Person of interest: Bruz Fletcher - Risque songsmith on the Sunset Strip

Born Stoughton Fletcher III in Indianapolis, 'Bruz' grew up in the lap of luxury. His grandfather (Stoughton I) created a banking empire and became one of the wealthiest men in Indiana. Before the family's fortune was lost in the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Bruz's father (Stoughton II) owned Laurel Hall Farm, one of the greatest horse breeding farms in America (it's star was famous stallion 'Peter the Great').
Bruz eschewed the family interests and gravitated towards musical entertainment, performing in Palm Beach and New York before hitting Hollywood. By 1929 Bruz had written numerous songs for the motion picture industry and was the accompanist for film star Esther Ralston's post-film vaudeville debut. He moved on to entertain at the Cafe LaMaze before settling into a four-year engagement at Icky Outhwaite's Club Bali, this is where he achieved his greatest recognition (see the accompanying and mis-spelled ad). Filmdom's own flocked in droves to hear Bruz's risque ditties, such as "Bring Me a Lei from Hawaii" and "The Hellish Mrs. Haskell".
Unfortunately Bruz's life was filled with tragedy. Two months after the family lost their fortune, Bruz's mother committed suicide by drinking hydrocyanic acid. Bruz's grandmother, distraught upon finding her body, drank what was left of the hydrocyanic acid and also died. On July 19, 1927, Bruz's older sister (and closest family member) Louisa died of meningitis at the age of 24. On July 1, 1938, while out buying cigarettes at the drug store, Bruz's Laurel Canyon home (which he shared with lover Casey Roberts) burned to the ground. Besides the house Bruz also lost two cats, a dog and a monkey. Bruz's run at the Club Bali ended in early 1940 and, suffering from depression, he took his own life in February 1941.

What Went Before? 3634-3636 Beverly Blvd

This 13-story building began life in 1928 as the American Storage Building. In addition to storage units, the Bud Murray School for Stage and Lewis S. Hart Auctioneer were also early tenants of the building. However most of the fun was being had on the 13th floor. Longtime cafe man E.W. 'Curley' Bordwell opened the Roof Garden in September 1928, a 'nite club de luxe' which featured dancing to the sounds of George Redman's Famous "Roof Garden Orchestra". They were apparently so famous that by early October a remote controlled broadcasting station operated by KMTR had been installed and George Redman's jazz orchestra could be heard nightly on KMTR from 10pm to 11pm. Curley's place must have been swinging during daylight hours as well - Chris Mann & His Roof Garden Melody Boys were broadcast live daily from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

Curley and his landlord had a quick falling out and by December 22, 1928 the Roof Garden had given way to 'Thirteenth Heaven', a night club with a rip-snorting theme. The elevator to the club was manned by 'St. Peter', the waiters sported wings and the musicians and attendants wore clothes 'intended to produce a spiritual illusion.' Curley didn't take this lying down and sued the American Storage Building owners for being wrongfully ejected from a cafe that he equipped and opened himself.

Perhaps it was the heavenly theme or perhaps it was the lawsuit but 'Thirteenth Heaven' didn't even make it to it's first anniversary. The Roof Garden Cafe was re-opened in late September 1929... without Curley.

By 1931 the 'Los Angeles Press Club' moved into the building and began having problems of their own. Their biggest problem was getting caught brewing beer during Prohibition. The 'Los Angeles Press Club' was raided March 18, 1931. Dry agents discovered a complete beer plant, 21 twelve-gallon crocks of beer mash, 203 bottles of beer - ninety of which were on ice (for the members no doubt).

The 41 Club (see the previous entry for their location at 833 S. Spring) took up residence briefly in late 1931 before making the move to Spring Street. They too were raided, and approximately $10,000 worth of liquor was found in secret compartments (comparable to $139,000 in 2008). It took the Feds a year to prosecute those involved and auction off the furnishings of the club.

By the mid-1940s the building held various military organizations such as the Air Technical Service Command Headquarters and the War Assets Administration. For many years after the war it was also the headquarters for Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company. It's pretty quiet around there today....

What went before? 833 S. Spring Street

This building (at 833 S. Spring) started life in 1924 as the City Club, a location for associations and (occasionally) churches to meet and hold events. Within 10 years it became known as the 833 Club, one of the city's most exclusive (and illegal) gambling establishments. In July 1933 a raid by the vice squad nabbed seventeen (including two women) and yielded $4000 worth of gambling equipment. It then became the 'swanky' 41 Club in 1935. In its early days, under the management of George Distel (who also played a part in the 833 Club), the 41 Club saw raids by police for 'after hours' liquor sales, was 'made famous overnight by the wonderful food' of Adolph Ackerman and was open for members and guests only. Distel brought in longtime restaurant men Tommy Jacobs (Vernon Country Club, The Ship, Club Airport Gardens and more) and Paul Maggora (Agua Caliente) in late 1935. Under Tommy Jacobs rule, 41 Club became 'Los Angeles's most friendly night club' with 'special consideration for out-of-town guests.' After a stint as union headquarters for the nearby fashion district, 833 S. Spring entered its longest run as Roseland, a club featuring taxi dancers. The sign reading 'Dancing' still survives as does the designation 'City Club' visible above the arch doorway.

R.I.P. Historic restaurant spot at Hollywood & Vine

Once the site of Melody Lane, Hody's, Howard Johnsons and the 'New Brown Derby', 1707 N. Vine (at the corner of Hollywood & Vine) went up in smoke the morning of April 30, 2008. Thank goodness I had a snappy camera in my car when I heard the news that it was on fire and I was able to get a few photos. Supersleuth Chris Nichols posted a wonderful photographic history of the corner.

What went before? 6507 Sunset Blvd

I'd much rather enjoy myself at Whislyn's Hawaii than what it's become. What's there now? Club Lingerie.

Hoping for a haunting on the boulevard

Back when it was Bob Brooks (and later Ray Haller's) 7 Seas we could count on 'rain on the roof', Mai Tai at the bar, Leetag on the wall and Bing Crosby on stage. Soon this spot will promise $3.99 polyester shirts that were made in China and fall apart with one washing....
Zara is opening in this location 2008.