Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Backstory: The Grove in Los Angeles

Hi guys-

A few times, my Grandfather Jim makes reference to "The Grove" in his letters to Grandma Margie. If you are familiar with LA history, you likely recognize it as The Cocoanut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel. If you are not familiar, or are of a younger generation than I am, you probably think he is referring to the Fairfax area shopping center near the Farmer's Market. Nope. Here's a brief history lesson about this lovely nightclub.

The Ambassador Hotel opened for business on January 1, 1921 in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles. From 1930 to 1943, the Academy Awards were held at the hotel  - the same time period when my Grandparents would go dancing at the hotel's night club, the Cocoanut Grove. The nightclub had many a famous singer, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole, just to name a few. As Grandpa mentions in his letter, Glenn Miller played there with his orchestra.

Here's a picture:

And, if you are in the mood for a little soundtrack while you read this, here is a sampling of Glenn Miller's greatest hits:

Listening to Glenn Miller on Rhapsody. Check it out!

Enjoy!
Laura

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