Steve Stuart, Riviera 1961

GDB readers seem to really enjoy seeing the non-theme park photos from Nanook, aka Steve Stuart! Maybe we all want to vicariously find ourselves in places like sunny Palm Springs, circa 1961. Take it away, Steve....

PALM SPRINGS, MARCH, 1961

Look – it’s a young Greg Louganis, about to dive into the cool waters of the Rivera Hotel pool in Palm Springs.  (Yeah – as if-!)  I see the diving board [and undoubtedly the pool] was constructed by Paddock Pools, one of three stalwarts of the custom swimming pool biz in So. Cal. back in the 1950’s & 1960’s.  The others were Blue Haven and Anthony Pools.  And oddly-enough, all three are still building pools and spas to this day.  Who knew-?  And I see I’m sporting a ‘water-proof’ watch of some sort.  Well, one can only hope.

Here’s a shot of my folks at that same hotel pool.  My mom has removed her straps.  (Please, gals – avoid those ‘nasty tan lines’ at all costs-!)   Once again it seems as if our family was a trend-setter, as the Rivera Hotel is still alive and kicking lo these many years later. Now, all tricked-out in ‘hipster-chic’ decor, (oh – I’m sorry, make that ‘bohemian cool’, according to their web site).  Originally designed in 1959 by architect Irwin Schuman to replicate Las Vegas Hotels such as The Stardust, Flamingo, and the Sands.  In an homage to Morris Lapidus (famed for the design of the Fontainebleau and Eden Roc Hotels of Miami Beach), I could swear it also sported a “stairway to nowhere” in their lobby.  But it was a long time ago.  

In a change of swim trunks – and judging from those earlier shots at The Howard Manor, I had quite the swimsuit wardrobe for many years – I’m standing next to our 1960 Ford Thunderbird - in lovely ‘Diamond Blue’.  The convertible behind me is a 1960 Buick.  Farther to the right is a two-toned 1954 Cadillac.  And at the far right, is a white 1958-1960 Lincoln – perhaps a Continental.  I haven’t the foggiest idea what that rather large building might be we see in the background.  Looks like it could be a bowling alley and coffee shop-?  

And finally, my mom sporting her ‘strapless tan’.  At her feet is a wicker purse, from Mexico City – where my grandparents were living at the time – which she often brought along to sporty occasions, such as swimming pools or the beach.

Ah, those golden days! Many thanks as usual to Steve for sharing these fun family photos. Stay tuned for more!