Letter from Damien of Voorhees, NJ


Thank you for informing me about the Parasol. I am from NJ, I am 25 and I love "space age"/ "Googie" architecture of the 50s and 60s. After looking at the few pictures on your website, I must say this is definitely worth saving. I love the domed roof (both exterior and interior) but my favorite of all is that 60s space age sign!

Most of the new generation and your politicians just see Googie space age architecture as being old, and their first response is to demolish and reconstruct boring new architecture that has no style and no characteristic. What ever happened to renewal and preservation? Most new architecture is so repetitive and recycled and used over and over and over these days like a pop music song with a beat that is reused and remixed over and over and over.... in other words, un-original. I like Googie architecture because there is a lot of creativity and imagination and style behind it.    
 
It is depressing to see places like the Parasol disappear. Although I have never ever been to California before, the furthest West I have been was Las Vegas. I go there every summer just to see slowly but surely Googie disappearing each year. For example this year they demolished 2 popular landmarks: The LaConcha Motel and the Tam O' Shanter Motel. Some places I have taken for granted thinking they would be there when I got back the next year, and said to myself "Well, I didnt have time to visit this trip, I will just visit next year".
 
2001 was the worst for me as a fan of old architecture because they tore down the most beautiful piece of architecture in LA. A home known as the "Pink Palace" located on Sunset Blvd in Beverly Hills. This home was built in 1933 and was owned by my favorite legendary actress/celeb Jayne Mansfield during the 50s and 60s. The place was a paradise. The owner who sold it claimed he was unaware the new buyers were going to tear it down or else he would not have sold it.  Ever since I have been ever so interested in saving such historical and beautiful works of architecture. Its time to start caring because more and more is disappearing. 
 
Good luck in saving the Parasol. I hope my signing of the petition helps make a difference, and I hope you do save it. 
 

Damien
Voorhees, NJ