The roller skating Venice Beach bohemians of 1979

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The roller skating Venice Beach bohemians of 1979
Credit: Image: Waring Abbott/Getty Images

Venice Beach skaters

Keep your eyes on the road.

Alex Q. Arbuckle

1979-1980

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Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images

Originally founded in 1905 as an independent resort town lined with picturesque canals (complete with gondolas!), Venice, California, was annexed by the city of Los Angeles in 1926 but gradually fell into disrepair and neglect. Considered almost a seaside slum, Venice’s cheap bungalows soon attracted artists, musicians and other creative countercultural types.In addition to its laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, Venice boasts a pristine length of sandy beach, along which runs a paved promenade — perfect for rollerskating.

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Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
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Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Mashable Image
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images

Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.

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