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.
Bob, this is so special and really funny too! I love Irish literature, music, and this lovely church. Thank you so much for adding another piece of Davis history.
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.
I remember a lot of respect for the braceros in Davis. My brother and I took the bus from city hall to pick tomatoes. Had the privilege to work along side these amazing workers. I learned a lot and earned a lot. The pay was good but I could not compete with the braceros.
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."
Oh wow, that's even more interesting. If I knew it was German, it would have guessed it pronounced more like "OO-stuh." (Sort of. If memory serves, the "Oe" or "Ö" has a vocal posture somewhere between our "oh" and "ooo" sounds, making it more similar to the "u" in "push." Then I would also assume the ending "e" is said like the schwa at the end of Porsche. Someone who actually knows German can correct me, though.)
Of course, this is coming from someone whose family has Anglicized "Honbo" for several generations. My dad's mom was the last in our family to say it with the proper Japanese pronunciation, and even she code-switched depending on her audience. As I recall, people said it kind of like the John Wayne movie, and everyone in the family just leaned into it.
Yes, I'm sure Oeste has been anglicized too. They weren't exactly fresh off the boat. My mom was a German "Wachsman," but I'm sure it was pronounced differently in the old country.
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!
This brought back memories. In the early 60s my dear friend Randy and his family were devout Catholics and he of course was sent to catechism. He resisted. So we hatched a plan where he would dress for class and ride his bike to catechism we’d wait a block away and it was off to the. Ll park for a p/u game. Exactly when class ended Randy would peddle back home change and rejoin us. It took the presenters about 3 sessions to figure this out. As for Dolcini, ah Mary Elllen. I was at north Davis as later was my sister and she ran the place with an iron but fair and. Loving hand. Later we served at st. James on the gospel/justice committee which i found out post my retirement has been abandoned. She was a fireball for peace and civil rights. A true Davis legend.
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
AI mass, can’t wait.
Bob, this is so special and really funny too! I love Irish literature, music, and this lovely church. Thank you so much for adding another piece of Davis history.
Thanks so much, Marilyn. And thank you for all you have done for Davis' faith community.
May God Bless Us All
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.
I remember a lot of respect for the braceros in Davis. My brother and I took the bus from city hall to pick tomatoes. Had the privilege to work along side these amazing workers. I learned a lot and earned a lot. The pay was good but I could not compete with the braceros.
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."
Oh wow, that's even more interesting. If I knew it was German, it would have guessed it pronounced more like "OO-stuh." (Sort of. If memory serves, the "Oe" or "Ö" has a vocal posture somewhere between our "oh" and "ooo" sounds, making it more similar to the "u" in "push." Then I would also assume the ending "e" is said like the schwa at the end of Porsche. Someone who actually knows German can correct me, though.)
Of course, this is coming from someone whose family has Anglicized "Honbo" for several generations. My dad's mom was the last in our family to say it with the proper Japanese pronunciation, and even she code-switched depending on her audience. As I recall, people said it kind of like the John Wayne movie, and everyone in the family just leaned into it.
Yes, I'm sure Oeste has been anglicized too. They weren't exactly fresh off the boat. My mom was a German "Wachsman," but I'm sure it was pronounced differently in the old country.
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.
And you loved living it. Thanks for sharing the joy.
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
This brought back memories. In the early 60s my dear friend Randy and his family were devout Catholics and he of course was sent to catechism. He resisted. So we hatched a plan where he would dress for class and ride his bike to catechism we’d wait a block away and it was off to the. Ll park for a p/u game. Exactly when class ended Randy would peddle back home change and rejoin us. It took the presenters about 3 sessions to figure this out. As for Dolcini, ah Mary Elllen. I was at north Davis as later was my sister and she ran the place with an iron but fair and. Loving hand. Later we served at st. James on the gospel/justice committee which i found out post my retirement has been abandoned. She was a fireball for peace and civil rights. A true Davis legend.