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Dick Dale and the Deltones were an integal part of Bal' Week,
surf music and, of course, the Rendevous Ballroom. The Rendevous was another "hang-out" for many Tustin teens.
When Dick Dale started playing "Let's Go Trippin'" the dance floor was the place to be. Weekends were always exciting
and the place filled up with both "surfers" and "greasers". An unspoken truce was usually in effect between the
groups, but occasionally their was a little scuffle. Kids will be kids.
We lived through the birth of rock and roll.
We shared the ocean as our playground and the great Southern California weather kept us active in that playground
year-round. We were truly lucky to have grown up in such a wonderful place during such a wonderful time.
We literally lived the life of American Grafitti, only maybe better!
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Merle's and Bal' Week were synonomous for many teenagers
in Tustin. As you probably remember, Merle's was located at about the corner of Jamboree and MacArthur. The above
photo is a copy of an original Merle's menu loaned to us by Linda Hermon, '61. A trip to Balboa Island during
Easter Week wouldn't be complete without a stop at Merle's. This was the gathering place for the "now famous"
hot rods of the '50's and '60's. Those of us who were "have nots" would park in the back and watch as loud, shiny cars would
cruz' around the parking lot. When someone finally got called out to race, Merle's would empty as
everyone hurried to an isolated street to watch the race (try that today!). It was crazy, but we loved it.
Did your parents ever take you and a friend to the
West Coast Theater (shown) or the Broadway? It was kind of embarassing for guys to be taken by their parents, but it
was even worse when the parents took the guys and their girlfriends! You did what you had to though, that is until
you got your driver's license.
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| John Milner's Deuce Coupe In American Grafitti |
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Cruisin' was a great pastime on the weekends. You could
see some cool cars and, if you were lucky, meet some chicks or guys.
Endless Summer was a great surfing movie produced
by Bruce Brown. It became a legacy for surfers, particularly in Southern California. It portrayed a carefree time
in our history. A time when beaches weren't crowded, youth had little responsibility and good times were goals
that were easilly achieved. A lifestyle that, unfortunately, teens today will never experience.
Those times may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.
We had the Orange Drive-in, the Paulo and La Habra to name a few
of the many drive-in's available in Orange County. They provided a great destination for dates or even a night
out and maybe a few beers with the boys (or girls whichever the case was).
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| The Orange Drive-in Circa mid-'50's |
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