It’s “Time warp Tuesday!” - In 1954, Russ Fassio acquired the Lineman’s Club, a local watering hole for the lineman of the IBEW 1245 in Oakland, California. The Lineman’s Club was a place to unwind, talk about the day’s events, share Thanksgiving dinner for those who didn’t have anywhere else to go and on other holidays, Russ was known to invite folks to his home for Christmas dinner party so they wouldn’t be alone. His son often referred to the club as the “United Nations” because it seemed every color, creed and occupation (including Hell’s Angels and law enforcement) was often represented and everyone got along. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Russ passed away in 1985. His children and wife tried to make a go of it after his death, but it just wasn’t the same. Russ had been the heart and soul of the business. The family sold the club shortly thereafter. The old neon sign hung on the building for many years, even after the new owners of the Asian Market set up shop - until Tom Dalzell rescued it. The wood was sorely in need of refurbishing, the metal had rusted and the neon, after decades of neglect, no longer worked. Tom and a few lineman loaded the rusty relic in the back of his truck – bound for a new lease on life. After the restoration was complete, the Lineman’s Club sign was welcomed to its new home at the union’s headquarters on October 26, 2013 in Vacaville, California. If you happen to be in the area, be sure to check it out! If you’d like to read more about this colorful piece of history copy the links to view the full story. Cheers! ibew1245/2013/11/14/linemans-club-finds-new-home-at-1245/ ibew1245/2013/06/06/linemans-club/ Photos by John Storey and IBEW1245
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 21:20:42 +0000
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