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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - November 20, 2007)
I remember my first summer-job, working in an expensive men’s clothing store on Market Street in downtown-San Francisco. My family lived on the San Mateo Peninsula. It was fun taking a commuter train to work and watching the pompous executives in their nicely pressed suits and coordinating neckties, board the train. And to observe the women, who dressed up in their high-heel shoes, hats, with matching purse and gloves. Years later I continued to dress San Francisco style while working at a bank in downtown Los Angeles. As I grew older, and continued my desire in style, those shoes actually caused havoc with my feet.
In Oroville, one does not have to go out-of-town to get the best pair of walking and work shoes, Nelson’s Footwear is on Myers Street in downtown. They have stylish and sensible shoes for men, women and children. Owner’s Andy and Karissa Nelson take a lot of pride in finding the proper fit, in an appropriate style. Have you noticed their window display on the corner of Bird and Myers?
I am not sure if cowgirl, or cowboy, boots are made for walking, wearing, or kicking- horses, the western way. What I do know is, Corkin’s Crossing on Myers Street has a fantastic selection of boots and western wear for the entire family, as does Lambert Feed and Garden on Lincoln Street. For western and hunting gear check out Huntington’s Sportsmen’s Store on Oroville Dam Blvd., it is still the place for locals and tourists to shop for appropriate, hunting and hiking gear.
Let’s give credit where credit is due: I purchased a pair of high-heel boots at What To Wear on Myers and Bird. (They are trimmed with artificial fur.) I purchased another pair of boots at La De Daa, (black suede comes up to my knee & I suddenly feel tall.) It was there I discovered gel-cushion insoles. I now can wear them for a longer period of time. It was at Betty Jeans where I got the urge to go Gold. I couldn’t live another day without a glimmering gold baseball hat and matching blouse. This is Gold Country!
Eager to discover more in “Beautiful Downtown Oroville,” I crossed the street, checked out the window displays of Dane Nelson’s dotcom Computer Store, which is located next to D’ Ma Ma’s Baby Bootieque. While I desperately want a new computer, it felt safer to go into the baby-gift store. I know a little about babies, and can talk shop. Computers? I have a lot to learn. (and I am willing to do that, at a later date) Inside D’ Ma Ma’s Bootieque, I got lucky, Tamara Hutcheson, the owner, (the same Tamara who once worked at Crystal Pharmacy) was there to guide me. Immediately, I confessed, I’m a want-to-be grandma. “I want-to-be-adopted”. (She volunteered to loan me her 9 grandchildren for the day.)
We chatted about children’s feet, shoes, and booties. She explained the importance of getting the correct fit, at the right age: “Their little feet need to develop properly.” Then she showed me the shoe rack where there were noisy shoes that made music and sounds. When you want something special for a young one, drop by D’ Ma Ma’s Bootieque. I bought a darling baseball cap; written on it is “Proud Daddy in Training.” Can’t be sure if it will fit my grown nephew or the baby on the way. It doesn’t matter. Aunt Della can start a new cap-type collection like grandpa’s collection of baseball hats. If you have a daughter, daughter-in-law, or know an expectant-Mother, they can register at D’ Ma Ma’s Bootieque. Check it out! By-the-way...a little bird told me this store is going to have a gigantic sale the Saturday before Thanksgiving, (11/17/2007) Be sure to tell them: “The Newcomer sent me!”
Last week, I entertained out-of-town-guests. at Gold Country Casino. I wore my sparkling gold blouse, and twinkly baseball cap. My guests said: “For an old gal, you look sensational!” (Gosh! Thank you.) After we enjoyed a fabulous luncheon, a kind-faced man came to our table and complimented me on my Golden Cap. (Of coarse, I blushed and gushed!) It is always nice to be appreciated, and noticed in a nice way. Naturally, that is why I wore the Gold outfit: Like women of all ages, we have fun dressing up regardless if it’s fancy San Francisco Style, or casual South California. No one commented on my boots. (Giggle) I felt, ”These Boots were made for walking. And, that’s what they will do...”
Just to set the record straight, I didn’t buy that bright gold cap because Paul Mac Beth reminded me I was in Gold Country; I bought it because it reminded, of favorite song. The one I learned around the Camp-Fire at Girl Scout outings: It went like this...“Make New Friends... But Keep The Old... One Is Silver... The Other’s Gold...”
When my children went off on their own, I suffered dearly from the empty-nest syndrome. Being The Newcomer in Oroville has opened my eyes; The enthusiasm, youth, vim, and vigor, of everyone who works downtown is enlightening. I invite you to catch some of that shopping- therapy. It is good for the heart, it is good for the soul and is good for the town. In Oroville, families that seemed to have played together, have kept the downtown alive and well. What about you? Are you doing your share to keep downtown alive and well?
In my younger years, as a businessperson, I hired “Personal Shoppers,” because I was too busy running my business. Does that sound impersonal? It wasn’t. We kept on our toes and came up with marketing ideas. Remember I am still a city girl, with country ideas. I love to shop! It is my therapy. Being older, I realize that wasn’t such a bad idea, My “Personal Shoppers,” and Secretaries, got into the spirit by helping to deliver Thanksgiving Gifts. Mine were 10 lb. slabs of bacon, taken right off of a homegrown pig from FFA (Future Farmers of America). Later, another-associate added pastry and freshly baked bread to the basket of goodies. One of my new friends in Oroville has the name of “Horn”. Had he worked for me, most likely we would have insisted noisy Horns were put in the baskets. All this because my name is “Bacon” the associates name is “Baker” and my we now have a friend by the name of “Horn”? Corney? You bet! But it worked, and it was always a fun way to begin the holiday season. “ May You Always Remember What is Worth Remembering...And Never Remember What is Best Forgotten.”
Just keep in mind; The Digger is a marvelous marketing tool. I know because I am, New-to this-community and read it regularly. How ‘bout’ you? If you have an idea, you would like to share, let me know: della@diggernews.com)
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