Ollie Johnston Estate Sale?

JWBear · 05-18-2007, 05:12 PM

We got there about 9:30ish. We knew we were in the right place when we saw the miniature train tracks cutting accross the front lawn and driveway. There was a line to get in (they were only letting a few people at a time in). While we were standing there, I remarked that the house reminded me of Cliff May's early work. It's a gorgeous, low-slung ranch house.

Once we got inside, we found most of the really good stuff had gone early. But there still was tons of stuff. Lots of books (which they were asking far too much for), artwork, Disney stuff, train related stuff, and knick-knacks. I bought a few things. Lisa & DP made some interesting finds (which I will let them tell you about).

In the back yard were more miniature train tracks... and to one side of the house: the holy of holies... his workshop/studio. A spur line of the tracks ran through the wall and under the workbench.

While I was standing out on the back patio, I struck up a conversation with a man who knows the Johnston family. We were talking about the house, and he confirmed that it was indeed designed by Cliff May! Ollie and Cliff were friends. That was icing on the cake for me, as I'm a huge fan of his architecture. We lamented that, in all likelihood, whoever buys the property will tear the house down to build some god-awful McMansion. The house, though large for its day (1947), is too small and unfashionable for the neighborhood it's in. If it happens, it will be a sad day.

Alex · 05-18-2007, 05:30 PM

Do you think any photography would be allowed?

JWBear · 05-18-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

Do you think any photography would be allowed?

We took pictures. No one stopped us.

Kevy Baby · 05-18-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWBear

We took pictures. No one stopped us.

Are you going to post any? I would love to see!

JWBear · 05-18-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Are you going to post any? I would love to see!

Here you go. I took them with my cellphone, so the quality isn't the best.

The front of the house:

The entrance, with people waiting in line:

The back patio area. The workshop & studio is in the backgound:

Here's the interior of the workshop & studio:

The family room/breakfast nook area:

The living/dining room:

The fireplace in the living/dining room - it's huge! About 3' x 5':

Snowflake · 05-18-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Are you going to post any? I would love to see!

What he said ^^^^^^!!!

Boy, I confess it, I'm jealous as all get out, but glad there is photographic evidence of the day! Happy for all of you who went and conquered!

Aw damn! I love the house!

JWBear · 12-28-2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWBear

While I was standing out on the back patio, I struck up a conversation with a man who knows the Johnston family. We were talking about the house, and he confirmed that it was indeed designed by Cliff May! Ollie and Cliff were friends. That was icing on the cake for me, as I'm a huge fan of his architecture. We lamented that, in all likelihood, whoever buys the property will tear the house down to build some god-awful McMansion. The house, though large for its day (1947), is too small and unfashionable for the neighborhood it's in. If it happens, it will be a sad day.

And sadly, I have discovered that, indeed, the house has been demolished and replaced by an ugly mcmansion. Bastard! May they rot in hell!

Kevy Baby · 12-28-2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWBear

And sadly, I have discovered that, indeed, the house has been demolished and replaced by an ugly mcmansion.

McMansion?

05-18-2007, 05:12 PM	#1
JWBear Worn Romantic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Beach California Posts: 8,435	We got there about 9:30ish. We knew we were in the right place when we saw the miniature train tracks cutting accross the front lawn and driveway. There was a line to get in (they were only letting a few people at a time in). While we were standing there, I remarked that the house reminded me of Cliff May's early work. It's a gorgeous, low-slung ranch house. Once we got inside, we found most of the really good stuff had gone early. But there still was tons of stuff. Lots of books (which they were asking far too much for), artwork, Disney stuff, train related stuff, and knick-knacks. I bought a few things. Lisa & DP made some interesting finds (which I will let them tell you about). In the back yard were more miniature train tracks... and to one side of the house: the holy of holies... his workshop/studio. A spur line of the tracks ran through the wall and under the workbench. While I was standing out on the back patio, I struck up a conversation with a man who knows the Johnston family. We were talking about the house, and he confirmed that it was indeed designed by Cliff May! Ollie and Cliff were friends. That was icing on the cake for me, as I'm a huge fan of his architecture. We lamented that, in all likelihood, whoever buys the property will tear the house down to build some god-awful McMansion. The house, though large for its day (1947), is too small and unfashionable for the neighborhood it's in. If it happens, it will be a sad day. __________________ Unrestrained frivolity will lead to the downfall of modern society.
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05-18-2007, 05:30 PM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Do you think any photography would be allowed?
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