Memories of Upland (and San Antonio Heights)

Sue Stone grew up in San Antonio Heights in the 1950s and ’60s, attended Sierra Vista Elementary, Upland Junior High and Upland High, now living in Ventura County. She found my blog and enjoyed mentions of “old” Upland.

Here’s what else she had to say:

“I very well recall my family going to the Sage Hen for dinner on special occasions. When it was changed to New China, I don’t think we ever went back. We also would go to the Sycamore Inn on very special occasions. I remember when a prime rib dinner was something like $3.95, and then when it went to $4.95, my father was incensed.

“Another restaurant I loved was Martinez’s on Foothill Boulevard, and their tacos were the best I’ve ever had over all these years. I tried to search out the recipe online, but I was never successful.  Other places from the old days: Stinky’s at the NW corner of Mountain Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, the Magic Lamp on Foothill, Taka Taco on the west side of Euclid somewhere south of 11th Street, The Stuffed Shirt at the NW corner of Foothill and Euclid, Betsy Ross Ice Cream on the north side of Foothill, and the Donut Shop on the east side of 2nd Avenue.

“There was the Central Market on 2nd Avenue. I was always fascinated by the sign that said ‘In Uplands (sic), it’s the Central Market.’ There was a pricey women’s clothing store called Town and Country downtown. Atwood’s was a very nice, small department store with wood floors and wood display shelves. I loved the old Carnegie library and spent many hours there. When the new library was opened, it was very disappointing because it had no atmosphere whatsoever.  I could go on and on but won’t take up much more of your time.” [No bother at all, I assure you.]

“In one of your columns, I saw a photograph of a small white church in San Antonio Heights, read the caption and thought I’d send you a bit more information about that building. As a child, I attended Sunday school there when it was called Bethany Union Church, and I have a Bible that was presented to me by that church on October 13, 1957, according to the handwritten inscription.”

“As an added piece of information, across the street somewhere from this church was a tiny, old market, the name of which escapes me, probably because everyone in the Heights referred to it as ‘the little store.’ It had one of those screen doors that banged whenever someone walked in or out. It was like something out of Mayberry.

“I hope these recollections add just a little something to your knowledge of the past history of Upland and the Heights. It was a great place to experience my childhood years.”
Thank you, Sue.
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