Slide of the Week: March 25th, 2004
Tiki Party Toast - Compton, California - 1959
I have a special affection for the fabled city of Compton. Long before it became famous as a hot bed of hip-hop culture my mother grew up there in the 40s and 50s when it was just a typical working class suburban city. My grandmother was a housewife and my grandfather worked at the nearby shipyards. I remember going there as a toddler before they joined the so-called “white-flight” and moved to Ontario, CA in 1968. I doubt my grandparents ever drank sake but these people did. There’s a pack of cigarettes on the table too. My grandpa smoked. I propose a toast to tiki partiers –they’re drinkin’ sake in Compton - that is SO exotic -and in air conditioned comfort no less. These people really know how to have a good time.
How long has it been since you’ve proposed a toast with sake? For that matter, how long has it been since you threw a tiki party? Well… spring is here and summer is just around the corner. That means it’s time to get out those ‘ol grass skirts, stock up on plenty of tiki torches and some sake and get that party goin’! Let this slide be an inspiration. Look how much fun they’re havin’!!!
God bless Americana and Tikiana
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
March 2004
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One Comment on “Tiki Party Toast - Compton, California - 1959”
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February 27th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Wow! I was born in Compton in 1959 and this was a real blast from the past! I don’t recognize anyone in the photo but it reminds me so much of the parties my mother had when I was small. I grew up there attending school in the city until 10th grade. Thanks for the memories of a happier time.