History Through Our Eyes: Aug. 9, 1977, the scene at the Orange Julep
"At Gibeau's Julep, the 1950s never really left. It's a scene that
has outlasted LSD, the Vietnam war and thus far pollution."
The “cruising scene” drew an array of teenagers and young adults who came to hang out in the parking lot, admire classic and hot cars with booming radios, and flirt with each other. One suspects that the famous orange drink, hotdogs and fries were secondary attractions. “It is the ultimate hang out, the local epitome of the modern American pastime of the automotive pick-up, the great asphalt drama,” Rodriguez wrote.
“The Julep, which can be seen miles away, is the crowning jewel of the Décarie strip which — with its quick food stands, plastic fluorescent signs, car lots, gas stations, motels, high-priced restaurants and factory warehouses — is the closest Montreal comes to the gaudy tackiness of the paragon of roadside scenes, Los Angeles.”
This photo by Len Sidaway, which ran with the article, shows a ’55 Chevy, and, in the background, “the huge round orange structure that is Montreal’s monument to American pop culture: take-out food, T-shirts and jeans, cars, and the hit parade.” Indeed, sound systems were important. One Mustang driver said he had just shelled out $150 for an 8-track, which he said delivered better sound than the vinyl he listened to at home.
The Orange Julep is still going strong. And on summer nights, particularly Wednesdays, owners of classic cars and motorbikes still gather there.
