Source: Unknown. Date: 1935

The Hoot Hoot Cafe was built in the shape of an owl. The head rotated; the eyes, made from Buick headlamps, blinked; the sign: Hoot hoot, I scream, used elements of a theater marquee. For over 50 years, Tillie Hattrup ran this L.A.-area refreshment spot designed and built by her husband, Roy in 1926-27. It was demolished in 1979.

According to information found at Southgate High 56:

The cafe was built at 1201 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, CA and stayed there from around 1926-1928. The land was sold to a new owner, and the building relocated to 8404 Long Beach Boulevard, three blocks away. Information from the South Gate Directory, dated July 1^st, 1945, shows the building at this address from 1928 – 1949. It relocated again in 1949 to 8711 Long Beach Boulevard, and remained there until its demolition in 1979.^[1]

For what it’s worth, I loved this unusual aspect of America – many things of this nature still existed when I was a kid in the 50’s, and they were always great entertainment for motoring families. Another example is the Wigwam Motel in Arizona:

Dated and now somewhat politically incorrect, old motels like this were eye-catching and amusing.

The Old Wolf has spoken.

[1] Information regarding the two South Gate addresses was supplied courtesy of the South Gate Historical Museum.