‘A Place to Hang’ Brings Back Memories

Your article “A Place to Hang” (View, Jan. 6) drew me to it like a magnet in my first glance through The Times this morning, so it was the first thing I read.

It reminded me of my teen years, of course, and I really expected to read something of the Main Malt Shop on South Main Street in Santa Ana. That was the in spot to hang out in Orange County for one group.

To the best of my knowledge, the Clutchers started there--one of the world’s first car (drag racing) clubs. The Orange County drag strip started from here. A great number of things started from the Main Malt Shop in the drag-racing business.

The Rendezvous Ballroom was big then, and I can remember Nat (King) Cole as if he were here now. These were the ‘40s and ‘50s.

Bill Jenks started the Main Malt Reunion a few years ago. He and his wife, Marie, have spent a lot of time keeping this reunion going. These reunions have been held in late April at Santiago Park on North Main in Santa Ana. If, as you say, hangouts are becoming nonexistent, it is almost criminal. But I can’t help believing that what we might refer to now as teen bonding will happen one way or another, somewhere, somehow.

Thanks much for your article; it does bring back fond memories.

DON RICHARDS

Costa Mesa