I'll gladly follow up that timely post by Dustycajun with a detailed look at our recent return to Polynesian Gardens. Just a refresher: We originally discovered this hidden gem back in 2008. Refer to page 3 of this thread, about halfway down:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=29385&forum=5&start=30
Bigbrotiki posted some great archival images, and I was inspired to seek out this piece of Tiki history right in my back yard. The photos and discussion continued over several pages, into 2010. Polynesian Gardens was later featured in a scene in the PBS documentary "Plastic Paradise" (2013) and included (in a great two-page spread) in Sven (Bigbrotiki) Kirsten's "Tiki Pop" in 2014.
On Dec. 29, 2016, a day after we celebrated the 60th anniversary of The Mai-Kai, a group of devoted Tikiphiles gathered at the aging condo complex in a mini-event organized by Christie "Tiki Kiliki" White. Bigbrotiki was among the special guests who jumped at the chance to take a trip back in time and revisit this mid-century time capsule. It seemed like nothing had changed since my original visit back in 2008. Though it had apparently been working again during the "Plastic Paradise" filming, the bowling alley was again out of commission. But the highlight was seeing those classic Witco carvings. Little did we know that just several weeks later, William Westenhaver would pass away at age 91.
Here, then, is a tour of Witco heaven. All photos by The Atomic Grog.
The odd "Beavis and Butthead" Tikis still greet visitors to this unlikely mid-century relic west of Fort Lauderdale.
Christie "Tiki Kiliki" White, founder of The Hukilau and organizer of this excursion, is just as shocked as author Sven Kirsten to see the Polynesian Gardens logo Tikis up close. They adorn the outside of the clubhouse and main office.
Sven ponders the origins of these primitive yet familiar figures.
A view of the lobby, which is filled with Witco carvings and other Tiki artwork.
Bigbrotiki photographs the extensive South Seas mural and distinctive doors that lead into the auditorium.
The lobby includes an unusal copper Tiki fountain.
Distictive Witco owls hover above the entrance doors.
A full view of the Tiki fountain in the lobby.
The uniquely styled copper doors that lead out to the recreation area. Witco carvings are positioned above.
A closer view of one of the Witco carvings.
A classic Witco can be seen at the end of a hallway the leads to the restrooms.
Photos and promotional materials that detail the creation of Polynesian Gardens, which opened in 1974.
Polynesian Gardens was endorsed by actress Eve Arden, who was featured in the promotional materials.
The doors that open into an expansive auditorium.
Inside the auditorium, you can still find a classic Wito bar, which Tiki Kiliki and Bigbrotiki belly up to. Unfortunately, it was not fully stocked.
Tiki Kiliki asks: "What are 'yall havin'?"
Witco carvings are found high on the walls throughout the auditorium.
Distinctive copper light fixtures lead upstairs to more recreation areas.
Hurricane Hayward shows off a familiar Witco piece in the billiards room. "Tahitian Lovers" was featured on page 188 of "Tiki Modern" by Sven Kirsten.
These pieces would be perfect in any Tiki rumpus room.
Beyond the Witco, the other treasure of Polynesian Gardens is the Tiki-themed regulation bowling alley, which until recently was available for exclusive use by residents.
The Tiki bowling alley at Polynesian Gardens still appears to be in good shape, but it's unfortunately closed and in need of extensive repairs.
Before leaving, I took a peek at the bulletin board and found some interesting real estate deals:
This rental comes so fully furnished that I fear the previous resident may have met with a recent untimely end.
A little more expensive is this remodeled unit, which seems oddly out of place amid the 40-year-old lobby decor.
If you prefer to own your own Polynesian Gardens lair, it's not hard to find something for less than $100,000 from a "motivated" seller who has no qualms about slashing the price.
