Hal Linker reminisces, part 4

Day 4 and we’re barely one-third of the way through his e-mail. Don’t worry, we’ll take a break this weekend for the Restaurant of the Week and “Pomona A to Z.” Here’s what Hal has to say about movie theaters and a fondly remembered restaurant:

I remember the opening of Cinema I and II and their SMOKING SECTIONS and ashtrays. The Montclair Theater on Holt began life as a single-screen theater in the late 1960s before becoming a tri-plex by the 1970s with, yes, smoking sections — from back in the days when we had nothing to fear but fear itself.

Pre-Cinema I & II you could find me at The Fox, United Artists in Pomona or the Village in Claremont. What gorgeous theaters these were. Unfortunately, the last thing I ever saw at The Village Theater was a Cheech and Chong movie and the place really was Up In Smoke. At some point a restaurant was opened at the old theater and later shops. I think the restaurant was called Square One or Harvard Square. Maybe it’s still there.

I used to love the corn chowder soup at The Old Montclair Peanut Company. My date got sick once there after consuming too many Rusty Nails. I warned her that Drambuie was bad stuff and shouldn’t be messed with! All I got for my cautions was puke on my shoes and pants.

Isn’t that how it always is? And yes, Harvard Square Cafe is still in the old theater space and goin’ strong.

Next time: bars and nightclubs.

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