Post #676129 by congawa on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 3:31 PM

Okay, here's what my Valley News and Green Sheet searches are telling me:

Nothing for 19710 Ventura Blvd. prior to 1967 (though the Valley News goes back to the 1950's in the search).

From 1967 until 1971 it was Harlow's Restaurant (a jazz club).

In the October 17, 1971, in the Valley business permits column, Nick Masney and Alice Lillion Masney are applying for Cafe Entertainment and Shows license for 19710 Ventura Blvd. Apparently here is where it was becoming Torches West.

The first reference to Torches West comes on December 31, 1971.

"Torches West Hosts Party for '72"
Torches West in Woodland Hills will feature six entrees on the New Year's Eve special menu, said owners Nick and Alice Masey. (that's how the name is spelled there)
...blah blah blah about their menu, then....
Torches West, formerly Harlow's restaurant, features dancing to Bob Frappia's Big Band plus favors and hats on New Years Eve. Also Mel Williams performs in cocktail lounge.

Last references to Torches West are 1974, so it must have become Tennessee Gin & Cotton Co. after that.

So the question is whether it was an A-frame originally as Harlow's, or good old Nick and Alice added that when it became Torches West. Or if there was an earlier incarnation prior to 1967, or that was about when it was built.

Caltiki Brent