San Mateo, CA History

History Summaries

 .
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 (operatic singer - boy, she sure could belt out Melisande - DeBussy, while my mom played the piano), and stepfather Greg ????? , 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, a raven-haired beauty. 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 comsumed 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.

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,
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.

Other Memories

Kibby's at 36th and El Camino - remember? How many nights did you spend in there? 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

 Note

 Vaughn Aubuchon (Santa Cruz, CA)

 Lived at 113 W. Hillsdale Blvd.