Imagine being a 6 year-old in the 1960s, walking into the grandeur that was the Cockatoo Inn. In its prime, the Cockatoo drew patrons from all corners. Recently, one lucky lad sent us his memory, feasting like royalty in the dining room decorated in ‘ye olde English’ style. This is the brief tale of Eric…
Over the years, the Cockatoo has had many employees, managers, proprietors – all the people who contributed to make it the memorable landmark it was. Recently, we learned about someone who statedly worked at the Cockatoo, bartender Allan Rivelli. Early Days Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Allan Rivelli was listed in the 1940 US Census…
Love it or hate it, Facebook has made it easy to locate old classmates, no matter what town you’re from or what town you currently live. Many of those old friends are just a search away, accessible from your own home. Well, back in 1968, a group of graduates and students didn’t have the luxury…
We’re thankful for our users’ many stories over the years. They help make connections to people and places, especially right here in Southern California! This recent contribution came to us via Becky Cortez, who recalled some great lunch memories at the Cockatoo with her grandfather. She writes: My grandfather owned a furniture store in Inglewood…
What was the Cockatoo Inn and Hotel like in its midcentury heyday? Here are some interior shots of the bar/restaurant area as well as the room furnishings. Thanks to our pal Dick from Tennessee for letting us all take a look inside the Cockatoo Inn. Images are from the mid 1960s. The guest rooms were…
Throughout his life, Cockatoo owner Andy Lococo faced much scrutiny from authorities. Recently, we uncovered information showing that the FBI kept tabs on his activities for at least 10 years. After watching Andy’s trips to Mexico, agents caught wind of why he was interested in a hotel called Borrego de Oro. Why Andy? First, why…
In the late 1960s, Andy Lococo took several fishing trips to Mexico. In 1972, Andy had commissioned what was at the time, the largest tuna boat in the world. The Largest Tuna Boat in the World Around July 1968, Andy Lococo sought funding for the boat, explaining to officials that he wanted to start a…
The Desert Sun labeled their union an “Italian Romance” in 1963. In August of the same year, the Minervinis celebrated at the Cockatoo Inn. The occasion was their 25th wedding anniversary. Over 40 family and friends attended the dinner in Hawthorne. However, it was in 1938 that the paper said an “American-born Italian girl” (it…
Uncovered nice personal memories from Debbie and Keith, a couple of Hawthorne locals. This first one comes from Debbie, who recalled: “Wow, Cockatoo Inn conjures up some interesting memories. My Dad loved the ponies and most of the time on his way home from Hollywood Park he would stop by the Cockatoo Inn. Occasionally I…
Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that we remember most fondly. Maybe it was the first time you rode a bike, or saw a ladybug on your hand. Perhaps it was you and the boys in the mud together. Admittedly, that is exactly what happened to Hawthorne native Rick Salisbury. He details exactly how…