© Frank H. Jump
Food
IMAC – International Media & Cultures, Inc. – Denver, CO
© Frank H. Jump
International Media and Cultures was founded in 1982 by Mali Reddy, Ph.D. From its modest start in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Reddy’s vision has always been to create a research driven, highly technical company that is dedicated to producing quality, custom-tailored products for use in the dairy and food industries.– IMAC Website
Irv’s Burgers – Since 1950 – Santa Monica Blvd – Hollywood, CA
© Frank H. Jump
© Frank H. Jump
The historical story behind Irv’s Burgers is a fascinating weave of colorful stories. According to Mollie Zucker, who owned the original stand Queensburger (1950) (photo at left), from 1958-1973, the stand served as a ‘local’ for many Los Angeles actors, both known and unknown; its devoted regulars included John Cassavettes, Gena Rowlands, Sally Marr (mother of comedian Lenny Bruce), and Shelly Winters. Tucker Smith, the actor/dancer best known for his role as “Ice” in West Side Story, lived in the apartment building next door and often brought the ‘Sharks’ and the ‘Jets’ over between filming on the sound stage. As Los Angeles rapidly developed into the center of the 60s and early 70s burgeoning music scene, one could often spot Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin among the regulars. Linda Ronstadt used the roadside stand as a backdrop for the album art for one of her best-selling recordings (“Living in the USA”, photo below). Even then, what’s now known as Irv’s Burgers had a reputation for great food; Mollie’s husband went to Fairfax Avenue’s legendary Diamond Bakery every morning at 5 a.m. to get fresh breads and purchased the prime meat for the hamburgers at the now defunct Arrow Market, the last of the independent neighborhood family grocery stores.
[click image to enlarge] Today, Irv’s Burgers is struggling to stay open and remain at its original location. The stand is owned by the Hongs, a Korean-American family who invested their entire life’s savings in buying Irv’s business from a former tenant of long-time owner Irving Gendis. The Hongs are beloved by scores of West Hollywood residents and businesses, many of whom eat there daily. Sadly, the Hong’s five year lease has expired and they are currently operating on a month to month agreement with their new landlord. Currently, the building’s land lease is held by Seltzer Commercial Real Estate who plans to develop the corner lot and lease the space to other operators. Peet’s Coffee, a major, albeit socially conscious, corporation, has been in leasing negotiations with the Seltzers for several months, but has not finalized their deal due to local concerns that Irv’s Burgers could be destroyed and the Hongs displaced. – Save Irv’s Burgers
Marigold Margarine – Chicago, IL – Featured Fade – Marian Saska
© Marian Saska
The Milwaukee Journal - Dec. 9, 1915 - Google Books
This is Marigold Margarine at 5079 N. Lincoln Av., Chicago, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. The old building next door was torn down to make way for some condos. Most of the ad is covered up again.
According to the Cook County Assessor’s site, the building was assessed in 2009 and 2010 and the age is 104. So that means it was built 1904-05.
Here is a link to the Milwaukee Journal of December 9, 1915 with almost the same ad. So I think this one is pretty old. I took this in February, 2007. I had the camera, a tripod, a step-stool (to see over the flimsy construction fence) and a friend to hold me by the waist so I wouldn’t fall through the fence into the hole.
Enjoy!
Marian Saska
Thank you Marian!
Feeding a Squirrel in Washington Square Park – 1982
Don't Attempt This At Home © Frank H. Jump
Back in the 80s, I enjoyed feeding squirrels by hand. Once, a squirrel mistook my finger for a peanut and put my entire digit up to the first knuckle into its mouth. I decided not to panic and did not flinch thinking that would be a sure way of getting bit. Within seconds the squirrel realized my finger wasn’t a peanut and backed off my finger, then took a peanut out of my lap and ran. I’ve had two squirrels fighting over me, some climbing on my shoulder and then chasing away others trying to crawl up my leg – once two ran around my thigh like it was a tree trunk. This little bugger had its hand on my face while it gingerly took a peanut out of my mouth. So sweet. I should have had my head examined.
In August 2001, Enzo and I went to Italy to be Best Men at his niece Maria Grazia’s wedding. At the end of our vacation together, Vincenzo left early for the US with his mom, sister and niece Concetta (just prior to 9/11) and I took a roadtrip from Torino to Budapest. In Ljubljana, Slovenia – I met a lovely Swiss man who was also in a relationship and we went out for a night on the town. We chose this nice restaurant off the Ljubljanica River to take in the sights and smells of the town. After scanning the menu, I asked the waiter about the paté. He said it was homemade and delicious. I asked if it were pork or liver paté and he exclaimed, “No. Small furry animal.” I looked at my Swiss date for the evening and smiled and then asked the waiter if it was made from one particular furry animal or several kinds. He said, “One but I don’t remember name. I come back.” After a few moments he returned and said “Ssquirrial.” I asked which wine went well with squirrel and he pointed to a local red which was outstanding. The paté was exquisite or should I say “Exsquirrial!”
Now that I grow bulbs and tomatoes, I hate the little buggers. Even throw rocks at them on my terrace. Yet I still have a hankering to feed the cute black ones.
