Alameda’s historical business signs
Today is the three-week mark since my human companion had his partial knee replacement. He is now walking about two miles a day, starting with a trip to Starbucks for a fancy matcha drink and then around the neighborhood in the afternoon. Yesterday he accompanied me part of the way around my midday walk. I only bring up this progress report because I am still using those evergreen reports I wrote in anticipation of my downtime.
This week’s report contains a collection of signs from historic Alameda’s businesses, bars, organizations, and of course the Alameda Theatre.
For those residents who stopped off at one of Alameda’s watering holes on the way home from work, the Pop Inn on Park Street and the Fireside Lounge (with the best garlic noodles on the planet, I’ve been told) were popular options. Don’t bother looking for the Lincoln’s Address sign—you’ll need to order a Mai Tai and sit in the outdoor patio of Forbidden Island (formerly Lincoln’s Address) to see that sign.
Many Alamedans remember Acapulco as one of the island’s classic Old Alameda restaurants. According to the BarkGPT app, “It originally began in 1953 when Modesto and Rose Quintero opened a small take-out stand at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street, serving traditional Mexican food to Alameda residents. Over the decades, it became a well-known neighborhood gathering spot and a multigenerational local institution. The family sold the restaurant in 2011.” My HC wants to know, does anyone remember Juanita’s?
Another iconic Alameda restaurant that is still open is Ole’s Waffle Shop, and if you are on Webster Street, check out the Croll’s sign, which marks the location of what is now 1400 Bar & Grill. Another Alameda classic.
One of my favorite signs is the one marking the location of the best hot dogs in all of Alameda. I am talking about The Pampered Pup. While there is a big sign on the building, I found this one inside the shop.
There are a number of organization signs like the Eagles and Elks, but I had never heard of the IOOF. Thought it was rather odd.
I had to do some serious investigating to find the World Famous Lee Auto Supply sign since the original sign on the front of the building was taken down. Fortunately, they left the back door sign.
The Fort Knox neon sign is really impressive in design and color selection. One of my favorites. I especially like the clock.
The House of Bagels sign didn’t look that old, but the tiles spelling out the name did. So, I opted for the tiles that greet you at the door.
Back in the day, it seemed like every neighborhood had a corner market. Many, like the Chestnut/Encinal Market, Grand Market, and Lincoln Market managed to survive the invasion of corporate megamarkets like Safeway, Lucky, and Nob Hill. Unfortunately, Bene’s Market didn’t make it.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/. All photos and videos by Jeff Cambra.
