One of my favorite childhood memories was of the 'Popcorn
Man' at the foot of Stearns Wharf. I grew up on
the Northside (San Roque)and we used to pedal our bikes or take the bus
down to the waterfront for a day of fishing followed by take out hamburgers
(toasted buns, cheese and Thousand Island dressing) at Sinceri's Restaurant
on West Beach.
At the time Santa Barbara did not have air-conditioned malls
and the Wharf, being over water, was our respite from the day's heat. I
remember the pinwheels that he fastened to the top of his popcorn 'cart'
- they rattled in the light breeze and their sound reinforced the image
of the Wharf as being the coolest place around.
Seeing this picture, taken by my brother Gerald, I was struck
by the fact that his trousers were freshly pressed every day as befitting
the waterfront proprietor that he was. In his own way he was dressing for
success - and what a success he was! It reminds me of the crease in my
own father's freshly-starched workman's chino pants and of my mother who
would not let him or any of us out of the house unless we were "presentable".
"He will always be remembered by those who had the opportunity
to know him and to appreciate his presence." The link above will
take you to an article commemorating his contribution to our community.
God bless you Everett, wherever you are. May you always have
freshly ironed trousers and be surrounded by pinwheels, the smell of hot
buttered popcorn and the voices of happy children.
You are sorely missed...
