8428 Sunset Strip

Fascinated by this photo located at 8428 Sunset Strip during the mid 60s. Notice how the building looks like a small castle. I believe this property was built as a home in 1929 and was owned by A. J. Sayre. In 1930 it became a club called the “Cortez Club”, owned by Homer "Slim" Gordon, a compulsive gambler. In 1933 it became a speakeasy called “Club Seville”, it was raided after the comedy team of Wheeler and Whoolsey. In 1933 Spencer Tracey was arrested for drunkenness after attempting to back his car out of the parking area. In 1935 it was “The El Rey Club” and later the “Russian Eagle Supper Club”. 

Seems like the pattern continued of changing hands somewhat frequently. It’s also rumored this property was owned by John Barrymore. In 1965 it became a cabaret for teenagers called “Stratford On Sunset” owned by Jerry Lambert which only lasted a year.  It most likely commanded the best view of Los Angeles. It’s possible the property may have been abandoned when this was taken in 1966 by artist and photographer, Ed Ruscha. You can see the FOR RENT sign on the left. It also became offices for the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. 

After it was torn down in the late 60, this corner occupied several well-known beloved incarnations such as the “The Renaissance Club”, “Roy’s”, “Butterfields”, "Olvera", and "The House Of Blues”.

Loved "Butterfields" and frequented the place with my parents. Their fresh Mint Julep was amazing. Loved the ivy garden vegetation and that long steep descent down the stairs to that charming patio. It was one of the few places I remember that had telephones available for patrons. I really loved their frozen Snickers. 

Check out that billboard ad for the Rolling Stones at the Forum and 

the ABC Records advertising Three Dog Night's 1975 LP/8-track, 

 "Coming Down Your Way" 

Roy's was open from 1976 to 1982, and hands down, had the best Chinese food on the strip.. It was owned by Roy silver a record biz guy and his secretary, Francine was the hostess who had once been married to Miles Davis. She went on to also be he hostess and the Hamburger Hamlet on Sunset. 

Today it’s the oversized, LED, nightmare, “The Pendry”. All the charm is gone these days for massive glass monstrosities that overpower the neighborhood. "The House Of Blues" never should have left. I saw Prince, the Brian Setzser orchestra, Duran Duran at the HOB. Even my father performed there in 1999. Their Gospel brunches are also missed. It was such a great music venue on the Strip. I loved "Butterfields" too and how you walked down the steps to get to it. Hidden places don't seem to exist anymore. It's now all in your face. 

Alison Martino is a writer, television producer and personality, and L.A. pop culture historian. She founded the FACEBOOK PAGE Vintage Los Angeles in 2010. In addition to writing for Los Angeles Magazine and VLA, Martino muses on L.A’s. past and present on Twitter and Instagram