There's something very wonderful going on at the Fresno Famous Web site, especially for Fresno old-timers -- a group that now emphatically includes me.
Back in February 2006, a fellow named Reggie Dunbar posted his "Lost Fresno" Top 10 list -- things that have vanished from our local lives over the years. His list included Lesterburger, the old White Front store, Perry Boys Smorgy and the Giant Slide on Blackstone Avenue.
In the ensuing year, more than 200 comments have been added to the original entry. It's an extraordinary compendium of Fresno That Once Was, and utterly delightful for those whose memory still functions, at least periodically.
I've already lost count of the memories the lists have resurrected in me: the Munchies hamburger joint on First north of McKinley -- I worked there the first summer it was open. Ann's Snow Cones, on Friant Road on the approaches to the dam. Harpain's Dairy. Various drive-in movies. Al Radka and his pleasantly loony commercials for Oberti olives, Lesterburger and Lamoure's Cleaners.
Penny Candy, The Wild Blue, the Outpost restaurant. Triple J drugstore, cruising Belmont Avenue, Webster Webfoot. It's all there, and much more. Splendid!
HOW ABOUT LOUIS GOMEZ. HIM AND Al Radka WERE FRESNO'S LOCAL CELEBRITIES.
I REMEMBER COMING HOME AFTER SCHOOL BACK IN THE LATE FIFTIES AND EARLY SIXTIES AND WATCHING THE AL RADKA SHOW WITH THE THREE STOOGES, EVERY DAY I LOOKED FORWARD TO THAT, I HAD A LOT OF FUN WITH HIS SHOW. TO BAD THINGS HAVE TO CHANGE SOMETIMES. TO BAD THERE IS NOT ANOTHER AL RADKA OUT THERE, MY KIDS WOULD LOVE IT. I THINK...
Al Radka was my childhood hero. Growing up in Firebaugh in the 1960's, times were tough, Mr Radka was the guy who got people like me through those times. Al will always be someone who gave me that little excape from reality. Mr Radka, God bless you. R.I.P.
Al Radka was my childhood hero. Growing up in Firebaugh in the 1960's, times were tough, Mr Radka was the guy who got people like me through those times. Al will always be someone who gave me that little excape from reality. Mr Radka, God bless you. R.I.P.