Thursday, August 1, 2019

Author of “An Altadena Boyhood” Signs Copies of New Book

Richard Bale Signs Memoirs 3-5p.m. Saturday Aug. 24 at Altadena Library

By STAFF REPORT

Richard Bale, author of a delightful new book of memoirs about growing up in Altadena in the 1940s, will sign copies of his book from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, in the community room of the Altadena main library.

There will be a program at which Bale will speak at 3 p.m.

The 120-page book, “An Altadena Boyhood,” with a forward by Altadena historian Michele Zack and illustrated with three dozen photos, has been published in cooperation between the Altadena Historical Society and Prospect Park Publishers of Altadena.

The soft-cover, bound book will be available for $15 at the event, after which it will be available at the Historical Society, 730 E. Altadena Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

The society also will mail the book to out-of-towners for an additional price to cover packaging and postage.

“For those of us who grew up in Altadena and newcomers alike, Richard’s book is an absolutely charming picture of a rather rural little town and somewhat simpler times,” said Kathy Larson Hoskins, society president.

“Anyone interested in the history of 20th century Southern California should read this book,” said Larry Wilson, public editor of the Pasadena Star-News who also had an Altadena boyhood.

Bale recalls neighborhood families raising chickens, goats and horses; Altadena Elementary School, Eliot Junior High School and John Muir High School; newspaper routes and Webster’s soda fountain; the Fuller Brush man and Helms Bakery trucks; and World War II blackout curtains and Victory Gardens.

“Most people think their hometown is special and I’m no exception,” Bale writes. “I enjoyed living in Altadena and realize now what a lovely little community it was for a kid growing up.”

Bale has written five books and numerous articles relating to family heritage, naval history, railroad history and model railroading. He is past president of the Jazz Society of Southern California. He retired as a senior executive at Price Club/Costco in 1995. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Oceanside; most of their eight children and 26 grand- and great-grandchildren live nearby.

Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Steet, Altadena.