Decades
come and decades go. We accumulate all kinds of junk/stuff that
eventually has little value other than, perhaps, some sentimental
value to most of us as individuals or couples. Memories is really
where it's at and what life is all about. The great thing is we can
accumulate an unlimited number of memories. They take up no physical
space and memories are the only thing we actually take with us at the
end of our life's journey.
That's
why it's so important to make all the memories you can while you can.
One day, if you and I are fortunate enough to live long enough, we
won't be making a whole lot of new memories. But, we'll have this
vast treasure trove of memories we've saved up over a lifetime and we
can review and relive them in the theater of our minds.
This
week's Photo-of-the-Week dates back to 1973. I've mentioned my short
(not quite four years) tenure with the U.S. Air Force from August
1969 until March 1973. My main duty assignment was located at Bolling
Air Force Base in Washington, DC. Yes, the old base dating back to
1918, was the only Air Force base (formally, U.S. Army Air Corps)
physically located inside the borders of the nation's capital. While
there, I was initiated into the Hollywood scene along with other
parts of California.
Sometime
in 1972 or 1973 I was in the LA area on assignment and I met up with
a fellow by the name of Harry O'Connor. Harry had an audio production
company in Hollywood where he produced primarily radio program
material, many in the form of syndicated radio shows. One of the
shows he produced was for a B grade actor who became the governor of
California and ultimately became the President of the United States,
yep, Ronald Reagan.
At
that time, my partners and I were establishing our audio and video
production company and tape duplication business in the Washington,
DC market. We produced all kinds of radio public service
announcements. We thought, how cool would it be to have both a DC
address and a Hollywood address on our brochures. So, I cut an
informal deal with Harry O'Connor to use his address in Hollywood as
our west coast address. Also, since he had connections with people in
the entertainment world. Se, the informal agreement included using
his services to acquire talent if we ever needed celebrities to do
the voice-over work for any of our clients.
So,
our brochures for Audio-Video Concepts, Inc. (AVCon, for short) had
our DC address and Hollywood & Vine, one of the most iconic
addresses in Hollywood at the time. The actual building address was
1680 Vine Street, but the building was on the corner of Hollywood &
Vine. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Unfortunately,
this isn't the greatest photo, but it was taken at the intersection
of Hollywood & Vine in May 2009, 36 years later. Yes! That is one
of the most recognizable buildings in Hollywood down the street a few
blocks, the Capitol Records Tower (owned by the UK entertainment
giant, EMI). When I took this photo, I couldn't remember the actual
street address of the building Harry O'Connor Creative Services, Inc.
had their offices and studios or I would have taken a photo of it. It
is actually directly to my right in this picture.
This
was taken during what I have termed my “Last Hollywood Tour,”
seven years ago. I have little to do with that scene any longer. Most
of the studios I used to hang around out there are long gone,
including Harry O'Connor Creative Services. From what I've found in
researching, Harry passed away in 2013 at the age of 87. My, how time
flies and the world changes.
Live
free and be happy. EH
Memories of worth do indeed remain - even beyond the grave into the next life. It is why we will remember those who made a difference in our lives. And a grand time we'll have catching up.
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