Reminiscing With the Old Geezers

by Stephanie Elgin

What began as a friendship in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, was rekindled at a luncheon between four old friends talking about the days of old.  
And what is the glue that bonds these friendships?  Cars, cars and more cars, and many of them were part of the car clubs back in the day.  “Most all of us were in East San Fernando Valley during that period of time.  We were mainly part of the Khans, Poor Boys, Innocents and Townsmen clubs.  A lot of the girls were in clubs like the Raphaels and the Jr. Debs,” states car club enthusiast, Douglas Hamilton.  
And then after 40 years, Douglas, Tom Sawdon, Linda Pelliteri and MaryAnn Gladfelter got together for lunch, discussing the good old days.  “We had a lot of fun talking about old times, that we decided we ought to do lunch again,” states Douglas.  So a few months later, several more friends from back in the day joined the group for lunch.  As they were laughing about the past, a waitress passed by and asked how long they’ve known each other.  Their response –  “We’re just a bunch of ‘Old Geezers’ that all went to school together before you were even born.”  
And the name just stuck.  “The Old Geezers term name has been with us ever since,” states Douglas.  
As more and more old friends from back in the day were contacted, the Old Geezers lunch group started to increase in numbers, meeting together regularly every three months.  “We would go to restaurants over the years where there was a patio to sit and talk, and a bar, since we’re all of legal drinking age now,” as Douglas states jokingly.  “Most are retired now, so we have a lot more free time.  Some of the members in our group try to make it to at least one get together a year, and that’s usually in December.”  Old Geezers come from all over California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Wisconsin and even Hawaii.  
And what better place for car enthusiasts to meet than at Route 66 Classic Grill in Canyon Country?  Last December the Old Geezers group met at Route 66 and celebrated their eighth year of their “get togethers.”  There were about 75 people in attendance, reuniting and talking about the days of old.  Having a good old time and embracing being Old Geezers.