Assignment 5: Los Compadres Restaurant in Hayward, Sweets Ballroom, and Disappointments

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Hey guys,

I went to the Hayward Historical Society again this week. Shout outs to the ladies, they came through and assisted me with the resources available.

Before I tell you what happened, I have another lady to thank. When I walked into the research room of the historical society, a woman was buried in what look like old books filled with newspaper clippings. She asked what I was working on, I told her, and she said for me to give her my contact information, in case something came up. I gave her my information and then we parted ways. A few days passed and she sent me some leads on where to get more information. I put some calls in and hopefully I will get something soon.

Thank you Sherry.

The Hayward Historical Society owns a book, “Life Stories: Voices from the East Bay Latino Community.” The book has biographical stories of some citizens of the East bay. One feature the book offers is an insight on social life of the bay areans. According to the book, one of the most popular gathering spots for Latinos was “Sweets Ballroom” in Oakland. Apparently the establishment has exchanged ownership, locations, and names, but the book listed an address of 1414 Franklin, Oakland, as the one in which many tardeadas, afternoon dances, were held. It was the place to socialize, impress, and possibly find romance.

“We went to Sweet’s Ballroom on 14th…where everybody went dancing...where all the swing dancing [took place]. You could wear your zoot suit there we saw all the big stars…like Charlie Barnett, Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugat.”It must have been an interesting place to be.

The Oakland museum had some Sweets Ballroom pictures on their website (posted above). There is still a Sweets in Oakland, but it is now on 1933 Broadway. I made the trip to see it and although, it is not the one the book discussed, it was still a wonderful theater. I have posted some pictures.

This week, I also went to the California Historical Society in San Francisco. I was very disappointed because I had e-mailed the organization about what I was doing and they said “sure come in.” Fought my way through the parking hassle of the city and when I finally arrived they said “we can’t help you.” Man that was such a letdown.

I also traveled to the San Leandro history room. Called in the morning to check if the room would be open. They said yes. Later in the evening, I arrived only to find the room closed due to a short staffing. Man that was not cool.

For the coming week, I plan to re-visit the San Leandro history room, look at some newspapers, and see what else I can kick around.

http://museumca.org/LHP/images/1_begin2pgs.pdf
http://museumca.org/LHP/elizabeth_sweets.htm
http://museumca.org/LHP/images/4_socialife.pdf
http://www.historicsweetsballroom.com/