When I was 6, we moved from Porterville to Sacramento, and settled at 3304-35th Street, spitting distance from the California Theater. And so, from 1942 to 1949, I spent every (and I mean EVERY) Saturday and Sunday at the movies. There was always a new show on Sunday, so that was a double treat. And Saturdays always had two movies, previews, news, and a serial. I loved the Nyoka series, and always play-acted each sequel in my back yard. Once a month they had a drawing,and I once won a baseball, which I treasured it to death. I can honestly say that the movies of the 40’s emphasized honor, good strong character, and always doing the right thing. These movies molded me into the person I am today, and I thank God I lived at the right time to experience the joys that the California Theater offered to us. I remember that huge candy counter, and Big Hunks were really huge, and cost a nickel. A box of Milk Duds was also a nickel. Ditto with a bag of popcorn and a coke. My mother always gave me 50 cents on Saturday and 50 cents on Sunday so I could get my movie fix. It cost 9 cents to get in, and when I turned 12, it went up to 14 cents. There was a candy store next to the theater, and in those days, all sorts of stores. I really enjoyed the Ice Cream shop across the street, where they gave a double scoop on special cones, side by side. I miss those days, and I feel sorry for the kids of today who don’t experience what we old-timers did back in the 40’s.
Billie Holliday
When I was 6, we moved from Porterville to Sacramento, and settled at 3304-35th Street, spitting distance from the California Theater. And so, from 1942 to 1949, I spent every (and I mean EVERY) Saturday and Sunday at the movies. There was always a new show on Sunday, so that was a double treat. And Saturdays always had two movies, previews, news, and a serial. I loved the Nyoka series, and always play-acted each sequel in my back yard. Once a month they had a drawing,and I once won a baseball, which I treasured it to death. I can honestly say that the movies of the 40’s emphasized honor, good strong character, and always doing the right thing. These movies molded me into the person I am today, and I thank God I lived at the right time to experience the joys that the California Theater offered to us. I remember that huge candy counter, and Big Hunks were really huge, and cost a nickel. A box of Milk Duds was also a nickel. Ditto with a bag of popcorn and a coke. My mother always gave me 50 cents on Saturday and 50 cents on Sunday so I could get my movie fix. It cost 9 cents to get in, and when I turned 12, it went up to 14 cents. There was a candy store next to the theater, and in those days, all sorts of stores. I really enjoyed the Ice Cream shop across the street, where they gave a double scoop on special cones, side by side. I miss those days, and I feel sorry for the kids of today who don’t experience what we old-timers did back in the 40’s. Billie Holliday