The Lost History of Los Angeles | Riding to Valley Relics & Bob’s Big Boy
The Lost History of Los Angeles
2Lane's home base of the San Fernando Valley is home to some deep-rooted Los Angeles history and we wanted to share some of it with y'all! We've visited the Valley Relics Museum a few times over the years, but this time we went back and documented a tour with the founder Tommy Gelinas to bring it to your screen!
The Valley Relics Museum is a one-of-a-kind pop-culture and history museum located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2013 by lifelong Valley native Tommy Gelinas, the museum began as a personal collection of local memorabilia and has grown into one of the most eclectic historical archives in Southern California.
What makes this place truly special is its mission: to collect, preserve, interpret, and present the history of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas for both residents and visitors alike.
The museum's extensive collection spans over 20,000 items and includes vintage neon signs from now-defunct Valley businesses, classic automobiles, rare documents, postcards, yearbooks, restaurant venus, western clothing, and even BMX bikes from the '70's and '80's. Many of these artifacts were saved from demolition or oblivion and donated by community members who wanted to preserve a piece of local memory.
Some highlights in the collection include the original signage from the legendary Palomino Club and neon artwork from Iconic Valley eateries and attractions.
After outgrowing its original Chatsworth location, the museum moved in 2018 to a larger hangar space near Van Nuys Airport, providing room to showcase more artifacts and host special events.
Valley Relics isn't just a museum - it's a time capsule of life, culture, commerce, and nostalgia from decades of San Fernando Valley history, offering fans of pop culture, vintage Americana, and local history a chance to walk through the past and relive unforgettable memories.
From there, we rode out to Burbanks to go eat at the oldest surviving Bob's Big Boy in the WORLD that opened in 1949! While the original Bob’s Big Boy debuted in Glendale in 1936, it’s the Burbank restaurant that has stood the test of time — becoming a true Southern California landmark.
Designed by renowned architect Wayne McAllister, the building captures the spirit of postwar optimism with its glass-heavy exterior, clean horizontal lines, and classic red vinyl booths. The design helped shape the look of mid-century California coffee shops and remains largely intact today, offering visitors a genuine step back into 1940s and ’50s diner culture.
Located near major studios like Warner Bros. and Walt Disney Studios, the restaurant quickly became a popular hangout for Hollywood creatives. Over the decades, actors, musicians, and industry executives have filled its booths, adding to its cultural lore.
Beyond its Hollywood ties, the Burbank Bob’s Big Boy has become a cornerstone of local car culture. Its famous Friday night classic car meet draws enthusiasts from across Southern California, turning the parking lot into a rolling museum of chrome and horsepower — a tradition that keeps the restaurant’s mid-century spirit alive.
More than just a place to grab a burger, Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank stands as a preserved piece of California history — a rare example of a postwar diner that still looks, feels, and tastes like it did generations ago.
It was a full day of Los Angeles history and we hop y'all enjoyed coming along for the ride! Stay tuned for some more adventures this year!
See y'all down the road!
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