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| Memory Lane Submissions page two | Back |
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| For years, my Mom and I would walk down Linda Ave. to take in a double feature at the Piedmont Movie Theater, and a special part of those excursions was a trip to Fenton's Creamery…This was back in the late 40's or early 50's...Imagine your favorite Humphrey Bogart movie topped off with a fantastic hot fudge Sundae! Little did I realize at the time that I would meet Doug Fenton and his family, and that we would run off to Carson City, Nevada with his brother and Mother Ardis following behind us--and get married! I reside in Florida now, but my condo is on the market and I'm moving back to that area--What memories the stories I've read bring back: The Key Train (#C) which would take my Dad off to work in S.F. daily, Piedmont Grocery, the movie theater--But most of all, Fenton's...It's like an old friend and I can hardly wait until I'm back there to revisit one of the most endearing virtual landmarks of my youth! Best of luck to you--Hope I get to meet you upon the reopening! Wynne Fenton Lindbergh |
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| Please keep me posted as to when you are opening any phase of Fenton's...We miss it terribly. I live in the state of Washington, but grew up in Oakland. Fenton's was always the place we went after a school function from as far back as I can remember. In high school, the gang used to get together there for black and tans, lots of laughter, and great comaraderie. Now, I don't go to Oakland without at least one (and usually more) visit to Fenton's for a chocolate shake and an olive sandwich. Even my kids are hooked from their visits over the years. My older son now lives in Oakland, so I started the tradition with him too! I am in Oakland at least once a month, so these past few months have had a real void in my not being able to enjoy my Fenton's treat! Looking forward to your opening. I hope you don't change it inside--that is what makes it so special: it's like sliding into the past, recapturing our youth---clean it up, but don't update it please!!!! Cindi Schloming Wolfe |
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| My late husband, Dan, and I often visited Fenton's, sometimes completely unplanned when we were just driving by......."Look! A parking space and no line!" The evening before my husbands funeral was my brother's 60th birthday and of course.......we went to Fenton's. As everyone in the place sang Happy Birthday to him I knew, somehow, that everything was going to be okay. Many thanks to Fenton's for over 30 years of happy.......and poignant memories. Kathie Long |
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There are so many memories of Fenton's that I just don't know where to start. I grew up on the avenue, and Fenton's is a big part of my life. It was always a treat to bring visiting family or friends, we would walk down and buy huge ice cream cones and laugh all the way home as we tried to eat our cones before they started to melt. Also regardless of day or time, I always ran into someone that I knew there. It was just funny how ice cream brings out the masses, it didn't matter if it was raining or sunny, actually some of the longest lines were on cold raining nights. I am very excited about your re-opening, the only positive side to your being closed is my diet. Best Wishes and hope to see Swiss Milk Chocolate in my future. Cora Wood |
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| So sorry you've not been open. I've been going there since I was a Freshmen at Cal in 1968. I've been bringing my children there since they were little (now they are 15 and 20). One of them couldn't get enough of Fentons so we brought her in and let her eat as much as she wanted--meaning until she threw up. (She did that at home.) We still love it. I was going to do a journalism assignment for a UC Extension class (creative writing) on Fentons. But alas, I need to be there when you are in operation. Yes, I support the landmarking. I would like to get updates on your progress toward reopening. Thanks very much, Marla Wilson |
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Fentons, My first memories of Fenton's date to its previous location where the post office is now. It was always a treat to be taken for a root beer float or a milkshake. Kneeling on the stool at the counter to get the last drop to come up through the straw was part of the ritual. If my appetite needed coaxing during a childhood illness, a milkshake would appear at my bedside with, I learned years later, an egg mixed in for added nourishment. By the time I was in my teens, Fenton's had moved to Piedmont Avenue. I remember more milkshakes and sundaes with high school friends. Those were the days when I could polish off a tuna and olive or an egg and olive or a ham and cheese sandwich and a chocolate milkshake for lunch and be hungry again by dinner. As an adult, I moved away from Oakland but have returned frequently to visit my family. Well into their old age they enjoyed their visits to Fenton's, but we usually took home a good bit of a milkshake to have later on. Now I'm back again to help out during what I'm afraid will be my dear aunt's last illness. Milkshakes are still around for her but, alas, must be purchased elsewhere while you are rebuilding. Wishing you a speedy return to a flourishing Fenton's and looking forward to new memories, Sincerely, Kathleen Peck |
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Dear Fentons, I remember when Fenton's was on Foothill Blvd near Seminary. We would stop by on our way to and from Frick Jr Hi. We would dance in the back to the Jute Box. Then have a "Shimmy," which was like a milk shake, for five cents, (yes one nickel). We'll never see those days again. John Nicolini |
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Fentons, Every time my grandparents come to town, I always look forward to going to Fentons with them. I have been going to your place since I was very little. I love your sandwiches and ice cream and really hope you open again soon. -Daniel Blanchard Oakland, California |
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Dear Scott, Here is my story: It was 1998. Ronn was the first person I dated after my marriage dissolved. The breakup of the marriage happened for numerous and complex reasons, but suffice it to say my ex-husband is now happily married to his secretary. Things were getting serious with Ronn. But how could I know if he would be faithful? How could I know that our love would endure? The answer came to me immediately. Three simple words: Swiss Milk Chocolate. It has been Ronn's favorite flavor since he was five. If Swiss Milk Chocolate could be his favorite for over thirty years, then so could I. We are one wedding and two children later and eagerly looking forward to sharing a pint of Swiss Milk Chocolate at Fenton's again. With best wishes, Joan Korin |
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Fentons I was saddened to hear of the fire that destroyed a large part of Fenton's Creamery. I have wonderful memories of having lunch there every Friday with my young daughter in the 1980's. As I worked full time 4 days a week, Friday was the one day Deanna and I treated ourselves to some quality time...the morning spent at the Temescal library and then lunch at Fenton's...grilled cheese sandwich for her and crab for me with a coffee milkshake to share. My mouth is watering as I type this! Deanna is now a sophomore at UC Davis and I am working 2 jobs...but the memories of those days of finding good books to read and sharing lunch together will always be part of who we are. Looking forward to your re-opening!! Sincerely, Nancy Gianopoulos |
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Dear Fentons – It was with shock and sadness that we heard about your fire. We haven't lived in Oakland in almost 20 years, but we've been back to visit often and have always stopped at Fentons! When I first visited my soon-to-be husband, Russ, an Oakland native, he and his grandparents introduced me to Fentons. Then when Russ and I were first married we lived right up the street on Pleasant Valley Ave. and made weekly (or more often) trips to eat ice cream - Fentons became synonymous with our big night out. I remember one time in particular when a friend joined us for dinner and ice cream. We all had sandwiches (I think my favorite was a tuna and egg with black olives) and then Russ and I decided to share a black and tan because I knew I was too full to eat a whole one. Our friend, a woman seminarian from Berkeley, had managed to eat a whole sandwich (Russ ate part of mine for me), and then topped it off with a Banana Royal!! I couldn't believe she ate the whole thing! Obviously she was very pleased with your food. We were, too, and sure hope to visit again when you're up and running. Good luck, and thanks for the wonderful memories! Sincerely, Ellen (and Russ) Green - now of Vermont! |
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Fentons, Our daughter Katie's first birthday was celebrated at Fenton's, and every birthday since, she is about to turn 7 on March 8, and this will be the first birthday that she will not celebrate at Fenton's. We have a very vivid memory of her very first birthday there when the staff and the entire restaurant sang her Happy Birthday. All she could do was stare at the long birthday candle that came with her ice cream and then look around in amazement at all the people singing her Happy Birthday, luckily we caught it on video. It will always be a cherished family memory. Of course, when our second daughter, Megan, came along we would also celebrate her birthday at Fenton's, she was born on February 25, so during that time of year we would eat a lot of ice cream. Of course, we also come at other times of the year when we feel like a Fenton's fix. We look forward to continuing our family traditions at Fenton's. The Corbett Family Kevin, Michelle, Katie and Megan |
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Scott,
When my husband and I were still dating, we came to Fentons often. We liked to see the babies and happy families enjoying their ice cream. In fact, we came in so often and enjoyed the families so much that we finally decided to take the leap and start a family of our own. When friends and family ask what made us decide it was time to have children, we tell them that spending so much time at Fentons Creamery made us want to become a family. We are now married and have a little baby girl named Camille who is six months old. Our first outing when she was five days old? To Fentons of course!!
-Audra Delany |
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Scott,
Like September 11, the date of November 21 shall live in infamy. A week before Oakland's tragedy, I enjoyed a nice brunch there, and had my favorite ice cream: Swiss Milk Chocolate.
I have many good memories of Fenton's as do my parents who went there on dates in the 50s before it moved up to its present location.
About twenty years ago, a rowdy (and probably intoxicated) patron stood up on the counter, waved his arms, and yelled something that sounded like, "Free beer for everybody!"
I sincerely hope that both you and Fentons are getting along okay, and I look forward to your triumphant return!
Take care --
Mark Walsh |
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Dear Fentons,
Of all the stories you have heard about Fenton's Creamery Ill bet you haven't heard this one. As a small girl living here in the area, my mother would send me down to Fenton's Creamery along with a little container to be filled with their rich cream. It was the only cream that would do as far as my mother was concerned At that time Fenton's was only a creamery, no ice cream, and the front door was katty corner facing Howe and Forty-First Street. Upon entering a bell would ring and old Mr. Fenton would shuffle out to fill the order.The windows of the creamery faced forty-first street and my cousin, who was about my age, and I would cross the street to avoid the clouds of steam that would shoot out while the bottles were being sterilized.As time passed ice cream was added to the menu and while on Forty-first Street it was a favorite haunt of the young people in the area.
Lucille Burkhart |
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Fentons,
My Aunt was married to Doug Fenton. His Great Grandfather, Elbridge Fenton, was the founder of Fenton's. You had asked for submissions of fond memories that the people who frequented the fountain had. And when I told my Aunt the horrible news, she went on for hours....But I'll bet you never heard this old tale.....
One hot day, a lady came in as she did quite often. She placed her usual order, sipped her water, and was soon presented her cool creamy dessert. It wasn't but a few minutes later, she clutched her chest and fell to the floor. The staff immediately came to her aid. Some one called out to hurry and get her a doctor....And she shook her head, "No" It was against her religion. She wanted to be left there, on Fenton's parlor floor, to meet her maker...And they complied... It was her wish.... Whattaya gonna do?
I wish you all of the best!
Respectfully,
Cindy in Oakdale, CA
(Next to Hershey's Chocolate) |
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Dear Scott,
I will always have a very warm spot in my heart for Fenton's because my first "movie date" ended there. The year: 1977. The movie: Star Wars. My date: my dad. I was six, and my dad took me to see my very first movie at the Piedmont Avenue Theater, and afterwards we walked up the street to Fenton's. I can still remember my dish of strawberry ice cream with the two little cookies on the side. It was the perfect end to a wonderful evening. I went to Fenton's numerous times over the years and always enjoyed the great ice cream and the classic atmosphere.
I now live far from California, but I will definitely visit Fenton's on my next trip to the Bay Area. Black and tans just aren't the same anywhere else!
Take care,
Elizabeth Eaton
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey |
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Fentons,
When I was growing up in Oregon, my dad would take me on road trips to the Bay Area, where he grew up, and always treated me to Fentons Ice Cream. He told me stories about how his dad used to take the family there all the time when he was a kid. Now that I've grown up and live in San Francisco, I've taken everyone I know to Fenton's to relive those trips to the Bay Area with my dad. It helps to remember that no matter how far away I am from my dad, I have a place to go to that's "our place." Hope everything goes well with the renovation and that you open soon!
Erynn Hall
San Francisco, CA |
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Scott,
I just caught the last few minutes of the History Channel program on 1/23, featuring Fenton's then came upon the story of your fire in November.
The name Fenton's goes way back for me, as my uncle Cal Griffin was a Fenton's milkman way back in the 40`s, & he would bring his truck around to our home in San Leandro...I assume that was when your plant was on 26th, 29th, or one of the numbered cross streets? As a kid I can recall seeing the Key System train parked at the Piedmont Ave intersection...and there was a shoe store somewhere on Piedmont Ave where my mother brought us to buy shoes.
Anyway, like I said the Fenton's name goes way back, & the good eating IÍve had there over the years when I come into the bay area...love your crab sandwiches, mmmmmm, good.
Harry Thompson
Tucson, AZ |
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Dear Fentons
In the early 1980's my two friends and I had a contest. Who could eat a Fenton's Sundae the most days in a row. I only lasted a few days,but my two other friends went head to head for several days. Finally, one of my friends won. The record was eleven days in a row (one day he ate two).
Once during the contest he even ate an unfinished sundae the previous party had left behind at the table!! (of coarse we were very young at the time).
After that, the first place and runner up started an ice cream club, which excluded me because I came in third. After some period of time I was given an opportunity to "try out" for the club after coming in a disgraceful third place.
We all three went and I was to be judged on my ability and finesse in eating a milk shake. Well, I ordered my milk shake and slowly enjoyed it. I was doing well. Then, when I went to refill the milk shake from the metal container, I tipped it too high and it fell out all at once and spilled on the table. My two friends in the very exclusive "ice cream club" shook their heads in disappointment. They failed me for not correctly using the "tapping" motion required for an even pour.
I have more Fenton stories, but this one was the best. I miss Stella the waitress. I hope she is doing well.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wilkinson |
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Dear Fentons,
In the late eighties, I was in charge of a group of Russian students who came to the Head-Royce School from Oakland's sister city, Nakhodka. I brought them to Fenton's on the night the Cal Band was initiating its new members. The initiation consisted of seeing who could eat a Fenton's banana split the fastest without using hands! Now, in Nakhodka, a small scoop of ice cream was considered a huge treat. Imagine the look on the Russian students' faces when they saw the size of the sundaes and the way the new band members were eating them! I ordered a selection of Fenton's sundaes and smiled as the Russians picked up their spoons and started devouring them. (They didn't go for the idea of forgoing silverware!)
Wendy Harris
Oakland, CA |
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Dear Scott,
My wife and I are from Los Angeles with grandchildren, Daniel and Becky, residing in Oakland. The highlight of each visit after meeting
with the grandchildren is to take them with us for the superb ice cream
and the Green Grocer sandwiches. We share in your disappointment and hope you will be able to open in the Spring on schedule. Best of luck and our regards,
Roland and Naomi Childs
Los Angles |
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FENTONS LOVE STORY
When I met the love of my life in 1999, we were at a wedding and only spoke to each other for a few minutes. A few months later, we bumped into each other at Fenton's. He was sitting at the next table over and I didn't think he would recognize me. Sure enough, he remembered meeting me and we got to talking and he asked me out. Fentons is one of our most special places and we can't wait until the doors are open again.
Emily Baker |
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Fenton's Memory
After living in the area for over 2 years, we finally got off our butts, and started to explore our neighborhood. Now a few times a week we leash up the dogs and enjoy a long walk to Piedmont Street. The highlight of the walk was stopping by Fenton's for a couple of single cones to share on the bench out front. One of us would go in and order and the other stay out front with the dogs. Always lots of people asking questions about our Greyhounds and reaching down to pet them as we ate wonderful Fenton's cones. I liked to look thru the big windows and see who was inside enjoying Fenton's food and ice cream, the families, teenagers, first daters, Piedmont Seniors, grandparents and grandkids, and groups of good friends. Fenton's is a part of our neighborhood and community. We look forward to Fenton's return, and once again stopping by for a cone in the middle of our nighttime walks.
Scott, as small business owners we were especially saddened by the news. Better days and better employees are surly ahead for you and your business.
Wishing you and yours the best this holiday season,
Daniel and Eddie |
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Dear Fentons,
For me it is a combination of memories, but I think the ones, which mean the most to me, in addition to the birthday party, revolve around our daughter. Fentons has often been a place to go after a very trying day, Summer.
Summer just turned nine, but when she had her ears pierced about five years ago it was a painful experience for a four year old. Within a few months she had a mole surgically removed. On both of those days we went to Fentons to try to take away some of the hurt. As she has gotten older and received birthday money or earned her allowance, she often asks to go to Fentons after dinner. We'll say we don't have the money right now, and she'll speak right up and say, "I'll pay." Then she starts heading for her bank. We usually say no in those instances, in large part because Fentons is a part of our life, but we like to save it for special occasions.
Alan Blank
Oakland, CA |
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Copyright 2003 Fentons |
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