Carl Fong and Nick Stacey pose together at a recent presentation at the Dixon Historical Society on the Pardi Market. Photo courtesy of DHS

DIXON, CA (MPG) - This is the second installment of a three-part series.

The Dixon Historical Society was honored to have John Fong’s oldest son, Carl Fong, speak about his memories of when his father John Fong had owned Pardi Market.

Uncle Bing (brother of John Fong´s wife) started working in February 1969. 

He “did everything.” Uncle Bing worked in each department: cleaning, parking lot, and repairing refrigerators. Sometimes he would work until midnight as “the man that no one appreciated,” Fong said in jest. Uncle Bing would deliver groceries, to unlocked or opened doors, and just put the customers’ food in their refrigerators when no one was home. “They just trusted people,” Uncle Bing said. Customers, on their way out of the market, would often say, “Hey John, taking two pieces of bread,” and would walk out. John knew they’d be back to pay; everyone was so trusting. Uncle Bing worked at the market from 1969-1975.

Uncle Bing came from Hong Kong, with a population of 3 million in 1968. He then came to Dixon when the population was less than 2,000, and there were no signal lights. Uncle Bing shared that Rainbow Market was also owned by a Chinese-American family, and Kim and Ned´s restaurant was owned by another Chinese-American family. There have been many businesses owned by families of Chinese heritage here in Dixon since the late 1800s. 

Bill Schroeder, Dixon Historical Society’s vice president, stated that from long before the Pardi Market, from 1910-1920, the store’s property was home to Mitchell’s Grocery Store and the City Hotel. The Capital Hotel stood where the Shell Gas Station was located at one point on the corner of South First and East A streets. Bill also pointed out the picture on display of John Fong with the little girl at the register, Jeanette Carter, selling John the first ticket for the upcoming raffle to benefit the Head Start program at the Dixon Migrant Camp. 

Nick Stacey (accompanied by his wife Barbara) spoke about “Grandpa Pardi and the Pardi Market.” He said that John had the best hot dogs. Nick would go every day to the market.  He shared a fond memory: after fishing throughout the week, they didn’t want to eat the sturgeon they caught so he’d bring it to John. John asked where the sturgeon head was, so they had to go back and bring the head so that John could make fish-head stew and would often trade for steaks. Mr. Stacey also shared the secret of the old Coke machine between the store and gas station. Lynn Dutra at the time was the lifeguard, and he compared his memories to the movie, The Sandlot, where the group of boys would go swim or play wiffle ball or football, then they’d run to the Coke machine and bang the top of it and a free Coke would come out.

Shane Taber, employee of Pardi Market from 1971-1975, attended the presentation, and Uncle Bing said it was good to see her. Shane started working there at 15, and remembered when Walter prepared food in the back and made the beautiful signs. Walter also made Chinese food for everyone to enjoy. Walter Lee was a good friend to Jerry Louie. Shane also remembered that John celebrated Chinese New Year and invited customers to participate. 

Carrie Senecal shared fond memories about her grandmother working at Pardi Market. To this day, Carrie still has one of her grandmother’s check stubs that was written in pencil. Look for Part 3, the last in the series, in the next edition.