The year was 1986…
After a few years of working in the family business, Peter and Gayle decided to take the plunge and open another store. Pep Boy Plaza (behind our current store) was the location, and man, do those old cars date us! (The “ocean-liner” car was Hilmar and Oda’s, and the Toyota mini-van was ours. It was the early days of mini-vans!)
Hand painted signs were all we could afford, so I painted that big red one on our back patio. I think there are likely red paint stains on that concrete to this day.
I wasn’t any kind of an artist, but we were hopeful that people would see our signs and come shop when we opened!
The wording has changed a bit from 25 years ago, but even then were were concerned about your health!
The equipment was installed…
Big Hair was in fashion…
Wallpaper pasted (gotta love the Olivia Newton-John 80’s hair and front-pleated pants! What was I thinking?) …
Oh, my gosh, I had forgotten that I’d stencilled the walls!
Even Then, the Boys were heavily involved…
Our boys, Jacob and Josh “helped” unload the merchandise from the truck…
Shelves were stocked, including produce… (This produce stand was built by Hilmar and Peter Lassen)…
Welcome!
And we opened our doors! (Notice the — again, hand-painted — “Parking for Lassen’s Customers Only” signs!)
What a thrill it was to welcome our first customers! (Josh was oh, so helpful to Peter, kneeling on the checkout stand!)
Even one-year-old Andrew felt right at home!
Thanks for 25 wonderful years in Ventura!
love,
Lassen’s
Wow! so great to see my old store on facebook!
Loved the photos and trip down memory lane! Thanks for posting, Gayle.