Jean's Cafe Revisited

Here's a shot of Jean's Cafe from the inside. I had to enlist the help of my old friend Lurker Tom to see if we could find anything out about the place. The following was found in period Albuquerque business directories. 1947:  JEAN'S LUNCH- 4607 Fourth St. NW  owner listed as Jean Hashimoto.   Daughter: Stella. Then again  in 1955: JEAN'S CAFE  (same address).  Besides the daughters home address, no more was listed.  If  you could read the sign on the building next door in the background, we could cross check that for street address. Unfortunately the only copy I have of photograph I have is too low a resolution to make it out.

I talked to several people about what the funky hose of the intake on that Chief was for. It remains a mystery. Thanks again to Michael for sharing the photos. He sent a couple of earlier motorcycle photos I'll post later.

Jean's Cafe

A generous reader shared these photos with me on the GeekBobber Facebook page. He was told they were taken in Albuquerque NM and would like to know where Jean's Cafe was located. It's the first I've ever heard of the place. As such, I could really use a little help.

Anyone know anything about the place or it's location? Any guesses on a year given the cars, motorcycles, landmarks etc.? What year is that Chief in the foreground? What is hose running of the intake for?Any year or model info on the bikes in the background?

Given pretty lady's all white "uniform" and the fact that all the easily identifiable bikes in the group appear to be Indians I'm wondering if they might have been members of the Duke City Cyclists.

1948 Indian Chief

Flathead Rob's 1948 Indian Chief. Great shot. Damn that bike is pretty.

Indian Hover Bike

A lot of folks poo-poo the new Indian's for not holding true enough to the Indian motorcycle legacy. I don't know. I kinda like it.

In actuality this Indian “jet engine” hover bike complete with mustache bars was commissioned by Salvador Dali for his 55th birthday. Some guys just do the midlife crisis thing with a little more flair.

Tractor Cycle

The water pipe frame is a nice touch.

Drags at Paradise Mesa, April 1951

I spotted these photos on Facebook. So cool.

3000th Post

Hard to believe I've now done 3000 posts. Thanks to those of you that take the time to check in now and again (Hi Mom).

Two Stroke V8

Objective rational thought and myself are rarely paired when it comes to two strokes. That said, even I think this is nuts. Evidently these Evinrude two stroke V8's were built for marine outboard applications in the 1980's. 4.0-liter, 250 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. This guy must buy spark plugs by the pallet.

 

Simonson Customer

I've spent a fair amount of time hunting for all things Simonson Cycle in Albuquerque NM. The little I've successfully found was referenced in a recent Facebook discussion. The following was posted by a former Simonson customer. I thought it was cool enough I had to post it here.

By the time I got my Tiger Cub [1962], Simonson had relocated to their San Pedro store...2 blocks away from my house. 

Cool picture. Nice Cub and Larry certainly looks to be a pretty ecstatic Cub owner. 
Albuquerque Dealer.

Albuquerque Raceway Car Show Coronado Center

From Remember When in Albuquerque - A Carshow for Albuquerque Raceway at Coronado Center sometime from 1969 to 1972. 

 I can just barely remember the Coronado Center signs on the sign post in the background. I'd completely forgotten about Sambo's too. I vaguely remember liking the place because I liked the tiger (and apparently had no concept of racism or racial stereotypes).  

1st Annual Albuquerque Mile

Albuquerque Mile July 4, 1978

Joie Chitwood

I've mentioned before here seeing Joie Chitwood perform at Speedway Park as a kid. The show certainly made a big impression on me back then. They were still exclusively using Chevrolets 20+ years when I saw them. For reasons I think you'll see they now remind me a good bit of the Seattle Cossacks. Joie Sr. passed away in 1988. Joie Chitwood III became president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2005. As far as I know the Thrill Show was still performing at that time.