story, you see how nature and the indoors/outdoors idea shaped his style. Here are 7 fun Neutra facts.

  • There is a typeface named for him: “Neutraface” designed by Christian Schwartz.
  • He admired Frank Lloyd Wright, and named his first son after him.
  • He designed and supervised the first documented steel-framed house in America: Lovell House (1931).
  • He was the first major architect to design a gas station: Norwalk Service Station in Bakersfield (1947).
  • Neutra designed homes in some SoCal cities which might surprise: Camarillo, Bell, Bakersfield, Altadena, Northridge.
  • He was once commissioned to design an all aluminum bus by the ALCOA company and White Motors Company of Cleveland. Nothing was produced.
  • His homes have had a wide variety of owners, including philosopher Ayn Rand who lived in Von Sternberg House, a Neutra built in Northridge.
  • Icons of Architecture on September 29, tickets here: https://glendalehistorical.org/2019-home-tour
  • For more info on Neutra, go here: https://neutra.org/
Icons of Architecture Tour
TGHS Icons of Architecture 2019


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GEISHA

The SuihoEn Japanese Garden is a piece of Japan in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, the expansive 6.5 acre garden is ranked # 10 out of 300 public Japanese gardens in North America. It was designed by foremost Japanese garden expert Dr. Koichi Kawana. The Japan Foundation Los Angeles hosted a Geisha exhibition at SuihoEn featuring three talented young women: a “Maiko” or apprentice, two “Geisha,” and expert Peter MacIntosh. In Kyoto, the hub of Geisha culture, the word “Geiko” is utilized rather than “Geisha.” Geisha are trained in the traditional art of music and dance, and to be charming and entertaining. Both SuihoEn Japanese Garden and the Japan Foundation Los Angeles host events regularly, ranging from origami classes, to tea ceremonies, to manga. Both bring the brilliant culture of Japan to just a short drive away. Check out this documentary on Geisha by Peter MacIntosh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmH4mcTb6JE

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OPA!

OPA!
The Greeks love to party.  Community Greek festivals are generally held at the local Greek Orthodox Church.  But unlike other church festivals, the Greeks are just  getting started at noon and keep it going into the night. The young adult men and women start arriving when the sun is going down, dressed to impress. Greek music, dancing and food make it worthwhile, especially the home made Greek cookies: kourabiedes (walnut sugar cookies), melomakarona (spicecake & honey cookies), jam filled pasta floras and many varieties of baklava. Where does the word “Baklava” come from? Originally from the Mongol word “Bayla” meaning to tie-up. Who are some Greeks in our popular culture?   Tommy Lee, Jennifer Aniston, John Stamos, Rita Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, Anthony Kiedis, Ariana Huffington and Betty White.  Betty White? Yep, her mother’s maiden name was Cachikis. What does “Opa! “mean?   “Opa” is one of those emotional expressions –  “oops” mixed with “yes, I dropped it and it broke in a million pieces but I am having so much fun I don’t care!”  Opa! What California city has the highest percentage of people with Greek ancestry?  Long Beach. Which city in the US has the highest percentage of people with Greek ancestry?  Tarpon Springs, Florida. Why? Sponge diving is an important industry there.  By 1905 a man named John Cocoris actively recruited Greeks to join the sponge diving industry there as divers and crew members. It is now a multimillion dollar industry there.

September 20-22

Pasadena Greek Fest  – Pasadena

St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church.  778 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena 91107

$4 admission. Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12noon – 10 pm, Sun 12 noon – 10pm

Great food, dancing, music, vendors. Opa!

http://pasadenagreekfest.org/