Clifford Clinton, founder of the Clifton's chain, opened L.A.'s first cafeteria, The Cafeteria of the Golden Rule, on Olive Street. In 1939, Cafeteria of the Golden Rule was transformed into the Pacific Seas and redecorated in the Polynesian motif shown here. The restaurant closed in 1960 and was later razed. Color postcard showing the exterior to Clifton's "Pacific Seas" Cafeteria, with all the neon lighting and tropical decor. Neon signs read "Clifton's", "Visitors welcome", and "Pay what you wish." The flip side of the card reads "A fascinating facade with waterfalls, geysers, tropical foliage-all illuminated at night. Guests pay what they wish and dine free unless delighted. 618 South Olive St., Los Angeles."
Clinton's Restaurants Inc. (Los Angeles, Calif.) Restaurants--California--Los Angeles Cafeterias--California--Los Angeles Sidewalks--California--Los Angeles Signs and signboards--California--Los Angeles Neon signs--California--Los Angeles Streets--California--Los Angeles Lost architecture--California--Los Angeles Night photographs Photomechanical postcards Postcards Olive Street (Los Angeles, Calif.) Downtown Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Calif.)
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