Post #69682 by bongofury on Wed, Jan 14, 2004 11:19 PM

We recently came across some Tikis and a sign from the Shelter Isle Apartments that was in Arcadia, California (BOT pg. 214).

One is 12'8" tall. We saw this one in a vintage-modern store, but it had a "hold" sign on it. The owner told us that the buyer had left a deposit but needed to get approval from his wife before taking it. I left my phone # in case it became available. I called back the following week but the owner had not heard from the buyer. Then he asked if we would be interested in the "smaller tiki" that was behind the building. He forgot to tell us about that one.

We returned the next day and showed us the smaller (7"6") tiki out back. It was in bad shape but interesting anyway. He also told us that the buyer had called back and was not taking the tall one. We worked out a deal for both and he threw in a sign he had also forgot about. According to the seller the large tiki was by the pool area, the smaller tiki was by the mailboxes, and the sign was off one of the buildings.

This is from Bob at Oceanic Arts:

Aloha Ron,

We supplied the entire original job, including the Shelter Isle signs, bridges with alligators, the recreation room and many tikis. The tikis you bought were carved by Bruce Sawli who worked for us for many years when he was off duty as a fireman of the 40's in L.A. The 40's being the station he worked at. he later became a Captain.

The apartments were owned by Marge & Gower Champion who were Hollywood dance and entertainment people. At the grand opening Hilo Hattie did the dance at the recreation room which was decorated Polynesian.

I would imagine most of our decor has since gone as we supplied the job in the 1960's.

Good luck in restoring the tikis and ask to see photos of the Shelter Isle when you visit Oceanic Arts. Bob

We went to OA Saturday and talked to both Bob and Leroy. They could not find all their pictures and the 4 they had did not show too much.

Does anyone have any pictures of this apartment building? There are a couple of McMansions being built on the site. I will post pics of the tikis soon.