REN CLARKS POLYNESIAN VILLAGE

WESTERN HILLS HOTEL

6451 Camp Bowie BOUlEvARd, FORT WORTH, TEXAS
 Old Ren Bonded Bourbon: An Antique And Delicious
Mystery That Ranges From Chicagoland To The Ohio
River To A Texas Tiki Bar And Back
THE COOPERED TOT - Monday, November 11, 2013

What is Old Ren? It is a straight bourbon distilled at

Graham Distillery Company (Illinois Distillery No. 6) in
the Fall of 1936 and bottled in bond by a company
called W.P. Squibb Distilling Co. Inc. of Vincennes Indiana
(I.R.B.W. No. 9) in the Spring of 1944. It was a one-off
contract order for a magician whose name I didn't
know (but I sure found out) whose picture appears on
the bottle, smiling in a top hat and tux and pulling a
white rabbit out of a hat. The magic theme is in the
motto: "There's Magic In Its Taste". Apparently the
magician used the bourbon for promotion of his magic
show. After his death a quantity of it was found in
the basement of his home.
 OLD REN WHISKEY
DISTILLED BY Graham Distillery Company 1936, bottled in bond by BY W.P. Squibb Distilling Co. 1944
image credit: THE COOPERED TOT
 OLD REN WHISKEY
DISTILLED BY Graham Distillery Company 1936, bottled in bond by BY W.P. Squibb Distilling Co. 1944
image credit: BONHAM’S
 OLD REN WHISKEY
DISTILLED BY Graham Distillery Company 1936, bottled in bond by BY W.P. Squibb Distilling Co. 1944
image credit: THE COOPERED TOT
But what of Old Ren himself. "Ren" is a nickname of
"Reginald". At first, searching for Chicago area
magicians named "Reginald" went nowhere. The key was
the little tax sticker for Texas. Ft. Worth Texas had
a magician who was active at the time. His name was
A. Renerick "Ren" Clark. A quick search hit instant
undeniable pay dirt in the form of the exact same
photograph that's on the whiskey bottle appearing as
the cover of Genii magazine (a major magazine for
magicians - and perhaps the oldest):
 REN CLARK COVER
GENII MAGAZINE - JUNE 1942
image credit: THE COOPERED TOT
 OLD REN WHISKEY
DISTILLED BY Graham Distillery Company 1936, bottled in bond by BY W.P. Squibb Distilling Co. 1944
image credit: THE COOPERED TOT
There is a richly detailed bio of Ren Clark in the
MagicPedia. It reads as follows:

Ren Clark (1904-1991), M.I.M.C. with Gold Star, served as

president of the IBM (1947-48) and was one of the
founders of the Texas Association of Magicians.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the

Texas A. and M. College and later served as banker and
as an executive for several oil and gas companies.

He first became exposed to magic in 1910 when Willard

the Wizard crossed through Cross Plains where he was
growing up.
Clark moved from Kansas City to Rockford, Illinois, and
helped formed a local magic club, which later bore his
name during its active days.

In 1939, he joined the Society of American Magicians,

Chicago Assembly No. 3. When he moved back to Texas
and settled in Fort Worth, he transferred his
membership to the Dallas Assembly.

In 1940, he joined the I.B.M. and later became the I.B.M.

convention Chairman in 1942, overseeing the convention
in Fort Worth. He then served as International
President in (1947-48) where he worked hard to make a
true international organization by visiting many
countries.
With friends in Austin, Ed Deweese and Doc Mahendra, he
helped form the Texas Association of Magicians in 1946.

Clark would entertain friends, perform for his fellow

magicians, donate his services to church groups, boys
clubs, civic and fraternal organizations, and during
the war years to the entertaining of hospital patients
and to military personnel. Ren developed an Oriental
act due to the influence of his friend Herbert J. Collins
(Col Ling Soo) of London.

At the age of eighty one, Clark was still attending

local club meetings, and the occasional national
conventions.
Clark was made an Honorary Life Member of the
following magical organizations: Texas Association of
Magicians; International Brotherhood of Magicians
(IBM), the British Ring; I.G.P. Club de Azteca of
Gaudalajara, Mexico; I.B.M. Ring No. 15 of Fort Worth,
Texas, Swedish Magic Circle; Circulo Magico Argentino;
El Circulo de Magos Mexicana, Mexico, D. F.; All India
Magic Circle; and the Singapore I.B.M. Ring No. 115 of
Singapore.

The IBM Ring No 15 in Fort Worth, Texas is called the

Ren Clark Ring in his honor. He was a member of the
I.B.M. Order of Merlin, Excalibur (50 years) and the
recipient of the highest award that can be bestowed
by the Board of Trustees of the I.B.M., the Medallion of
Honor.
Did you catch that he lived in Rockford, Illinois? I
wonder if that influenced his decision to buy whiskey
from Graham Distillery? Well, Ren Clark also shows up
in the history of Tiki cocktail culture because of a
restaurant he had called "Ren Clark's Polynesian
Village". The following description appears in
Humuhumu's Tiki-Wiki:

"Ren Clark was a magician, and held several posts in

magician groups in the 1950s. For entertainment at his
Polynesian Village resTaurant he performed a magic
act; as a souvenir, patrons could purchase a
grotesque mug of a severed head -- this mug has become
one of the more sought-after tiki mug collectibles,
despite it not being really all that "tiki."
Ren Clark's Polynesian Village was in the Western Hills
Hotel. It is not known what years the Polynesian
Village was open, but the hotel was open from 1951
until it burned down in 1969.

The location is currently a Winn-Dixie Marketplace.”

A couple of years ago Fort Worth Weekly did a piece on

the Fort Worth Magician's club. The piece is about the
club now, and some recent events, but it cannot help
but linger over Ren Clark - who really set up magic in
that town. Check out the details about Ren's magic
act:
"In terms of magic’s history, the Fort Worth club is
probably most notable for its founder, Fort Worth
oilman and philanthropist A. Renerick “Ren” Clark.
Remembered as a sprightly man with a bald pate and a
penchant for oriental décor, Ren Clark first became
acquainted with the art of magic as a young boy, via a
traveling post-vaudeville magic show featuring a
famous entertainer named Willard the Wizard.

Willard, known posthumously as “the last of the big

tent show magicians,” traveled in an extensive caravan
of trucks, touring small venues and conventions
across the Southwest. Clark graduated from Texas
A&M University in 1924 with a degree in electrical
engineering and went into the oil business, but he never
forgot his fascination with Willard’s show.
His career in the oil industry took him to Canada and
across the Midwest. While living in Parsons, Kan., in the
’30s, Clark wandered into a magic shop and bought a
coin trick. Soon he was skilled in the sort of sleight
of hand that had thrilled him as a child. Before long,
he had joined the International Brotherhood of
Magicians and in 1940 started the Fort Worth club as
its 15th chapter. As oil boomed, so did his business, the
Double Seal Ring Company. The resulting wealth enabled
him to treat his passion as something more than a
hobby.
In 1947, the oil magnate-cum-man-o’-magic became
president of the brotherhood and immediately began a
five-month international jaunt promoting the art of
illusion in clubs around the world. As his reputation
as an ambassador of magic grew, so did the number of
local magicians’ groups. Soon, magic clubs were
appearing across the globe like doves out of a hat.
Upon word of an upcoming visit by Ren Clark, club
leaders would scramble to invite new visitors, hoping
that the oilman’s personality and passion would
inspire them to become members.
His enthusiasm for magic was at least as ardent at
home as it was abroad. According to friend and
longtime club member Bob Utter, Clark loved coin
tricks. “He’d start with one and then all of the sudden
he’d show 10 in his hands,” Utter said.

Clark was also famed for his Asian-themed productions.

“Ren really liked Asian things. A lot of his tricks
involved long, flowing Asian silks, umbrellas — he’d
make umbrellas appear out of nowhere,” Utter recalled.
“He went all out — he would dress in these Chinese
costumes, put on the eye makeup, the whole nine yards.”
Clark’s act was more than just small-scale sleight of
hand. “His production had all kinds of intricate folding
boxes that he’d had made special in Japan, and he used
a lot of birds too,” Utter said. Indeed, Clark’s home
boasted an aviary, with a motley flock of exotic birds.

As if cockatiels flying out of kimono sleeves weren’t

enough, Clark’s penchant for post-war exotica spread
to other interests, particularly in the Western Hills
Hotel (now long departed) on Camp Bowie, notable for
its tiki-themed Polynesian Village restaurant and
Sunken Galleon bar and equally famous for its
“mermaid,” a woman who swam in costume in a giant
aquarium behind the bar. Clark had a stage built in
the Galleon, big enough for his elaborate act.
The hotel was a hit among socialites, in part because
of its then-trendy design scheme, but also because of
Clark’s business partner, none other than Desi Arnaz. In
other words, Clark was one of those mischievous
grandpas who produces quarters from a kid’s ears,
except that he did it in a fantastic tiki room and the
kid was Desi Arnaz Jr."
JOHN SNYDER,, PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS, & REN CLARK,, FORT WORTH RING'S PRESIDENT
CIRCA 1940S
image credit: FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM COLLECTION - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON
 the linking ring - JULY, 1947
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: SVEN KIRSTEN
fort worth star-telegram - AUGUST 7, 1947
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
“THE BAT”- REN CLARK, PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS - AUGUST, 1947
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 GENII MAGAZINE - JUNE 1948
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay
fort worth star-telegram - JUNE 18, 1948
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
fort worth star-telegram - MAY 31, 1949
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth magazine - AUGUST, 1950
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
fort worth star-telegram - AUGUST 31, 1951
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
fort worth star-telegram - AUGUST 31, 1951
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
fort worth star-telegram - SEPTEMBER 4, 1951
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
WESTERN HILLS HOTEL
6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard
fort worth, texas
 ELEVATION - Charles stevens dilbeck, architect
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: The Charles Stevens Dilbeck collection at uta architecture archives / zack wilson
 SECTION AND FOUNDATION PLAN - Charles stevens dilbeck, architect
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: The Charles Stevens Dilbeck collection at uta architecture archives / zack wilson
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 7, 1951
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 7, 1951
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 7, 1951
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 7, 1951
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 7, 1951
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
fort worth star-telegram - MAY 23, 1955
ren clark - fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 STREET view
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: RED OAK KID - FLICKR
 STREET view
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: “G” ON PINTEREST
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - OCTOBER 23, 1959
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 fort worth magazine - DATE UNKNOWN
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 work shed behind the hotel in about 1959
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: UTA archive / zack wilson
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - NOVEMBER 1, 1959
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - NOVEMBER 1, 1959
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - NOVEMBER 1, 1959
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 fort worth magazine - DECEMBER, 1959
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine - DECEMBER, 1959
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine - DECEMBER, 1959
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 STREET view - CIRCA 1960
western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard, fort worth, texas
image credit: JACK WHITE PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ARLINGTON
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - JANUARY 31, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 fort worth magazine - FEBRUARY, 1960
“TURTLE GALLERY” - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - MARCH 20, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 fort worth star-telegram - april 7, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - april 7, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - april 7, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - april 7, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 MILAN GUANKO, JUAN RAZO, AND FIDEL RODRIQUEZ
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ZACK WILSON
 MILAN GUANKO, JUAN RAZO, AND FIDEL RODRIQUEZ
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ZACK WILSON
 fort worth star-telegram - MAY 1, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - MAY 1, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 POST CARD
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 POST CARD
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 KEY CLUB opening invitation to THE polynesian village
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 KEY CLUB opening invitation to THE polynesian village
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 KEY CLUB opening invitation to THE polynesian village
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - JUNE 15, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - JUNE 19, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - JUNE 19, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 fort worth star-telegram - june 22, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 24, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 24, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - june 24, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - JUNE 26, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 THE BAR
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: TABOODAN - TIKI CENTRAL
 fort worth magazine - july, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine - july, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine - july, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine - july, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine - july, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 YEARBOOK
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 YEARBOOK
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 YEARBOOK
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth magazine
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 INVOICE
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth star-telegram - JULY 19, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 The Courier-Gazette - SEPTEMBER 6, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - SEPTEMBER 20, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 12, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - OCTOBER 23, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - NOVEMBER 16, 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 “TIKI REN” STYLE CARVED DOOR PULL
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: EXOTICON AUCTION
 menu featuring “tiki ren” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Nestle' Library at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
 menu featuring “tiki ren” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Nestle' Library at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
 menu featuring “tiki ren” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Nestle' Library at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
 menu featuring “tiki ren” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Nestle' Library at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
 menu featuring “tiki ren” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Nestle' Library at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
 menu featuring “tiki ren” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Nestle' Library at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration
 19” TALL cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: JONPAUL - TIKI CENTRAL
 19” TALL cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: JONPAUL - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Martin McIntosh - SVEN KIRSTEN - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Martin McIntosh - SVEN KIRSTEN - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 “tiki ren” MUG
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 “tiki ren” MUG
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 “tiki ren” MUG
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: TRADER TOM - TIKI CENTRAL
 “tiki ren” SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS DESIGNED BY MILAN GUANKO
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CROE67 - TIKI CENTRAL
 “tiki ren” SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS DESIGNED BY MILAN GUANKO
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CROE67 - TIKI CENTRAL
 “tiki ren” SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS DESIGNED BY MILAN GUANKO
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CROE67 - TIKI CENTRAL
 “tiki ren” SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS DESIGNED BY MILAN GUANKO
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GRAND KAHU - TIKI CENTRAL
 “tiki ren” SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS DESIGNED BY MILAN GUANKO
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SANDRADEE - TIKI CENTRAL
 “tiki ren” SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS DESIGNED BY MILAN GUANKO
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SANDRADEE - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 “black woman” mug MARKED “POLYNESIAN VILLAGE” ON THE BASE
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 “black woman” mug - PLAIN BASE
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay - GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 “black woman” mug
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay - GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 “widowmaker” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: IN SEARCH OF TIKI
 “widowmaker” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: IN SEARCH OF TIKI
 “widowmaker” mug WITH BROAD BASE - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay
 “widowmaker” mug WITH BROAD BASE - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 UNGLAZED “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 UNGLAZED “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay - GREG THEBERGE COLLECTION
 UNGLAZED “virgin’s lament” mug - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: TABOODAN - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 “CANNIBAL BOWL” - CIRCA 1962
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: PUBLIIC DOMAIN
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: JONPAUL - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 “MAUNA LOA” BOWL CARVED BY MIILAN GUANKO - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: MYTIKILIIFE
 “MAUNA LOA” BOWL CARVED BY MIILAN GUANKO - CIRCA 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: TIM GLAZNER - SWANKY - TIKI CENTRAL
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 Ren Clark Severed Head
Ren Clark was a popular magician in the 1950s. His act took up residence at the Western
Hills Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, in an establishment named Ren Clark’s Polynesian Village.
The restaurant featured elaborate Polynesian-inspired decorations, including bamboo,
peacock chairs, and floats.

Those who witnessed Ren Clark’s magic show firsthand could take home Ren Clark’s
Severed Head cocktail mug as a memento. The souvenir was a grotesque embodiment of one
of Ren’s signature acts. It depicted an upside-down head with open eyes and blood dripping
from its neck injury. The drink opening is the head’s neck. It is marked on the bottom
“Ren Clark’s Polynesian Village” and features a multicolored glaze of beige, black, white,
pink, and red details. The glaze was quite elaborate in its day, and remains impressive
today.

Like many other famous ceramic mugs of historical significance, the Ren Clark Severed
Head was manufactured by Otagiri Mercantile Company in Japan. More commonly known as
OMC, the Otagiri Manufacturing Company stopped producing these mugs years ago and
sold to Enesco Corporation.

unfortunately the Western Hills Hotel burned down in 1969, but the legacy of Ren Clark’s
Severed Head has endured. The mug has been imitated dozens of times by various artists,
and its legacy will likely continue to be a source of inspiration for decades to come.

“head hunters special” mug - 1962

ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: search for tiki
 “head hunters special” mug
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: the search for tiki
 “head hunters special” mug
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: the search for tiki
 THE BAR SHOWING THE MUGS DEPICTED IN THE MENU
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: TABOODAN - TIKI CENTRAL
 possible ren clark’s polynesian village mug (??)
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay
 possible ren clark’s polynesian village mug (??)
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: ebay
 cocktail swizzle stirrers
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: lori jones
 cocktail swizzle stirrer DETAIL
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SVEN KIRSTEN
 cocktail swizzle stirrer
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: MYTIIKILIFE
 fort worth magazine - date unknown
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth star-telegram - MARCH 7, 1961
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - MARCH 8, 1961
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth magazine - MARCH, 1961
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 The Odessa American - FEBRUARY 10, 1961
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 UNKNOWN GENTLEMAN WIITH THE “TIKI REN” STATUE
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 UNKNOWN GENTLEMAN WIITH THE “TIKI REN” STATUE
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 interior view
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: critiki
 fort worth star-telegram - SEPTEMBER 21, 1961
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth magazine - DECEMBER, 1961
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth star-telegram - APRIL 11, 1963
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth magazine - DATE UNKNOWN
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 fort worth star-telegram - APRIL 29, 1963
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - APRIL 29, 1963
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth magazine - MAY, 1963
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: fort worth history center - courtesy zack wilson
 PLACEMAT
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: EBAY
 PLACEMAT (?)
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: FACEBOOK - ren clark’s polynesian village PAGE
 ADVERTISEMENT
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: FACEBOOK - ren clark’s polynesian village PAGE
 CLOTH NAPKIN
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Cornell - EBAY
 CLOTH NAPKIN
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: Cornell - EBAY
 dinner plate
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: critiki
 TEAPOT
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: MYTIKILIFE
 MATCHBOOK FEATURING “TIKI REN”
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 Ren Clark’s
HOTEL MONTEJO
MEXICO CITY
MEXICO
 HOTEL MONTEJO

fort worth star-telegram - JANUARY 2, 1964

ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 THE BAR THAT
WAS NEVER BUILT

“sketch of roof garden for mr. ren clark - Hotel montejo” - Charles stevens dilbeck, architect
REN CLARK’S HOTEL MONTEJO - MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: The Charles Stevens Dilbeck collection at uta architecture archives / zack wilson
 “sketch of roof garden #2 - Hotel montejo” - Charles stevens dilbeck, architect
REN CLARK’S HOTEL MONTEJO - MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: The Charles Stevens Dilbeck collection at uta architecture archives / zack wilson
 CLOSURE OF THE
WESTERN HILLS HOTEL
6451 Camp Bowie Boulevard
fort worth, texas
 fort worth star-telegram - JULY 5, 1964
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - JULY 7, 1964
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - SEPTEMBER 3, 1968
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
Ren Clark’s
TIKI REN
PUERTO VALLARTA
MEXICO
 fort worth star-telegram - JUNE 6, 1972
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - JANUARY 2, 1975
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 REN CLARK AND HIS WIFE JEANNE
DATE UNKNOWN
image credit: TIKILONGBEACH - TIKI CENTRAL
REN CLARK AND HIS WIFE JEANNE
DATE UNKNOWN
image credit: ZACK WILSON
 REN CLARK COIN
DATE UNKNOWN
image credit: TIKILONGBEACH - TIKI CENTRAL
 REN CLARK COIN
DATE UNKNOWN
image credit: TIKILONGBEACH - TIKI CENTRAL
 fort worth star-telegram - AUGUST 19, 1977
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - AUGUST 5, 1984
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 fort worth star-telegram - AUGUST 26, 1988
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: newspapers.com
 Ren Clark’s
Polynesian Village
Western Hills hotel
6451 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, Texas

VS.
mauna loa
hamburgo 172
mexico city, mexico
 THE BOOK OF TIKI
SVEN KIRSTEN

page 249 - REGARDING Milan Guanko:

"...and Ren Clark's Polynesian Village...for which Guanko

and two Mexican carvers, Juan Razo and Fidel Rodriguez
(WHO HAD ALSO OUTFITTED THE MAUNA LOA IN MEXICO CITY)
carved over 200 Tikis..."
 NICK NOYES
MANAGER OF THE POLYNESIAN VILLAGE
&
OWNER OF THE MAUNA LOA IN MEXICO CITY

FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM - NOVEMBER 1, 1959

ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: NEWSPAPERS.COM
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
 cannibal room Cocktail lounge menu FEATURING “TIKI REN” - COPYRIGHT 1960
ren clark’s polynesian village - western hills hotel - 6451 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort worth, texas
image credit: CAOLYN BENNET
COCKTAIL MENU PLACEMAT - THE “Guerrero de Fiji” AND “TONGA TABU”
mauna loa - Hamburgo 172, Mexico City, Mexico
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 left: Ren Clark “Widowmaker” - right: Mexico Mauna Loa “Guerrero de Fiji”
ren clark’s polynesian village, fort worth, texas VS. MAUNA LOA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 left: Ren Clark “Black Woman” - right: Mexico Mauna Loa “Tonga Tabu”
ren clark’s polynesian village, fort worth, texas VS. MAUNA LOA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 left: Ren Clark “Black Woman” - right: Mexico Mauna Loa “Tonga Tabu”
ren clark’s polynesian village, fort worth, texas VS. MAUNA LOA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 left: Ren Clark “TIKI BOWL” - right: Mexico Mauna Loa “PAGO PAGO” BOWL
ren clark’s polynesian village, fort worth, texas VS. MAUNA LOA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 left: Ren Clark “CANNIBAL BOWL” - right: Mexico Mauna Loa “PFESTIN SALVAJE” BOWL
ren clark’s polynesian village, fort worth, texas VS. MAUNA LOA, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
image credit: TATTOO - TIKI CENTRAL
 Ren Clark’s
Polynesian Village
Western Hills hotel
6451 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, Texas

VS.
HUKILAI
215 MARINA DRIVE
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: mimi payne - arkiva tropika
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: mimi payne - arkiva tropika
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: mimi payne - arkiva tropika
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: SCOTT SCHELL - DUSTYCAJUN - TIKI CENTRAL
 MENU - illustration by V. Haveman - 1961
hukIlau - CAPTAINS’ INN - 215 Marina DrIVE, LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
image credit: mimi payne - arkiva tropika
THE HOME OF
Ren Clark
2009
 “addition to residence for mr. & Mrs. A.R. Clark” - Charles stevens dilbeck, architect
THE HOME OF REN CLARK
image credit: The Charles Stevens Dilbeck collection at uta architecture archives / zack wilson
“The current owners of the house bought it two years ago. They told us it had
been sitting abandoned for four years and there was a family of racoons living
in the house when they bought it. The only way to describe this 4800 sq ft
house is TOTALLY AWESOME. The house is full of exposed wooden beams that were
hand chiseled no saw marks on the beams. two inch thick solid wood doors
throughout. The stage had two hidden doors one on each side of the stage. the
one to the right when facing the stage led to ren clarks office. the owners
told us back in the day the office had one wall floor to ceIling lined with
photos of stars that had been entertained in his house. when facing the stage
the secret door to the left led to a passageway to a large bathroom/makeup
room. The bar was built at the same time as the polynesian village and by the
same people. Down the hill from the main house there is a 1200 sq ft building
that was his aviary for breeding birds. It was later converted into a two bed
one bath guest home. One cool story the owners told us was back in the day
ren ordered 40 turtle shells from Mexico which he planned to use as lighting
reflectors in his yard. 40 large live sea turtles showed up at the house. I
guess they ate a lot of turtle soup and steaks up at the polynesian village
for a while. There were six of us taking down his home bar and all the bamboo
in the room and it took us eight hours to do it. This bar and all the bamboo
will be rebuilt into our new home when we find it and we will post pictures of
it in its new setting when it is done and all tc'ers are welcome to come by the
bar for a drink”

BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL OF REN CLARKS’S HOME BY BIFCOZZ ON TIKI CENTRAL

DESCRIPTION
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
ENTRANCE DOOR WITH CARDS, MAGICIAN’S HAT AND RABBIT
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 THE BAR
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
VIEW FROM THE BAR - DIORAMA AND WATER FEATURE
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
VIEW FROM THE BAR - DIORAMA AND WATER FEATURE
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
aviary with access opening to bring birds into the bar area.
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 BAMBOO CEILING WITH TIKI REN TIKI
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 BAMBOO CEILING WITH TIKI REN TIKI
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 REMOVING BAMBOO
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 UHAUL TRAILER FULL OF TREASURES
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
TIKI REN TIKI GOING INTO IT’S NEW HOME
THE HOME OF REN CLARK - 2009
image credit: BIFCOZZ - TIKI CENTRAL
 “TIKI Ren” STYLE TIKI
PROVENANCE UNKNOWN
image credit: EX MATT HULL COLLECTION / MIKEHOOKER - TIKI CENTRAL