Growing Up in Fairfield, California

Life in Fairfield in the decades after World War II was an unparalleled experience. From cruising down Texas Street on weekends to catching a carnival in the Wonder World parking lot, fond memories of long-lost times haven’t been forgotten. People flocked to vintage eateries like Joe’s Buffet and Smorga Bob’s and played on the rocket ship slide at Allan Witt Park. Roller rinks like the M&M Skateway hosted not only skaters but also dances featuring Fats Domino and Roy Orbison. Commuters hopped aboard the FART bus to save on gas, and frequenting Dave’s Giant Hamburgers was a rite of passage. Longtime Daily Republic columnist and accidental historian Tony Wade takes a deep dive into the Fairfield of yesteryear.