Charles’ 
Slide of the Week: September 15th, 2005
The Miniature Garden Railroad, Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, 1952
Southern Californians are very lucky because the LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR is the BIGGEST and most WONDERFUL county fair in the world. Every year I recommend the gigantic kitsch fest to even my most jaded and snooty friends - and they love it too!!! And if you think the fair is beneath your station in life- think again - really! I’m here to tell you it is Southern California’s BEST KEPT SECRET
The grand scale pop-culture gadget, garden and barnyard showcase is set in a treasure trove of vintage architecture, public art, neon signs, landscaping and unique permanent attractions from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. While Disneyland celebrates its 50th year the Los Angeles County Fair continues in Pomona where it began 83 years ago in 1922. Pomona, by the way, is the city named for the Roman Goddess of Fruit - how perfect is that!
Among the endless wonderland of mesmerizing things to see there is this week’s slide of the Sunset Drive-in Movie Theater in THE MINIATURE GARDEN RAILROAD, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR, POMONA, 1952. The Sunset Drive-in is Southern California’s oldest and most charming outdoor movie theater. The screen is a television, the cars are promotional models. The show still starts at dawn every year during the fair.
Make sure to get there early and plan to stay late so you can see it all. PLEASE don’t forget to bring your camera - it’s a photographer’s paradise, your wallet - it’s a shopper’s paradise and your appetite for all things fatty-salty-sweet.
Your imagination will be inspired and your spirit will soar!
Here’s to you and THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR,
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
September 2005
P.S. For extensive info and history on the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds check out my first book, Cruising the Pomona Valley, 1930 - 1970 available on my Books Page
Sets this Slide belongs to:
Fairs, Festivals, Pageants and Parades & Transportation
4 Comments on “The Miniature Garden Railroad, Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, 1952”
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January 25th, 2006 at 12:26 am
GOD! I love trains! I collect Lionel electric trains and this display @ the LA County Fair is my FAVORITE!
Last year (2005), a few of the model railroaders involved in this display did a futuristic model train display that looked like a Fritz Lang (Metropolis) creation. Did you see it?
I dig the Super chief comin’ round the bend.
More Train slides Charles!!!
March 3rd, 2006 at 1:51 pm
Awesome setup,we used to have something similar to that up here in Vermillion,Ohio
March 26th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Charles… Born in 1959, I spent my early years living in Pomona, Upland, and Ontario. The best memory I have of the LA County fair was the Train. I was thrilled to return years later and see it as it was as a very small girl. My husband and I were thrilled last night to see your Slide Show at the Fabulous Egyptian. I love this! I will be a fan forever! We are decorating our home in vintage 50’s and 60’s… by the way, I wanted to ask… do you know my brother Eric B.? (Works at the Disney Concert Hall). We are seriouly thinking we want to take your tour… especially Clifton’s! Thanks for the memories! Janine
November 16th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
My husband Bernard Gottlieb owned the Norwald Roundhouse bar/restaurant in the early a50’s when he sold it, he donated all of the miniature trains that ran in and around the bar and tables — to the San Diego Train Club — this Nov 07 we showed his 1960 honorary member card and were given the royal treatment. Bernie is 83 now but still enjoys the thrill of seeing the miniature trains. His restaurant was called “The Round House” and patrons worked their way up to running the miniatures from yard man up the rants to Engineer. It was one of a kind, and we have never heard of anyone ever putting something like his restaurant like that together before or since.
Jo and Bernie — Anaheim, CA 92805