Friday, July 21, 2023
Dale and I drove in to downtown Phoenix yesterday to make a visit to our favorite dive bar in the world, The Bikini Lounge. However, there was an additional reason for our visit to old Phoenix. My great-grandparents on my Dad's side, Ross and Olive Douglas, lived for a time in Phoenix after their kids were raised and launched. I had a vague recollection of that information and just assumed that it was where they decided to retire. Geneological research I've done recently has revealed more details regarding their relocation from Minnesota to Arizona. Ross had TB and they moved there for his health. I found the address of their residence in the 1950 census records. I googled it and found the spot is now the site of a fire station. I took a picture of it which you can see above.
The 1950 census reveals that Ross worked at an auto shop. The one shown above is next door to the fire station and could possibly be the one. The structure could be 50s era although I'm not sure.
On the other side of where their residence would have been is an old and simple structure that could also very well have been 50s era or older. This building now houses a bail bonds operation.
Also on the same block are a couple of housed that are most certainly pre-50s from the looks of them.
Within a few blocks are an old post office building which now belongs to ASU and an old hotel. It's fascinating to see things that would have been there when they walked these very streets.
The Bikini Lounge is only about a mile from where they lived and there are a number of charming old houses near it.
The Bikini Lounge is across the street on the right.
Mural across from the Bikini Lounge. A little reminder of Minneapolis. I can't help but wonder if Ross and Olive were ever at the Bikini Lounge.
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