I remember well what the Bay Area was like. I sold three different newspapers (The
Call Bulletin, Oakland Tribune and The Post Enquirer) when I was 9 years old at the
Old Courthouse at 5th and Broadway, sold there until the new Courthouse next to Lake
Merritt was completed and I was asked to sell my newspapers (inside by the
elevators) by the people who were then working there. Sold them there until I
graduated from Oakland Tech when volunteered to serve in the US Army (through the
war with Pattons Third Army). I later again voluteered to serve in the Korean War at
the end leaving as a Captain.

During my youth I lived insequence at 3rd and Castro, third and Jackson and lastly
at 9th and Castro Streets (except for my Army Time).

Financially poor as we were, I have many happy memories about living in Oakland and
miss the family life that existed then (where unlocked doors were the fashion ) our
things left outdoors were always brought to our door by neighbors, people were
generous and kind and families shared everything etc.

Many of my relatives (my Sister, three brothers and their families plus married
relatives) lived in East Oakland, Castro Valley and San Leandro after growing up
or when my four cousins and my three Brothers returned from serving during WW II.

My older Brothers and three cousins fought in the Golden Glove Tournaments and some
earned Championships.

I could go on and on but I felt that this E-Mail would be of interest to you.

Perhaps we may some day meet for lunch or dinner and talk about the good times?

Sincerely,

J. John C>

A quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your recent
PSA: East Bay Diary. From my own CYO days at St. Joseph’s to
experiencing the early civil rights movement at a rally in Alameda’s
West End projects, your diary gave me pause to reflect on our similar
experiences growing up in the East Bay.

I remember the gyms you mention and the excited anticipation of
playing organized basketball each Saturday. Remember those horribly
short satin uniform trunks? Today, I coach my youngest son’s CYO team.
Fortunately, the uniforms have improved greatly!

I also vividly recall holding hands with an African American boy about
my age as we joined the crowd gathered at Makasar Village. We sang
what became the civil right’s anthem: We Shall Overcome. To this day,
I can still feel the warmth of that little hand in mine. To my mind,
there was no color barrier… just two new friends. I am grateful that
my parents had the foresight to bring me along that day.

Thank you for sharing your memories. Wishing you and yours a blessed
Christmas.

Kin

You must have received many comments on growing up in San Leandro. My wife, myself
and three sons lived on Sequoyah Road in Oakland during the seventies. Banking,
shopping and church activities were oriented toward San Leandro. Then, it was
great “home-town”. Most of our closest friends lived there.

Al James, a great old guy, San Leandro icon and clockmaker lived near Duffys Ice
Cream Shop. Remember that? And did you know him? He bought a war surplus light
plane at the age of 17, had it delivered to a remote pasture and taught himself how
to fly!

His life and times in S. L. would be grist for a great biography. (He owned a auto
repair shop on Mac Aurther and was gained a lot of recognition locally as a race
driver). Too bad he’s not around for an interview.

Reid M.

I enjoy reading your weekly column. I did not realize you were an
East Bay product! I live in San Mateo now, but grew up in 0akland. I also
played CYO for St. Jarlath’s. It was nice to go back in time – I do remember
San Leandro being a “white only” town!! Keep up the good work!

R. Grialou

I read your ‘East Bay Diary’ in the Contra Costa Times today. While I’m
about 5 years older than you, it almost seemed liked we crossed one
another’s path in the East Bay neighborhoods.

I grew up on Haskell St in Berkeley (a 2 block street that is right on the
Oakland / Berkeley line and intersects with San Pablo Avenue) and two
blocks from Ashby & San Pablo.

You mention the famed Berkeley Farms Creamery in Emeryville. Even though
I lived in Berkeley I went to elementary school (Anna Yates) 3 blocks away
from the Creamery in Emeryville (K-6).

I then went to St. Mary’s College High School (grammar School) in
Berkeley. I then continued on in the High School through graduation.

The high school was full of the Sabatte family going back decades. One
from the family (Gary) was a classmate of mine all through HS and I ran into
him at a recent St Mary’s College Basketball game. Our family moved to
Lafayette during my junior year & we commuted together into Berkeley. Great
family for their support of the high school.

But it was your comments about the “diversity” (my word) in my
neighborhood. In point of fact, our family was probably minorities during the
1940s &
1950s …. but not an issue. Sleep-overs went both ways and was a
non-issue. My best friends were black. I didn’t really identify with
discrimination until I went to college in Arizona in the early 1960s !!

So, I guess I received my ‘social’ education growing up in Berkeley and a
good part of the rest of my education in college.

Not sure where that apartment building was, but there was one we had
visited on Carrison St, one block away. I had a buddy there named Dennis and
another named Pete Stone. It was at the SE Corner of Carrison & San Pablo,
Berkeley.

Oh well, gave me a moment to reflect on some times gone by.

All the best ……..
Bob S.