Need for Speed | Bonneville Salt Flats Vintage Lithographs

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Original caption, ca. 1951, Utah, USA — On the Measured 13 Mile Straight-a-way Course, Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Roland R. Free, Making a New American Motor-Cycle Record. Roland R. Free, of Los Angeles, Calif., riding a British-Vincent Motor-Cycle in a prone position to cut down wind resistance approximately 2 miles, on Sept. 11, 1950, established a new American speed record for 1 mile @ 156.71 miles per hour. Mr. Free’s picture was taken from an automobile running parallel to the black line while traveling in excess of 100 M.P.H. just before the auto reached the measured 1 mile zone of the 13 mile straight-a-way course, Mr. Free caught up with the automobile and immediately after his picture was taken, he gave his Motor-Cycle the gun; the photographers say it seemed like they were still, the way he left them with his sudden burst of speed. — Image by © Lake County Museum

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Original caption, ca. 1951, Utah, USA — Mormon Meteor. The World’s Greatest Unlimited Speed Record Maker, Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. The Days Run Completed. Holding All Speed Records from 10 Miles to 7,134 and from One Hour to 48 Hours. Mormon Meteor: David Abbott (Ab) Jenkins. Owner-Driver, and founder of the Salt Flats as a race course. Utah born and reared 1883. Religion, (Mormon). Holder of more world’s unlimited records than any man in history of sports. The only man who has ever driven an automobile continuously without relief for 24 hours, under supervision of contest board. Awarded champion of champions plaque and cup for the world’s safest driver. In 1950 at age 67, he made his fastest lap of 13 miles @ 199.19 M.P. H. Raced his last time in July, 1951. Now retired. He attributes his stamina to the fact, he never in his life, tasted liquor or tobacco. Average M.P.H, Distance: 199.19, 10 Miles — Image by © Lake County Museum

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Original caption, ca. 1938, Utah, USA — The Bonneville Salt Flats is a salt deposit left by the receding of ancient Lake Bonneville. This deposit covers about 159 square miles extending some nine miles along U.S. Highways 40 and 50 and the Western Pacific Railroad. The salt is white, crystalline aggregate, porous, hard and rigid so that it supports loaded trucks. In 1912 this area was tested as a race track and has since proved to be the greatest automobile speedway in the world. In 1931 Ab Jenkins of Salt Lake City broke all former world speed records. Here on September 15, 1938, John Cobb established a record of 350.07 miles per hour. The next day Captain G.E.T. Eyston set a world’s record of 357.50 miles per hour. Aug. 26, 1939, John Cobb again became the world’s automobile speed king by driving his car 369.74 miles per hour. — Image by © Lake County Museum

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Life Lessons | Sometimes you gotta be cold. – Mile Davis

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Always count your money.

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“My father told me, that my grandfather told him, whenever he got some money, no matter where or who he got it from, to count it and see if it was all there.  He said you can’t trust no one when it comes to money — not even people in your own family.  One time my grandfather gave my father what he said was $1,000 and sent him to the bank with it.  The bank was thirty miles away from where they lived.  It was about 100 degrees in the shade — summertime in Arkansas.   And he had to walk and ride a horse.  When my father got down there to the bank, he counted the money and there was only $950.  He counted it again and got the same amount: $950.  So he went on back home, so scared he was just about ready to shit his pants.  When he got back he went to my grandfather and looked at him and said that he lost $50.  So Grandpa just stood there and looked at him and said, ‘Did you count the money before you left? Do you know if it was all there?’  My father said — no, he didn’t count the money before he left.  ’That’s right,’ my grandfather told him, ‘because I didn’t give you nothin’ but $950. You didn’t lose anything. But didn’t I tell you to count the money, anybody’s money, even mine? Here’s $50. Count it. And then go ahead back and put that money in the bank like I told you.’ Now what you got to keep in mind about all of this is that not only was the bank thirty miles away, but it was also hotter than a motherfucker.  It was cold of my grandfather to do that.  But sometimes you’ve got to be cold like that.  It was a lesson my father never forgot and he passed it on to his kids.  So today I count all my money.”

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–Miles Davis

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Vintage Esquire Spread | Proper Footwear for the Gent.

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The Nordic — Character in Shoes

With its square front and rugged styling, the Nordic reflects its ancestry.  Adapted from a Norwegian Ski Boot — and the sensation of Continental Resorts —  Taylor-Made Craftsmen have added an unusual comfort.  Smart with flannels and all sports attire, it fits into any man’s wardrobe.

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Square-Toed Blucher Oxford

green with white, adobe with sand, all white, brown or blue with white, sand with copper, and all grey.

Sandal with “Lastex” — (Tractor Tread Sole)

natural, blue, green adobe

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Worsted suit, town shoes, fancy rib lisle hose.  Alternate hose: French type lisle, garnet silk with clock.

Midnight blue tailcoat, patent leather oxfords, silk dress hose.  Alternate hose: black silk, silk with clock.

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For active skiing: black ski boots, worn with natural color wool hose and anklets with blue and white border.

Gabardine downhill ski trousers, yellow pile slippers, heavy wool ski socks.  Alternate hose: two colorful hose.

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Fall – Winter

Glen Urquhart suit, monk front shoes, herringbone wool, diagonal patter.

Shetland tweed suit, Norwegian shoes, Argyle wool hose.  Alternate hose: Scotch plaid, herringbone rib in wool.

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Ski and Northern Resort

For after skiing: blue gabardine ski trousers, red hand-knitted ski hose, sheepskin lined slide fastener boots.

Velvet cord breeks (Scots for trousers), peasant type shoes, heavy wool hose.  Alternate hose: wool peasant pattern, wool diamond pattern.

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Cabana brown beach slacks, red canvas sport shoes with crepe soles, and yellow 6 x 3 wool hose.

Cabana green beach slacks, Norwegian slippers.  Alternate anklets at left: Natural color rib cotton, Argyle plaid.

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Fall – Winter

Sharkskin suit, brogue shoes, navy silk hose.  Alternate hose: garnet French lisle, grey chevron stripe.

Blue-grey worsted suit, blucher town shoes, rib silk hose.   Alternate hose: blue silk wool, blue 2 x 3 rib lisle.

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Cruise and Southern Resort

Rubber beach sandals, terrycloth robe.  Alternate anklets at right: yellow mesh, green mesh with white top and foot.

Lightweight wash suit in hemp color, brown and white resort shoes, white lisle rib hose with horizontal stripes.

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Tweed suit, Norwegian shoes, wide rib hose.  Alternate hose: blue wool with plaid motif and antique Argyle wool.

Cheviot suit, wing tip brogues, cable pattern hose.  Alternate hose: camel color wool, Scotch plaid wool.

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Life in Los Angeles, circa 1938 | It’s always been about the car…

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“They say in L.A. there are only two methods of transportation-

car and ambulance.”

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–Unknown

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Auto traffic on Wilshire Boulevard during rush hour with sign for the WESTLAKE THEATRE looming in the background --ca. 1938.

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Service attendant pumping gasoline into Ford sedan as woman watches at gas pumps covered by the wing of a large permanently parked airplane, on Wilshire Boulevard --circa 1938.

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Motorist in his car making a transaction at the drive up window of a bank --ca. 1938.

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Muller Brothers Service Station's white uniformed attendents pumping gas & inflating tires on a fancy convertible while their uniformed African-Amer. conterparts wield rags as they polish the windshield & chrome --ca. 1938.

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Carhops busy with orders at a drive-in soda fountain --ca. 1938.

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Carhop taking tray of dirty dishes off car window for passenger in car at drive-in soda fountain --ca. 1938.

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Sign for the world's largest screen at entrance to DRIVE-IN THEATRE/ admission 35 cents a person --ca. 1938.

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Classic Clash Style | Rock ‘n’ Roll, Style & Soul

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“When you blame yourself, you learn from it. If you blame someone else, you don’t learn nothing, cause hey, it’s not your fault, it’s his fault, over there.”

-Joe Strummer of  The Clash

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Joe Strummer of The Clash

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"London Calling" --The Clash

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Joe Strummer of The Clash

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Mick Jones of The Clash

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Mick Jones and Joe Strummer of The Clash

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Joe Strummer of The Clash

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Mick Jones, Paul Simonon & Joe Strummer of The Clash

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The Rolling Stones in Exile | Villa Nellcote, Summer of 1971

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“I’ve never had a problem with drugs… I had problems with the police.”

–Keith Richards

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Keith Richards in an Aran sweater? Villa Nellcote, 1971.

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Keith Richards during the Exile on Main Street sessions in France, 1971.

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Keith Richards at the piano --Villa Nellcote, 1971.

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Mick Jagger in France to record Exile on Main Street, 1971.

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Mick Jagger on motorcycle, France 1971.

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Mick & Biance Jagger, Villa Nellcote, France 1971.

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Keith Richards --Villa Nellcote, France in 1971.

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The Rolling Stones in front of Villa Nellcote, 1971.

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Keith Richards & son Marlon, France 1971.

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Anite Pallenberg & Keith Richards, Villa Nellcote in 1971.

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Keith Richards, France 1971.

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Via here

More Rolling Stones awesomeness here

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1953’s “The Cool Hot Rod” | Cool Culture, Corny Flick

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1950s hot rod culture at it’s best.  Yes, there’s the prerequisite corny score and script… but more so, enjoy the glorious landscape of 1950’s fashion, pomade, and hot rod heaven.

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Well Said– Well Plaid Rocker | Vintage Bo Diddley

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“Don’t let your mouth write a check that your tail can’t cash.”

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–Bo Diddley

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Bo Diddley had an enormous impact on the development of popular music, largely due to his emphasis on rhythmic elements.

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“I opened the door for a whole lot of people– and they just ran through and left me holding the knob.”

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–Bo Diddley

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Bo Diddley in action on his signature Gretsch guitar --late 1950s.

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“I thank you in advance for the great round of applause I’m about to get.”

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–Bo Diddley

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Bo Diddley on guitar with Jerome Green on the left playing maracas --late 1950s.

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“I made Bo Diddley in ‘55, and everybody freaked out.  Caucasian kids threw Beethoven in the garbage can.”

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–Bo Diddley

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Bo Diddley and his signature Gretsch guitar --late 1950s.

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Jerome Green in the center, Bo Diddley on the rear of the scooter --1959.

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Norma-Jean "The Duchess" Wofford in white blouse, Jerome Green squatting in front with maraca, and Bo Diddley with his signature Gretsch guitar --late 1950s.

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Bo Diddley on a Gretsch guitar --late 1950s.

Dress Whites | Vintage Wimbledon Fashion

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“New Yorkers love it when you spill your guts out there.  Spill your guts at Wimbledon and they make you stop and clean it up.”

–Jimmy Connors

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Mr. A. F. Wilding, Wimbledon Champion.

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SOME COMPETITORS IN THE ALL-ENGLAND LAWN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT WIMBLEDON.

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THE WORLD'S RACKET CARNIVAL. Leading British, Colonial, and foreign aspirants to championship honours in this week's great gathering at Wimbledon.

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WEARERS OF THE LAWN-TENNIS BLUE RIBANDS: WIMBLEDON FINALISTS. Rene Lacoste, top right.

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THE GREAT LAWN-TENNIS TOURNAMENT AT WIMBLEDON: PROMINENT PLAYERS PHOTOGRAPHED DURING THE MATCHES.

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THE KING: WIMBLEDON INAUGURATED: FAMOUS PLAYERS. Mlle. Suzanne Lenglen, top right.

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QUEENS OF THE TOURNAMENT: FAMOUS LAWN-TENNIS PLAYERS; WIMBLEDON.

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Mad Max Bubeck & his Chout | Hell on Hybrid Wheels

 

Max Bubeck sitting on his 135.58mph hybrid Indian Chief/Scout that he rode at Rosamond Dry Lake on June 27th, 1948. The Pop Shunk-built "Chout" is as lean and mean as a straight razor except for two big-assed carburetors that look big enough to pluck poultry. Bubeck's "Chout" still holds the record for the world's fastest unfaired Indian motorcycle.

 

 

“Mad Max” Bubeck made a name for himself dominating the enduro scene from the 1930s to the 1970s.  Bubeck was also a speed racer & builder who in June of 1948 rode his Indian “Chout” (an Indian Chief 80 c.i. engine jammed into the smaller & lighter Scout frame) to a record speed of 135.58 mph on the Rosamond Dry Lake north of Los Angeles. It’s a record that still stands for an unstreamlined, normally aspirated 80 cubic inch displacement Indian motorycle.  After retiring from competition in the late-1970s, Bubeck continued to be active in motorcycling, doing everything from restoring classic Indian motorcycles to sponsoring antique motorcycle meetings.

 

 

Mad Max Bubeck on his famous & record setting Indian "Chout".

 

One of Bubeck’s most popular wins came in 1950 aboard the new Indian Warrior. That year, he won the Cactus Derby, a long-distance desert race and mountain race originated in Riverside, California. The race was unique in that it started at midnight. That year, Bubeck’s bike lost its lighting barely an hour into the race. He managed to continue by riding with other riders and using their lights. A few times he lost touch with the other riders and rode in complete darkness. In that same event, a long, slow-moving freight train was blocking a crossing. Bubeck sped ahead of the train and crossed the tracks so as to not lose too much time. Despite the darkness, the trains and riding a supposedly uncompetitive bike, Bubeck still managed to win the event. It went down as one of the most memorable victories in his career.

 

 

Mad Max" Bubeck on his record-setting hybrid Indian "Chout".

 

 

Being born in the LA area was a very fortunate happening for me. By 1933 at age 15, I already had my first motorcycle, a 1930 101 Scout. It wasn’t long before I got acquainted with the local “hounds,” as we were known then, and every week end we would be off to some event, usually a TT race, field event, or beer bust.

One of the favorite spots was about 15 miles east of LA at Sam Parriots’ in Puente Ranch. The LA 45 Club put on steak feeds and field meets at least twice a year and one of the big attractions was a straight, blacktop road that ran for a mile, then made a dogleg turn to the right, then left and up a hill. This was known as the Puente Strip.

By 1937, we would convene our motorcycles in “drag outs” or speed runs at least once a month on early Saturday mornings before there was any traffic. By 1939, Frank Christian had built an electric-eye timing clock so we could get accurate times. This was a great help to the local racers and speed-trialers to check their machines for performance. It was in October of 1941 and I left home early Saturday morning on my ‘39 Indian Four, headed for Puente. The route was east on Valley Blvd to Fifth Street, in Puente, a right turn across some railroad tracks, then a left turn onto the strip.

As I came around the corner at about 30mph, I saw three machines just starting on a run. The one on the left was Ed Kretz on his #38 Sport Scout race bike, and the others were a couple of Harleys. I thought, why not see if I could catch them, so I pulled the Four back into second gear and got on it. I was gaining on all three, and soon passed the Harleys but Kretz was still ahead. I was slightly to the left of him and my front wheel was along side his rear wheel, both of us still in second at 75mph. Ed looked over his right shoulder, saw the Harleys behind him, snapped into high gear and laid down on the Scout. I did the same on my Four and the Scout started to pull away at 90mph. So I edged into his draft about three feet behind and managed to stay there at over 100mph. The immediate reaction after clearing the timing traps was to sit up and get on the brakes because that dogleg was pretty sharp at that speed.

So Kretz did the usual and turned around to see how far ahead he was of the Harleys. I still laugh when I think of the look on his face when he saw me three feet behind him! His eyes bugged out and almost pushed his goggles off! As we slowed, I came alongside of him and he said, :Where did you come from?” I said, “I was there all the time.” My speedometer stop-hand read 114mph and when we got back to the timer, we found out we had hit 112.50mph.

I later took the Four through at 108.43mph, without the benefit of the draft—this was just as I rode it on the streets—headlights, fenders, saddlebags, the works. Sam Parriot tried to talk me into talking off the extra garbage and trying again, but I was happy with that speed. Remember—this was 1941, when few machines would clock an honest 100mph.

Kretz asked me to take his Scout through and see what I could get out of it, as I was about 40 pounds lighter. It clocked exactly 112.50mph with me on it, too. This was the week before the big 200 mile race at Oakland. Kretz had the best qualifying time at 94mph on the very rough one mile track, paved with a low bank on the turns. Kretz, of course, had the pole and at the end of the first lap had a 200 foot lead, which kept increasing every lap until he lapped the second-place rider on the 32nd lap.

Soon after that, there was a very bad accident in the south turn, which resulted in two deaths and several others taken out of the race. How Ed didn’t go down is a miracle of some sort. Movies taken of the accident make you shake your head in wonder that Kretz didn’t end up in the pile of motorcycles sliding into the fence. Later, when asked how he got through, Ed said he closed his eyes and held on. Anyway, Ed managed to get through the mess without going down and lead until the 117th lap, when his front chain broke and put him out of the race. Front chains weren’t supposed to break on Indians with the oil bath but his did. I guess Indian must’ve gotten a batch of bad chains, improperly heat-treated.

Those were great days! As well as riding my ‘39 Four on the streets and on trips, I also rode the Four in cross-country events like the Greenhorn 500-miler. I had the privilege of travelling with Ed Kretz, and sometimes Jimmy Kelly another good Indian rider. We usually piled into the car late on Saturday, and drove long, hard, and late at night to make some Sunday racemeet at some distance from LA. Many were the pranks and jokes. The world was our playground and we would never grow old.

–Max Bubeck as told to Jerry Hatfield in 2000.