THE LAUREL TAVERN - THE CANYON'S FIRST SOCIAL SPOT-1916

THE LAUREL TAVERN & PICNIC GROUNDS 

Charles Spencer Mann's "Bungalow Land" 

   THE BEGINNING

A couple miles up Laurel Canyon from Hollywood Blvd. {see map}
was the intersection of Lookout Mountain Ave. and Laurel Canyon Blvd. The new trolley would take a left at Lookout Mtn. and weave up the winding street to the summit, offering breathtaking views of not only Hollywood and the surrounding Los Angeles area, but it featured a dramatic panoramic ocean view as well.

It was only natural that the intersection at Lookout Mountain would attract early attention. The attention to the corner expanded when the Log Cabin was constructed back in 1915. By 1916, "The Laurel Tavern" was the hot-spot for the Laurel Canyon and Hollywood elite. 

Boyd Magers, a noted Tom Mix historian, describes the Tavern as a
"masculine retreat for wealthy men to escape their women
 and smoke and drink in peace".

 The 3-story log cabin, with a bowling alley in the basement, featured an 80-foot living room, with two floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, and many more amenities.

 It instantly became the centerpiece of Laurel Canyon society and history.

 Its reputation took on new dimensions when Cowboy Movie Star, Tom Mix, purchased the property in the 1920's.

 Though his residence was short-lived, the Log Cabin's notoriety exploded throughout Laurel Canyon and far into Hollywood.

A postcard showing Laurel Canyon Boulevard at Lookout Mountain Road in the 1920's. The property on the right was developed by Harry Houdini, and the one on the left was owned by Tom Mix. His log cabin, which was the site of many rock star gatherings in the 1970's, can be seen just past the tree on the left.

http://www.laurelcanyon.org/20cHist.html

It was during this period that internationally renowned architect, Robert Byrd, together with his son Gary, began construction of what became known as "The Byrd House".

 

The Tree House is nestled high on the Estate's spacious grounds. Built around two massive trees, with an adjoining spring-fed rock-lined pond, the house's unique multi-level construction must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

Legends and myths can be debated but this house stands as living proof of the artistic vision and constructive talents of its creators.            

The surrounding grounds of the Estate equal the visionary style of the Treehouse. In addition to the realistic manmade caves throughout the property's hillsides, the grounds are covered with artfully crafted paths, stone stairways, waterfalls, pools & ponds, and let's not forget its natural beauty!

Priority #1. - First was the myriad problems of the spring-fed pond. was the natural spring which also flowed through the downstairs of the house, finally exiting via the dungeon. Granted, this added to the eerie vibe of a room straight out of a Transylvanian castle, but it was horrors of a different type in the flooded bedroom, bathroom, laundry room..

Priority #2. - Water was entering this bucolic hideaway via the ancient roof as well. Designing a house around two massive trees is both a romantic concept as well as an architectural triumph; sadly, it is not necessarily a practical design. In addition, it provided easy access for the raccoon families to enter and breed behind the bedroom walls. Once again, this added to the bizarre, creepy sounds which were often emitted "from the walls".

The above photos show two areas that had been almost totally overgrown.
Originally uncovered - Bob Crosby, the final pristine clearance - Mike Slarve's crew.