DigeeBooks

Life in Fairfield in the decades after World War II was an unparalleled experience. From cruising down Texas Street on weekends to catching a carnival in the Wonder World parking lot, fond memories of long-lost times haven't been forgotten. People flocked to vintage eateries like Joe's Buffet and Smorga Bob's and played on the rocket ship slide at Allan Witt Park. Roller rinks like the M&M Skateway hosted not only skaters but also dances featuring Fats Domino and Roy Orbison. Commuters hopped aboard the FART bus to save on gas, and frequenting Dave's Giant Hamburgers was a rite of passage. Longtime Daily Republic columnist and accidental historian Tony Wade takes a deep dive into the Fairfield of yesteryear.

Growing Up in Fairfield, California

This poignant and thought-provoking memoir captures the essence of growing up in Fairfield, California, during the tumultuous 1960s. Through the eyes of a young boy, we witness the transformation of a small town into a bustling city, the struggles of a family trying to make ends meet, and the impact of social and political change on everyday life. With vivid descriptions and evocative prose, the author paints a vivid picture of a time and place that is both familiar and foreign, inviting readers to reflect on their own childhood experiences and the ways in which they have shaped their lives.

The book begins with the author's earliest memories of Fairfield, a sleepy town where everyone knew everyone else. He recalls playing in the fields and orchards that surrounded the town, exploring the nearby creek, and attending the local elementary school. As the town begins to grow and change, the author witnesses the arrival of new families, the construction of new schools and businesses, and the increasing diversity of the population. He also experiences firsthand the social and political upheavals of the 1960s, including the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the counterculture revolution.

Throughout the book, the author reflects on the challenges and joys of growing up in a small town during a time of great change. He writes about the importance of family and community, the power of education, and the resilience of the human spirit. He also explores the complex relationship between nostalgia and progress, and the bittersweetness of leaving behind the familiar for the unknown. Growing Up in Fairfield, California is a deeply personal and moving account of a childhood that is both unique and universal. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever looked back on their own childhood and wondered how it shaped the person they are today.