San Mateo, CA History

History Summaries

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I lived at 118 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Apt. F, in the Hillsdale Garden Apartments. When my stepfather was transferred from San Francisco to Florida by the RCA Computer Division, I moved in with Ron for a few months, so I could complete the school year. I lived with his mother Paula MacGibbon (operatic singer - boy, she sure could belt out Melisande - DeBussy, while my mom played the piano), and stepfather Greg MacGibbon , who was a school teacher. I will never forget Greg's 1952 black Chevy. Paula is instantly remembered, every time I see Bea Arthur, her famous twin in earlier photos, as I recall. Just as tall, too.

Over the years, I lost track of Ron, and his sister Adria Fisher. The last thing I had heard, was that Ron was attending Oregon State in 1963. And his parents bought a house up on the hill, by Highway 92.

In March 2006, I bought a 1961 Hillsdale High "Shield" Yearbook on eBay, since I never got one. It belonged to Ron Fisher! How improbable is THAT, among hundreds of students? But I'm not in it, even though I remember the photo sitting at Bodnar's Photography. I waited 45 years, and no photo! Bureaucratic error, I guess.

On the one hand, I was pleased that I was the one to get Ron's Junior year annual. On the other hand, it probably means that he is no longer with us.
The SSA death index provides the following information -
Ronald Edward Fisher
Born July 2, 1944
SS Card issued in California
Died Feb. 28, 2004, San Francisco, 94142

I wish we hadn't drifted apart, and I had known him late in life. Ron was a great guy - really smart, and a great sense of humor. He was well-liked by everyone. Another missed opportunity, and lost friend.

It is possible to become consumed with one's own directions, problems, and inconsequential pursuits, and forget the more important things in life.
You don't find out about this until later.

2009 UPDATE: In 1961, Ron had a second little sister, Wendy, who is now Wendy Devore. For awhile, Ron and Barbara were boyfriend and girlfriend. Later on, Ron married a different Barbara, and had a son, Joseph Fisher.

2010 UPDATE: I was able to obtain a 1962 Hillsdale High yearbook on eBay, which lists all my classmates from 1961. It belonged to Judy Ann Mirk. Even though I was not at Hillsdale in 1962, they somehow included my photo with the 1962 seniors. Perhaps it was to make up for the fact that I was omitted me from the 1961 yearbook (I had arrived late from Los Angeles, and left early for Oregon.)

Saturdays on the Field

We used to play informal pickup football games on the HHS grass field. Tackle, with no equipment. One Saturday, I attempted to advance the ball, by applying my nose to Dick Bauer's knee. Arggg. I remember the pain, but what I remember most is the expression on everyone's face, when I rolled over, and looked up at them - all mouths agape. I horrified them all.

Off to the hospital. Do you know how they straighten out a broken nose? Well, there is this heavy, rounded, V-shaped chrome tool. The big side of the V is the doctor's handle, and the other side of the V is a rounded prong ... well, you get the picture. The least fun I have ever had.

The doctor insisted that my mother bring down a recent picture of my face. HUH? What was that about? If my nose was crooked, you want to return it to that condition? Are you crazy? Lose the freakin' picture - make it as straight as you can! Holy Moses! My nose turned out fine.

My Friends and Acquaintances

A-M
Jaime Barnard, Patty Bench, Dick Bauer, Jim Bauer,
Kris Cavalli, Lowell Cain, Chuck Cone,
Mike DeMercurio, Ron Dogey, Ron Fisher,
Pat Frederick, Jay Friedman, Patrick Fulljames,
Bob Futterer, Armand Gambera, Jeff Grant, Allan Hughes,
Dick Hanning (RIP -he punched my lights out in PE boxing class),
Barbara Lucey, David Mackley, Jim Miller,

N-Z
Sharon Noah, Bob Nutting, Terri O'Neil, Richard Pearson,
Lou Schick, Rick Schweiger, Greg Strong,
Bob Tornai, Joan Watson, Linda Watson, Joan and John White,
Emily Williams, Michael Young, Fred Yohe, Bob Yutzy, etc.

And another girl whom I didn't know, whose initials were C.J., had the most amazing ... err, sweaters, ever witnessed by man. The "Gran Tetons" came to mind for any Frenchman. Most male students could not speak properly, if she was present. I was fine. Not my thing.

Other Memories

Kibby's at 36th and El Camino - remember? How many nights did you spend in there? Getting a burger, and malted. The quintessential California "Mel's Drive In".

Hambone's Pizza Parlor at the Villa Hotel? Remember old Mace, the black blues piano player at Hambone's? I used to love it, when he asked for "requests", and some idiot drunk would shout out something to try and stump him. One night, it was Rachmaninoff's Concerto in C-Sharp Minor - he screwed around a bit for drama, feigning ignorance . . and then ...
BONG . . . BONG . . . BONG he started, and flawlessly completed the entire piece (my mom used to play it - the most depressing tune on earth. Old Rocky was a dark dude, and had no problem expressing that fact.)
Mace was classically trained, and highly accomplished, but preferred the honky-tonk life style. I think he was from Monterey, or moved there. He was never stumped, as far as I know - and ALL committed to memory! Yowsa! His skill was my envy.

Remember Alfred Ladendorff for American Government? Who could forget him? Sorry, Al, but all the stuff you taught us isn't true anymore. The 24,000 Washington lobbyists now call all the shots (55 for each of the 435 congressman - their sole job is to pump money to lawmakers, and EVEN write the laws).

People don't matter any more, because they no longer have a voice. Congress is a TOTAL sellout - it's now all about corporate cash. The future of this country looks bleak, indeed. What do you have to say about that, Al? I did like you, in spite of the accusations of you being "tough". But with 100+ class sizes in the auditorium (weren't they?), you had to be a general.

Name

Birth

Death

Last Residence

Last Benefit

SSN

Issued

Richard Hanning

12 Oct. 1944

29 May, 1965

Santa Clara, CA

-

-

-

L. F. Schick

09 Jul. 1944

xx Aug. 1989

Chicago area

(none specified)

545-60-9468

California

Jay Friedman

16 Mar. 1944

10 Nov. 1996

?

(none specified)

545-60-9965

California

Robert Stephens

14 Aug. 1920

29 Dec.1997

Oceanside, CA

(none specified)

550-26-9047

California

Paula MacGibbon

31 Dec. 1919

16 Feb. 2002

San Mateo, CA

(none specified)

130-01-3439

New York

Ronald E. Fisher

02 Jul. 1944

28 Feb. 2004

94142
San Francisco

(none specified)

552-60-4035

California

Greg MacGibbon

???

?? ??? 2005

-

Yountville, CA

-

-

-

Doris Stephens

13 Dec. 1920

01 Mar. 2006

Woodland Hills, CA

-

-

-

 Name

 Note

Vaughn Aubuchon (Soquel, CA)

Lived at 113 W. Hillsdale Blvd.

Dee Gardetti (Young)

Lived on Donner St., San Mateo

Rick Schweiger (WA)

Lived on Oso St., San Mateo

Joseph Fisher (CA)

Ron's son (contact for email)

-

Wendy Devore (CA)

Ron's sister (contact for email)

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