Image Gallery July, 2005
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e v e n t h s o n. o r g
"Big Donuts"
Large bill boards and three dimensional signs were the main stay
of advertising for businesses, and road side attractions along southern
California highways dating back to the early 1900's. Using the automobile
for individual transportation, southern California was able to spread
horizontally as the population grew. Oversized statues and billboards
were used to grab the attention of passing drivers.
In an effort to stand out from the rest, and make drivers either
stop or remember their buildings; some businesses used architecture
by creating buildings shaped like dogs, oversized hot dogs, giant
chickens, large ice cream cones, apartment buildings shaped like castles;
a tire company built to resemble an Assyrian palace, and most notable
of all, giant variations of Paul Bunyan that held all forms of products
in their outstretched hands.
As property changed hands, businesses closed and for many other reasons
these structures were torn down to make way for new buildings. The
large statues were either dismantled, sold or stored.
Signage today isn't quite as large individually, although large signs
along our interstates for truck stops and larger gas stations are
still visible. Usually these signs are large and high in the sky to
be visible far down the highway. Currently it's not unlikely to see
a car dealership with a giant gorilla attached to the top of their
building, or a giant crane lifting a car with a super hero (SpiderMan)
posed as if he's actually holding the car in place 24 hours each day.
Locally, the remains of buildings from that part of architectural's'
past are our very own "Big Donuts". There are four of these
donut buildings in the southern Calif. area, and all four are still
in the business of selling donuts.
The first is Randy's Donuts in Inglewood; the most recognized, and
well maintained donut of all. It could be because it's part of a much
desired route for driving footage for movie shoots, and sometimes
the actors even stop by for a quick donut or a meeting in the parking
lot. Because of it's movie visibility Randy's Donut has become a tourist
destination. Randys' opens early and stays open till 12 midnight for
those who like to have a freshly made donut.
In keeping with the tradition of the owners from the past who chose
to use a giant donut on the top of the building to get attention;
the current owner of "King Donut II" the second "Big
Donut" in Gardena decided to use bright yellow and green with
red letters to get even more attention. Although it can't be seen
from far away because of it's location, once you're near it you can't
miss it
The third "Big Donut" is Kindles', located on the corner
Century Blvd. and Normandie Ave. in Los Angeles. This is probably
the donut that's least maintained. It's donut is in need of paint
because of the many pigeons that make it their perch, the building
needs repairing as a large vehicle has damaged the structure.
Our fourth "Big Donut" Dale's Donut is on the corner of
Atlantic Ave. and Alondra Blvd. in Compton. Since it's furthest from
the others it's often forgotten when the large donuts are mentioned.
It's proximity to the 710 freeway along with irregular spray washings
has caused it to look dusty from the years of dirt and grime that
has settled on it.
These large donut buildings seem to have never ending lives. Hopefully
they will remain with us as a reminder of a form of advertising that
some say got it's start in southern california.
As always, we at seventhson.org would like to say thank you for your
continue support.
Please come again.
Otis G. (The
Curator)
