A Man In The Andre's Sign by Charles Holmes on Capture Kern County

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A Man In The Andre's Sign

If this sign could only talk: The traditional Cruzin' in Bakersfield began in the mid 50's and ended in the 70's . On a Friday or Saturday night hundreds and hundreds of cars would cruse Stan's, Micheners , and Andre's. A constant stream of cars, kids and music. The cars had big engines with big carburetors, stereo systems in the cars were just comin' on. Confrontations were common Andre's was South Highs they would tolerate BHS but that was about it. As the years went by many of those foes became life long friends . The hustle and the pick up was always on, some turned to romance. I can name more than a few that are still together. The Cruzin' was occasionally interrupted by a big sporting event football, basketball or even wrestling. In the 60's wrestling was huge in Bakersfield each school had one or two top notch competitors, and schools like South, BHS, and East matching up almost even man for man. More times than not decided by the final match the heavyweights. South had a guy by the name of Lee Culliton, although the competition was formidable he would always seal the deal against wrestlers like Sakai, Defoor, Jeppi, Aubury, and Davis, winning three league Championships. At times in the summer Cruzin would slow for a Lake Ming dance or Recreation dance at BHS, or the occasional Peach Orchard Party or Hay Stack Party.

Charles Holmes
commented 4 months ago

Thank You Wayne, I wish there were some old photos to go with the stories.
Wayne Wong
commented 4 months ago

Really interesting stories....keep them coming!
Charles Holmes
commented 4 months ago

I do remember J's but I can't recall where they were. Your Dad must have been one of those people who could build or fix about anything. I visited Farmer John's several times over the years. I think it was a burger place before that and the name Mooney seems to stick in my mind. The Jumbo burger was in that same area. Now as I think back on all the family owned restaurants and countless other small business along old 99 the shift must have had a big financial impact on the small town for some time.
Richard Newland
commented 4 months ago

Those were great day's Charles~I recall when union was a motel strip,and had lots of resturants before I-5 was built there was no by pass every one travling from down south to northern Cali. had to drive on old 99~ Do you remember all the J's restraunts ? The owner was Joe Mooney~My dad did most of Mooney's interior work for him,The counters,booths,tables ect.~ There was a Farmer John's pancake House on Union around 18th street,was a busy place ~lot's of changes have been made here over the years~
Charles Holmes
commented 4 months ago

Thank You Richard for your comments, the 56 Chevy was a beauty. I think your prices are right on, I recall too, a pack of cigarettes and a gallon of gas were each about 25 cents. The drive in on Union Ave, (Old Hwy 99) and 19th was Stan's. It was a great spot with car hops on skates and great food. In the early to mid 60's Oak street became part of the route with Taco Bell, McDonalds and Pizzaville. Those were great times and cruzin was an amazing phenomenon. Wouldn't it be great to have that 56 Chevy PU now.
Richard Newland
commented 4 months ago

Wow~I remember going there the first time as a teenager~Around 1958~A friend had a 56 chevy PU that was customized~and we cruised ovre to Andre's and got a hamberger~Probably was .25 cents and a soda was .10 cents fries were around 15 cents if I remember . What was the name of the drive in on Union around 19TH street ? I can't remember~ Funny how crusin the main drags was a big thing back then~Crusing was going on all over the US~I did it back in Wichita Kansas Too !~ I guess that stoped several years ago ~Lot's of complaint's and problems~ Thanks for the memories Charles !!
Charles Holmes
commented 4 months ago

Thank You Patty, just think how long we have had to enjoy the good old days.
Charles Holmes
commented 4 months ago

You are welcome Larry, I find myself thinking of the good old days quite often. Surprising how much I can remember from long ago, yet can't remember where I left my keys yesterday.:)
Patty Cagle
commented 4 months ago

Like larry said Thanks for the trip down memory lane, but it sure made me feel old.
Charles Holmes
commented 4 months ago

Thank You Rhonda, those were fun times. The teenagers back then were satisfied with a burger fries and a shake. On occasion a burrito filled with Joe Andres fantastic beans.