Now & Then: Downtown Sonora cafe was a true gem
Irving Terzich was born in Sonora on Nov. 27, 1916, and lived downtown until he married June Dixon. His father, Mitch Terzich, was the Sonora fire chief for many years, as well as owning the Terzich Bottling Works, which was next to City Hall. Irving had vivid memories of growing up here, and at the request of City Historian Pat Perry, he wrote a number of stories about his childhood and the community he loved. Irving died on May 11, 2016. Here is one of his recollections provided by Perry:
The Gem Cafe, both a restaurant and a social gathering spot, was certainly a Sonora icon.
Owned and operated by Charlie Anderson and Frank Burgson, it was a very popular eatery for many families on Sunday evenings. Located on South Washington Street at Linoberg Street, it sat directly across the street from where the Union Democrat is today.
The chicken dinner, an all-time favorite, came with potatoes and gravy, selected vegetables, a salad and especially ice cream or pie for dessert. The main entree was served on a large plate or platter, the vegetables in separate, oval side dishes. In our cabin at Bone Springs, we have several of the oval dishes and use them often.
Aside from the main dining room, there was a large counter area, which was directly opposite the kitchen. Stool squatters could watch their meals being prepared. The stools were very large in diameter, probably of oak, and they swiveled when you moved.
Behind and opposite the counter area was a section of four booths for a more secluded atmosphere. There was a separate “family entrance” from Linoberg Street.
When additional service was wanted by people in the booths, there was a button on the wall to push which operated an enunciator. The unit in the kitchen contained an arrow for each booth, and when the arrow was activated, the waiter knew service was needed. When the restaurant ceased operation, I was able to obtain the enunciator as a keepsake.
Besides Charlie and Frank, there was a Chinese cook named Huey. I never knew his last name. Apparently my dad had been pleasant to Huey, or had done a major favor for him previously, because when Mitch sat down on a stool and Huey was cooking, he always stopped what he was doing and came over to see “Mr. Mitch.” When my dad ordered, it was Huey alone who would cook and serve his whole meal.