The Disneyland Book of Secrets 2014: One Local's Unauthorized, Rapturous and Indispensable Guide to the Happiest Places on Earth (243 page)

Anaheim’s Lost Past – Googie Lives!  (Sort of):
  The author’s essay and interview with
Jason Johnson
, songwriter, musician, and creator of “Lost Transmission”

Katella Avenue

In summer 2012 I visited the
Disneyland Resort
frequently to explore and research the multitude of changes at
DCA Park
.  I stayed at a number of hotels in
Anaheim
, mostly on
Harbor Boulevard
, one of
Anaheim
’s key north-south thoroughfares.

But as the summer wound down, I ventured to an intriguing
–and reasonably priced–motel called Eden Roc Inn & Suites at
West Street
and
Katella
.  It wasn’t the Ritz-Carlton–but I wasn’t expecting the Ritz-Carlton.  The place was clean, and within walking distance of the resort (north of
Katella
,
West Street
becomes
Disneyland Way
, a pleasant stroll through lighted palm trees to the resort hotels and
Downtown Disney
).

What impressed me about the Eden Roc was a retro-cool quality I had neither sought nor anticipated.  No key cards at the Eden Roc–the desk clerk handed me an actual gosh-darn
key
dangling from a plastic tag emblazoned with my room number.  That, along with the exterior field stone accents, sent me time-traveling back to world of the 1950’s and 60’s, that mechanical, analog world where everyone dreamed of the future.

But what
really
set my imagination flying was the Googie swoop of the roofline.  Ring-a-ding-ding–the roofline was Space Age, Atomic Age, Googie architecture at its simplest and purest.  “Here we go!” says that roof, “We’re blasting into the future!”

Of course, the Eden Roc, with its muted brown palette and dishcloth-thin towels, isn’t
really
blasting into the future, nor is that stretch of
Katella
, where a regiment of non-descript, inexpensive motels offer families on a budget an alternative to pricier digs at the resort or on
Harbor
.  Other than the Eden Roc roofline, the aura of that neighborhood is spent.

Had it always been thus?  The Eden Roc roof made me suspicious that
Katella
had seen more exciting days–perhaps during the 1950’s, when
Walt
’s disapproval of the “tacky” little motels that sprang up around the resort became legendary.

I did some research, and was not surprised to learn that
Katella
–named after Kate and Ella, the two daughters of one of
Anaheim
’s early founding families–had once been a glorious riot of neon lights and exotic décor.  Its eateries and bowling alleys and shops and motels had boasted brilliant and creative neon signs, especially in the Space Age motif, and in the flavor of Tiki and the Arabian nights.

During the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and even into the 80’s,
Anaheim
’s visitors and locals alike were able to bask in the extraordinary, sometimes bizarre, admittedly often kitschy glow of lights, signs, statues and architecture that partook of an Atomic Age future and a romanticized, Technicolor past.  If you wanted to feel like one of the Jetsons, or Flintstones, or
Aladdin
, or a cheerful South Seas castaway,
Katella
had a place for you.

From the 1990’s through the present,
Anaheim
has undergone an extensive transformation and architectural homogenization that has increased its dignity along
Katella Avenue
, but at the price of the removal of a substantial amount of the fun.  Googie signs toppled like timber, exotic motels were remodeled, rooted up, or razed.  The result is no doubt classier–but rather bland.

The swooping tendrils of the
Anaheim Convention Center
remain, and the Eden Roc’s roofline as well, tucked just out of sight on
West Street
… but not much else reminds visitors of the riotous glory that was
Katella Avenue
.  At least somebody had the sense to photograph many of the landmark signs and buildings before they were felled;
Anaheim
’s Central Library is a resource for anyone seeking these images of the past.

Of course, we can’t expect time, or tastes, to stand still.  It was more than a hundred years ago that Kate and Ella’s mother called them to dinner–“Kate … Ella!”
–giving rise to the avenue’s name.  It has been decades since
Katella
and
West
were the site of fields, and farms, and even a school.  Change is inevitable, and eventually the Googie cool of
Katella
was bound to vanish–but what a loss.

Jason Johnson and Lost Transmission

While researching
Katella
’s vanished past, I stumbled across a marvelous website for those who love pop culture and Googie architecture:  “Lost Transmission”.

Jason Johnson, who created and runs the website, grew up in
Anaheim
and worked at
Disneyland
.  Not only does he have a website devoted to mid-twentieth-century pop culture, he has written a lyrical and lovely song paying tribute to
Katella Avenue
.  Just listening to “Katella” makes one think of majestic finned automobiles heavy as tanks, and glittering neon streaming past on So Cal summer nights that promise to last forever.

Jason has an insider’s view of
Katella
, and
Anaheim
, and
Disneyland
, and he very graciously agreed to share his thoughts about
Anaheim
,
Disneyland
, Googie, and his song “Katella” which celebrates
Anaheim
’s signature avenue.

Enjoy Jason’s memories and insights – and then check out the links to “Lost Transmission” and Jason’s music, which appear at the end of the interview.

An Interview with Jason Johnson

His Music, and His Website “Lost Transmission”

I grew up in Anaheim in the 1970's and as a teen in the 1980's.  I was always intrigued by music and had an ear for it at an early age.  I began playing guitar at age 12 and was introduced to the music of the 1950's by my dad.  California had a robust rockabilly scene in the '80's and I was turned on to that scene as a teenager.  This piqued my interest in more than just music, and I developed an overall fascination with all of mid-century pop culture.  Bands like the Blasters and the Paladins were both So Cal bands that had a profound influence on my musical tastes.  For me, listening to roots music bands like these and listening to original recordings from the 1940's, '50's and '60's was seamless.  I started the Lost Transmission site simply as an outlet for expressing these interests.  The internet has made so much data accessible - photos, stories, art, music, videos, and I enjoy contributing a little something to this vast collection of information.  I record my own music, and I've been on a bit of a hiatus.  I hope to get back to recording (and writing) very soon to complete my Southern Cal concept album.

“Katella” Song

As for what inspired me to write and record “Katella”, I suppose homesickness was the real catalyst.  Everybody has a place they call their true home.  For me it's Orange County, California.  Now that I live in the southeastern U.S., I occasionally get a touch of longing for home.  During one of these periods a couple of years ago, I began jotting down some song ideas drawing on my memories of home.  As a songwriter, I know imagery drives a good song lyric, and when I think of the most vivid images from my childhood in Orange County, Katella Avenue immediately comes to mind.  There are certainly other more iconic or notable landmarks to note in Southern California, but Katella is unique.  Anyone who saw it in its heyday would understand.  My family drove it regularly on the way to and from my grandparents' home in Garden Grove.  The rows of themed hotels, topiary gardens and colored neon signs were fantastic.  Later, when I worked at Disneyland, driving Katella Avenue (particularly after dark) became a daily experience.

The setting of the song is based on one specific evening.  In 1987, I drove to work at Disneyland everyday in my 1957 Chevy.  I got off work late on one of these warm California evenings.  I had the windows down, and as I pulled onto Katella, Del Shannon's "Runaway" was playing on the radio.  I remember turning it up and cruising down Katella with the wind in my face as all those great old neon signs and fantastic buildings passed by.  I really wanted to capture this feeing and put it into words.  I used Del Shannon's "Hats Off to Larry" in my song because the meter of that title fit the lyric better, but "Hats Off to Larry" has a similar sound to "Runaway", making the reference nearly identical.  I can't listen to Del Shannon without thinking of that night.  If the song has a "dreamy, retro quality" as you described, I suppose the imagery - colorful neon, a shiny classic car, Del Shannon, cigarette machines - contributes to that feel.  It's certainly what I was after in the lyric.  The tune itself draws on common chord patterns used in the 1950's and early 1960's chosen to give the song an older sound.  The lyric ends on a decidedly eternal note, so the experience never really ends for the singer.

Anaheim

Anaheim was a fun place to grow up.  Most people consider California a liberal haven, but Orange County is very conservative.  My experience was pretty much the stereotypical suburban life.  In the 1970's, there were still some large standing orange groves, and in the part of Anaheim where we lived there was a large orange grove directly behind my house.  It was quiet.  You played outside, rode your bike, and played street baseball and football.  What makes Southern California really cool is that despite how quiet your neighborhood might be, there is always the sense that there's something exciting going on somewhere close by.  The beach was 30 minutes away from my house.  So was Disneyland.  So was Angel Stadium.  On summer nights at 9:30, you could hear the Disney fireworks.  If you lived close enough, you could see them.  There were mountains with snow on them in the winter.  I loved it.  If there was any downside, I always felt like California was detached from the rest of the U.S.  The east coast seemed impossibly far away, and I often felt like I was missing out in some sense on what was going on in the rest of America.  As a kid I dreamed of one day moving toward the eastern and southern U.S.  Now that I live outside the state, I have a better appreciation for California and the uniquely American place it is.

Disneyland

Disneyland was huge for me and my circle of friends.  I think every local kid felt the same way.  It was so accessible.  I visited Disneyland at least once a year for as long as I can remember, which is a real privilege to which most people can't relate.  I can't say how the adults really felt about it, but for us kids just knowing it was there was magical in itself.  In truth, Disneyland's presence is really what made Katella such a special street.  It borders Disneyland on the south side.  Everything about Katella - the architecture, lights, landscaping - was in some way an attempt to capture a little bit of the Disney mystique.  Even as a kid I knew the hotels and shops were cheap and tacky, but in a wonderful way.  I never got the sense that any of this was truly despised by any locals.

River Belle Terrace at Disneyland

River Belle Terrace was very cool.  I liked working there because it's located at my favorite crossroads in Disneyland - where Adventureland, Frontierland and New Orleans Square all meet.  I could bus tables in clear view of Tom Sawyer's Island, and the sounds of the Mark Twain steamboat and the organ music from the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House (which I believe is now the Tarzan tree house) filled the air.  It could be hot.  I remember one day it was 114 degrees, which is pretty miserable.  After awhile, the smell of sweaty guests, maple syrup and pancakes could get a little nauseating - even in the happiest place on earth.  I truly enjoyed working at Disneyland.  The schedule could be very demanding, but I just liked being there.  As a sweeper and bus boy, I enjoyed a little more freedom than, say, a ride operator.  I could walk up and down Main Street sweeping up popcorn and just enjoying being in the park.  The disadvantage of being in the custodial department is that somebody throws up every day at Disneyland and you may be the unlikely person who gets to clean it up!

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm was like Disneyland's ugly cousin.  The area around it was a little rougher than Disneyland and the attractions weren't nearly as technically advanced or as polished as Disneyland's.  The western theme was much different from Disneyland too - more rustic, more history than fantasy.  Knott's had a replica of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell right across the street.  It had real buildings from a California ghost town.  It sold its own jams and jellies.  It was a completely different experience, but fun in its own unique way.  The one thing Knott's offered over Disneyland was their annual Halloween bash - Knott's Scary Farm.  That was always a hugely-popular event for the teen crowd.

Anaheim’s Vintage Architecture and Signs

There are so many to choose from!  As I recall, the Space Age Inn of Tomorrow had a large topiary garden called the "Wonderland of Topiary Trees".  It was highly visible from the street, and the topiary animals were illuminated with colored spotlights at night.  Anyone who's been inside Disneyland knows topiary animals surround the Small World attraction - a clear example of how Katella businesses tried to bring Disneyland outside to the community.  Another favorite of mine was the Alpine Inn - a lodge-themed hotel with a perpetually snow-covered and icicle-laden roof.  It's still there today.  Linbrook Bowl's neon sign with the giant bowling pin was super cool (I think it's still there, too!).  I could go on and on.  As trivial as it may seem, the greatest loss for me was Satellite Market sign.  It was a tall sign - a pole with a large white ball at the top sporting primary-colored spires.  It looked like a big sputnik hanging over the roadside, and it was a landmark for years.  While I loved it, I can honestly see why it was deemed an eyesore by some residents.  It was the last "Googie" feature you saw as you headed east on Katella away from the Disneyland area.  When the market was renovated and the sign torn down, someone obviously recognized the importance of the landmark because a small street-level sign was put up in its place that includes an image of the old satellite.  Only the people who saw the old landmark can appreciate the significance of the new sign.

Reviving Anaheim–and Disneyland’s–Past

In my opinion, the small-town charm of the original Googie architecture in Anaheim is gone forever - especially when I recall how pervasive it was.  I couldn't begin to list all the examples of Googie-type signs and buildings throughout Orange County during my childhood.  There was a genuine quality to these original structures.  Sadly,
Star Wars
, computer animation, video games and the internet shattered yesterday's romantic notions of exotic foreign cultures and "futuristic design".  There are still a few good original examples left in Southern California, but they now largely appear out of place.  However, I recently passed through Independence, Missouri on a family trip, and I was impressed with the way they had renovated the downtown area of this very small town using Googie architectural features and signage.  This shows it
can
be done with a little imagination and creativity.  I would like to see this uniquely American style preserved and appreciated for what it is.  As for Tomorrowland, the renovation to the da Vinci theme really bothered me.  It's fantastic in a Jules Verne sort of way, but I find it dark and disturbing.  The original "Googie-esque" theme was bright and cheerful.  It had that forward-looking optimism of 1950's America at its heart, and yes, I would like to see it return to Tomorrowland.  I think it could be done tastefully enough to satisfy the naysayers.  Brilliant Disney artist/designers like Kevin Kidney could pull this off with ease.

Learn More About Jason’s Website and Music

The “Lost Transmission” site (
http://losttransmission1.wordpress.com/
)

“Katella” song (
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009IKNGLS?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links
)

Jason’s rockin’ Christmas EP “Tinsel and Twang” (
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B009Y4O86K?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Jason%20Johnson%20%26%20His%20Rockin%27%20Guitar&index=digital-music&search-type=ss
).

Resources
& Recommendations

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Barrett, Steven M. 
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Barrett, Steven M. 
Disneyland’s Hidden Mickey’s:  A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort’s Best Kept Secrets 4
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