Sorry folks that it has been almost two months since my last posting. I'll start posting more very soon. I know that alot of you have read this blog and I would like more stories from anyone. Even if you don't have time or recollections of Bosque Stories to add, please let me know that you read and/or enjoy the stories by saying so in a comment.
Thanks,
Tony
Grandma's age
Does anyone read the stuff that I remeber before I forget it or .....?
Grandma Bosque wasn't quite sure of her age. She thought that she was 13, 14, or 15 at the time of the REAL earthquake. Can someone please respond!!!!!!
Grandma Bosque wasn't quite sure of her age. She thought that she was 13, 14, or 15 at the time of the REAL earthquake. Can someone please respond!!!!!!
Grandma at Kezar
Grandma went to only ONE high school football game even though 5 sons played. The game was SI vs SH, bitter rivals. Many players, I think Paul said eight, were taken from the field on strechers to awaiting ambulances. She let her boys play but never watched a football game again.
seal rock
Paul was not surprised when the seals (sea lions) left Seal Rock when the 1989 earthquake happened nor was he shocked when they retuuned to the bay. As per Grandma (as told by Paul to me) the seals left in 1906 leaving Seal Rock vancant. They did return two or three years later just as they did in 1989. However in 1989 with the build-up of Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and the influx of tourists the seals came into the bay and to P39. Food was much easier to get since people were now feeding them at P39. Seal Rock is still mostly absent of seals.
Granpa's gasoline sticker
This may have been posted already but here it is.
During WWII, gasoline (and most everything else) was rationed. For gasoline there were A , B, and C stickers.One was for the general populatoin and was for 4 gallons per week. One was for businesses that needed more for deliveries, etc. One was for unlimited gasoline for people whose activities during the war was essential. In this last type was
grandpa who was needed at the USO. Since he worked very late and therefore slept-in late, Uncle Joe would wake-up Paul early in the morning and have him syphon the gas out of grandpa's car into Joe's. Sometimes more than once per day and then Joe would refill Grandpa's gas tank. Paul could never stand the smell of gasoline for the rest of his life.
During WWII, gasoline (and most everything else) was rationed. For gasoline there were A , B, and C stickers.One was for the general populatoin and was for 4 gallons per week. One was for businesses that needed more for deliveries, etc. One was for unlimited gasoline for people whose activities during the war was essential. In this last type was
grandpa who was needed at the USO. Since he worked very late and therefore slept-in late, Uncle Joe would wake-up Paul early in the morning and have him syphon the gas out of grandpa's car into Joe's. Sometimes more than once per day and then Joe would refill Grandpa's gas tank. Paul could never stand the smell of gasoline for the rest of his life.
Granpa WW I
Grandpa was the last non-com to be sent home after The World War. He was travelling around France and paying reparations to French farmers.
Uncle Joe/football
As per Paul: when Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints, who was born with half a foot and wore a special shoe, kicked a record 63-yard field goal Paul was not surprised. When a kid Paul and the other brothers were playing football and coaxed a reluctant Joe to come out. He limped over and kick the football farther than any of the others.
Uncle Chick
While working at Caesar's Rest. this conversation took place.
I was talking to Mr. Mullins. He asked if I was Italian and I said that my Mom was a Luchetti. He responed "Tom McCarthy" who was his best friend growing up (my Mom's cousin Marilyn Luchetti married Tom). I said that I was a Bosque and he replied, Chick Kelly. Twice I mention last names and he responded with the names of an uncle. He lived next door to Chick who was a little older but they walked to school together. One time while hanging out at the Grove and swinging on a rope swing, Chick-who was in 8th grade and strong-took a running leap, grabbed the rope, swung out farther than anyone else, and the rope snappedand he flew into some tress and fell to the ground. refused to admit that he was hurt.
I was talking to Mr. Mullins. He asked if I was Italian and I said that my Mom was a Luchetti. He responed "Tom McCarthy" who was his best friend growing up (my Mom's cousin Marilyn Luchetti married Tom). I said that I was a Bosque and he replied, Chick Kelly. Twice I mention last names and he responded with the names of an uncle. He lived next door to Chick who was a little older but they walked to school together. One time while hanging out at the Grove and swinging on a rope swing, Chick-who was in 8th grade and strong-took a running leap, grabbed the rope, swung out farther than anyone else, and the rope snappedand he flew into some tress and fell to the ground. refused to admit that he was hurt.
1906 earthquake
According to Paul, Grandpa and his family living on Lobos St in Oceanview did not feel the quake and only realized it when the refugees from downtown came by. All the noise woke them up then they saw the smoke from the fires. Little or no damage to thier house.
On the other hand, Grandma was living at 4th & Tehema (Moscone Center). They packed what they needed on a wagon or two and hitched up the horses. Late morning of 4/18 they were told that there was no need to evacuate right then so they unhitched the horses and put the wagons, still fully loaded, back in the stable/barn. Shortly thereafter the soldies came with rifles pointed and told them to leave this second as the wind had changed and the fire jumped the fire-break. Now means NOW. No time to hitch-up the wagons so they ran with what they were wearing. All the most important stuff was on the wagons and desroyed by the fire.
On the other hand, Grandma was living at 4th & Tehema (Moscone Center). They packed what they needed on a wagon or two and hitched up the horses. Late morning of 4/18 they were told that there was no need to evacuate right then so they unhitched the horses and put the wagons, still fully loaded, back in the stable/barn. Shortly thereafter the soldies came with rifles pointed and told them to leave this second as the wind had changed and the fire jumped the fire-break. Now means NOW. No time to hitch-up the wagons so they ran with what they were wearing. All the most important stuff was on the wagons and desroyed by the fire.
Bob WWII
Bob was on one of the naval vessels 1944 (maybe '43) that ran into one of the worst, strongest typhoons ever in the Pacific.
well
There was not only a wishing well at Pastel Lane but also a well. In mid-60's, a well was drilled at Pastel Lane which is why the water tasted like sulphur. Can any one (but me) remember where either of these two wells were?
Don and Suez
Did anyone know that Don was called up from reserve, and so was Paul, due to the Suez Crisis. If you don't know what that was find a history book. Paul got a letter the next day releasing him from duty. Don never was sent.
grandpa's hernia
This one needs to be written by Geep. Hopefully someone can let the Patriarch of the Bosque's (sorry Geep but you are the OLDEST) that he needs to read these blogs.
Bosques,
Since I am in The City and in the same "circle" as one of our most popular members, when asked my name I always respond Tony BOSQUE!!. The vast majority of people say, "Jack Bosque". Then of course they ask, "Which one are you?", meaning who/which Bosque was your father (sorry Dolores and Anne). Lately I have heard said, Tim Bosque the coach. Jack still gets the plurality of responses, but Tim is catching up. (I am referred to as "the little bosquet"--Thanks mike moriarity). Today, feb. 22 at Caesar's there was a reunion of SI (cherries), SH (where they are not taught math), and Roirdan (Mission with tuition). When one of the patrons introduced me as Jack's nephew, the guy said, "I thought that you were the football coach at Terra Linda" Now Jack and Tim are combined!!
Since I am in The City and in the same "circle" as one of our most popular members, when asked my name I always respond Tony BOSQUE!!. The vast majority of people say, "Jack Bosque". Then of course they ask, "Which one are you?", meaning who/which Bosque was your father (sorry Dolores and Anne). Lately I have heard said, Tim Bosque the coach. Jack still gets the plurality of responses, but Tim is catching up. (I am referred to as "the little bosquet"--Thanks mike moriarity). Today, feb. 22 at Caesar's there was a reunion of SI (cherries), SH (where they are not taught math), and Roirdan (Mission with tuition). When one of the patrons introduced me as Jack's nephew, the guy said, "I thought that you were the football coach at Terra Linda" Now Jack and Tim are combined!!
wells fargo
I rember being told by Paul or Joe that "Frank" was the last harness maker for the Wells Fargo stagecoaches. I have contacted Wells Fargo historical archive dept. and am awiating an answer. Does any one have info on this?
Also, does anyone care??
Also, does anyone care??
bosque
Anyone out there have any memories of Aunt Mae or Barbara and Pearl?
Let's have some in-put.
Tont
Let's have some in-put.
Tont
acacia tree
Who remembers the huge acacia tree in the far back yard of Grandma's house?
We would climb it to the top except for me who is scared of hieghts. One day Tom and Peter tried to prove who was a better tree-climber. Tom went way up so Pete tried to follow. Of course, Pete being 5 years older and bigger than Tom put more weight on the upper and thinner branches. The highest branch he stood on (and did a Tarzan dance) promptly snapped and he bounced off a number of branches and limbs as he crashed unharmed, except for a cut lower leg, to the ground. I can see it now as if it just happend.
We would climb it to the top except for me who is scared of hieghts. One day Tom and Peter tried to prove who was a better tree-climber. Tom went way up so Pete tried to follow. Of course, Pete being 5 years older and bigger than Tom put more weight on the upper and thinner branches. The highest branch he stood on (and did a Tarzan dance) promptly snapped and he bounced off a number of branches and limbs as he crashed unharmed, except for a cut lower leg, to the ground. I can see it now as if it just happend.
Grandpa & Grandma
Ted,
The picture that you put on this blog thing with J & A in the backyard of 1448 brought back memories. I'm sorry that you never met either of these two wonderful people.
Grandpa died on my 8th birthday, 8-12-65, and Grandma died four days, 4-5-67, before you were born. Once again, thanks for the pictures and setting up this blog thing. Oh, so many great memories.
Tony
The picture that you put on this blog thing with J & A in the backyard of 1448 brought back memories. I'm sorry that you never met either of these two wonderful people.
Grandpa died on my 8th birthday, 8-12-65, and Grandma died four days, 4-5-67, before you were born. Once again, thanks for the pictures and setting up this blog thing. Oh, so many great memories.
Tony
Anne's Memories
Anne's Memories
Re: Mrs. Beamish: Mrs. Beamish was the next door neighbor of the Bosque's on 15th Avenue. Her bathroom window looked onto Grandma's kitchen window. Every so often she would lean out her window and call (holler) "Hey, Bosque!"
When grandma answered her calls, "Yes, Beamish?, she would day "Where's Anne Marie?"When I appeared she'd say "Catch!" and throw a rolled up item onto the little porch steps.
When I'd open the gift (jewelery or money), I'd say "Oh, no, I can't accept this!""TAKE WHAT YOU GET AND THANK GAWD YOU GOT IT!" Her bathroom window would shut.
I always took her advice, and it has been a valuable code and a good family motto through the years!
Re: Why did Anne Marie choose to go to the officer's club rather then Dad's U.S.O.
My friend Barbara and I went to the U.S.O. one day. Two soldiers asked us both out for a date to see a show or special entertainment downtown.
Right in the middle of the evening, Barbara and I looked at each other and we both remembered we had "forgotten" about a very important appointment that we had at that very hour. We said to the "boys" , "Sorry, but we have to leave!", and we fled into the night.
We both knew that evening was useless because we has such a great difficulty understanding Hillbilly English. From then on it was the Officer's club for us!
Re: Mrs. Beamish: Mrs. Beamish was the next door neighbor of the Bosque's on 15th Avenue. Her bathroom window looked onto Grandma's kitchen window. Every so often she would lean out her window and call (holler) "Hey, Bosque!"
When grandma answered her calls, "Yes, Beamish?, she would day "Where's Anne Marie?"When I appeared she'd say "Catch!" and throw a rolled up item onto the little porch steps.
When I'd open the gift (jewelery or money), I'd say "Oh, no, I can't accept this!""TAKE WHAT YOU GET AND THANK GAWD YOU GOT IT!" Her bathroom window would shut.
I always took her advice, and it has been a valuable code and a good family motto through the years!
Re: Why did Anne Marie choose to go to the officer's club rather then Dad's U.S.O.
My friend Barbara and I went to the U.S.O. one day. Two soldiers asked us both out for a date to see a show or special entertainment downtown.
Right in the middle of the evening, Barbara and I looked at each other and we both remembered we had "forgotten" about a very important appointment that we had at that very hour. We said to the "boys" , "Sorry, but we have to leave!", and we fled into the night.
We both knew that evening was useless because we has such a great difficulty understanding Hillbilly English. From then on it was the Officer's club for us!
more 1448 pastel lane
Just a few notes on Grandma & Grandpa's palatial Novato estate.
Please add your recollections on any of these.
the well
the duck
the cow
the chickens
the wishing well
the acacia tree
Fred the dog
the naked lady in the bathroom (Neil remembers)
Oscar, Meyer, and Wiener
etc.
Please add your recollections on any of these.
the well
the duck
the cow
the chickens
the wishing well
the acacia tree
Fred the dog
the naked lady in the bathroom (Neil remembers)
Oscar, Meyer, and Wiener
etc.
"frank" bosque
Grandpa "Frank" (Cayetano Antonio Bosque) Grandpa's father, always told the 8 kids that he had no siblings so Anne and Joe's kids had no cousins. After research by Joe and Paul, with help from Geep and Tony, it was found that Cayetano Sr., Frank's father, fathered at least 23 children the last, that we know of, was when he was 57. He is my idol/hero.
If anyone comments on this then I will give more of the story and why Frank left his family.
Tony
If anyone comments on this then I will give more of the story and why Frank left his family.
Tony
Paul during the War
During the war, since Grandpa was involve in the USO and Grandma did not know how to drive, the state allowed
Paul to get a drivers license at 15 (maybe 14 1/2).
During "black-outs" Paul was a messenger. He'd put on has arm band and helmet and jump on his bike to go to the "message center". He could not tell anyone even his mother! where he was going or how long he would be gone. I learned from him that it was "near" Laguna Honda but he still would not divulge the actual location.
Paul remember the Port Chicago explosion which led to the "mutiny" of black sailors and thier courts-martial. At the time they heard the explosion, they thought it was just firing practice of one of the cannons that were along the SF coast but it sounded a little different. It wasn't until much later that the truth came out.
Anne and Dolores can you confirm these?
Tony
Paul to get a drivers license at 15 (maybe 14 1/2).
During "black-outs" Paul was a messenger. He'd put on has arm band and helmet and jump on his bike to go to the "message center". He could not tell anyone even his mother! where he was going or how long he would be gone. I learned from him that it was "near" Laguna Honda but he still would not divulge the actual location.
Paul remember the Port Chicago explosion which led to the "mutiny" of black sailors and thier courts-martial. At the time they heard the explosion, they thought it was just firing practice of one of the cannons that were along the SF coast but it sounded a little different. It wasn't until much later that the truth came out.
Anne and Dolores can you confirm these?
Tony
City kids can swim too!
One of the reason the Bosque kids knew how to swim and a few became very good at it (Bill and Paul come to mind) was that during the polio scare (I guess in the thirties). It was believed that polio was transmitted by contact with the virus in water particularly in public swimming pools. Granma asked a lifeguard if this was true and told "No" therefore the Bosque kids took swimming lessons.
During the 1989 earthquake, one of the most damaged buildings was at 6th and Townsend which is near but not bay fill. Paul explained to me that an underground creek runs ther. He knew this because that same creek ran under the YMI building. Water for the swimming pool was drawn from it.
More to come
Tony
During the 1989 earthquake, one of the most damaged buildings was at 6th and Townsend which is near but not bay fill. Paul explained to me that an underground creek runs ther. He knew this because that same creek ran under the YMI building. Water for the swimming pool was drawn from it.
More to come
Tony
1448 Pastel Lane, Novato, CA
Paul's family stayed for three months at 1448 Pastel Lane, (Paula started kindergarten in Novato), Grandma Annie would go to the chicken coop (garage?), grab a chicken and break its neck, drop it in boiling water to loosen the feathers, put her asbestos hands into the BOILING water, pull the chicken out and pluck it. She'd then say to Mom, who was getting ill by this point, "Hey Pet, all of you stay for dinner, the chicken will be ready soon." Then she would proceed to cook it until it was way past done. Mom did not like Annie's cooking. Also, being Irish, vegetables were something special and rare and salt was to be use very liberally. Is this why all the Bosque men had heart problems?
Then there was the time that Grandma Annie was burning leaves in a 55 gallon drum. They were slow to ignite so grandma dump gasoline on the fire. Of course it blew up in her face and singed her hair and removed her eyelashes.
Tony
Then there was the time that Grandma Annie was burning leaves in a 55 gallon drum. They were slow to ignite so grandma dump gasoline on the fire. Of course it blew up in her face and singed her hair and removed her eyelashes.
Tony
Uncle Joe's bad leg
When Grandma was pregnant with her first, Joe. She had her hand on her father's leg when he died. She blamed Joe's club-foot on herself. This is what Paul told me.
Bits and Pieces
Here are a few nuggets of information. Perhaps they'll spark more memories. Comment on this page or create a new post.
- Aunt Mae, Grandpa's sister
- Barbara and Pearl, friends of G-ma and G-pa
- G-pa's henia
- Grandpa & Grandma Bosque (Joe & Anne) and the parade for them upon returning from D.C. and meeting with FDR.
- Joe and USO
- Joe and Earoll Flynn and yacht
- The term "pet"
- Joe's C sticker and Dad and U. Joe
- Anne and the chickens
- Anne and the fire
- Bill and Bob and hand-gliders
- Paul getting license at 15
- Chick Kelly, Joe, and the boys smoking
- Uncle Joe kicking football
- Paul's sweater and Jack ruining it
- Mrs. Beamish
- Chinese cook (must ask Dolores the name)
- Anne not going to YMI dances but to Top of the Mark
- Don called up Suez crisis
- Fred the dog
- Anne's last words "Barbara had a girl" 4/5/67. That is why we thought Ted would be a girl!
- Anne's asbestos hands
- Yosemite an "ay-a-wanna ay-a-wanna o
Welcome Bosque Family
I am excited to get this started and hear all of the great stories that have made all of us who we are. After all: "You can't know where you're going until you know where you've been."
I look forward to all of the stories and to be able to keep up with our ever-expanding family.
I look forward to all of the stories and to be able to keep up with our ever-expanding family.
Aunt Dolores' Party
We all had a great time at the party. There are so many stories to tell. Let's use this blog to keep in touch
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