Park Journey
  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Cedar Fair (Legacy)
  • Theme Park Art
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Past Updates
    • 2021 Updates
    • 2020 Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Six Flags
  • Universal Studios
  • Disney Parks
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Other Parks
  • Beyond The Parks
  • Industry News
  • Cruise Journey
  • Cedar Fair (Legacy)
  • Theme Park Art
  • The Other Side of the Tracks
  • Past Updates
    • 2021 Updates
    • 2020 Updates
    • 2019 Updates
    • 2018 Updates
    • 2017 Updates
    • 2016 Updates
    • 2015 Updates
    • 2013 and 2014 Updates
  • Contact Us
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Beyond The Parks

6/26/2023 0 Comments

Valley Relics Pop Culture Museum - A Fun History of the San Fernando Valley

Picture
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. 
Picture
The museum is located just outside of the Van Nuys airport, and is very easy to find.
Picture
After paying your $15 and checking out the shop, you are greeted by pop-culture nostalgia at every corner.
Picture
Anybody else remember when BMX started, and how absolutely huge it was? I sure do.
Picture
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.
Picture
Being from the valley, we VERY RARELY were able to get KNAC on our radio.
Picture
KLOS was our "rock" channel mostly out of necessity as even KROQ never really came through very clear in the west valley.
Picture
Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
We didn't do rodeo stuff, but I do remember KLAC!
Picture
Anybody else remember these guys?
Picture
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

Picture
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!
Picture
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?
Picture
DeSoto Pharmacy!! Shout out to my DeSoto Gardens peeps!!!
Picture
I still remember trying to eat the entire Lumberjack at Mel's. I don't think I ever did.
Picture
The Sherman Room was before my time as an adult, but I think the boomers loved it.
Picture
Mmmm, Pioneer Chicken!
Picture
I remember this being the best bakery!
Picture
“ All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine.”
Picture
Picture
I remember Norm's when it was right off Vanowen/Tampa, I think they still have a location on Ventura Blvd.
Picture
This sign looks familiar, but I can't place where it was located. Anybody? Also, look at those gas prices!!
Picture
Ahh, Northridge Skateland. So many memories.
Picture
The Candy Cat was kitty-corner to Canoga Park Bowl (pun intended). Never got to check that place out either. =)
Picture
So many nights at the Cobalt Café watching friends bands play, I think one of my old bands may have played there too.
Picture
Another sign I remember, but can't remember where the shoe repair actually was.
Picture
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

Picture
There's also some very nostalgic stuff like Ronald McDonald, Bob and more.
Picture
So MANY ashtrays!
Picture
There used to be toys for EVERYTHING!
Picture
And lunchboxes for everything!
Picture
Everybody knew somebody who sold Magic Chef. Is that even still a thing?
Picture
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.
Picture
SO MANY LUNCHBOXES!!
Picture
Picture
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

Picture
But of course, if you're a fan of this site you're probably most interested in the Busch Gardens Van Nuys stuff!
Picture
Basically this was attached to the Budweiser Brewery next to the 405 Freeway.
Picture
The park opened in 1966 and closed in 1979 due to brewery expansion.
Picture
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. =)
Picture
Picture
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. =)
Picture
The animal exhibits at the Van Nuys park concentrated mostly on a bird sanctuary.
Picture
At one time (before Busch Gardens: The Old Country opened in 1975) there was only Busch Gardens Los Angeles and Tampa.
Picture
Picture

Universal Monsters

Picture
If you're a fan of this site, you're likely aware that Universal Studios is in the San Fernando Valley as well.
Picture
Some really great Universal Monsters memorabilia is on display.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Aviation

Picture
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.
Picture
Films like The Rocketeer and The Aviator really do a good job of showing the aviation history of the area.
Picture
Picture
I think the first time I ever flew on a plane, it was PSA. With that smiling plane.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
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
  • ​IAAPA 2022 Show Floor Fun! - November 17, 2022
  • Cemetery Lane 2022 - The Ultimate Family Fun Halloween Event! - October 24, 2022
  • Nights of the Jack 2022 - An Immersive Halloween Experience - October 10, 2022
  • Castle Dark 2022 at Castle Park Riverside - October 4, 2022
  • Midsummer Scream 2022 - The Return of Halloween in July - August 5, 2022

Related Videos

​​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. ​
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All 13th Floor Entertainment Boo At The Zoo Buffalo Bills Candlelight Tour Cemetery Lane Chill Dark Harbor Dark Harvest Dark Horizon Orlando Delusion EA Evil Twin Studios Explore More Tour Fear In 3D From The Mind Of The Editor Ghost Train Give Kids The World Griffith Park Halloween Horror Made Here Kingdom Hearts LA Haunted Hayride Las Vegas LA Zoo Legacy Of Arrow Luxor Mandalay Bay Map Monday MGM Life MGM Resorts International Midsummer Scream Motel 6 Feet Under National Parks Night Of A Million Lights Nights Of The Jack Nintendo Plague Productions Queen Mary Reign Of Terror Rise Of The Jack O' Lanterns Roaring Nights Ronald Reagan Library Scream N Stream Shaqtober Sinister Pointe Sir Henry's Haunted Trail Skyslide Skyspace LA Star Wars Star Wars Battlefront Star Wars Celebration The 17th Door The Getty Valley Relics Museum Ventura County Fear Grounds Video Games Walt Disney Family Museum WB Studio Tour Winchester Mystery House WonderCon Yosemite National Park Zombie Joes Zoo Lights

    Archives

    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

    RSS Feed