It's AUTOMAT-ic

Whatever happened to the automat?  A major advance in the movement towards convenient, casual, and cost-conscious dining, the automat was the unprecedented, and brilliant, invention of Horn & Hardart.  Yes, before McDonald's, before KFC, before Taco Bell, the biggest names in "fast food" were Joseph Horn & Frank Hardart.

Proprietors of dinettes in the late 1800's, Horn & Hardart developed a novel style of food service that had never been seen before.  In 1902, the first Horn & Hardart Automat opened its doors to the hungry residents of Philadelphia, PA.

(Source)

Reduced to its essence, the automat was a living vending machine - a wall of louvered doors behind which sat perfectly portioned roast beef, mixed vegetables, fruit salad, or bread pudding to be had for mere nickels.  On the other side of the wall was a fully-functioning kitchen and a staff of food service specialists placing and replacing food in every window.  I don't know about you, but the novelty of a coin-operated food dispenser would not have been lost on Mr. Tiny; I would have been the first in line!

Can you follow directions?

(Source)

Patrons of an automat would make a brief stop at the cashier to exchange their folding money for coins; with a handful of nickels, an empty stomach, and a dream, the possibilities would have seemed endless!

Wrong or right, I most closely associate automats with the 1930's, because warm, hearty food bought for mere change seems like a practical option during a time when many city dwellers, reduced in means by "The Crash," would have found even a nickel a pretty dear price to pay for a meal.  

By the the early 1940's, Horn & Hardart
 operated over 150 automats.
(Source)

Basically everything I know was learned by watching classic movies.  Does that leave me with a sub-public school level, Hollywood-revisionist's understanding of history?  I guess so.  Does that leave me constantly shouting, "Chuck Heston" when the correct answer to the Sunday School question is "Moses?"  Yea, it doth.  Does that leave me breaking into musical numbers every time it rains in California?  Sue me.  

My favorite classic movies that feature the function and unique atmosphere of American automats are Easy Living and That Touch of Mink.   Could you hope for two better heroines - Jean Arthur and Doris Day - I ask you?!!!  If you've never seen one or both of these movies, do yourself a huge favor and rectify the situation.

Easy Living (1937)

with Jean Arthur and Ray Milland

That Touch of Mink (1962) 

with Doris Day, Cary Grant, Audrey Meadows, and Gig Young

A fixture of America's largest cities in the first half of the 20th Century, automats began a steady decline in the 1960's, owing to post-war suburban sprawl, increased mobility of the average citizen, and the rise of America's most infamous and long-lasting culinary tradition - fast food.  I guess the shenanigans shown in both films (a pessimistic, albeit realistic, portrayal of an automat's deficiencies) probably did nothing to aid in perpetuating this particular dining innovation.

In my mind, the automat should still be a viable source for feeding hungry folks of the 21st Century.  It goes without saying that modern food could not be had for pocket change, but card swipers would be a practical alternative.  Although as I said, my mind is addled by the unholy amount of cinema I have viewed and the facts show that my theory is baseless and totally without merit.

The end of an era
(Source)

Horn & Hardart tried unsuccessfully to revive the medium in the 1980's.  As recently as 2006, a short-lived revival was underway in New York City, subsequently hammering the last nail into the automat coffin.

Bamn Automat, NYC (2006-2009)
(Source)

The inherent problem with Dutch import, Bamn Automat, was that it strayed from the original Horn & Hardart formula with menu offerings that were subpar versions of food that could be had at any number of familiar, adjacent fast food restaurants.  The beauty of Bamn's forebears was that the menu consisted of hearty, homestyle cooking.  Moreover, the originals had gleaming dining rooms with clean tables attended by uniformed employees.  The differences are glaringly obvious, making this just another edition of "Why can't things be like they used to be?"

Fortunately, in our neck of the woods we have a Great Depression survivor/holdover in the form of Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria (see our "Chow Time" post here).  It is currently under renovation in the hands of new ownership, but we are promised a revived and restored Clifton's to be opened this year; if we can't have an automat, we'll happily survive on cafeteria fare.  Where else can you get a bowl of shimmering, shimmying, confetti Jell-O? 

"Automatic" - The Pointer Sisters

Because "The Neutron Dance wouldn't make any sense.

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

AWARDS SEASON III: Ich Liebster Dich

Oo-de-lolly!!!  Amidst the excitement of our big blog giveaway and the forthcoming holidays, I've barely had time to think about my next post.  Fortunately, the problem has been solved in a very timely fashion by The Pocket Size Wife.  Much to my surprise and honor, she has awarded wacky tacky with the Liebster Blog Award.

Blog awards are always a bit of a challenge because instead of writing about things that I like, I am forced to write about a subject on which I have a tenuous grasp at the best of times - myself.  Answering the eleven questions that are a mandate of the Liebster Award, I had to think a little harder and do a little more self-reflection than I would normally.  So, with my answers here, we can both play a special game that I like to call "Getting to Know You."

"Getting to Know You" - The Lennon Sisters on

The Lawrence Welk Show

1. What is your favorite film from the silver screen era?

This is one of those questions to which it is impossible to reply with a single answer.  I have a very large collection of movies and most are pre-1960.  Movies that I LOVE include: Sunset Boulevard, My Man Godfrey, North by Northwest, Now Voyager, State Fair, and many more.  To be perfectly honest, my favorite movie of all time would probably not be considered the silver screen's finest production but it is my "happy place" movie that I can watch anytime, anywhere - The Parent Trap (the original with Hayley Mills, Brian Keith, Una Merkel, and Maureen "Hubba Hubba" O'Hara).

The Parent Trap
(Source)

2.  What is the number one thing you can't live without from your closet and why?

Hmmmm...I think I am known more for creating clothes than for the clothes I wear.  I wish that I put more effort into my clothing and appearance but I am extremely low maintenance.  I prefer work wear for everyday, so I guess the answer then is denim - jeans AND overalls.

It would make so much more sense if I worked even half as hard as these guys.
(Source)

3. Who is your most influential style icon from the past and from today?

A figure from the past that I would give anything to look like (physically and clothing wise) is Cary Grant.  He had amazing style but it wasn't too precious or overwrought.  Many guys in the vintage community put in more effort, time, and energy into the acquisition, handling, and display of their clothes than any woman I know; I think that it takes all of the fun out of it.  Also, I am not a big, macho, manly man but this activity in men seems so non-masculine/prissy.  Cary Grant could look dapper, dashing, sophisticated, or relaxed without trying too hard and he always looked like a man.  My paternal grandfather had similar style; he always looked very put together without trying hard.  He wore clothing that was always appropriate for the occasion; he dressed as much for my grandma as he did for himself and he took a healthy amount of pride in his appearance.

This is what I want to look like.
(Source)

This is what I want to wear.
(Source)

4. What is your guilty pleasure?

I hate to say it, but it is TMZ, not so much the website as the TV show.  Even though I don't participate heavily in contemporary popular culture, I can't help but be fascinated by our society's (and my own) perennial obsession with celebrity.  One time I was driving through Beverly Hills and the TMZ tour bus was next to me;  I rolled down my window and kept yelling at the tourists that I was one of the Backstreet Boys.  I am a dork - a dork that thinks he's hilarious.  I'm also hooked on The People's Court but I don't feel guilty about that at all.

TMZ - I don't even know what that means??
(Source)

Harvey & Marilyn
The stars of my two favorite shows
(Source)

5. What is your current obsession?

My blog.  Is that weird?  Most of the things I do in my life are things that I have to do.  My blog is something that I get to do and look very much forward to doing.  I really enjoy every aspect of it - research, creating, adventure, writing, and connecting with awesome people.

Does that make me self-obsessed?

6. What is your most prized possession and how did you come about it?

I was born into it.  I hate to be serious but my family is my most prized possession.  My parents are cool and they, if not indulge, at least tolerate my eccentricities.  My very best friends are my brothers and sisters and their support means more to me than all the collections in the world.  And I'm not sure if I've mentioned him or not, but my nephew is the light of my life!!!  

My family - truly possessed.

I think all collectors go through phases of hunting, hoarding, and purging.  I am far from evolved, but I am definitely in the phase of disenchantment with my "stuff."  I am ready to organize and simplify; I find that experiences and adventures are far more fulfilling than amassing a bunch of things.  Having said all that,  I am quite fond of my sewing machine.  It wasn't cheap and I had to save to get it.  It is a tool that helps me turn my ideas into reality.

7. What famous person from the past or present do you think you look like?

I don't think that anyone in this world has ever gotten famous by looking like me - heaven help them if they do!!!  I never get stopped and told by anyone, "Hey, you look just like...." or "Does anyone ever tell you that you are the spitting image of..."  I have been told multiple times over the phone that I sound like Robert Downey, Jr.  Granted, it was by the same woman each time and she was trying to sell me something; my family has assured me that I sound nothing like Robert Downey, Jr.  I don't know, maybe Chaz Bono or Francis from Pee Wee's Big Adventure???

Francis Bux-TON
(Source)

Chaz Bono
(Source)

What do you think?

8. If you had one more day to live, how would you spend it?  What would you do?

I would spend it with my family - in shifts (we don't do well all crammed together in one room).  I think I would want to be exploring the desert or adventuring in Australia.  Food would definitely be involved.  I might even indulge in dairy products.  Lactose intolerance be damned - tomorrow I die!!!

I need some good, old fashioned nutrition!
(Source)

9.  Are you a pet lover? If so, do you own any pets?

Alas, I am allergic to everything - hair, fur, or feathers practically send me into anaphylactic shock.  We have had the odd fish (they were indeed odd - at least two committed suicide) over the years but I think the allergy gene negated the animal lover gene in me.

That's me...the boy in the bubble.
(Source)

10. If you could go back in time, where would you and why?

Another tough one to answer.  It is probably obvious from my blog that I am particularly enamored with the first two-thirds of the 20th Century, so I would want to pick the perfect time where I could go back and enjoy the best of every decade.  I constantly think about the business opportunities; I could go back and buy up huge quantities of vintage clothes, cars, Christmas decorations, bakelite and bring them all back to the 21st Century and get rich!

I don't think Doc and Marty ever fully explored the money making potential of the DeLorean.
(Source)

11.  Who would you like to go out to lunch with from the blogging world?

Without a doubt, it would be the group of bloggers from Nashville that I follow.  If y'all (see how I included that) aren't familiar with Eartha Kitsch of Ranch Dressing with Eartha Kitsch, Lisa of My Pretty Baby Cried She was a Bird, and Rae of Say It Ain't So, then be sure to check out their blogs.  They are hilarious, they collect awesome stuff, and even though at least two of them are vegetarian, I know we would be eating beautiful layer cakes, Pac-Man cookies, and delicious Southern food.  

Eartha's Beautiful Bunny Cake
(Source)

Lisa's Pac-Man Cookies
(Source)

Rae's Raspberry Coffee Cake from Heaven
(Source)

I must pause and express my gratitude to The Pocket Size Wife for this award.  Thank you for thinking us worthy of the award; I hope we can maintain your interest and support.

If you haven't yet visited her blog, be sure to check it out.  There is something for everyone there - marriage, Morrissey, millinery, and more!!!  Thanks again!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Happy Blog-O-Versary!

Has it been a whole year already?!?!  To coin a new phrase, time sure flies when you're having fun!  I started out as so very anti-technology.  A year ago, I had a dated cell phone and wondered why anyone would want to be on Facebook.  Now I have an only-slightly dated cell phone on which I check Facebook more often than is necessary and/or healthy.  A year ago, I followed no blogs and spent little-to-no time on the computer.  Now I follow about one hundred blogs and scold myself for spending too much time gazing at a screen.  It took a little goading from my brother to get me to start my own blog because he thought I had something to offer the blogosphere; I must say that I am truly grateful for his goading.  Maintaining a blog can be challenging, but in all honesty, it is very rewarding when one realizes that people are actually reading, and maybe even enjoying, the stories of silly things, crazy places, and oddball characters which one documents.

It's a wacky tacky anniversary.
Happy dogs for happy blogs!
(Source)

So, to myself and anyone out there reading, I say, HAPPY BLOG-O-VERSARY!  To celebrate the date, January 18, here are some great moments in wacky tacky history.

On this day in history:

1896
The X-Ray machine debuts as a tourist attraction in New York City.
The X-Ray Specs came later.
(Source)

1904
Cary Grant entered the world as Archibald Leach
(Source)

1913
Danny Kaye was born.
(Source)

1944
The first jazz concert is held at New York's Metropolitan Opera House.
Luminaries include Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton & Louis Armstrong
(Source)

1946 

Tex Ritter's "You Will Have to Pay" is a chart topper.

1950
The Federal tax on oleo is repealed!
(Source)

1992
Nature Boy Ric Flair becomes WWF Champion
(Source)

I hope that this year we're able to bring you even more wacky tacky adventures.  It's a big place, and we've only just begun to explore all the wacky tacky that this wide world has to offer.  Until then, please help us celebrate our first Blog-O-Versary with these anniversary songs.

"The Anniversary Song" (1960)

Connie Francis

"Anniversary Waltz"

I Love Lucy - "Hollywood Anniversary"

original air date April 4, 1955

And with you, you wacky tacky turkey necks, may I always dance the anniversary waltz!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Encinitas Boat Houses Ahoy!

When roadside architectural interest is combined with habitable living quarters, a wacky tacky angel gets its wings.  In Encinitas, CA the world-famous boat houses have been maintaining their steady course for over 80 years!

In 1928, Miles Miner Kellogg, using building materials reclaimed from a defunct dancehall, built the S.S. Encinitas and the S.S. Moonlight.  Obviously inspired by ocean travel, Kellogg's twin boat houses are permanently docked on 3rd St. in old Encinitas.  Despite appearances to the contrary, the boat houses were never seaworthy crafts, they were only ever intended as residential properties.

Land Lovers Delight!
It would be easy to get your "sea legs" whilst smelling the salt air from the decks of these twin ships.

As is true with most interesting, 20th-Century, vernacular architecture, the future of the boat houses had been in serious jeopardy over the years.  In 2009, the Encinitas Preservation Association, through public and private donations, purchased the structures and guaranteed the future of the boat houses by placing them in the public trust.

The S.S. Moonlight was named after The Moonlight Dancehall
from which the wood for the houses was procured.

The boat houses cut a striking figure on a street dominated by traditional dwellings.  The structures are  painted in a nautical color scheme of red, white and blue and come complete with decks and portholes.  Upon their purchase in 2009, the boat houses were open for public tours; they are now rental properties.

Imagine how much stress would have been relieved from Cary Grant if only he and Sophia had opted for a boat house instead of a houseboat!

Houseboat (1958)

While the boat houses are not tugboats, we couldn't help but think of one of our favorite cartoons - "Little Toot" from Disney's Melody Time (1948).

"Little Toot" (1948)

The Encinitas Boat Houses

726 & 732 3rd St.

Encinitas, CA

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny