Bob, what a wonderful article walking us through the history of St.James Church, the community and our town. You always bring have a way to make us laugh, warm our hearts, and provide us a wealth of information - you are so talented.
My brother and I were altar boys in the 5th & C church. We did a weekday mass for the Mexican farm workers (No sermon) I asked Father Coffee if doing a mass in Latin by English speakers for Spanish speakers seemed odd to him. He told me he would have to think about that and never did respond.
My dad used to take me to Sunday evening Mass at the farm labor camp at Cactus Corner. He wanted me to know about these hard-working people who were seemingly "invisible" in our town.
A great article and history of St. James parish. Your post reminded me of Crusader Rabbit which I watched as a child. I found this episode ,and others, at the Internet Archive. Enjoy!
I have heard of Fibber McGee, but have no memory of him. However, I used to see Flash Gordon movies at the kiddee matinee before the feature film started at the El Rey Theatre in Walnut Creek. BTW, Internet Archive is a great source for old stuff, e.g., Leave it to Beaver, 60’s underground comix, etc.
And to think that I've been pronouncing Oeste incorrectly correctly all these years. (Of course, we all have accepted the incorrect pronunciation of Los Angeles and never thought twice about it.)
Oeste is named for Laverne Oeste, who developed the area. Of German heritage. That's how the family pronounces it and they always write me to say "thank you" when I point it out.
It does mean "west" in Spanish and Oeste Manor was once the westernmost part of town, but that's not what it's named for. Also, natives say "pewtah" Creek, not "pootah."
Loved your article. I remember Deebo’s being on G st at 2nd, right down from Jerry Child’s meat shop. Where the Chen Bldg is now. Did it move or am I hallucinating?
Love the story – and as always, your knowledge and presentation of the history of Davis is appreciated! However, I do have a minor fact check: The Diocese of Salt Lake City also has a location where one can water ski and snow ski in the same day – as a matter of fact, in nearly the same second. I’m talking about the end of season pond skim at Snow Basin ski resort – where skiers dressed in everything from full downhill gear to bikinis end their last run of the season in a pond– some of them even make it to the other side!
Bob, what a wonderful article walking us through the history of St.James Church, the community and our town. You always bring have a way to make us laugh, warm our hearts, and provide us a wealth of information - you are so talented.
You are so kind. Thank you.
St. James has been a special place for me and our family.
This was a fun one to write.
And a miracle it would be if you made it to the 200th in person, but I'm sure you'll be looking down on it, Bob.
😇
Probably nothing but robots running the 200th celebration
Thank you, Bob, for another bit of history of our beloved Davis. I look forward to reading your column on the 200th celebration.
I'm working on it right now, Catherine.
A deadline is a writer's best friend, even if it's 50 years down the road.
May we both be here in the year 2075
Back in the late 80s, Father Coffee asked if I would ever consider joining the priesthood. I said I would not.
If mass was still held in a bar, I might have given a different answer.
Well, you did become a "Father," Ted and an incredibly good one at that.
My brother and I were altar boys in the 5th & C church. We did a weekday mass for the Mexican farm workers (No sermon) I asked Father Coffee if doing a mass in Latin by English speakers for Spanish speakers seemed odd to him. He told me he would have to think about that and never did respond.
With an Irish accent, no less.
My dad used to take me to Sunday evening Mass at the farm labor camp at Cactus Corner. He wanted me to know about these hard-working people who were seemingly "invisible" in our town.
A great article and history of St. James parish. Your post reminded me of Crusader Rabbit which I watched as a child. I found this episode ,and others, at the Internet Archive. Enjoy!
https://archive.org/details/texas-hare
Wow, Paul. Thank you.
You and I are dating ourselves by admitting we remember Crusader Rabbit.
How about Flash Gordon on TV and Fibber McGee and Molly on the radio?
I have heard of Fibber McGee, but have no memory of him. However, I used to see Flash Gordon movies at the kiddee matinee before the feature film started at the El Rey Theatre in Walnut Creek. BTW, Internet Archive is a great source for old stuff, e.g., Leave it to Beaver, 60’s underground comix, etc.
https://archive.org/
Great Bob! I have fond memories of St James when I lived in Davis. I remember Fr Coffey and of course, Fr Loony at your Mom's funeral.
Great men to be steering the ship, for sure.
And to think that I've been pronouncing Oeste incorrectly correctly all these years. (Of course, we all have accepted the incorrect pronunciation of Los Angeles and never thought twice about it.)
Oeste is named for Laverne Oeste, who developed the area. Of German heritage. That's how the family pronounces it and they always write me to say "thank you" when I point it out.
It does mean "west" in Spanish and Oeste Manor was once the westernmost part of town, but that's not what it's named for. Also, natives say "pewtah" Creek, not "pootah."
Loved your article. I remember Deebo’s being on G st at 2nd, right down from Jerry Child’s meat shop. Where the Chen Bldg is now. Did it move or am I hallucinating?
Davis Wiki agrees with you on G and 2nd
Thanks. I was born in 1954 and never left Davis.
Newcomer, for sure
You're right, Wendee. I think I confused Third and Second.
Deebo's was definitely 2nd and G
Another wonderful column full of rich history. Thank you, Bob!
I loved writing it, Anne. Thanks so much.
Love the story – and as always, your knowledge and presentation of the history of Davis is appreciated! However, I do have a minor fact check: The Diocese of Salt Lake City also has a location where one can water ski and snow ski in the same day – as a matter of fact, in nearly the same second. I’m talking about the end of season pond skim at Snow Basin ski resort – where skiers dressed in everything from full downhill gear to bikinis end their last run of the season in a pond– some of them even make it to the other side!
Interesting story.
I loved this story, Bob
Thanks, Jan. Greatly appreciated
You were a fabulous Master of Ceremonies at the celebration dinner, and I loved this reflection on the history of St.James!
Thanks, Christine. It was a complete joy to be part of the celebration
Lovely story🥰🥰
Thanks so much, Valerie