Yesteryear Brisbane!—
In 1948, Brisbane had two cleaning businesses: Wright Cleaners and Hillside
Cleaners. Both offered alterations and repair of clothing. Coats, pants
and sweaters began at 65 cents. Suits and overcoats, $1.35.
Bates Beauty Shop on Mariposa Street offered permanent waves @ $6.50 while a
shampoo and finger wave $1.25. Satisfaction guaranteed!
The Brisbane Rexall Drug store, at 49 Visitacion had specials: Duncan Yo Yos
15 & 35 cents, Kolynos Jolly Kap 9 cents, (have no idea what that was!)
Nyltone for Nylon Stocking protection 29 cents and Glenmore 90 poof Straight
Whiskey (5th) $4.99!
While Hillside Pharmacy offered: Jeris Hair Tonic and Jeris Cream Oil-both
for 51 cents plus tax.
Brisbane Radio Shop at 33 Visitacion, were “Dealers in the Best Line of
Radios,” Zenith, Howard, Philco, and Packard-Bell, portable-console and
table models, and also offering expert repairing.
Anderson’s Store at 341 Visitacion had “The Best Quality Line of Electrical
Appliances,” Bendix Washers, Western Holly Stoves, Norge Refrigerators,
vacuum cleaners and radios.
The Sweet Stop at 165 Visitacion featured frozen fresh ice cream, fountain
dishes, wholesome lunch and dinner service. They were open 8am to midnight!
Dagler’s Market, 301 Visitacion did TWO deliveries daily! They provided
fancy groceries and choice meats and were consistently the best! There was
also Midtown Market, Thee Market and Joe Demarco’s grocery store where women
shopped for families.
Phil’s Liquor Store and Fountain was at 311 Visitacion (now a Laundromat)
had a complete line of all popular brands of beer, wine and liquors AT San
Francisco prices, fountain service, magazines, ice cream and tobacco.
There was even a women’s clothing store, plus a family shoe store!
After World War II, Brisbane was bustling with new construction, returning
vets, the newly married and war workers who didn’t go back “home” and big
changes to come. Some had automobiles, rarely two. Many took the Greyhound
to San Francisco, others rode a tiny orange Brisbane bus that circled
Brisbane, and going to Bayshore for major shopping. Bayshore had a
Safeway, bank and other shops to browse through.
Men were working, purchased automobiles and women learned to drive. Big
changes occurred. Shopping malls, nearby, provided the wants and needs of
families, after World War II. At one time Brisbane provided what residents
needed for their homes and themselves. There was little need to take the
bus or drive out of town. Now, in my opinion, Brisbane truly is a “bedroom”
community.
This is from Dolores Gomez
Comments on this entry are closed.