Sunday, May 29, 2005

For Those of You Who Lived in OC in the 1960's

Sunday, May 29, 2005  ,  87 comments

Can anyone remember the name of the Ice Cream Parlor on PCH in Newport Beach? Red and White stripped awnings.

87 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 14, 2005 11:23 AM

    WAS IT EITHER FARRELS OR ANNIES?

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  2. AnonymousJune 16, 2005 11:51 PM

    I know it was Swanson's in 75. Am I wrong?

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  3. Greg LimaJune 20, 2005 8:48 PM

    The ice cream parlor was called Will Wrights (think that's how it was spelled rather than Rights). It was a fixture and surprised everyone when it disappeared with the remodel of the intersection of Dover Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.

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  4. AnonymousJune 22, 2005 8:42 PM

    I believe it was call Rinky Dinks, when we were at Newport Harbor H.S., we'd spend some time there.

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  5. AnonymousJune 23, 2005 4:09 PM

    It was Ferrells ice cream parlour ! and they had a pig trough if you ate the whole thing they would ring bells and sirens and say " So and So is a pig"

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    1. AnonymousSeptember 04, 2012 5:41 PM

      My Name is Art V and I lived in one of the "cabins" in "Bay Shore Park" prior to the 1968 Olympic Trials - We paddled competition Flat Water Kayaks from the beach below the original Coast Hy Bridge. I am (and was) an emmy nominated film-maker and I am putting together a piece on the Park and the housing "shacks) no bathrooms - cold water etc. Any photos would be helpful - especially of the grumpy but helpful manager with the shot-gun. Reeloranf@aol.com

      Delete
  6. SirTweakAlotJune 25, 2005 10:56 AM

    WilRights Ice Cream was a real treat at the time.
    Expensive it cost more than
    Baskin Robbins 31 flavors
    but percieved as the "best".
    This coming decades before Ben,Jerry,Hagen& others blew the upscale premium ice cream market
    wide open

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  7. AnonymousJune 30, 2005 9:37 PM

    It's funny that Will Wrights is perceived as "the best" The manager of the will Wrights in Huntington Beach shared with my Mom in the late 60's that it came from the same supplier as Thrifty Drug Store ice cream (the hand scooped version, that is). Both were delicious to an 8 year old living just south of Beach Blvd.

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    1. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 10:13 PM

      Untrue. I worked there. Each five gallon drum was made with very high butterfat and no preservatives - it was the cadillac of its day.

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    2. AnonymousJune 15, 2015 8:30 PM

      I managed both the Will Wright's on PCH in Newport Beach just before it was torn down, and the one in Huntington Beach (Will Wright's America new concept), and worked at the original factory in Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. The History, the Ice cream was made at the factory until IHOP bought the company in the late 60's hence the new concept in Huntington Beach, when they bought it the plant was shut down and the Ice cream was made by Foremost Dairies in LA and the butterfat went down, then in the early 70's Coronet Foods of LA bought the company from IHOP and reopened the plant in West Hollywood and raised the butterfat close to what is was before. Then I had the sad task of closing each store one by one in the late 70's starting with the 6th&Brendo store in LA, gradually all were closed last one was the one in Pasadena. Except for the Newport Beach store which a friend of mine owned until it was removed for the new bridge, when she had it (late 70's-early 80's) she had the Ice Cream made by Foremost with a little higher butterfat than what IHOP used but not has high as the Original. People are getting Farrell's mixed up with Will Wrights, there was never a Ferrell's in Newport Beach, I worked at the Ferrell's in Huntington Beach when it first opened, then went to work for Will Wrights. Hope this clears things up. So your are both right, it was made by Thrifty supplier and it was made by Will Wrights and it was the Cadillac of Ice Creams, it just depends on when owner at the time owned the company. Will Wright, IHOP, Coronet Foods.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 01, 2005 9:59 PM

    heck ya i remember that place. my mom grew up in the trailer park behind it don't forget mione's pizza/fun zone/stuffed tshirt

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  9. marushingJuly 06, 2005 11:50 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  10. marushingJuly 06, 2005 11:55 AM

    I remember Ferrells in the OC in the 60's. I was there visiting family during highschool when we went there. We did order the pig trough and I remember all the sirens, bells, and whistles! I guess because of all the noise I assumed their theme was a fire house style theme. I do have an original "KEEP COOL WITH COOLIDGE" sign from a Ferrells Ice Cream Parlour. It is huge, in its original frame and it's in great condition. It is signed on the bottom Ferrells Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant. Can anyone tell me if this type of item has any value? Do people actually purchase or collect this type of item. Thanks for your help and the memories!

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  11. AnonymousJuly 06, 2005 12:14 PM

    I remember Wilwrights, I grew up in the trailer park behind it, it had the best candy! Rod's Liquer store and Roy's bait and tackle were there too!

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  12. AnonymousAugust 17, 2005 12:38 PM

    I live in Whittier, California. I remember Farrel's ice-cream parlor at the Whittwood mall. It was next to the Whittwood theatre. They had the best ice-cream and candy!!
    Tammy

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  13. AnonymousAugust 22, 2005 10:46 AM

    It was definitely Wil Wrights.I dont think it was on Dover. I think It was near the bottom of the old superior hill. I remember the tall stools at the counter and the little table and chairs. I also remember the smell of a sugar cookie, I think. I think it was served with all the ice cream they served. Still living up the hill in costa mesa. Wil Wrights brings back fond memories and Im sorry they are gone.

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  14. AnonymousSeptember 04, 2005 10:35 PM

    We loved going to Wil Wright's Ice Cream Parlor in Newport Beach. We always ordered Nesselrode Bula Ice cream in a dish and with each serving, one received a small macaroon inside a little paper envelope with the outline of an angel's face in red ink on the outside.

    I believe a much larger ice cream parlor was located in San Francisco at the time.

    It was a family favorite and we always took guests from out of town there, we thought so highly of it.

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2005 7:15 PM

    'STRIPS & HOT SAUCE'

    DOES ANYONE HAVE THE RECIPE FOR THE HOT SAUCE USED ON THE 'STRIPS'(TORTILLA STRIPS) YOU COULD GET AT THE FOOD STANDS ON THE BEACH IN THE '50'S & '60? WAS IT KETCHUP & TABASCO OR WHAT? IT WAS BEFORE CHIPS & SALSA OR NACHOS.

    THANKS!

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    1. AnonymousJuly 07, 2012 1:25 PM

      Beach Cities Strips & Sauce

      BEST TORTILLA STRIPS:
      Preheat oven to 400 degs. Lightly spray two cookie sheets with olive-oil cooking spray. Cut 8 to 12 corn tortillas into 1 in. strips. Lay out onto the cookie sheets. Lightly spray tortilla strips then sprinkle with salt. Place cookie sheets on two shelves (not too close to heat source). Bake 5 mins. Then swap the cookie sheets and bake another 5 mins.

      BEACH-CITIES SAUCE:
      1 can (7-3/4 oz) El Pato Tomato Sauce (yellow label)
      1/2c Karo Light Syrup
      3T white vinegar
      1/2t garlic salt
      1/4t black pepper

      Delete
  16. AnonymousOctober 13, 2005 11:54 AM

    i worked at will wrights 1959 to 1964 greg s a frind of mine john m worked from 19580to1963

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  17. AnonymousNovember 07, 2005 1:07 PM

    hi folks... my name is Ron, I'm the plant manager of the Thrifty Ice Cream plant and have been for the last 25 years. Will Wrights Ice cream was made by us under his label for about 12 years but since the early 80's it was discontinued. You're absolutly correct. It is the same formula and in fact we co pack for many customers under private label with most being the same high quality products you've come to love.
    If you have any question please feel free to write me at RSIMMER@riteaid.com... will be happy to answer any trivia about our company..
    Regards
    Ron

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  18. AnonymousDecember 07, 2005 5:20 AM

    Was thinking of childhood memories growing up in Orange in the '70's. Wanted to find out about Ferrels (sooo much fun!) but also wanted to know what ever came of Scotty's Fish and Chips on Newport Beach, it was the place to be when we went to the beach.

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 01, 2006 8:41 PM

    I wish I could find ice cream that tasted as good as Will Wrights. My husband use to drive all the way to Palm Springs on weekends just to get some. Does anyone know the recipe?

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 05, 2006 7:59 PM

    Re: WIL Wright's Ice Cream. Wilbur Wright privately owned several stores. AT the moment I can remember Palm Springs;Beverly Hills (corner of Beverly Dr and Charleville); Sunset Strip; Newport Beach;La Jolla;Crenshaw and West Hollywood at the corner of Santa Monica and Harper. THAT location was where the factory was and it was THERE that the ice cream was made as long as Wil (ONE "L") made it. I managed two stores for him and often went to see the ice cream being made. Mr. Write eventually sold his stores to Carnation which was later purchased by IHOP. Carnation used the same recipes for a while but then went totally commercial. It broke Mr. Wright's heart to see it all disappear. Sadly he was murdered in his Nichols Canyon home in Los Angeles and the murderer was never caught. I have many original pieces of Wil Wright memorabilia including one of the round marble tables and two wrought iron chairs from the B.H. store. Those were the days of the BEST and most fattening ice cream with a butterfat content of 33%. And that is the way it was.

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  21. AnonymousMarch 01, 2006 10:43 PM

    Wil Wright's was amazing. The ice cream was the stuff of dreams. One bite and you had a coating of butterfat on the roof of your mouth! The hot fudge was, well...heavenly! I can still imagine the flavor. I would do just about anything to find the recipe for that hot fudge! Anyone with a secret?

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  22. AnonymousMarch 16, 2006 7:16 PM

    There was a Will Wright's parlor in the San Fernando Valley too on Ventura Blvd. You're right about that hot fudge sauce -- it was great and I've never found anything else to compare to it. As I recall, they gave you a little pitcher to pour it on with.

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  23. MarshaBradyFanMay 09, 2006 6:23 PM

    One of my favorite childhood memories was of enjoying a Meringue Glace' at Wil Wright's on Sunset Blvd. It was vanilla ice cream served on top of a meringue shell, topped with whipped cream and served with hot fudge sauce. I haven't seen anything like it since those childhood days. If you know of a place where that same dish is served today, please post the details here. Thanks!

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  24. BoltoMay 20, 2006 8:46 PM

    Just wanted to add that my childhood memories are of a Wil Wright's in Westwood Village at the intersection of Lindbrook (or perhaps Kinross) and Glendon Avenues. I have the same strong memories as you of just the best ice cream and hot fudge ever. They were particularly well known for their vanilla, with vanilla bean throughout -- a fancy rarety in those days.

    By the way, the brand has recently been revived as a line of "super-premium" pints for supermarkets (no parlors, alas). I haven't tried it, though -- anyone?

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  25. AnonymousAugust 02, 2006 9:55 PM

    Yes! There was the Wil Wrights Ice Cream Parlor in Westwood Village. I remember going there in the early 70's. What a treat! The best hot fudge sundae along with the cute little cookie macaroon in the small paper envelope with the angel outlined in red. It was indeed on the corner of Glendon/Lindbrook. Great fun!

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  26. OldLady Of The HillsAugust 20, 2006 1:44 AM

    About Wil Wrights: I remember the very first and at that time, (1947) the only Wil Wright's Ice Cream Parlor, up on the Sunset Strip, right bear La Rue's Restaurant.
    That ice cream was soooo rich and deliecious...as others have said, there would be a coating of better fat on the roof of your mouth.
    My family all loved this ice cream so much that we had them pack three quarts in Dry Ice so that we could fly back to New York with it on the plane with us! Never has been another ice cream quite like theirs. And they madfe some unusual flavors back in the day, way before that was a popular thing to do. That Original place on the strip was very ver small. A lovely old fashioned Ice Cream Parlor look and Hor Fudge Sauce to die for!

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  27. AnonymousAugust 30, 2006 3:23 PM

    My family had a small trailor behind Will Wright's on Dover and PCH. Is anyone out there??

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  28. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2006 2:10 PM

    Jose McCoy's on Warner Ave. E/O Bolsa Chica Road in Huntington Beach, still sells the old strips and sauce at a reasonable price.

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  29. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2006 8:34 AM

    i remember the hangout!! this one was in "Downey california" next to the stonewood shopping center on fire stone blv all my brothers went to downey high school .. it was across the street and kitty corner to that was "licorice pizza" record store ...im 43 now i think i was about 11 no wait i was just getting into junior high schoolthat was east high

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  30. AnonymousNovember 30, 2006 7:17 PM

    I seem to remember going to a Will Wright's in Pasadena. It may have been on a street like Green or Colorado. Does anyone recall this location?

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  31. AnonymousDecember 10, 2006 5:30 PM

    The place you're refering to was definitely Will Wright's and it was located on the corner of PCH and Dover. Farrels was located on PCH and MacAurther. It frequently had someone standing out on the corner in a guerilla suit waving at cars.

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    1. Da Big KahunaMay 13, 2013 1:29 PM

      The place on PCH and MacArthur was called "The Zoo"

      Delete
  32. AnonymousDecember 17, 2006 8:21 AM

    I too remember Wil Wright's and espeically the wall of candies in jars! I had a love/ hate relationship with the too small round marble tables. I visited to the parlor at Ventura and Van Nuys in Sherman Oaks. I just found WilWrights.com, which mentions WW ice cream in your local grocery store.

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  33. AnonymousJuly 01, 2007 12:56 PM

    Yes, it was Wil Wright's and I do remember that nice coating of butterfat on my mouth after eating. I did not need to worry about my weight back then.

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  34. AnonymousJuly 04, 2007 8:20 AM

    Among others, until at least around 1970 there were Wil Wright's parlors located (1) on the northwest corner of Van Nuys and Ventura just west of the gas station, (2) on Sunset in Pacific Palisades near the fire station on the north side of the street, and (3) at the southeast corner of Beverly and Charleville in Beverly Hills. They pioneered their most famous flavor, "vanilla bean".

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  35. AnonymousJuly 06, 2007 6:48 PM

    in 1968 i visited my grandparents in costa mesa.i would go to wil wrights for coffee ice cream the very very best in the world! i live in schenectady n.y. today and will never forget the delicious taste of that superb ice cream.,the bowls of fresh whipped cream and the bowls of fresh fruit. yes ,to all that knew it it was heavenly!!!!

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  36. AnonymousAugust 03, 2007 3:23 PM

    I worked for Farrell's at 7 locations in SoCal. Our ice cream was originally made by Arden as the first franchises were owned by Arden-Mayfair Markets. When Mariott bought us we switched to Adohr ice cream (part of Southland/7-11), and later Thrifty.

    There was a Wil Wrights at Golden West and Edinger in Huntington Beach. It didn't last long.

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  37. AnonymousAugust 17, 2007 3:38 PM

    I grew up in the trailer park behind Wil Wrights, I also worked there, landing a job when I was only 13! I loved wearing the candy striper uniform. The memories of Wil Wrights are by far my fondest childhood ones. I still have an old Heavenly Scoops tee shirt with the angel on front. I used to have a sign from the Dover side of the building but gave it back to the friend that gave it to me as it took up alot of room. Miss that place, any old trailer parkers out there?

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    1. AnonymousMay 28, 2012 7:50 PM

      I spent my summers @ Bayshore Tariler Park, had a wonderful childhood there. Wil Wrights, The Bait Store, first the boat dealership can't remember the name, then Dover liquor. Got my picture taken next to a car that had hidone of the concrete pipes in front of Will Wright's when I was 5.
      I think we where in #K5.

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  38. AnonymousAugust 25, 2007 8:03 PM

    There were two parlors...one in Newport, the other in Pasadena. They had the BEST hot fudge sundays! They served them with mini macaroons. I wish they were still around...nothing like them!

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  39. cysSeptember 15, 2007 8:49 PM

    My friends and I used to get sundaes after football games-go CdMHS- beat Harbor! -around 1973=74
    They had the best baby almond sundae with hot fudge sauce!
    The place at MacArthur and Coast Hwy was A&W, then "The Zoo". I think I got a Christmas tree on that lot too. Newport was much more low key back then. Who remembers Mr. Flynn at Harbor View?

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  40. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2007 9:11 AM

    I lived in Bayshores, right across the street from Will Wrights and used to take orders from my friends @ Harbor Day School for Jolly Rancher candy sticks. Then I would purchase the candy and bring it to school. I was sad to see it go :( That was in the lae 70's/early 1980's.

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  41. AnonymousNovember 15, 2007 3:21 PM

    These posts are cracking me up! Everyones asking and replying about Wil Wrights and then sporatically there's the Strip sauce!
    Does anyone remember The Patio Pantry? One was on Edinger in Santa Ana and the other one was in Huntington Beach I believe? I worked at both as well as my good friend Julie Gaylord, now Galkin. Julies' step-mom, Jeanie ran the one in HB. That one burnt down. We worked at the P-Panty's from about 1966-1967
    Rose Tapp (Herring)

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  42. AnonymousDecember 13, 2007 6:46 AM

    Stanley Marcus had Wil Wright's ice cream flown into Dallas where it was served at the Zodiac restaurtant in the original Neiman's downtown store. It was the first time I had ever had coconut ice cream, and it has been my favorite ever since though none comes close in flavor and quality to Wright's.

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  43. AnonymousMarch 11, 2008 9:48 PM

    I just drove by the site of the Wil Wright's at PCH- Newport Beach-couldn't remember the name (though could never forget that creamy-smooth taste!). Wracked my head for a day-Then I passed the awnings at "Joes' Italian" ice (in Garden Grove) and the site triggered the name- amazing what images can do. I read these blogs, smiling at the comments...but really not buying the "Thrifty" ice cream. I've had plenty of that- not even close!!! Wil Wright's was one of those special treats we kids (in the late 50's) screamed for when we left the beaches on a hot summer day. Ah...thanks for the memories!

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  44. AnonymousMarch 17, 2008 10:14 AM

    I went to Wil Wright's in Palm Springs in 1963 or '64. My older sister told me back then that the Hollywood starlets went to WW in Hollywood, so naturally we had to go-just in case we saw a starlet on vacation!! It was downtown, across the street from the museum & library. I remember the little tables & chairs and even at the age of 9 thought it was a very upscale place! LOL. I do remember the hot fudge being unbelievable, and WW may be the reason I love vanilla ice cream above all others-I wasn't aware they used the vanilla bean back then.

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  45. AnonymousApril 09, 2008 4:15 PM

    I remember going to Patio Pantry on Edinger in Huntington Beach in 1966 with friends from 4th grade. Does anyone remember the little, tiny pizza/sub shop called Niberino's--behind the former His Nibs liquor near the NW corner of Edinger and Edwards. Great meatball sandwiches for 59 cents!

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    1. MarkAugust 08, 2013 10:53 PM

      AH! Niberinos. It was the best. Best meatball sandwich. Best meatball pizza. It was tiny and all wood inside with writing all over everything. The workers looked like hippies.(It was the 70's). The smell was heavenly. Then one day it was gone. Never an explanation. I had heard a rumor that the Health Dept shut them down. It was next to McDonalds behind His Nibs liquor store and near the dairy on Edwards at Edinger. I haven't been back to H.B. in years. My brother still lives there but the rest of the family is spread across the country. I miss my hometown.

      Delete
  46. AnonymousApril 15, 2008 3:21 PM

    I remember looking forward to any family birthday. We would drive from Los Angeles (before the freeway), to Swanson's. I still can see the big proch and hear the music of the turn plate that they would put the birthday cake on. Anyone else remember that from the 50's? Where exactly was it? It is just a very fond memory from my childhood. Thankd so much.

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  47. AnonymousJune 21, 2008 8:13 PM

    I ran cross country and track at NHHS in the early 70's and we would stop in WilWrights and grab a drink of ice cold water in a glass, down it quickly and get back on the road before Bert would catch us. We even gave them a plaque for their wall thanking them for refueling us.

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  48. AnonymousJuly 30, 2008 12:42 AM

    You ran track at NHHS back in the day? I run there no and I wonder what it was like back then. Please elaborate

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  49. AnonymousAugust 11, 2008 7:13 PM

    I grew up in Cali and used to go to Ferall's ice cream palor. Pig trough were the BEST! i brought my first Girl friend there all the time"Lisa Ball" When did the tear down the Ice cream Palor at the Montclair mall.
    The Candy store was AWSOME!

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  50. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2008 11:36 PM

    The name was Wil Wright's. No doubt about it. We went there all the time on the way home from the beach when we were kids. I'm now 58 year old. How time flies. Anyway, what a treat it was. They had the best hot fudge Sundae's ever! I still think about it every time I travel up PCH when I hit Dover Dr. What great memories I have of going there with my family. My mom, especially, loved it. I have very fond memories of this great ice cream parlor. Wil Wright's...thanks for a great childhood memory.

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  51. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2008 6:02 PM

    From the mid to late 70's I worked at Snelgrove's ice cream parlor in Huntington Beach on Goldenwest and Warner. The ice cream was so creamy with a 30% butter fat content. The best sundae was the Canadian Vanilla ice cream served with an individual white pitcher of rich hot fudge. Delicious!!! The Ice cream was shipped in from Utah. I heard that Dreyers eventually bought Snelgroves.

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  52. AnonymousNovember 17, 2008 6:56 AM

    It was Wil Wright's (one "L"). I remember being there and Billy Jean King was having ice cream too. Fabulous macaroons.

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  53. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2009 3:13 PM

    Hey what about the strip sauce?????? They all varied a bit. The best was at Vic's on the beach. In addition to serving it with strips the would open for breakfast on the weekends and serve it with the round sliced fried potatoes. yuuuummmmm...... Their recipe is a family secret and they have since sold the restaurant but not the recipe. Second best is Jose McCoys Relocated to bolsa Chica and Warner. I need the recipe to either....any help here????

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  54. BebeMay 07, 2009 5:44 AM

    Wil Wright's was at Dover and the Coast Highway. In CDM on the same block as the old Snack Shop (now a wretched Ruby's) there was a Swenson's with a brown and tan awning, and I recall it being there in the Seventies and early Eighties. I think Swenson's originated in Santa Barbara. Wil Wright's was also in Pasadena on Colorado in the Arcade Building across from the new Vroman's Bookstore, as well as all the other Wil Wrights mentioned below.

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  55. AnonymousJune 07, 2009 4:57 PM

    Ahhh Yes! I clearly remember Wil Wrights on PCH in Newport Beach. My father used to take me there in the mid & late '50's ! Our fave was the Chocolate Burnt Almond Soda with the tiny macaroons on the side! OOOHHH for one more of those ! I am trying to duplicate it next week.

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  56. AnonymousJuly 17, 2009 7:45 AM

    I remember Wil Wright's in Newport Beach like others in the late 50's early 60's. The white wire chairs and marble topped tables that whole theme. Funny thing tho I remember getting ice cream there but don't remember how it tasted or what flavor I got. Doesn't Ethel mention it in one of the I Love Lucy episodes when they all go to Hollywood?

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  57. UnknownJuly 29, 2009 10:31 AM

    I remember Wil Wright's well and I would dispute that it was the same as Thrifty's ice cream. I ate a lot of both growing up in Corona del Mar and the enduring memory or Wil Wright ice cream was the coating it left in your mouth. Thrifty's never did that. Maybe after Wil Wright sold out the new owners (Carnation) used different suppliers, but I've never had ice cream like Wil Wright's anyplace but Wil Wright's.

    And yes, Lucille Ball loved Wil Wright's and was a frequent visitor to their Hollywood store across from RKO Studios. She put them in an episode as a free plug.

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  58. AnonymousAugust 04, 2009 9:22 PM

    I lived in Michigan but in the 1940s read in Life Magazine about a Moron Sundae in the LA area. When our family visited California, we searched until we found that treat. It must have been at Wil Wright's although I didn't remember the name. Does anyone remember what was in the Moron Sundae? I think it was almost a quart of ice cream with bananas, peaches, every kind of a syrup possible, and nuts and whipped cream. Truly awesome!! I'm trying to tell my grandchildren about it now. JB

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  59. AnonymousAugust 05, 2009 1:55 PM

    We moved to West Garden Grove in '63 and I remember in the mid thru late 60's in the summer our parents would take us for a drive in the evenings down Coast Hwy to South Laguna turn around and come back and we ALWAYS stopped at Wil Wright's at Coast Hwy. and Dover on the way back for ice cream. My mom would always get the vanilla bean or (butter brickel?). There were only a few parking spaces out front but we always seemed to get one even in summer. We had a big '65 Pontiac Catalina Safari wagon (purchased at Bill Barry Pontiac in Santa Ana) in the days before AC was common in cars and I loved the feel of the cool summer evening air coming through the open windows of the car as we drove along the coast. Wil Wright's later had a huge location (70's) at the SW corner of Goldenwest/Edinger in HB in response to Farrell's I think, never went there as I couldn't imagine the experience could come close to the Coast Hwy. spot.

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  60. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2009 1:23 PM

    For sure Wil Wright's was the best. In the 1970 so was Mione's Pizza (or was it the beer?)..great times on Balboa as well. NPB was so laid back then..Miss it. JB

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  61. AnonymousOctober 18, 2009 12:24 AM

    Right now I'd love one of those WW's hot fudge sundaes with the little toasted almonds, the blob of thickest,whitest whipped cream, and the darkest,dense chocolate sauce over the rich frozen vanilla cream with the barely visable specks of vanilla bean throughout. It all exploded into exquisite flavors when introduced to your tastebuds by that sightly smaller-than-teaspoon silver spoon. And how about the snap of crunch and then the chewey marzipan filling of that tiny macaroon encased in that precious angelwrap? (Wasn't there a little metal cup that held the warm fudge alongside on the white doily?) Oh my!

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  62. AnonymousNovember 18, 2009 6:00 PM

    I heard that Will Wright's is back???
    The Spectrum or in Mission Viejo?

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  63. AnonymousFebruary 05, 2010 10:40 AM

    I bought Wil Wright ice cream and receipes back in 1984, tried to redo business but failed. Still have all the hand written receipes, by Wil himself. Have the actual machine Wil used to make the ice cream,in the 40's 50's and 60's. My favorites was Nessorode Bula, burnt almond, coffee (with grinds) Vanilla bean and fresh peach. dwlovell@gmail.com

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  64. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2010 7:43 PM

    I cried the day they closed Wil Wright's on PCH and Dover. They had to make room for the new bridge on PCH and tore down that building. If I remember right there where two other businesses there next to Wil Wright's. I remember it well because we had a Field Trip to see where the new bridge was going to be built. If you look at a aerial picture you will see the bridge has a curve to it. This was how they "fit" and built the new bridge with the old bridge in place. After the new bridge was open they tore out the old bridge. The old bridge was to the south (and closer to the Ruben E Lee) If you look at on the southwest side of the bridge you will see a parking lot that is a rectangle. This is where PCH use to be and that is where the old bridge was also.

    I sure miss those days back in Orange County. But has that place changed and not for the good :(

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  65. AnonymousMarch 19, 2010 12:37 AM

    I managed 6 Wil Wrights Ice Cream Shoppes in the early 70's up until the last one closed in Newport Beach on Pacific Coast Hwy. I was there the day the bulldozers came in and tore the place down, very sad day. I also managed the one in Huntington Beach it was an experimental store Wil Wrights America that was built after IHOP bought the company in the mid 60's. The person was right when they said the during a period of time the ice cream was made by a large dairy. The dairy was Foremost Dairies, during the IHOP ownership, then Wil Wrights was sold to Coronet Foods of LA (big frozen onion ring maker), and the Ice Cream was made again at the plant on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood one of the founders came back and started making it using the same recipes. Even the Hot Fudge and Butterscotch toppings were made at the factory. I saw many changes in the time I worked for Wil Wrights the quality went down then back up. When the end came the quality was up and the fresh whipped cream spooned on to the top of the sundaes and a whole maraschino cherry with stem on the top were still being used. At least it went out on top. After the late 70's I really don't know what happened to the company. My favorite was Nesselrode Bula, Chocolate Burnt Almond, and Cherimoya Ice.

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  66. AnonymousMarch 27, 2010 9:43 AM

    My brother, Al, had the Wil Wright's in Newport Beach. Was very proud of the special ice cream that they made and the many friends he made from the store.

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  67. AnonymousJune 16, 2010 10:56 PM

    was the old ice cream plant off santa monica, acutally on orange dr or mansfield ave.?

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  68. UnknownJuly 09, 2010 10:14 PM

    I remember Will Wrights Ice Cream and Roys Bait and Tackle Liquor Store We had a trailer right behind there called Bay Shore Park Space A-2 back in the 60's and early 70's and across the bridge the Ruben E Lee I used to dive for coin there. anyone that remembers contact me at muzikdogg@gmail.com to see if we knew eachother at trailer park

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  69. UnknownJuly 20, 2010 10:43 AM

    hello, was your brother al the al aleshire who owned wil wrights in the 1970s. i worked for al for several years and then worked for jo bessel who bought the parlor from al.
    back in the day coast hwy bridge was one lane each way,
    the trailer park behind wil wrights was bumping. also
    the ice cream parlor had a one bedroom apt above the store.
    the building was attached to the liquor store in the back,
    there was a window that was bared but open that joined the two stores. we used to trade banana splits for booze from the guys who worked there. I remember al aleshire and will tell you he was a true original wil wrights veteren who maintained
    the wil wrights tradition more then anyone i have ever met. my name is mike sheppard

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  70. M BONTEKOEJuly 29, 2010 11:38 AM

    I also worked at Wil Wrights Ice Cream Parlor on Coast Hwy. in Newport Beach.It was late 50's and early 60's. My brother Duane also worked there and lived in Bayshore trailer park with our parents. Our boss was Al Aleshire. Neat person and he knew his ice cream.My very fave was coffee ice cream and then hot fudge sunday. Chos. candies were superb. One favorite customer was Fess Parker.John Wayne lived across the st. in Bayshores..Great memories. I am now in my 70's but I do have fond memories of the place.I lived in Costa Mesa up the hill ,graduated from Newport Harbor in 52.What a great place to grow up back then.

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  71. AnonymousAugust 24, 2010 2:36 AM

    I worked at Wil Wright's from 1958 to 1967. So did my sisters. What a time in life! I miss it, the trailer park, the bait 'n tackle shop, etc. Al was my boss. I see a post from his brother: Can you tell me where Al ended up? John M.

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  72. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2011 8:10 AM

    The company that manufactured the Hot Fudge for Wil Wright's was, J Hungerford Smith. Tarzana Ca., location alummni.

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  73. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 1:33 AM

    Does anyone have photos of the corner; bait and tackle shop, Will Wrights, the liquor store on the back.

    What glorious days living at Bay Shore Trailer park! I would love to see some old photos!

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  74. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2012 4:50 PM

    I am Wil Wright's niece and now live in new Jersey. My whole family loved his ice cream and him.We often thought of resurrecting it but could never get it together.It is nice to read the wonderful memories people had of his ice cream.
    marilyn

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 03, 2013 4:47 PM

      Marilyn -- Do any of Wil Wright's descendants have some of the recipes? Many of us would pay for a recipe/memory book!

      Delete
  75. thinkorthwim69March 26, 2012 1:26 AM

    I was about 12 years old around 1962 and we used to vacation in California Corona Del Mar
    big corona little corona and the famous balboa island had crab cooker, john waynes house, the little games park on the island the ferry to get there one side and wilwrights ice cream was my look forward to always night with the tasty almond cookies that i loved. It was close to Reubens if i remember the name correctly where they had an old river boat that served reuben sandwiches. Golden Years and I Really think we have dirgressed from there the wilwrights was close to reubens i just cant recall exact name but it was a main thoroughfare there. I got it on my bucket list if it still around

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousJuly 25, 2013 9:11 AM

      There might have been a Reubens in Newport Beach, but the place you're thinking of is the Reuben E. Lee, which has been gone for years now. It wasn't a real paddle boat, but a barge made up to look like a paddle boat. I never remember Wil Wright's in Newport Beach, but it might have been gone by the time I moved to Newport Beach.

      Delete
  76. AnonymousOctober 20, 2012 11:01 PM

    I worked at Wil Wright's on PCH and Dover when I was in high school in '59 & '60. Fabulous job for a high school kid for spring & summer. Al Aleshire was the mgr. or franchise owner. Great job, great boss, great fun.

    Jim

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  77. AnonymousMay 03, 2013 4:45 PM

    What memories this brings back! I grew up in Long Beach, and my grandparents lived in San Diego County. In the 50s and early 60s, we would drive down the day after Thanksgiving for a visit, long before the 405 and 5 made an easy or complete trip. In the evening on the way home, we would always drive along PCH through Newport Beach, just so we could stop at Wil Wright's. I had forgotten the name, but that was the place. We NEVER splurged on desserts, so this annual treat was a big deal. The fragrance upon opening the door is fixed in my brain! Nesselrode and Chocolate Burnt Almond come wafting through the decades...

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  78. AnonymousMay 26, 2013 12:52 PM

    Wil Wright's. A great place on the PCH

    ReplyDelete

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