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(Read the original article
by clicking here.)
In attempting to
answer the question, “Where was the Paradox in
Tustin?” being asked by those who read Steve
Martin’s new book, “Born Standing Up,” in
Remember When on Feb. 7 I fell flat on my face.
Because Martin
mentioned the Paradox being in Tustin twice, on
pages 66 and 70, I assumed it was correct.
Research on the Internet turned up additional
references to Tustin as well as to Jamestown
Village.
Since the Village
Theater had closed, it seemed likely that the
Paradox had taken over that location.
A call from Janet
Hampton proved all this wrong. Janet, who
appeared at the Paradox as a singer when she was
only 15, thinks that after some 40 years Steve
Martin confused the town of Tustin and the
Tustin Ave. location of the Paradox. She was
able to give me the names of the owners as well
as the correct address in Orange.
Then Hank Fisher,
who was one of the owners, sent a wonderful
e-mail which really ended the confusion.
“Since your
article last week my wife Cordi and I have
received several calls informing us about it.
Since there was much confusion about where it
(the Paradox) was and when it was, I thought you
might like some help in filling in the blanks.
“My partner, Bob
Sheffer, our wives and I opened the Paradox at
225 S. Tustin Ave. (just south of Chapman) in
the city of Orange in June of 1965. We closed it
in May of 1968. All of the entertainers that you
mentioned in your article plus others appeared
at the Paradox and most got their start there.
“The comedian Pat
Paulson lived only a few blocks away and used to
drop by regularly just to hang out. It was
during this time that he became a regular on the
Smothers Brothers TV Show and his fame spread
far and wide as he became a perennial candidate
for president.
“Another regular
who would stop by from time to time to just jam
with other regulars after closing was Jose
Feliciano. Other popular entertainers who also
appeared at that time were Hoyt Axton, Brownie
McGee and Sunny Terry, The New Lost City
Ramblers, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, The Pair
Extraordinare, Jimmy Fielder, Tony Duecy and
Steve Gillette.
“Of course, there
were many, many others whose names I have
forgotten.
“Coincidentally,
this past year several of our alumni decided it
would be nice to have a 40-year (roughly)
Paradox reunion for all those able and
interested.
“Our ex-partners
Bob and Helen Sheffer bought 8 acres in the
Grass Valley/Nevada City area about 15 years ago
and moved there from Santa Ana . Many former
entertainers have moved north as well.
The Sheffers’ 8
acres were perfect for an outdoor songfest and
so it was held there over this past Labor Day
weekend . The reunion was well attended and many
of those who couldn’t attend phoned, including
Jackson.”
I am grateful to
hear from those who could correctly answer the
question, ”Where was the Paradox?” I am sorry
that they didn’t turn them up in my original
research, but I appreciate their kindness in
getting me on the right track. Thank you!
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