Page 191 - People & Places In Time

Mom & Dad at the Forbidden City
My favorite place though, was Gumps department store. For me, it’s
like a gallery displaying the finest in art, craft and particularly their bent toward oriental style and plus, it’s all for sale. Unfortunately, I’ve only afforded myself a few small purchases over the years. These days, whenever I’m in the city, Gumps remains a must stop. Since the store moved from Sutter Street to Post Street, my preferred way to enter the store, is through the back door off Maiden Lane, it’s like entering a more intimate shop. Once a few years ago while browsing in the clothing department I found myself standing next to Willy Brown who is cer- tainly no stranger to good taste in clothing. The clerks greeted him and referred to him as Mr. Brown, so I’m sure he’s been a good customer.
Now days the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Asian Art Muse- um are places I enjoy spending time, though lately the new MOCA has become too crowded. The new De Young is crowded as well, yet always seems to have the must see shows. I can still recall in the early 1970’s waiting in a long line for the Van Gogh exhibit in the old de Young; then more recently the David Hock- ney exhibit in the new building; though this new structure I really don’t like . . . architecturally.
Back in the Fairmont hotel with my parents on this evening in particular, I’m riding down in the elevator with my mom. I’m only six or seven years old and for mom to quietly point out that Nat King Cole is sharing our ride down didn’t impress me so much, if at all, as it would when I became older and more aware of who Nat King Cole was, and yet, I still recall the moment clearly.
Dad would soon join us in the lobby, as we all headed to the Tonga Room, located on the terrace level of the Fairmont. So unexpected is this restaurant; designed to feel as if you’re on a Polynesian island. Rattan tables and chairs sur-
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