Classic American West Coast Boxing

[kikibalt]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Boyfriend”

My older sister had a boyfriend, Ramon”, who, when he would come over in the evenings to see her he had to come inside the house as sister was not allowed to go outside with him. Ramon drove a 1939 Chevy that didn’t have a key, he would just hot-wire it. As soon as Ramon would walk inside the house, I would walk out the back door, I would come around the alley jump in Ramon’s ‘39 Chevy, hot-wire it and go pick-up my friends and go joy-riding around the barrio, I knew about what time Ramon would be leaving, so I would park the ‘39 back in front of the house 15-20 minutes before Ramon would be leaving, Ramon would hot-wire the Chevy ready to leave, look at the gas gauge and go nuts “they stole my gas again”

[kikibalt]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Rope”

Around the block from my house some people were having a party, an adult party, us young teenagers, 13-14 years old at the time wanted to go to the party, we thought we were chingones and should be allowed at the party, but the people having the party said no, we were too young they said. We left and got a long rope, came back to the party and tied one end of the rope to the house wooden fence and the other end to the bumper of a car park in front of the house, we waited in the dark until the party was over, at some point the people that owned the car came out to go home, they said their good-byes got in the car and drove away taking the fence with them.

That gave me a real laugh mate you were an evil little bastard when you were young, that's just the sort of things my mates & me got up to
If an adult tried to put one over our gang they soon found strange things happening to their cars like sugar in the fuel tank

Not the first time I been call "Evil"....

[Rick Farris]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Rope”

Around the block from my house some people were having a party, an adult party, us young teenagers, 13-14 years old at the time wanted to go to the party, we thought we were chingones and should be allowed at the party, but the people having the party said no, we were too young they said. We left and got a long rope, came back to the party and tied one end of the rope to the house wooden fence and the other end to the bumper of a car park in front of the house, we waited in the dark until the party was over, at some point the people that owned the car came out to go home, they said their good-byes got in the car and drove away taking the fence with them.

That gave me a real laugh mate you were an evil little bastard when you were young, that's just the sort of things my mates & me got up to
If an adult tried to put one over our gang they soon found strange things happening to their cars like sugar in the fuel tank

Not the first time I been call "Evil"....

These are great stories, Frank. I can relate to these things. Keep them coming.

[THEHAMMER321]

I remember the old coke machines where the neck of the bottle would be where you could grab it but it was locked in until you put the change in it, so I figured it out I brought one of those little bottle openers took the cap off the bottle and brought a straw and drank it as it is still in the machine

[kikibalt]

I remember the old coke machines where the neck of the bottle would be where you could grab it but it was locked in until you put the change in it, so I figured it out I brought one of those little bottle openers took the cap off the bottle and brought a straw and drank it as it is still in the machine

Paulino would do something like that....

[THEHAMMER321]

also I used to ''fleece'' the tourist's at circus circus when I was a kid,the kids would play video games but many of the games would have bad coin acceptors so the coins would drop through so I got to know which machines had bad acceptors and would tape the flap of the coin return up so when the kids would go to tell the attendant that the machine took there money I would be there to get it before they came back with the attendant.

[kikibalt]

also I used to ''fleece'' the tourist's at circus circus when I was a kid,the kids would play video games but many of the games would have bad coin acceptors so the coins would drop through so I got to know which machines had bad acceptors and would tape the flap of the coin return up so when the kids would go to tell the attendant that the machine took there money I would be there to get it before they came back with the attendant.

We all have some "EVIL" in us.....

[kikibalt]

That gave me a real laugh mate you were an evil little bastard when you were young, that's just the sort of things my mates & me got up to
If an adult tried to put one over our gang they soon found strange things happening to their cars like sugar in the fuel tank

Not the first time I been call "Evil"....

These are great stories, Frank. I can relate to these things. Keep them coming.

Rick...I have told and retold these stories to my kids, and other family members so many times. My sister-in-law ask me to write'em and post'em on Facebook, well as you know I'm no writer, I told her I would try and what I have posted are the results of my trying....
I have posted them here and on Facebook.

[kikibalt]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“Man And His Fence”

As I mentioned before in one of my stories, we used to built a fire in the evenings in Simons, when we would run out of wood to burn, we would ripped the fences from the nearby houses, Tacho’s house was the one nearest to us, so he was always fixing his fence. One day my dad was walking by and seen Tacho working on his fence, my dad: “fixing that fence again?”, Tacho: “eso’s cabrones (meaning us) keep burning my fence”

[THEHAMMER321]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“Man And His Fence”

As I mentioned before in one of my stories, we used to built a fire in the evenings in Simons, when we would run out of wood to burn, we would ripped the fences from the nearby houses, Tacho’s house was the one nearest to us, so he was always fixing his fence. One day my dad was walking by and seen Tacho working on his fence, my dad: “fixing that fence again?”, Tacho: “eso’s cabrones (meaning us) keep burning my fence”

how big was the simons brickyard and where was it located

[THEHAMMER321]

Was walking into a grocery store a few years ago and a black dude was asking people for money as they went in the store,so there was a guy walking in front of me as I went in and the guy ahead of my is oriental and he asks him for some money,the guy answers ''I'm broke'' the black dude who was asking for money then turned to me and said ''Aint never seen no broke Oriental have you''

[kikibalt]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“Man And His Fence”

As I mentioned before in one of my stories, we used to built a fire in the evenings in Simons, when we would run out of wood to burn, we would ripped the fences from the nearby houses, Tacho’s house was the one nearest to us, so he was always fixing his fence. One day my dad was walking by and seen Tacho working on his fence, my dad: “fixing that fence again?”, Tacho: “eso’s cabrones (meaning us) keep burning my fence”

how big was the simons brickyard and where was it located

Simons Brickyard
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_932FMsb_WnU/S ... _copy.jpeg

[Rick Farris]

Thurman Durden R.I.P.
--------------------------


Hello Gentlemen,

I'm deeply saddened to inform you my father Thurman Durden passed away April 15, 2010. He had a massive stroke and this bout Daddy didn't win. I ask that you keep my family in prayer during this time of bereavement. His homegoing celebration will be April 24th 2010. We haven't discuss the time or location at this time which will take place in L.A. If you wish to send your condolence by phone you may contact the family home of my grandmother Earnestine Durden or uncle Claude Durden 323-777-7842 or via mail 1706 W. 105th Street, Los Angeles, California. I too can be reached on my cell - Miasha "Esha" Durden 816-805-2814. I want to say thank you again to you 3 gentlemen who welcome me into the cyberspace forum of boxing. You all showed me so much love with your e-mails. I appreciate the fabulous stories about my father. It's really hard for me to grasp his loss, but I know my father is in a better place and his dutiful task here on Earth has ceased. Thank you again Mr. Baltazar, Mr. Beyer and Mr. Gonzalez. May God bless you all.

Sincerely,



Miasha "Esha" Durden
Daughter of welterweight boxer Thurman Durden

[THEHAMMER321]

My condolences to the Durden family

[THEHAMMER321]

Rick I met Duke Durden years ago he worked for Don King,any relation to Thurman

[Rick Farris]

Rick I met Duke Durden years ago he worked for Don King,any relation to Thurman

The Durdens . . .

I don't think so. The Durden Family had two exceptional boxers in Thurman, and younger brother Claude.
Thurman was one of three L.A. boxers to win a National Golden Gloves championship in 1967 and became a talented professional shortly afterwards.
His career was managed in part by Johnny Flores.
I fought brother Claude in the '67 Jr. Golden Gloves, and years later Frank Baltazar Jr. fought him in the pros.

Frank knew both boxers very well.

I remember Johnny Flores had high hopes for Thurman, whom he rated one L.A.'s best amateurs of the mid-60's.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Durden family.


-Rick Farris

[Randyman]

Thurman Durden R.I.P.
--------------------------


Hello Gentlemen,

I'm deeply saddened to inform you my father Thurman Durden passed away April 15, 2010. He had a massive stroke and this bout Daddy didn't win. I ask that you keep my family in prayer during this time of bereavement. His homegoing celebration will be April 24th 2010. We haven't discuss the time or location at this time which will take place in L.A. If you wish to send your condolence by phone you may contact the family home of my grandmother Earnestine Durden or uncle Claude Durden 323-777-7842 or via mail 1706 W. 105th Street, Los Angeles, California. I too can be reached on my cell - Miasha "Esha" Durden 816-805-2814. I want to say thank you again to you 3 gentlemen who welcome me into the cyberspace forum of boxing. You all showed me so much love with your e-mails. I appreciate the fabulous stories about my father. It's really hard for me to grasp his loss, but I know my father is in a better place and his dutiful task here on Earth has ceased. Thank you again Mr. Baltazar, Mr. Beyer and Mr. Gonzalez. May God bless you all.

Sincerely,



Miasha "Esha" Durden
Daughter of welterweight boxer Thurman Durden

My condolences to the Durden family. Rest in peace.

[Randyman]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Rope”

Around the block from my house some people were having a party, an adult party, us young teenagers, 13-14 years old at the time wanted to go to the party, we thought we were chingones and should be allowed at the party, but the people having the party said no, we were too young they said. We left and got a long rope, came back to the party and tied one end of the rope to the house wooden fence and the other end to the bumper of a car park in front of the house, we waited in the dark until the party was over, at some point the people that owned the car came out to go home, they said their good-byes got in the car and drove away taking the fence with them.

Frank, I've been reading all of your stories. man you are on a roll. I'm really enjoying them and they've really got me laughing. Simon brickyard is a part of Los Angeles Chicano history and mostly untold. I'm glad you decided to write about those days. They need to be preserved.

For those that don't know " chingones" more or less means a "F*cken Bad Ass"

Orale Chingon, keep them coming!!
Randy

[Randyman]

This is the robe I wore during my first year as a professional.
It was made by a 16-year-old girl named Laura Lyons, who was my girlfriend's best friend.
Laura was taking a sewing class at Mark Keppel High School in Monterey Park, and made the robe for a class credit.
Note the "Fighting Gamecock" embroidered on the back.
By the way, six years later, Laura Lyons would become a Playboy centerfold (February 1976 edition).


-Rick Farris

Rick, that you are a "Fighting Gamecock" is no secret to anyone that has met you. It shows in the way you carry yourself and in the way you write. It's one of your standout qualities. There is probably no greater compliment to a fighter. The robe suits you to a "t".

Randy

[Randyman]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Rope”

Around the block from my house some people were having a party, an adult party, us young teenagers, 13-14 years old at the time wanted to go to the party, we thought we were chingones and should be allowed at the party, but the people having the party said no, we were too young they said. We left and got a long rope, came back to the party and tied one end of the rope to the house wooden fence and the other end to the bumper of a car park in front of the house, we waited in the dark until the party was over, at some point the people that owned the car came out to go home, they said their good-byes got in the car and drove away taking the fence with them.

Too bad they didn't have video cameras back then. You might have won a $100,000 on America's Funniest Videos. I wish I could have seen the expression on their faces.

Randy

[Randyman]

Not the first time I been call "Evil"....

These are great stories, Frank. I can relate to these things. Keep them coming.

Rick...I have told and retold these stories to my kids, and other family members so many times. My sister-in-law ask me to write'em and post'em on Facebook, well as you know I'm no writer, I told her I would try and what I have posted are the results of my trying....
I have posted them here and on Facebook.

Frank, for someone who claims he is no writer, you are doing one hell of a job!! As you are telling your stories I am seeing them in my mind.

Randy

[kikibalt]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Rope”

Around the block from my house some people were having a party, an adult party, us young teenagers, 13-14 years old at the time wanted to go to the party, we thought we were chingones and should be allowed at the party, but the people having the party said no, we were too young they said. We left and got a long rope, came back to the party and tied one end of the rope to the house wooden fence and the other end to the bumper of a car park in front of the house, we waited in the dark until the party was over, at some point the people that owned the car came out to go home, they said their good-byes got in the car and drove away taking the fence with them.

Frank, I've been reading all of your stories. man you are on a roll. I'm really enjoying them and they've really got me laughing. Simon brickyard is a part of Los Angeles Chicano history and mostly untold. I'm glad you decided to write about those days. They need to be preserved.

For those that don't know " chingones" more or less means a "F*cken Bad Ass"

Orale Chingon, keep them coming!!
Randy

I can't read this stuff that I wrote and not laugh myself.....

[Randyman]

Tales From The Simons Brickyard
“The Hole On The Wall”

When I was about 12 years old I had a friend, Richard, aka Lunga, Lunga had a cousin that moved in with his family, she was 18 at the time. Now in Simons the houses were just wooden shacks without insulation, and outhouses, people would built wooden shacks to be use for bathing, Lunga’s bathing shack had a hole on one wall, when the cousin was going to bathe Lunga would go around telling all of us guys “she bathing, she bathing”, us guys would get our pennies, nickels and dimes, we would get in line and Lunga would stand against the wall by the hole and take our money, the more we paid him the longer we could watch the cousin bathe, the next day we were looking for bottles to take to the store for refunds for the next bath. Don’t know how many here are old enough to remember when you could take bottles to the store and get refunds.

My friends and I would go to the Ramada Inn (remember the Ramada Inn?) on Rosemead in Pico Rivera and steal the empty soda bottles and then take them to Mr. Ed's Liquor store and trade them for cash. Never had anyone offer up a hole to look at their cousin though. Now I'm starting to feel like i missed out on something. :(

Randy

[Chuck1052]

Miasha, I am sorry to learn that your father, Thurman Durden, has passed away. I remember seeing Thurman and his brother, Claude, fight on telecasts from the Olympic Auditorium. Thurman had good boxing skills. I hope that you, Claude and the rest of your family accept my condolences.

- Chuck Johnston

[kikibalt]

These are great stories, Frank. I can relate to these things. Keep them coming.

Rick...I have told and retold these stories to my kids, and other family members so many times. My sister-in-law ask me to write'em and post'em on Facebook, well as you know I'm no writer, I told her I would try and what I have posted are the results of my trying....
I have posted them here and on Facebook.

Frank, for someone who claims he is no writer, you are done one hell of a job!! As you are telling your stories I am seeing them in my mind.

Randy

Randy, your're being too kind. I was reliving everything as I was writing, thats was the only way that I could put those days into words..