 Last weekend we made our first visit to the Valley Relics Museum in Van Nuys. Being that I was raised in the western San Fernando Valley I had this museum on my radar for quite a few years, and it finally worked out that I was in the area with no other plans (for a change). My only regret, that it took me this long to visit! The museum is $15 for admission and is well worth it. It triggered so many memories of growing up and even some things I only vaguely remember. I even enjoyed seeing memorabilia from the things I don't remember, like Busch Gardens Van Nuys. I did visit as a VERY young child, but I don't actually remember it. I'm not THAT old. =) You can find out more about the Valley Relics museum here, and I highly recommend a visit. As you'll see below, it's truly fantastic.  The museum is located just outside of the Van Nuys airport, and is very easy to find.  After paying your $15 and checking out the shop, you are greeted by pop-culture nostalgia at every corner.  Anybody else remember when BMX started, and how absolutely huge it was? I sure do.  It seemed like overnight I went from riding my CHiPs Big Wheel, to my first BMX. I remember my bike being my transportation through my entire childhood, and it was amazing.  Being from the valley, we VERY RARELY were able to get KNAC on our radio.  KLOS was our "rock" channel mostly out of necessity as even KROQ never really came through very clear in the west valley.    The Country Club was where I saw my first ever concert, Testament! According to Concert Archives, it was October 6, 1989. It's amazing what you can find on the internet! Check out the Pirate Radio sticker on that guitar!! Definitely remember that.  We didn't do rodeo stuff, but I do remember KLAC!  Anybody else remember these guys?  Yes, all of these games work!!! WHAT!?!?! There's more on the other side of this wall but I guess I didn't get a pic. Next time! Retro SIgns One of the highlights of the museum are all of the amazing retro and neon signs from former businesses in the valley. Mmm, Thrifty Ice Cream and Henry's Tacos!  We used to live less than a mile from the Canoga Park Bowl. They had the best French Fries. Why is it bowling alley's and Mexican Restaurants have the best fries?  DeSoto Pharmacy!! Shout out to my DeSoto Gardens peeps!!!  I still remember trying to eat the entire Lumberjack at Mel's. I don't think I ever did.  The Sherman Room was before my time as an adult, but I think the boomers loved it.  Mmmm, Pioneer Chicken!  I remember this being the best bakery!  “ All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine.”   I remember Norm's when it was right off Vanowen/Tampa, I think they still have a location on Ventura Blvd.  This sign looks familiar, but I can't place where it was located. Anybody? Also, look at those gas prices!!  Ahh, Northridge Skateland. So many memories.  The Candy Cat was kitty-corner to Canoga Park Bowl (pun intended). Never got to check that place out either. =)  So many nights at the Cobalt Café watching friends bands play, I think one of my old bands may have played there too.  Another sign I remember, but can't remember where the shoe repair actually was.  Everybody always had that one restaurant their grandparents would take them to when they'd come to visit, for my grandparents it was Love's. Classic Food There's also some very nostalgic stuff like Ronald McDonald, Bob and more.  So MANY ashtrays!  There used to be toys for EVERYTHING!  And lunchboxes for everything!  Everybody knew somebody who sold Magic Chef. Is that even still a thing?  And of course Sambo's. Thankfully the last location that was in Santa Barbara finally changed their name. But it's still interesting to look back on all of this stuff.  SO MANY LUNCHBOXES!!   More Bob's Big Boy, OG Taco Bell and OMG Naugles (which are now mostly Del Taco's)!! I think I see a Pup N' Taco down there too. Busch Gardens Van Nuys But of course, if you're a fan of this site you're probably most interested in the Busch Gardens Van Nuys stuff!  Basically this was attached to the Budweiser Brewery next to the 405 Freeway.  The park opened in 1966 and closed in 1979 due to brewery expansion.  There is a picture of me somewhere in this house of me on the monorail and the log flume. Next time we move I'll see if I can find it. =)   A close up of the map, I believe that's Woodley Ave. on the far right hand side of the photograph with the monorail crossing over the Railroad tracks (the bridge that the monorail used to cross the tracks is still there today). I also think the picture is kind of upside down. =)  The animal exhibits at the Van Nuys park concentrated mostly on a bird sanctuary.  At one time (before Busch Gardens: The Old Country opened in 1975) there was only Busch Gardens Los Angeles and Tampa.   Universal Monsters If you're a fan of this site, you're likely aware that Universal Studios is in the San Fernando Valley as well.  Some really great Universal Monsters memorabilia is on display. 
  Aviation It's hard to remember a time when Aviation was such a big part of the valley, but it really wasn't that long ago.  Films like The Rocketeer and The Aviator really do a good job of showing the aviation history of the area.   I think the first time I ever flew on a plane, it was PSA. With that smiling plane.        And we'll leave you with a bit of this amazing map. You can even see things like Lockheed Airport, which I believe is now BUR airport, Disney Studios, Warner Brothers and more. I wish I'd taken some more close up pics of this one. Next time for sure! Related Updates
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