Undoubtedly one of East Sacramento’s all-time most notable landmarks was the Alhambra Theatre, which was located on a block of land on the eastern side of Alhambra Boulevard at J and K streets. And anyone who remembers this palatial movie house also recalls its rich gardens.

ARCHITECTURAL GEM. The Moorish-style Alhambra Theatre was one of East Sacramento’s most cherished landmarks. / Photo courtesy, The Lance Armstrong Collection

The $1 million Alhambra Theatre and its gardens became a part of the area’s landscape in 1927.

Opening day

As evidence of the theater’s instant success, tickets for its opening night were sold out in less than an hour.

The opening ceremonies, which were presided over by Gov. Clement C. Young, were attended by about 2,000 guests.

In addition to the draw of a new place to view films, the Alhambra presented a certain elegance and charm that was an attraction unto itself.

Historical architecture

Designed by Sacramento architects Starks and Flanders, the theater was constructed in the likeness of the famous, luxurious Moorish palace and fortress, known as The Alhambra. The original Alhambra was built near Granada, Spain in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Moorish landscape design

The theater’s gardens were designed by landscape artist A.A. Nyberg.

And through the assistance of Frederick N. Evans, the city parks superintendent who provided advice on the project, Nyberg was in charge of planting the gardens.

In previewing the new gardens in 1927, The Sacramento Bee described these grounds as being “reminiscent of the famous gardens in the original Alhambra in Spain.”

Additionally, The Bee noted that “Sacramentans will linger long in their strolls through the beautiful gardens of the new Alhambra Theatre,” which “visitors declare to be the most unique setting for any motion picture house in the United States.”

Unusual setting

The Alhambra’s gardens were unlike any other approach to a theater in Sacramento. The city’s other theaters at the time lined their particular streets and did not provide the real estate for such gardens.

In its aforementioned preview of the gardens, The Bee described the theater grounds as also having cream-colored high walls with blue-glazed tile, other handmade tile in Moorish design, plots of lawn and marble benches hidden among shrubs and foliage.

Now a parking lot

It may be surprising news to many locals, but nearly 40 years have passed since a Safeway grocery store and its accompanying parking lot replaced the old theater and its gardens. But as the saying goes, ‘Time flies.”

But time certainly does not erase the fond memories of the theater and its loss to development that occurred with the failure to save the cherished structure from the wrecking ball.

Loss of the Alhambra

Despite efforts made by the Save the Alhambra Theatre Committee, on April 17, 1973, a $1.5 million bond issue failed to attain two-thirds of the votes, which was an amount necessary for saving the theater.

In addition to the loss of the theater was the loss of the Alhambra’s gardens, which were by no means a small side note of the theater.

Many locals today are quick to express their disappointment regarding the absence of the theater.

But also drawing much sadness is the topic of the elimination of the theater’s gardens.

Garden walk memories

A simple review of some of the main features of the Alhambra’s gardens can present essential ingredients for a joyful, yet sorrowful ride down memory lane for those who had the opportunity to visit these grounds, which were replaced by the grocery store’s parking lot.

These features included tiled, reflecting pools, 14 cascading fountains that flow into the pools and basins, plaques containing classic quotations, winding walkways, Mediterranean foliage, multicolored flowers and tall palms.

The gardens, which were tended to daily, were an extremely popular, leisure place, where people would often arrive early to take pre-movie strolls or to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

‘Like God’s country’

Sacramento native Mike Dodge was quick to speak of the gardens’ beauty when asked about his memories of the grounds.

“It was so pristine and so beautiful there (at the gardens) and it was a situation when the people were protesting (to save the Alhambra),” Mike recalled. “I was really young when my parents (Joey and Hazel Dodge) used to take me over there. They kept those gardens up so nice. It was so immaculate there. I couldn’t believe it. And at night, the vibrant, colored lights would reflect on the fountains. It was like God’s land, like God’s country how it looked. People would just drive by to see (the gardens).”

Sole surviving feature

SOLE SURVIVOR. The last original, existing feature from the Alhambra Theatre’s gardens is a historic fountain, which is located on the south side of Safeway’s parking lot. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

Today, the lone, original feature of the gardens at the Alhambra Boulevard site is an historic fountain, which is located on the south side of Safeway’s parking lot.

In commenting about this feature, Dodge said, “The fountain (represents part of) my remembrances going back in my childhood of how (the gardens) were and how they should have stayed. (The gardens) were beautiful. And I wish they didn’t go away, so I could see them more today.”

‘Outstanding’

Al Vegors, 94, who was born in Napa and moved to Sacramento with his family when he was 3 years old, described the gardens as a “beautiful place,” and added, “They were outstanding. Everybody used to like to go out there.”

Vegors also shared a unique story related to the gardens.

“I remember my father-in-law (Roy Randolph Hodge), and there was a tree there (in the gardens) and he used to put his cigar in that tree,” Vegors said. “And then when he came out (of the theater), he would pick up the cigar. But one time (in about 1938), he came out there to get his cigar and it was missing. It was pretty hard luck.”

Children’s wonderland

East Sacramento resident Norma Idzinga, 82, said that she recalled seeing the gardens in the 1930s.

“I remember going there (to the Alhambra) to see a movie with (her second cousin), Darlene (Idzinga), and (Darlene’s) mother, (Frances Idzinga), and that was considered quite an event in those days, because the Alhambra was a state-of-the-art theater,” Norma said. “It was an adventure going to the Alhambra and the gardens were beautiful.”

Darlene, who resides in Elk Grove and is known today as Darlene Grosz, said that during her childhood, the gardens were like a play area.

“The gardens as a kid, I can just remember always running through them,” Darlene said. “It was fun to run through them. And they were beautiful. (They had) lots of water and the plants.”

‘Model of perfection’

In introducing the theater and its gardens in 1927, George W. Peltier, president of the Granada Company, which built the theater, said, “It has been a dream of mine to give this city a building of design and architecture that will make it stand out as a model of perfection. Perfection is what we have striven for in every detail, and I think no one will be disappointed. I am satisfied that this theater is a gem of art and that it could not be better set off than with these luxuriant, tropical gardens.”

And although the theater and its gardens are decades removed from East Sacramento’s landscape, for those who remember these places, their memories about this classic site run deep.

Since its establishment seven years ago, the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library has reached many milestones.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS. The ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library was held on Aug. 28, 2010. Shown in the photograph from left to right are then-Pocket-Greenhaven Friends fundraising chair Kathi Windheim, Mayor Kevin Johnson, Sacramento Public Library director Rivkah Sass, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Councilmember Robbie Waters, Pocket branch supervisor, Brendle Wells and California State Librarian Stacey Aldrich. / Photo courtesy, Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library

From its earliest times of advocating for what eventually became Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library at 7335 Gloria Drive to replenishing new books and materials on the library’s shelves, the group has maintained an active and growing membership.

Currently the community’s Friends group has 182 memberships – a statistic that ranks it fourth in the number of Friends volunteers within the Sacramento Public Library’s 30 branches.

Although many people have joined the local Friends and are well aware of the group’s purpose, others remain curious about its activities and history.

Vibrant library promotors

The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library is self-described as “a member-supported, nonprofit organization that advocates, fundraises and provides critical support for the Sacramento Public Library, branch libraries and related literacy and educational programs.”

New members welcome

Kathi Windheim, president of the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends, said that although the local Friends group has many dedicated and energetic members, the organization is always seeking new members.

“In today’s economy, it is essential to continue to grow the (number of) Friends memberships to keep the programs plentiful and free at our library,” Windheim said. “The goal in annual memberships is for the library’s programs to become sustainable from our membership funds. Memberships are actually quite affordable. For example, a family membership is only $20 a year. We (the Friends board) invite anyone interested in supporting our community library to join.”

Annual memberships are also available at the following levels: $75/patron, $35/business or association; $15/individual and $10/youth.

Applications to join the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends are located in the library’s lobby and can be turned into any of the branch’s librarians.

Early library dream

ARRRR…Dressed as Long John Silver, former Councilmember Robbie Waters leads children into the Pocket Tower of Timeless Tales during the library’s first anniversary celebration on Aug. 27, 2011. / Photo courtesy, Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library

Certainly in highlighting the history of the local Friends group, it is important to begin with its efforts to assist in the establishment the community’s library.

The local Friends group, which was founded on May 4, 2005, originated through the dream of former Councilmember Robbie Waters, who recognized a need for a library in the Pocket-Greenhaven area.

In an interview with this publication, Waters recalled his earliest efforts to have a library established in this community.

“My first day as a city councilman back in 1994 was to try to get a library on that piece of property (where the library is presently located),” Waters said. “The school district at the time wanted that piece of property for a junior high. And so, I worked really hard with them, but I could never get them to do a joint-venture with us, like there is now, until they decided, basically, that there were no more junior highs to speak of in the Sacramento school district. (The trend of the new schools) was K through 8.”

Joint venture

The joint-venture between the adjacent School of Engineering and Sciences and a new library presented an ideal situation, since it is a state law that every school must have a library.

FOL recommended library name

During the process of bringing a library to the community, a name for this future institution was recommended by the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends.

The name, Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, was submitted and approved by the city council.

In commenting about the library’s name, Waters said, “It’s the most humbling thing that’s happened to me other than the birth of my kids and my 52 years of marriage. To have something named after me before I pass was very, very humbling.”

Friends campaign for library

In discussing the efforts to bring a library to the Pocket-Greenhaven community, Windheim recalled that after four years of presenting information about the library at government and neighborhood meetings, conducting fundraisers and gathering community support, a groundbreaking for the library was finally held on May 30, 2008.

Community effort

BOOK LOVERS. Guests attend the annual Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library book sale at the Elks lodge parking lot in April 2006. / Photo courtesy, Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library

“During the four years before the groundbreaking, we went through a series of meetings with the city council and school board to talk about the joint-use library and school and the roles of the different partners,” Windheim said. “We had (an artistic) rendering of the library and a portfolio. Importantly, during those four years, we had the full support of then-Senator Darrell Steinberg, Assembly member Dave Jones and Ralph Pettingell, the director of the city’s park and recreation department. We also had an annual book sale at the Elks lodge (on Riverside Boulevard), where they let us use the parking lot for free, and their grand ballroom for our ‘A Novel Idea Dinner’ at no rental cost each fall. Other service clubs and businesses, including the Pocket Rotary and Amy Eddy’s Curves, helped us tremendously. We raised about $65,000 from the book sales, annual dinners and other fundraisers.”

Although Proposition 81 – aka “Californians for Literacy” – a $600 million statewide bond measure to fund library construction, failed to pass in 2006, those working toward the establishment of a Pocket-Greenhaven library had a “Plan B.”

This backup plan included the acquisition of capital improvement program funds from the city, as well as the utilization of district discretionary funds that Waters had saved during his terms in office.

Key volunteers

As the library materialized toward its completion, members of the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends continued to play essential roles in its development.

These early volunteers and board members included Windheim, Dolores Nuse, Janice Marschner, Mary McDonald, Bonnie Bartholomew, Bart Lagomarsino, Denise Watts, Margaret Sutera, Harriet Steiner, Wallis Hofsis, Rebecca Talley, Kathy Donovan and Liz Ehlers.

Also helpful in the drive to establish a library and assist in continuing its progress was a group of student representatives. These students were: Britany Hori, Courtney Hori, Olivia Kirkland, Katie Wong, Scott Newman, Christine Highstreet, Kenji Bennett and Anthony Fukuhara.

The library held its grand opening, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony with Waters cutting the ribbon, on Aug. 28, 2010.

A dedicated group

In reflecting upon the contributions of the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends, Waters praised the organization’s dedication to the library.

“The Friends group has done such an outstanding job since they formed,” Waters said. “They were a big help in getting the funding and (presenting) the different ideas they had, the suggestions, and we met on many occasions and we just kind of talked strategy, talked fundraising, etc. etc. We are very happy with what they’ve done. The advancements they have made and the hard work that has been put into it by all of the Friends and the increase in members over the years has been outstanding.”

For additional information regarding the Pocket-Greenhaven Friends of the Library, contact Kathi Windheim at (916) 392-0101 or write to the e-mail address jo@recessisover.com.

lance@valcomnews.com

It has been nearly seven decades since former Land Park resident John Kanelos served as the lead radio operator aboard a Consolidated B-24J Liberator warplane. But he will soon be at the radio controls of one of these classic American heavy bombers once again.

JOHN KANELOS, former Land Park resident of 15 years, shows off a photograph of himself from his war days in 1943. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

During World War II, John, 88, was a member of the 15th Air Force, 450th Bombardment Group, which flew out of southern Italy. Altogether he flew with the group in 57 missions.

Because of his experience aboard this bomber, John, who presently lives in Elk Grove, was selected to participate in a living history event on Friday, June 1.

On that date, John will be traveling aboard an original B-24J that will leave Stockton at noon, fly above McClellan Airfield, then land at McClellan at 1 p.m.

This flight is part of the Wings of Freedom Tour, which will also feature a North American P-51 Mustang and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

And as a special, previously unannounced bonus, a German Messerschmitt will also be on display at McClellan.

John said that his cousin, Jack Stavros, a 90-year-old, former flight instructor, will be a passenger aboard the P-51.

Considering that John is the only member of his crew who resides in the greater Sacramento area, his presence at the event is one of both convenience and honor.

Vanishing breed

Certainly John’s firsthand stories of his wartime involvement aboard these bombers are of increasing value as the number of living World War II veterans continues to diminish.

Evidence of this fact was well presented last week during John’s meeting with this publication.

While holding a 1943 photograph of his bomber crew, John said, “The only two (people) alive out of the whole crew are (the pilot Fred “Pick”) Pickering and me.”

John Kanelos poses on the wing of an American Bell P-39 Airacobra in 1943. The photograph was taken in the Italian city of Manduria. / Photo courtesy, John Kanelos

Continuing, he ran his finger along the old, faded photograph, stopping at various faces to provide commentary.

“(Pickering) is a Sacramento boy,” John said. “This is my pilot right here, Fred Pickering.”

And moving his finger to other faces, he said, “This is the guy who got blown up in the plane. He’s gone. This guy is dead. This guy is (dead), too. And so is this guy.”

With his crew, John was stationed in southern Italy from 1943 to 1945 and participated in missions in Romania, Greece, Italy, Germany, Yugoslavia and North Africa.

John, who grew up in the old town of Florin and graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1943, acknowledged that he was one of the fortunate military men to return home alive.

Close calls

His most notable near-death experience occurred when he came within inches of being killed.

“I caught a 20-millimeter (cannon round),” John said. “We were flying at 28,000 feet and I saw the shell leave the plane – I was in the radio room, sitting right behind the co-pilot – and that 20 millimeter came up right through the bottom of the plane between my legs and left a (large) hole (in the top of the plane) when it went out. It was a dud. It didn’t explode. We were lucky. I think about it today and I shudder.”

Of the 20 planes that participated in that mission, John said that 15 planes returned.

During a separate mission, John survived another dramatic incident, in which his plane was hit by a 20-millimeter cannon round that knocked out its number three engine and caught on fire above the Adriatic Sea.

Both John and Pickering said that, of their 57 missions, there were only five missions in which they were never hit by enemy fire.

Deadly mission

An incident that has vividly remained in John’s mind since his war days was witnessing the death of a new squadron member during the bombing of the Ploesti (spelled Ploiești in Romanian) oil fields.

“We made some (bomb) runs over Ploiești, Romania and I was the only one who could break radio silence, because my pilot was a full bird colonel,” John said. “And when we were heading toward the target, we had 40 planes on the squadron and in Ploiești, we lost six planes over the target. And we lost a (squadron) member. He was 18 years old and on his first mission. And I saw him get a direct hit right over the target. The 24 is a good-sized plane. When they got hit, we had three 2,000 pounders on it and that plane went up just like you’d light a firecracker. That plane disappeared and he lost his life on his very first mission.”

Stateside adventure

In addition to his overseas wartime experiences, John shared details about his pre-European military days, including a crucial moment that could have prevented him from ever making it to Europe.

ONE HUNDRED MISSIONS. The 15th Air Force, 450th Bombardment Group pose in front of a Consolidated B-24J Liberator warplane. / Photo courtesy, John Kanelos

“We were out at (Edwards Air Force Base on the border of Los Angeles and Kern counties) and they said, ‘Okay, you guys are flying out tomorrow and you’re going overseas, but you cannot call your parents or anything,’” John recalled. “So, that night, we flew from Hamilton Field (near Novato) to Amarillo, Tex. When we got into Amarillo at about six in the evening, it was dark and it was raining, drizzling. We landed there and I and a buddy of mine, we got out and I called my folks (Andrew and Thomasina Kanelos) and I said, ‘I’m not supposed to tell you, but we’re going overseas.’ The next morning, we got up and headed for Stewart Field in New York to the military academy. It was about five or six in the evening when we ran out of fuel over Wilkes-Barre, Pa. We made an emergency landing. My pilot, who was a colonel, he said, ‘Look around and see if we have a small base here that you can contact.’ So, I picked up a base there and I told them, ‘This is Army, B-24 and we’re headed overseas and we’re out of fuel and we want to make an emergency landing.’ And the guy said, ‘Man, you’re crazy. The biggest thing we’ve had land here was a Piper Cub. You can’t land on this field.’ I said, ‘We’re coming in.’ I remember coming in over some cornfields and there were some people picking corn and it was drizzling. Well, when we hit the runway, our wheels were on the outer edge of the runway. The only thing that stayed on the runway was the nose wheel. We came in at about 200 miles an hour and we landed in a canal and the whole front end dug down, nose into the canal. So, we were lucky we got out of there all right. People from the town came out. I think there were about 200 or 300 people there.”

Portuguese connection

John added that shortly after leaving to the United States, his crew lost a generator and had to make another emergency landing in the island of Faial in the Azores Islands of Portugal.

The crew soon afterward made another emergency landing in South Africa.

During a telephone interview last week, Pickering, 90, who grew up in Fair Oaks, attended San Juan High School and now resides in the state of Washington, was asked to comment about John’s work as a radio operator.

“He was a damn good radio operator,” Pickering said. “He didn’t cause me a bit of trouble. He knew what to do all the time.”

Fear of flight

Pickering noted, however, that when it came to flying, John never felt comfortable in any of the missions.

“He told me that he was scared all the time,” Pickering said. “I said, ‘Okay, I’ll protect you.’”

In discussing his fear of flying, John, who was married four times in his life, but had no children, said, “I never did care to fly. I later flew to Hawaii with my wife at the time on four occasions and I never liked any of (the flying).”

Nonetheless, as he did during his military days, John will ignore his fear of flying and board a B-24J, and land at McClellan Airfield, where he is expected to be greeted by a crowd of friends, aviation enthusiasts and other spectators.

For additional information regarding the Wings of Freedom Tour, call (800) 568-8924 or visit the Web site www.cfdn.org.

Editor’s Note: This is part one of a two-part history series about Sam’s Hof Brau and other restaurants that were founded in Sacramento by the late Sam Gordon. Read part two

Undoubtedly one of Sacramento’s longtime institutions is Sam’s Hof Brau at 2500 Watt Ave., near El Camino Avenue. The restaurant, which reached its 50th year mark in January, is the last of a popular chain of restaurants that was owned by the late Sacramento resident Sam Gordon.

When he opened his Watt Avenue restaurant in January 1962, Gordon had already established four other Sacramento restaurants.

Sam’s Hof Brau at 17th and J streets

THE LAST OF A PROUD CHAIN. The longtime Sacramento institution, Sam’s Hof Brau, opened in January 1962. The restaurant is locally famous for its “fresh quality meats roasted daily.” / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

The first of these restaurants, Sam’s Hof Brau at 1630 J St. – the present location of Hamburger Patties and the former location of Hamburger Mary’s – was opened in 1955.

Sacramento County Supervisor Jimmie Yee said that he was a regular patron of the original Sam’s Hof Brau during its earlier years.

“I used to go down there after work,” Yee recalled. “I worked in the area on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 10 o’clock at night and Sam’s was open late. I would get a hot pastrami sandwich and bring it home and split it with my wife.”

During its latter years, this restaurant became a popular blues music night spot.

Although the original Sam’s Hof Brau was closed in 1993, a few of its features remain, including a neon sign with a bow-tie-wearing chef holding a platter with a large ham.

Sam’s Original Ranch Wagon

Gordon’s second Sacramento restaurant was the very unique Sam’s Original Ranch Wagon at 1817 Broadway.

This restaurant, which opened in August 1956, was housed in the old Le Marché grocery store building.

Although the building was constructed with a French design in 1929, when the Broadway restaurant opened, it had a much different appearance.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE. Sam’s Hof Brau meat carver Paul Flanders, a resident of the Arden area, cuts a slice of meat at this longtime popular restaurant at Watt and El Camino avenues. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

After being remodeled in seven months by the Cal Central Construction Co. of Sacramento at a cost of more than $100,000, the building had a Gold Rush era/Old West appearance, which was enhanced by a Buck Davis-designed covered wagon on its roof, hitching posts, wooden wagon wheels and a replica of a Western-attired man holding a sign bearing the business’s name. The latter feature was taller than the building itself.

Inside, guests were greeted by a red and gold scheme, redwood wall paneling, carpets with branding iron and Pony Express patterns, wallpaper reminiscent of early San Francisco dance halls, gold pan lamp and candelabra fixtures, calfskin lampshades, cattle horns, ox yokes and wrought iron chairs.

The décor also included several murals, which were painted by the notable California painters, George Mathis of Nevada City and Robert C. Rishell of Oakland.

Mathis’ highly detailed murals featured an 1852 scene at Sutter’s Mill and a traditional chuck wagon meal.

Mathis, who was considered an authority on Western history, also designed the restaurant’s Western-themed placemats.

Rishell’s mural, which was located in the Bonanza Room, featured a scene from an Old West gambling card room and dance hall.

Another artistic feature of the restaurant was a separate Sutter’s Mill scene, which was painted on plastic by A.C. Elliot of Santa Ana. The piece portrayed James Marshall’s 1848 gold discovery.

Gordon, who was known as an avid collector, used his restaurants to display many of his collectibles.

Among his more valuable collectibles on display at the Broadway restaurant were hundreds of 19th century firearms, which in the 1950s were valued at more than $10,000.

In addition to the Bonanza Room was another dining room, the Ranch Wagon Room. Together these rooms had a seating capacity of 150.

The restaurant also had a cocktail lounge, called the Gold Discovery Room, which was open until 2 o’clock every morning.

In this room was a circular seating area, which was located below the main floor, and a fountain and fireplace.

ARTWORK. This image of a ham on a platter is among the various food-related artworks on the exterior of the restaurant building. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

The only part of the business that did not have a Western theme was a section of the cocktail lounge that had a 19th century drawing room appearance. The room included a gold-colored sofa, bright red wallpaper and a crystal lighting fixture.

The restaurant, which was originally managed by Joe Yarrin and included casually-dressed, jean-wearing wait service. It was an “all-you-can-eat” establishment that featured U.S. choice prime rib every night.

Sam’s Downtown Hof Brau

Gordon’s third Sacramento restaurant, Sam’s Downtown Hof Brau at 815 L St., opened in September 1957.

In preparation for the opening of this Bavarian-style business, its building was remodeled to give it an Old World atmosphere.

Features of the restaurant included a large custom-built bar that was made in Sacramento, hand-carved woodwork and leaded glass lamps.

As he did for Sam’s Original Ranch Wagon, Rishell produced mural work for the L Street eatery.

The restaurant, which included booths, rugged tables and tall stools, featured three major sections.

Two of these sections were a dining room with a seating capacity of 180 and a bar. These sections were located on the first floor.

On the second floor was the Stein Room, which had a seating capacity of 200.

The Stein Room was used for men-only luncheons, dinners and parties.

Sam’s Rancho Villa

On Jan. 15, 1960 at 11:30 a.m., another Gordon-owned eatery was opened in the north area.

The restaurant, which was known as Sam’s Rancho Villa, was located at 2380 Fair Oaks Blvd., west of Fulton Avenue.

It was designed by John O’Shana of San Francisco and decorated by O’Shana and Gordon.

CALIFORNIA HISTORY. One of the more notable decorations at Sam’s Hof Brau is a large painting of the 1869 “golden spike” celebration, which ceremoniously marked the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

With the opening of Sam’s Rancho Villa, Sam’s Ranch Wagon assistant manager Harry Davis became the manager of this then-new restaurant, and Grover Thompson became the chef.

The business featured its Candlelight, Continental and Venetian dining rooms and the Capri and Eden Rock cocktail lounges.

The dining rooms had a combined seating capacity of 193, and the cocktail lounges, which included red velvet-flocked wallpaper and gold-patterned, acoustical ceilings, accommodated an additional 170 people.

Additionally, a large waiting room, known as the Galleria, was also located within the restaurant. The room had an illuminated water fountain at its center and on its walls were various oil paintings.

Other paintings, some of which were periodically changed, hung throughout the restaurant. These paintings were valued at about $35,000.

The restaurant, which had both a continental and contemporary appearance, also included many antiques, a red and gold color scheme, walnut paneling and natural stone features.

In the women’s bathroom were 24-carat gold plated wash basins and other fixtures.

Like Gordon’s Broadway business, Sam’s Rancho Villa was also a buffet-style eatery.

Last summer, this paper published a two-part series regarding the history of the New Helvetia Cemetery, which was formerly located at the northeast corner of Alhambra Boulevard and J Street (these articles can be read at www.valcomnews.com). And since that time, news about the cemetery continues to find its way into this publication.

REPAIRED. The Asch family tombstone is shown in its restored condition. Two of the names on the stone are Barbara and John Asch. The couple emigrated with their then-four children from Baden, Germany in the late 1840s and was residing in Sacramento by the mid-1850s. John and Barbara eventually had 10 children. / Photo courtesy, Susie O’Brien

In February, for instance, an article appeared in this paper regarding three missing New Helvetia Cemetery markers that were recently discovered in the backyard of an East Sacramento home.

During the 1950s, the old cemetery property was sold and these flat markers were removed from the site in preparation for the construction of Sutter Junior High School – now Sutter Middle School – which had previously operated at 1816 K St.

The whereabouts of many of these markers became unknown during this transition.

In an even earlier moment in the cemetery’s history, the historic tombstones of the cemetery were removed and replaced with the aforementioned flat markers as the cemetery site became known as Helvetia Park.

Until somewhat recently, only one of the original headstones from the cemetery – that of Switzerland native Ersiglio Bonetti (1865-1885) – was known to exist.

That status changed with the February 2010 discovery of an original New Helvetia Cemetery tombstone with the names of four members of the Asch or Ash family.

The journey of the discovery of this tombstone began with Susie (Hofmeister) O’Brien, who is a resident of Oceanside, N.Y.

O’Brien, who was born in Fresno and moved with her family to New York when she was one year of age, said that she had taken an interest in her family’s history through her father’s sister, Ruth (Hofmeister) Maysonaze, who O’Brien described as a “huge genealogy buff.”

“She got me started on this,” O’Brien said. “In (the spring of) 2009, my sisters [Barbara (Hofmeister) Caporaso and Cathy (Hofmeister) Mulqueen] and I came to California for a wedding and in that time, I said, ‘As long as we are there, we have to do a little genealogy trip of Northern California, because both sides of the family are from Northern California.’”

As part of this genealogy trip, O’Brien, who was unaware that the New Helvetia Cemetery no longer existed, attempted to locate the old cemetery in hopes of finding the gravesite of her third great-great-grandparents, John and Barbara Asch.

Because she was unable to locate the cemetery, O’Brien contacted the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery to inquire about the New Helvetia Cemetery.

ORIGINAL CONDITION AND LOCATION. The Asch family tombstone is shown in this historic photograph taken at the New Helvetia Cemetery. / Photo courtesy, Center for Sacramento History / Florence Henderson Photo Collection

During her telephone conversation with Lois Dove of the Old City Cemetery Committee, O’Brien was informed by Dove that the cemetery had been closed down and that the remains of her ancestors were moved to the city cemetery in the 1950s.

O’Brien was later sent a brochure about the New Helvetia Cemetery, a copy of an historical photograph of her ancestors’ tombstone and a map of the city cemetery that showed where her ancestors were buried.

Furthermore, the brochure featured the same photograph of the Asch family tombstone on its cover.

The stone includes the names of Baden, Germany immigrants John Asch (1816-1895) and Barbara Asch (1816-1901) and two of their children, the Pennsylvania-born Franz Louis, who died in 1877 at the age of 22, and the Sacramento-born Augusta, who passed away in 1860, when she was two years old.

Although the stone recognizes the spelling of the family’s surname as “Asch,” O’Brien said that all of the other references to this name that she has seen have been spelled, “Ash.”

After uploading a digital copy of the “Asch” tombstone photograph on her family’s ancestry page on the Web site www.ancestry.com, O’Brien received an e-mail message from an Auburn (Placer County) resident, named Louise Pipher, who inquired about her relationship to the Asch family.

O’Brien explained that Pipher eventually told her that she believed that her ancestors’ tombstone was located in Auburn.

“(Pipher) had lived in Auburn for 20 years and she and her husband were going out for dinner on Valentine’s night in 2010,” O’Brien said. “They were driving past this little rock garden circular driveway, right across the street from their house. She tells her husband to back up. She had never noticed in this rock garden this tombstone. She took a picture and sent it to me and it was the middle base (of the tombstone) with the names of the Asch family.”

When asked what her reaction was to finding out about the discovery, O’Brien said, “Wow! They’re talking to me. They wanted to be found.”

O’Brien said that the house on the property with the tombstone was a rental and after attempting for some time to contact the home’s owner, Barbara Clark, in 2011, she sent a letter to the Auburn Police Department and Auburn City Hall stating that she was a benefactor of the headstone.

As a result, Clark, as O’Brien explained, called her and agreed for her to have the stone removed from the property.

O’Brien said that she learned that the stone had been brought to the Auburn property from Sacramento in 1956 by Clark’s stepfather, the late Victor Nation, who was a mason by trade and had a love for antiques. O’Brien added that Clark had no idea how her stepfather acquired the tombstone.

ASCH FAMILY DESCENDENTS. Left to right, Barbara (Hofmeister) Caporaso, Cathy (Hofmeister) Mulqueen and Susie (Hofmeister) O'Brien are descendants of Barbara and John Asch. / Photo courtesy, Susie O’Brien

In preparation for the Asch tombstone’s return to Sacramento, Ray Young, manager of the Fair Oaks Cemetery, and Ron Clark, manager of the Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights, dug up the stone free of charge in June 2011.

The stone was then delivered to Ruhkala Monument Co. at 1001 Broadway, where it was restored.

Assisting with the payment of the restoration were O’Brien and a few of her cousins in California, the Old City Cemetery Committee, the Sacramento County Cemetery Advisory Commission and the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Emigrant Trail Chapter (of Auburn), in which Pipher is a member.

O’Brien, who contributed the majority of the funds to have the stone restored, said, “To me, (having the Asch tombstone restored and rededicated) is the least that I could do to pay respect to this couple and their journey to California. And if you look at the stone, you see how important these monuments were. I would like to think they would be proud of me and my persistence to make this happen.”

And in showing his own enthusiasm for the discovery of the Ash tombstone, Dr. Bob LaPerriere, co-chair of the Sacramento County Cemetery Advisory Commission, said, “It was very rewarding, after two decades of being involved with the history of New Helvetia Cemetery, to locate the Asch monument and have relatives from the East Coast involved in its restoration and dedication. This certainly demonstrates what the significance of these memorials can be to the families.”

The rededication of the Asch tombstone will be a significant part of an even larger event at the cemetery.

The June 2 event will begin at noon at the front of the cemetery at 1000 Broadway, where two memorials, which were recently placed at the site through the efforts of the Old City Cemetery Committee, will be dedicated.

These memorials pay tribute to the Reeves and Jurgens families.

CAREFULLY RELOCATED. The Asch family tombstone was removed from a residential property in Auburn in June 2011. / Photo courtesy, Susie O’Brien

Among these family members was John Wesley Reeves (1845-1926), a former coroner and proprietor and superintendent of the New Helvetia Cemetery.

Following the dedication of these family memorials, those in attendance will then proceed to the second of three New Helvetia areas at the city cemetery for the rededications of the Asch and Bonetti monuments, as well as a rededication of the Jane Hall marker.

As presented in the April 5 edition of the East Sacramento News, Hall’s marker was one of three flat gravestones recently discovered in an East Sacramento backyard.

This event will conclude with a short ceremony to remember the other 100-plus people whose remains were relocated to the old city cemetery from the New Helvetia Cemetery.

FOUND IN THE FOOTHILLS. The Asch family tombstone, shown in this February 2010 photograph, was located in a residential yard in Auburn for 55 years. / Photo courtesy, Susie O’Brien

A granite memorial recognizing these people is intended to be placed at the site in the near future.

lance@valcomnews.com

While relaxing in his Little Pocket backyard last week during a meeting with this publication, Sacramento native Dick Ryder was in a very reminiscent mood.

DICK RYDER, who resides in the Little Pocket area with his wife of 53 years, Irene, enjoys a moment during his recent interview with The Pocket News. Through his marriage, he became a stepfather to two children, and he now has eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

He also proved that he enjoys kidding with others, as he chuckled and explained that he had ushered in the Great Depression with his birth at the old Sutter Hospital at 28th and L streets on Sept. 6, 1929.

“I started the Depression,” Ryder said. “It’s my understanding that Sept. 6 (1929) was the first day that there was any indication that the stock market was falling.”

Although he has spent his entire life residing in Sacramento, Ryder, who continuously displayed a good natured demeanor during his interview, noted that he came close to being born in San Diego.

“My parents (Clark and Mary Ryder) met in the Bay Area and they were going to have me,” Ryder said. “They didn’t like the Bay Area that much, so they decided to move apparently. And it was either to Sacramento or San Diego, because my dad had been in the Navy. And guess what? They moved to Sacramento.”

As a result of this decision, Ryder was born a river city boy, as opposed to a beach city boy.

River City memories

And by opting to remain in the capital city for his entire life, Ryder has more than 80 years of river city memories.

In 1930, the Ryder family moved into a former tract house at 2800 Regina Way, where they lived for many years.

Unique sign

Among Ryder’s earliest childhood memories is seeing a unique, lighted sign at the eventual site of the Tower Theatre.

EARLY INTEREST IN AUTOS. Shown in this early 1930s photograph, Dick Ryder poses with a homemade racecar that his father built for him. / Photo courtesy, Dick Ryder

“One of my earliest memories was going to pick up ice every week (at the State Ice Co.) at 20th (Street) and Y Street, which is now Broadway,” Ryder said. “The icehouse had this big sign on the side that (read), ‘Ice,’ and that’s the first word I ever learned to spell. I was three or four at the time. Coming back along Y Street to turn left onto Land Park Drive, there was a big sign in the field over there. I can remember it well and I have never heard a word of it ever since. But it was a big billboard sign with a face and two big eyes on it – and I think the eyes flashed – and I always called it ‘goo-goo eyes.’ ‘We’re going to go back to goo-goo eyes.’ (The sign) was right where we made the left turn, right now where the Tower Theatre is.”

Tower Theatre

Having grown up in the area, Ryder witnessed the construction of the theater, which opened in 1938. He soon afterward began attending Saturday kiddie matinee movies at the theater.

Solons in ’42

Although he admits that he was not a big baseball fan, Ryder said that he does not recall missing a regular season baseball game at Cardinal Field at Riverside Boulevard and Broadway during the Sacramento Solons’ 1942 Pacific Coast League championship season.

The airport

Ryder said that he also remembers visiting the old Municipal Airport (today’s Sacramento Executive Airport) on Freeport Boulevard during his childhood.

“My father was always interested in flying and he was always hanging out at the airport and I was hanging out there also – the ‘Daddy, can I come, too, sort of thing,” Ryder said.

Close calls

LOCAL BOY. Dick Ryder grew up in the Land Park area with his parents, Clark and Mary Ryder, and his sister, Caroline Ryder, who is three years younger than him. / Photo courtesy, Dick Ryder

Ryder explained that during his childhood, he was like a cat with nine lives.

“Sacramento is a hot place (during the summer) and my dad had a spot out on the American River where he liked to swim,” Ryder said. “I gave my dad a big scare. Apparently he almost lost me there. He had to reach around under water and he couldn’t find me.”

“I gave him another scare when I had my tonsils out at age five, but I got through that one, too. I bled I guess. They had to give me resuscitation or something.”

Ryder said that he was also hit by a car during his youth on two separate occasions.

“When I was 12 or so, I was playing baseball in the street and the only time I can remember hitting a home run, I hit a car. I broke my shoulder and had a concussion,” Ryder said. “There was also the time that I came swinging around on my bicycle and this guy was pulling out (in his car) and he didn’t turn his lights on and I hit the front of his car and went clear over and landed on my front teeth.”

Swimming lesson

Ryder explained that his near drowning in the river proved to be a positive event in his life.

“Back in 1936 or 1937, my dad decided that we should have a pool in the backyard, so he could have better control,” Ryder recalled. “That wasn’t a thing that people did back then. They didn’t have pools. For two years, we dug a hole in the backyard and went swimming in the mud or dog paddling in the mud. It was a couple feet deep. In 1938 or 1939, perhaps, a concrete pool with walls rising 2 feet above the ground was done by Angelo & Frank. And Angelo & Frank were Angelo Queirolo and Frank Geremia. Geremia is a familiar name. A lot of pools in Sacramento are Geremia-built pools.”

The Ryder family’s pool was possibly the first backyard pool in the Land Park area.

Youthful work

Ryder eventually turned his family’s pool into a money-making place, as he charged area youth an admission of five cents each per day to swim in the pool.

He also earned money during his youth delivering The Sacramento Bee and The Sacramento Union and working during the summer harvest season in the Delta.

Dec. 7, 1941

After stating “everybody knows where they were when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor,” Ryder explained where he was at the time.

“I was getting over the mumps and my mother was getting the mumps and I was constantly listening to the radio,” Ryder said. “I was laying there in the chesterfield in the front room, because I was sick. I heard on (the radio) Pearl Harbor had been bombed and it was suspected to be the Japanese, etcetera, etcetera, and so I got the family together on that Sunday morning, so they could hear that.”

Early education

While discussing his education, Ryder explained that he was actually recruited to attend kindergarten at Crocker School at 1740 Vallejo Way.

MEET THE PARENTS. Clark and Mary Ryder moved to Sacramento in 1928 and had their first child, Dick Ryder, during the following year. / Photo courtesy, Dick Ryder

“(Crocker’s) kindergarten teacher, Miss Eunice Tuttle, had to go on a recruiting campaign, I guess, to fill up the relatively new school,” Ryder said. “One of my earliest memories was Miss Eunice coming to our home to talk to my parents to sign me up for school.”

While Ryder was attending Crocker School, the next school that he would attend – California Junior High School at 2991 Land Park Drive – was under construction.

Eventually, he attended McClatchy High School, where he graduated in June 1947.

With his love for snow skiing, Ryder was later drawn to the University of Colorado, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1952.

Insurance career

From 1956 to 1982, Ryder worked in the insurance industry. He established the Insurance Protection Analyst company at Arden Way and Howe Avenue and then he served as the president of Howe-Ryder Insurance Service at 2613 24th Street.

Today, Ryder fills part of his time as an appraiser of collector cars.

CAM founder

His involvement in such work makes perfect sense, when considering that he was the person who decided to create an automobile museum in Sacramento.

“People come up to me and say, ‘You’re one of the guys who founded the California Automobile Museum (originally known as the California Towe Ford Automobile Museum),’” Ryder said. “And I tell them, ‘No, I am the founder of the museum. After Bill Harrah died at the age of 66, his collection of 1,500-plus cars was left without plans. I figured that it was time for the creation of a California car museum located in Sacramento. We never received any cars from Harrah’s collection, but Harrah’s death definitely created the concept for the (Sacramento) museum in my mind and the idea immediately caught hold.”

Outside his time providing assistance for the museum every Thursday, Ryder remains active in his life with the Sacramento Rotary Club and the Fremont Presbyterian Church.

lance@valcomnews.com

Sacramento is undoubtedly a place in which many people take pride. But when it comes to life experiences in this city, few people remember Sacramento better than Lou Bordisso, Sr.

NEARLY TEN DECADES OF EXPERIENCE. Lou Bordisso, Sr. has seen many things during his 98 years in Sacramento. His memories include playing and coaching baseball in the capital city and owning two local bars. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

For the great number of years he has lived in Sacramento alone, Lou cannot help but have many memories of the city. But his connection with the area extends well beyond simply living here.

Native son

Born in Sacramento on Nov. 17, 1913, Lou was one of the three children of Italian immigrants Frank and Maria Bordisso.

Frank worked for the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Marie was a local cannery worker.

During his early childhood, Lou grew up with his family at 1919 14th St. The family, who also included Lou’s siblings, Bill and Katherine, moved to 2710 X St. in about 1927.

Attended local schools

Lou began making friends with many local children while he was attending William Land School at 1116 U St.

He continued his schooling at Newton Booth School at 2620 V St. and Sutter Junior High School at 1820 K St. before becoming a student at Sacramento High School in the early 1930s.

While at Newton Booth and Sacramento High, he was a classmate of Herb Caen, who would eventually become a renowned columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Baseball captain

Like many boys growing up in Sacramento at the time, Lou was very interested in the sport of baseball.

And with this interest, Lou began playing baseball at Southside Park when he was 12 years old.

Among Lou’s fondest memories in the game were his years as a third baseman on Sacramento High’s team, which was led by its coach, Edmond A. “Ed” Combatalade.

In reminiscing about these years, Lou said that the Sacramento High team included Alex Kampouris (1912-1993).

“The players named me the captain of the team and we also had (then-future Major League Baseball player) Alex Kampouris on the team,” Lou said. “I remember when we went to Berkeley to play and Kampouris – he was fussy about who he liked – picked me to stay over night. I almost fell over.”

Another notable player on the Sacramento High team was Bill Svilich, who later played for the Sacramento Senators, and Joe Bagley, who was known to practice baseball on a nightly basis at Southside Park.

Minor league player

FAMILY TIME. Lou Bordisso, Sr. and Lou Bordisso, Jr. continue to enjoy each others’ company on a regular basis. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

Lou’s success in baseball in Sacramento led to his signing with the Des Moines (Iowa) Demons, the minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

And through this experience, Lou was able to practice at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field.

“I worked out on the Cubs squad with Dolph Camilli (1907-1997), first baseman,” Lou said. “That was a thrill for a kid. I was only 20 years old.”

Camilli, who played for 11 years in the majors, later managed the Sacramento Solons.

The Winter League

Lou was also a baseball manager, as he led his Winter League team to 11 championships. At different times, the team was sponsored by Julius Men’s Shop at 1023 K St. and Matt Transfer and Storage at 851 Richards Blvd.

Local golf phenom

In addition to baseball, Lou also experienced notable success in golf.

Although he did not begin playing golf until after he retired, Lou accomplished a feat that is only dreamed of by most golfers.

Lou made hole-in-one shots on both the first and second holes at Bing Maloney Golf Course at 6801 Freeport Blvd.

Several years later, some of Lou’s friends from Joe Marty’s bar at 1500 Broadway had a bench installed and named in his honor at the 12th hole at William Land Park.

Family life

MEMORY OF CHRISTMAS PAST. The Bordisso family – Lou Bordisso, Sr, Sunny Bordisso and Lou Bordisso, Jr. – is shown in this Christmas greeting card, which was sent to many of the family’s friends in 1955. / Photo courtesy, The Bordisso Family

Another one of Lou’s fondest memories was his Oct. 30, 1938 marriage to Rose Elizabeth “Sunny” Thomas. The couple was married by the Rev. Silvio Masante at St. Mary’s (Italian Catholic) Church at 1915 7th St.

Fifteen years later, the couple adopted their only child, Lou Anthony Bordisso.

The adoption was made possible through a letter that was written by Grace “Ciss” Kennedy, who was a friend of Sunny.

The couple’s son, who was adopted through an agency in San Jose, was given the middle name of Anthony as a show of appreciation to the Kennedy family. Ciss’s son is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Bar proprietor

While there are many people who associate Lou with his baseball days, others know him as the former owner of two local bars.

After returning from his service in World War II, Lou partnered with his brother in the ownership of Old Ironsides at 1901 10th St.

In 1968, Lou sold his interest in Old Ironsides and purchased the Flame Club at 2130 16th St.

Despite selling the Flame Club a decade later, Lou spent little time away from the bar business before accepting a part-time position as a bartender at Joe Marty’s.

Lou continued to work at Joe Marty’s for a few more years, at which time his legs became too weak to withstand the pressures of standing for hours at a time.

‘Local living legend’

During an interview with this publication, Lou Anthony said that his father is somewhat of a local celebrity.

“There is not a place where we can go to in Sacramento where my father is not recognized and approached,” Lou Anthony said. “People always come up to him to reminisce and share with him how he has influenced their lives. He really is like a local living legend.”

Man about town

Despite being less than two years away from becoming a centenarian, Lou remains active in every day life.

Lou continuously dedicates himself to his social life, which includes writing letters to friends and weekly visits to one of his favorite local businesses, the La Bou Bakery and Café at 4400 Del Rio Road, just south of the Sacramento Zoo.

He also often returns to the Old Ironsides and the Flame Club for lunch and reminiscing about his local baseball days and his other fond memories in the capital city.

When asked what his secret to success has been for maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle for nearly a century in his hometown of Sacramento, Lou said, “My life has been very good, very good. I exercise and eat pretty healthy. I stayed out of trouble, had a good marriage, had a very good boy (Lou Anthony). I’ve had everything I’ve wanted, a nice business, a lot of fun in baseball and (other) sports and I’ve made a lot of friends. Things have been good. That’s all you can ask for in life.”

lance@valcomnews.com

More than 200 people arrived at Christian Brothers High School to attend a dinner honoring the latest inductees to the La Salle Club Baseball Hall of Fame on April 28.

NEW INDUCTEES. Left to right, Bob Puccinelli, Don Murphy, Ken Hottman, Mike Furtado, Rich Separovich, LeRon Lee, Jim Barr and Pat Fall were named to the 2012 class of the La Salle Club Baseball Hall of Fame. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

For those who are unfamiliar with this annual event, the gathering serves as one of the club’s most important fundraisers.

In its dedication to provide financial assistance to the high school’s athletic programs, the club raises funds through the event, while honoring some of the most accomplished baseball players, managers, scouts or umpires of the past.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees were Jim Barr, Pat Fall, Mike Furtado, Ken Hottman, LeRon Lee, Don Murphy, Bob Puccinelli and Rich Separovich.

Although the La Salle Club is directly associated with Christian Brothers High, the criteria to be inducted as a member of the Hall of Fame extends beyond the high school. Or in other words, inductees need not have any connection to the high school.

And by adding non-Christian Brothers High associated members, the Hall of Fame offers a much more thorough representation of baseball talent from the region.

Furthermore, the mere existence of the club provides additional evidence of Sacramento’s longtime notoriety as a baseball city.

Hall of Fame members are all notable baseball people who have performed or resided in the greater Sacramento area.

All inductees are named by the La Salle Club Baseball Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

HONORED. LeRon Lee shows off his La Salle Club Baseball Hall of Fame award with his wife, Vicquie Lee. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

This year, an amendment was made to the requirement that a person being inducted into the hall be living. Posthumous selections will be made for the first time next year.

As part of the evening’s program, a tribute was made to the seven Hall of Famers who passed away during the last 12 months.

Following the dinner, which was served by Christian Brothers High parents and students, a special recognition was given to the 1962 Bishop Robert J. Armstrong High School championship baseball team, which was led by its head coach, Dick Sperbeck.

The team, which made history as one of the most successful high school baseball teams in the city’s history, posted a 22-2 won-loss record, beat four Northern California conference champions and was eventually recognized as the state’s “Team of the Year” by Cal-Hi Sports.

As part of the program, Sperbeck shared various memories about his former players who were in attendance at the event.

One of these former players was Carmichael area resident Bernie Church, who serves as president of the La Salle Club.

Church, who was a teacher for 36 years and a baseball coach for 20 years at C. K. McClatchy High School, received additional recognition earlier in the day when McClatchy’s baseball field was named in his honor.

In commenting about his recent honors, Church said, “It was a pretty special week. That’s for sure.”

ATTENTIVE. Attendees of the fundraiser listen to one of the evening’s speakers. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

As the featured segment of the evening, the Hall of Fame award presentations for new inductees was well structured and enhanced by a comprehensive program, which was composed and edited by 1970 Christian Brothers High graduate Rick Cabral.

After being individually introduced as newly inducted members of the hall, each of the inductees shared some of their baseball experiences.

The following are biographical information and excerpts from these new Hall of Famers’ acceptance speeches:

Jim Barr

Barr attracted many Northern California baseball fans, as he played 10 of his 12 years in Major League Baseball as a successful pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.

In describing the game, he said, “Baseball is a way of life.”

His love for baseball and the relationships he has developed while being involved in the game has kept him active in the sport since his youth.

Barr, who later excelled in men’s senior league games and was a pitching coach at Sacramento State University, presently works with the Granite Bay High School baseball team.

Pat Fall

BASEBALL MEMORIES. The event included a special tribute to members of the 1962 Bishop Robert J. Armstrong High School baseball team. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

A 1966 graduate of McClatchy High, Fall earned all-city honors as a pitcher during his senior year at McClatchy.

His talents on the diamond led him to be drafted by the Kansas City (now Oakland) A’s. He played in the A’s organization and later in the California (now Los Angeles) Angels organizations and was the winning pitcher of the National Division of the Winter League championship game for the Carmichael Merchants in 1971.

Fall paid tribute to Sacramento’s many baseball sponsors, saying, “Without the sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to play the game we play.”

Mike Furtado

Furtado was a standout pitcher at McClatchy High and Sacramento State during the 1960s, played many years of bush league baseball and later achieved success coaching the Elk Grove High School varsity baseball team.

Furtado, who mentioned that he met his wife through baseball, closed his speech saying, “Those were some great years (and) years I’ll never forget. And as (Roberto Clemente) said, ‘Baseball has been very, very good to me.’”

Ken Hottman

AN ANNUAL EVENT. The 58th annual La Salle Club Baseball Hall of Fame event was held April 28 at Christian Brothers High School. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

After successful years playing baseball at Elk Grove High and Sacramento City College, Hottman played seven years of professional baseball, including a year with the Chicago White Sox. He also played Winter League ball in Sacramento.

In remembering his playing days in Sacramento, Hottman noted that the high level of competition resulted in an even higher level of achievements by those participating in the games.

Don Murphy

Murphy, who graduated from Bishop Armstrong High in 1964, played catcher for Sperbeck’s teams for two years.

His baseball highlights also included catching for American River and St. Mary’s colleges, playing in bush league games and catching a no-hitter thrown by Bob Forsch of Sacramento.

Murphy said that baseball taught him valuable lessons in life.

“Through baseball, I learned how to win, how to lose, success, failure, teamwork, competition,” Murphy said.

LeRon Lee

A former all-city baseball star at Grant High School, LeRon Lee played eight years in Major League Baseball and 11 years of professional baseball in Japan.

Lee, who also played in the Winter League, credited Sacramento for being the place where his success in baseball began.

“It all happened before I left (Sacramento) and it all happened because we had such great competition, great coaches (and) great players to work with,” Lee said.

Bob Puccinelli

Puccinelli, who was an outfielder for Sacramento High from 1953 to 1955, was named to the all-city team of The Sacramento Union during his senior year.

His other baseball highlights include participating on the 1957 College World Series champion University of California, Berkeley team and signing with the Cleveland Indians organization.

The theme of Puccinelli’s speech was the “we concept” and the benefits that could be had by working as a team.

Richard Separovich

Richard, who was also a high school all-star in 1955, was a standout baseball player at Christian Brothers High.

He also played for Southside American Legion, several Winter League teams, the Sacramento Solons Rookies and Sacramento State.

Richard, who coached the Charles M. Goethe Junior High School (now Rosa Parks Middle School) baseball team during the 1970s, expressed his appreciation to the voters for allowing him to join his other family members in the Hall of Fame.

Separovich family members in the Hall of Fame also include Richard’s father, Michael, and Richard’s uncles, Tony and Mark.

Since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 1953, more than 400 people have been inducted into the hall, including Wally Westlake, Johnny McNamara, Cuno Barragan, Ronnie King, Woody Held, Joe Marty, Eddie Fitzgerald and Joe Kirrene.

lance@valcomnews.com

The historical St. Elizabeth Portuguese National Church building at 1817 12th Street has been a part of the Sacramento community for nearly a century. And throughout the existence of the church, many residents of the Riverside-Pocket area have been members of this parish.

Prior to St. Elizabeth’s founding, many Portuguese in the Riverside-Pocket area attended Masses and other religious services at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 11th and K streets, St. Rose Parish at 7th and K streets and St. Stephen Parish at 3rd and O streets.

Parish established in 1909

COMMUNITY HUB. St. Elizabeth Portuguese National Church, shown on its dedication day on Feb. 2, 1913, has played an important roll in the lives of many Riverside-Pocket area residents. This church was named after the beloved queen of Portugal. / Photo courtesy, PHCS

The beginnings of the St. Elizabeth parish date back to early 1909, when Bishop Thomas Grace was petitioned by the Portuguese community to establish a church to meet their needs for the conducting of Portuguese services, as well as other traditions.

These traditions mainly included the annual Festa do Espirito Santo (Holy Ghost Festival).

Soon after the request was made for a new parish, property was acquired and plans were completed for the construction of what would become the St. Elizabeth church or “Igreja de Santa Isabel” to its early members. The name of the church was selected in honor of the beloved 13th century queen of Portugal.

Plans for the church were made at Manuel S. Williams’ grocery store at 1630 11th Street and the property for the church was donated by Manuel and his wife.

Early reinforced concrete structure

The church, which was one of the first reinforced concrete buildings constructed in the capital city, was designed by Frank Shea and John Lofquist of San Francisco.

Shea and Lofquist designed the building to resemble the 15th century Igreja de São João Baptista (Church of St. John the Baptist) in the island of Terceira in the Azores Islands of Portugal.

Selected to construct the building was the well-known Sacramento building contractor Charles A. Vanina, who resided at 2022 M Street (now Capitol Avenue).

Parish beginnings

During the time that the church was being built, the parish was already in existence.

The parish began at St. Stephen Parish with the October 24, 1909 baptism of a Portuguese child named Joseph Viega.

First priest

FIRST PRIEST. St. Elizabeth church’s first pastor was Monsignor Joao (John) Vieira Azevedo, who was born in the island of Pico in the Azores Islands of Portugal on Nov. 25, 1880. He remained active as the church’s pastor until June 1955. He died on April 2, 1957. / Photo courtesy, PHCS

St. Elizabeth’s first pastor was Father Joao (John) Vieira Azevedo, who was born in the Azorean island of Pico on Nov. 25, 1880.

When he was 21 years old, Azevedo came to California to finish his studies for the priesthood.

After being ordained two years later, he completed assignments in Yreka, Fort Jones and Sutter Creek.

Azevedo was later assigned to Sacramento to establish the St. Elizabeth parish.

On May 10, 1948, Azevedo was bestowed the title of monsignor by Bishop Robert J. Armstrong.

Although he appeared stern and was recognized as being strict in the discipline of the children who he tutored, Azevedo was very well liked and respected by all members of his congregation. He remained active as the church’s pastor until June 1955.

In addition to assisting in the planning process for the church, Azevedo was involved in the dedication of the church on Feb. 2, 1913. Azevedo presided over the dedication with Bishop Grace.

An active dedication day

On the day of the dedication services, the first wedding at the church was also held, as Joseph Valine and Rosa Neves were married inside the new structure.

Also occurring at the church on the same day was the church’s first baptism, that of Mary Alvernaz.

Basement features

Several years after the church was constructed, various features were added in the church’s basement.

Among these features were a community center – known as the “social hall,” where plays and other entertainment were presented – a kitchen and a unisex bathroom.

Also in the basement was a stage, which was initiated by Azevedo to accommodate his first communion and confirmation classes.

Second pastor

Two years following Azevedo’s service as the church’s pastor, Father Valdemiro Machado Fagundes, whose secondary education had been financed by Azevedo, became the church’s second pastor.

Fagundes’ experience leading up to his years as the church’s pastor included serving as St. Elizabeth’s associate pastor from 1951 to 1955 and the church’s administrator from 1955 to 1957.

A sad moment in the church’s history occurred on the morning of Tuesday, April 2, 1957, when Azevedo passed away.

Fagundes, who was born in the island of Terceira in the Azores Islands, had a much different appearance than Azevedo.

His youthful looks, which were enhanced by his crew cut haircut, high energy and young behavior caused parishioners to initially question his readiness to become the church’s pastor.

As Fagundes matured, he gained the respect of the parishioners, and his willingness to intervene in their welfare and financial problems endeared him to his congregation.

Fagundes, who was also appointed monsignor, retired as the church’s pastor on January 1, 1985.

A retirement party for Fagundes, who passed away on Sept. 26, 1996, was held at the Elk Grove S.E.S. (Sociedade do Espirito Santo or Holy Ghost Society) Hall on Jan. 13, 1985. The event was chaired by Al Balshor of Balshor Florist.

Subsequent pastors

St. Elizabeth’s next pastor was Jose F. Ribeiro – of the Society of Jesus – who served the church from 1985 to 1991.

Ribeiro, who was born in Penude Lamego, Beira Alta, Portugal on Sept. 15, 1935, had previously served in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Following Ribeiro as St. Elizabeth’s pastor was Eduino T. Silveira, who served the congregation from 1993 to 2005.

For two years prior to his pastorship at St. Elizabeth, Silveira, who was born in Fenais da Luz in the Azorean island of Sao Miguel on Aug. 10, 1955, served as the church’s administrator.

Januarius Rodrigues, a retired pastor who was born in India and speaks fluent Portuguese, became the church’s temporary pastor on Feb. 24, 2005.

On following July 1, Rodrigues was replaced by three fathers – Giancarlo Mittempergher, Antonio Luiz Madeiros and Edwin E. Limpiado – from the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata.

Presently, Mittempergher, who is St. Elizabeth’s first non-Portuguese pastor, and Madeiros serve as the pastors for both the St. Elizabeth parish and the Holy Cross parish in West Sacramento.

Recognized landmark

A GRAND FESTA. Parishioners of various ages gather in front of the church on its dedication day in 1913. / Photo courtesy, PHCS

An important moment in St. Elizabeth’s history occurred on Feb. 18, 1983, when the church was designated as a “Point of Historical Interest” by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

A bronze plaque recognizing this designation is located on the west tower of the church, near the edge of the stairway leading into the church.

Today, St. Elizabeth Portuguese National Church is recognized as the oldest Portuguese national church west of New England.

The designation of a Portuguese national church is rare, as altogether there are only three of these churches throughout the United States.

The Catholic Church infrequently grants this designation for churches in certain areas with large ethnic populations.

A centennial for the parish, which included a Mass with Bishop Jaime Soto and a candlelight procession, dinner and dancing at the Portuguese Hall in the Pocket area, was held on October 10 and 11, 2009.

Many people associated with the church are hopeful that a centennial celebration honoring the dedication of the church will be held next February.

lance@valcomnews.com

For Arden area resident Penny Hogge-Dayley, her appreciation for history is something that is a very important part of her life.

A HEART FOR HISTORY. Arden area resident Penny Hogge-Dayley shows off a 19th century rocking chair. The chair is one of many historical items from her personal collection. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

And for anyone who has had the opportunity to visit her home, it certainly does not take long to realize this point.

Penny’s love for history is quite obvious through some of her prized possessions alone.

Treasured artifacts

With a tour through her house, one can view such historic artifacts as a rocking chair, which arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah in a covered wagon in 1848.

The home also includes other 19th century items, such as a doubletree from a covered wagon, three large two-handled saws, flat irons, curling irons, autographed books, clothing, a blanket box, a gold mining pan, a set of spurs, a wind-up clock, keys, horseshoes, barbed wire and skates.

An early interest

Penny said that her love for history and collecting historic artifacts began very early in her life.

“I was born in Salt Lake City on the day that Britain declared war on Germany (on Sept. 3, 1939), so even my birthday was a historical date in history,” Penny said. “I have always loved old things. I always thought that I should have been born in a cabin. I loved pioneer stories, especially when I found out that I had pioneer stories in my family.”

Letters from Brigham Young

PIONEER ERA ARTIFACT. Penny Hogge-Dayley holds one of her favorite historic artifacts, a doubletree from a 19th century covered wagon. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

Penny fondly remembers visiting with her grandmother, Bessie McLelland.

“Grandma was a storyteller and I learned about her life and her love for her ancestors while I was washing dishes at her sink,” Penny said. “I started collecting (antiques) early, since one of my favorite sayings was ‘Grandma, can I have that?’ The first thing that she gave to me was a (tin) can without a lid from the top of the closet that included some letters from (former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Brigham Young to my great-great grandfather (Thomas McLelland), a ticket to one of the (1893) Salt Lake Temple dedications and a ticket to the inaugural band party for the (1869) Golden Spike centennial (at Promontory Summit in the Utah Territory).”

Emigrant memories

Also among the items in the can was a letter from Thomas’ sister, Jane, who described her desire to come to America, mainly to the Salt Lake Valley.

The letter, which was sent from Glasgow, Scotland on Jan. 28, 1868, included the words, “I am stout, in good health and willing to work and if you would send for me, I will be very willing to work and pay you back again.”

A view into the past

During her teen years, Penny acquired one of her favorite possessions – a child’s toy buggy from the 1880s.

Another one of Penny’s unique artifacts is an 1864 Murphy bed, which, when folded, reveals a hand-carved mirror.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN. This façade of a replica cabin is located inside the Arden area home of Penny Hogge-Dayley. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

The bed, which has an original, horsehair mattress, was once located in the living room of Thomas’ home. At nights, the bed would open up, pull down and turn the living room into a bedroom.

Penny’s collection also includes an antique scale that was used by Thomas’ wife, Elizabeth, during a time when recipes often called for measurements of weight as opposed to using measuring cups.

Rich family history

Penny noted that she is proud of the fact that many of her historic artifacts represent her family’s rich history in America.

Her great-great grandfather, Thomas, came to the Salt Lake Valley in 1848.

Thomas represented the first member of Penny’s father’s side of her family to arrive in the United States.

A book of McLelland family history, which is in the possession of Penny, shows that at the age of 23, Thomas came to New Orleans with Elizabeth, who was then 21, in 1844. They then traveled up the Mississippi River by steamboat to St. Louis prior to making their way to Nauvoo, Ill.

LDS pioneers

VICTORIAN CHILDHOOD ECHOES. One of Penny Hogge-Dayley’s favorite possessions is this child’s toy buggy from the 1880s. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

Penny said that, like herself, Thomas was a dedicated member of the Mormon church.

She added that Thomas knew the church’s founder Joseph Smith and worked as a mason on the construction of the Mormon temple in Nauvoo.

In 1846, Thomas and Elizabeth left Nauvoo as part of the Mormons’ great exodus through the Rocky Mountains. And two years later, they arrived in Salt Lake.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers

About six years ago, Penny followed in the footsteps of her grandmother and great-grandmother by joining the preservation-driven organization, Daughters of Utah Pioneers.

As part of her involvement with DUP, Penny is assisting with the current restoration project at the Sloughhouse Pioneer Cemetery, which is located in the Sloughhouse community on the Jackson Highway, about 18 miles southeast of Sutter’s Fort.

The project includes cement work at the bases of fallen tombstones, drilling and pinning pillars and other tombstones, cleaning tombstones, placing and improving trails and researching family members who were buried at the cemetery.

‘Paying it forward’

Penny said that her work at the cemetery increases her love for past generations.

WEIGHTY MATTERS. Penny Hogge-Dayley’s collection also includes an antique scale that was used by her great-great grandmother during a time when recipes often called for measurements of weight. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

“I enjoy being part of a great, dedicated group,” Penny said. “Our work is to carry the torch for the people who lived here before us and to pass it on to future generations. It kind of goes back to, if you don’t tell the story, who will? Our job is to instill pride and awareness of the past for future generations.”

DUP is working diligently toward its goal of readying the cemetery for the 40th anniversary of the organization’s ownership of the cemetery.

In honor of this anniversary, DUP will hold a special, May 12 public event, which will include speakers, docents in period clothing and tours of the grounds.

Preserving nearly lost arts

In addition to her work at the cemetery and collecting historic artifacts, Penny is known for her homemade baked goods, rug making and sewing.

Additionally, she has spent the past 35 years working in a profession that she considers to be as much of a hobby as it is a job.

Penny Pinchers

SACRAMENTO GAME CHANGER. This antique gold mining pan is also among Penny Hogge-Dayley’s collection of historic items. / Valley Community Newspapers photo, Lance Armstrong

Penny is the sole owner of the Arden area-based business, Penny Pinchers, which provides flowers, food and planning for weddings and other events.

Through her business, Penny is able to use her creative side, making many artistic items by hand.

Penny, who has a husband named Lowell and 12 children and 41 grandchildren through two marriages, has resided in the same Arden area house since 1968.

And since Penny believes that she should have been born in a cabin, she said that the façade of a replica cabin inside her house is quite fitting.

IRISH PIONEERS. Penny Hogge-Dayley’s great-great grandparents, the Irish-born Thomas and Elizabeth McLelland, immigrated to America in 1844.Photo courtesy, Penny Hogge-Dayley

“If I can’t live in a cabin, then I’ll have a replica of a cabin in my house,” Penny said.