Thanks to
ethereal reality for amazing info on
Jean Malin.
Got me thinking about the Ship Cafe, built in 1905 it was the "in" spot where Valentino had his heels cooled by movie queen Nazimova, who called him a "pimp" and a "gigolo", where Buster Keaton jumped out of one of the restaurant's portholes, and as in most places outside Los Angeles, hootch was available to any well-heeled customer who could afford it. The Ship continued its boisterous activities despite a fire and reconstruction in 1924. A magnet for movie stars, politicians and world class socialites, no wonder Jean Malin ended up here! Apparently it was remodeled it in 1933 for $50,000, reportedly improving the driveway and parking area after his fateful plunge!! But the heyday was before the Depression, and it slipped into obscurity, eventually to be razed in October 1946 along with the rest of the Venice Pier.
http://www.virtualvenice.info/visual/cabrillo.htm
Proprietor of the Ship Cafe 1929-39 Ralph Arnold
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The Ship Cafe, April 14, 1934
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The Ship Cafe, 1946, the pier was condemned
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Venice pier was constantly changing, but for 40 years it was "pure" LA scene.
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remains before the wrecking ball
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Many great shots of the Venice pier, the ship cafe, and the fire on LAPL site.