Indiana – Page 3 – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Simonton Lake Drive In

October 12, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston

**Simonton Lake Drive-in**

**Elkhart, IN**

The era of the 1950s were dominated with the classic cars we now remember and occasionally see at car shows and old movies. There were plenty of popular Drive-in Restaurants, complete with car hops. Elkhart was without exception.

The Simonton Lake Drive-in on Cassopolis Street has endured the years and is still a place to go for fast food and fast cars, when they have their “Cruise-in” car shows. Oh, yes, they also have the car hops to deliver your order.

Home made Root Beer is the signature drink that attracts the customers. Along with their Root Beer in a frosty mug, you may order a burger and fries, or just an ice cream treat, such as a sundae, shake, or even a banana split. Yummy!

This painting was chosen to exhibit in the Juried Art show at the Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart, Indiana in 2019.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

24” x 36” Original Painting on stretched canvas $1,295

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Warner Theatre

October 12, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston

**The Warner Theatre**

**Elkhart, Indiana, Early 1930s.**

The Lerner Theatre was built in Elkhart in 1924 by Harry E Lerner and was later sold to the Warner family, who changed the name to “The Warner”. The Warner theatre name existed from 1931 to 1933, then was sold. It was named “The ELCO” until 2011, when it was returned to its original name, “The Lerner” and renovated into the venue you now see.

I found a black and white photo of what the Werner looked like in its heyday and recreated it in Acrylic paint on stretched canvas to bring back the era of the early 1930s, complete with the trolley. The electric car, now on display at the Ruthmere museum is also in the painting.

This painting was finished in September of 2015 and chosen as part of the exhibit of the “Juried Regional” at the Midwest Museum of American Art, from September until mid-December 2015.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; The Reese in Plymouth, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

24” x 36” Original Painting on stretched canvas $1,295

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Crimaldi’s Restaurant & Lounge

October 12, 2020December 27, 2022 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston

**Crimaldi’s Restaurant & Lounge**

**Elkhart, IN**

Crimaldi’s Restaurant & Lounge is located, in the heart of Elkhart at 117 W. Jackson Blvd. Once named “Bozos”, Mike Crimaldi and his mother Shirley bought it in 1980 and after several years changed the name to Crimaldi’s in 1988, making it one of the go-to places for great food and social activities

When planning the painting, I decided to make it look like 1988 when Crimaldi’s officially opened with the current name. I had a lot of fun creating a local hot spot for social life and good food, complete with cars of the time.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

24” x 36” Original Painting on stretched canvas $1,295

Error! Special characters like [, ], <, > are not supported in the product name.

Palace Theatre

October 7, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston

**The Palace Theatre,**

**South Bend, Indiana.**

As a young boy, I remember all the bright lights of the Palace Theatre in South Bend. All the best movies were there, including the Premier of the movie “Knute Rockne: All American”, starring Ronald Raegan as George Gipp (The Gipper), with Rudy Vallee, Bob Hope, Jane Wyman, Kate Smith and Pat O’Brian as Knute Rockne.. The theatre was built in 1922 and closed in the 1960’s. Several years later, it was saved from demolition and remodeled into a theatrical venue with the help of Mrs. Ella. M. Morris, from South Bend. It was renamed “The Morris Civic Auditorium” and later “The Morris Performing Arts Center” now focusing on Broadway Productions and name brand talent.

South Bend had five theatres in the 1960’s when I was growing up. I have also painted the State Theatre. The two of them and are popular when exhibiting in local shows. Since South Bend was the home of the Studebaker, I had to put one in the painting.

Other Theatre paintings are: The Reese in Plymouth, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, Warner Theatre, Elkhart and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

18” x 24” Original Painting on stretched canvas – Not Available

Midway Bait & Tackle

September 22, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston

**Midway Bait and Tackle**

**Osceola, Indiana**

The painting of the Bait and Tackle shop portrays the small bait store on the corner of CR 16 and Ash Road at the St. Joseph/Elkhart County Line overlooking the St. Joseph River in Osceola, Indiana.

Due to a recent auto accident, the store, which had been there for decades was destroyed by fire. Just recently the remains of the store have been removed.

This painting portrays an earlier time, as I removed some of the metal buildings. The fisherman and his dog are off to an early start in the morning, for a few hours of fishing. They stopped at the bait shop to pick up some earth worms,as everyone refers to. He must be that “Early Bird”.

The painting was selected to be part of an exhibit at the Midwest Museum of American Art, located in Elkhart, Indiana from October through the middle of December, 2020.

Here the links to the other lures I have painted: **Paw Paw Lippy Joe, Carter’s Best Ever, Flat Fish Frog** and **Pikie Minnow.**

Here are links to salmon flies I have painted: **Blue Doctor, black and white hook,** **black hook** and **small fly**.

Related to fishing, here are two other paintings you may be interested in.

**Gone Fishing**

**Gone Fishing Puzzle**

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

**16” x 24” Black Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” White Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**16” x 24” Wrapped Edge** ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” White Edge**………. $314.34

**20” x 30” Wrapped Edge**………. $314.34

**24” x 36”Black Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”White Edge** ………. $335.65

**24” x 36”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

24” x 36” ……….$1,295.00 Original Painting on stretched canvas

Rees Theatre

January 2, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Rees Theatre

Plymouth, IN

Plymouth, Indiana is the home of the famous Blueberry Festival, where thousands of people converge on the little town in northern Indiana. The Rees theatre has seen its share of ups and downs. After a long rest, the Rees Theatre is getting new breath, with the remodeling that has been taking place. It seems like the whole town is getting involved in its restoration.

While the theatre was in limbo, years ago, I painted this as a token to the town. While traveling from one show to another for years, I chose interesting places that the townsfolk could identify with when they viewed the paintings. The Rees Theatre was one of those iconic places.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, Warner Theatre, Elkhart and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

Fire Station 2 Hose Reel

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Fire Hose Reel Fire Station #2

Mishawaka, IN

Fire Station #2 in Mishawaka, Indiana is located on North Main Street. The antique Fire Hose Reel is on display just outside for everyone to see. Can you imagine having to pull that behind you, when many roads of that era were not paved and definitely were not smooth.

The painting was a 9 x 12 and was painted with acrylic paint on stretched canvas. The original painting was sold shortly after it was finished, many years ago.

Bonnie Doon Ice Cream 4th Street 1940’s

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Bonnie Doon Ice Cream,

Mishawaka, IN

In 1938 Bonnie Doon Ice Cream was established and eventually grew into a local chain of drive-in Ice Cream shops and restaurants. The first business was located on 4th Street, in Mishawaka, Indiana.

I had painted one of the other Bonnie Doon drive-ins, located on S. Michigan St, in South Bend, IN and the painting was on display at local Art show, when a couple approached me to paint the 4th Street Ice Cream Shop. They used to date when they were young and that was their favorite date place. I painted the building as it looked at that time, putting their Studebaker in the painting.

The building was also the factory for making the ice cream for the other stores. It now sits empty, as the store closed a couple of years ago. Only one store remains, which was purchased several years ago. Bonnie Doon eventually entered the local retail market with a variety of flavors.

Here the other Bonnie Doon paintings I have painted: Bonnie Doon, US-31 North, South Bend; Bonnie Doon, S. Michigan St., South Bend; Bonnie Doon on Lincolnway West in Mishawaka; Bonnie Doon on 4th St. Mishawaka in the 1950s.

McDonald’s

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

around the sides of the wood.

20″ x 24″Black Edge………. $148.82

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20″ x 24″ White Edge………. $148.82

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20″ x 24″ Wrapped Edge………. $148.82

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30″ x 36″ Black Edge ………. $204.72

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30″ x 36″ White Edge………. $204.72

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30″ x 36″ Wrapped Edge………. $204.72

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30″ X 36″ original painting on stretched canvas not available.

Dog & Mug

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Dog & Mug Root Beer

Mishawaka, Indiana

As an artist, I am always looking at things differently than most. I have painted several nostalgic businesses around the country. This painting is a combination of two photos. The building, Dog ‘n Mug, once a well-known Root Beer car hop drive-in, closed and eventually became Dog ‘n Mug. It was in operation for a few years, was sold and is no longer an eating establishment.

This painting was commissioned by the owners when they first opened and requested some changes to the painting, which included put their his and hers cars in the painting.

around the sides of the wood.

24″ X 36″ original painting on canvas not available.