A few years ago I was very happy to find a neat 1949 slide taken in front of "Clifton's Pacific Seas" (hereafter referred to as "CPS" because I am lazy) - a famous landmark in Los Angeles for many years. Located on South Olive Street, the restaurant had opened in 1931, but in 1939, the owners gave it an exotic tropical theme, which included a façade with rocks, neon, waterfalls, and tropical plants.
At one point there were eight Clifton's locations; among the interesting features is that they were open 24 hours a day, and (because of owner Clifford Clinton's Christian sensibilities) no person was ever turned away for lack of money. During the depression, thousands of people ate for free, or they were encouraged to "Pay What You Wish" - as little as 1 cent, in some cases.
I had to zoom in on the va-va-voom young lady in the fuscia dress! You have to love the sight of men in suits and fedoras, too.
Here's a vintage postcard showing a more complete view of the front of the restaurant. What a place? I wonder if Walt Disney ever ate there. No wonder it became a draw for tourists from all over the world.
CPS closed in 1960, and the building was torn down. But don't be too sad... the parcel of land is now a parking lot! Happily, Clifton's 1935 "Brookdale" restaurant has been refurbished and is still at 648 South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. It's quite a place! You should go if you ever have the chance. One of the displays is this beautiful little model of Clifford's Pacific Seas.
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