Throwback Time: A Trip Back To Santa Clara Valley Long Before It Became Silicon Valley

A few years ago I was invited to an event industry preview of a new facility by the popular catering company, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme. They had just taken over a defunct nightclub in downtown San Jose known as The Victory Lounge. I was honestly having trouble paying attention to the presentation because the walls were covered with signs that blew my mind. The night club just left their existing decor which was a total flashback to my youth. Someone had taken the time to make perfect recreations of signs from businesses that originated in Santa Clara County in the 50's and 60's. Each sign was an exact replica of the logo and colors of these businesses. I spent the entire time at the event making a list of the names.

Even though I am a San Jose native there were still several of these names that I did not recognize. I decided it was worth keeping a log because it would have been impossible for me to recall all of the names. I am not sure where these signs have ended up but I am hoping they might have made their way to the San Jose Historical Museum near Kelley Park. Anyone who remembers Santa Clara Valley in the pre-technology era will appreciate these companies who really helped shape our culture.

Diamond Laundry Cleaners
Burger Pit
Borcher Bros. Fuel
UA Theaters
De Anza Hotel
Newberry's (The American Way)
Curry & Gripenstraw Funeral Directors
Palomar Gardens School of Dance
Frontier Village
Mayfair Market (You Always Get More For Your Money)
Super Thrifty Markets
Alma Bowl
El Rancho Drive-In Amusement Theatre - Best In The West
Original Joe's
Hyatt St. Claire
Dobashi
Coronet
Greyhound Bus
Fox California - The Best Of Everything
Gallenkamp's Super Shoes
Henry's Hi-Life
Liberty Theatre
Tiny's Drive-In Restaurant
Dollar Dan (Says now I'm the dealinest)
Western Appliance
Hales
Smilin' Bills Furnitureland
Lucky (Operated by your neighborhood)
Black Cat Licorice
Hart's - San Jose's Largest Department Store
Walgreen (You're Always Welcome At Walgreen)
Courtesy Chevrolet
Daylite Meat Company
Proctor's
Nickel's Tailoring
The Pink Poodle
Be Wise Shop & Save @ BI-Wise Market
Alum Rock Drive-In
Star & Bar Stations
Studio Theatre
Babe's Muffler
Willow Donuts & Coffee Shop
Mossholder's Nursery
American Dairy
Foster Optical
Giant Super
5 Spot Drive-In
Mel Cottons
Club Almaden (Swim Everyday at Club Almaden)
Olivera Egg Ranch
Firato Ravioli
Andy's Pet Shop
Aconda Hotel
Columbia Dollar Stores
Town & Country Village
Farmer's Union
Crest Theatre
Wings Chinese
Race Street Fish & Poultry
Camden Pet Hospital
Burbank Theatre
Mission Theatre
General Appliance
Allied Radio & Television
O.C. McDonald
Rosicrucian Museum
Kiddie World
Emporium
Bullocks
Orchard Supply Hardware
Santa Clara Country Fair
Stephen's Meat Products
Hills Flowers
Loew's Hippodrome
Goldeen's Furniture
Trinkler-Dohrmann Co. - Good Housekeepers
Jolly 5 & 10
Padre
State "San Jose's Favorite Theater"
M Blum and Company
Fredkins Busy Markets