When 19 cents used to buy a meal

Napa High students and other locals used to eat at Chic’s Burgers, then located across the street from the high school. Today, it’s the home of a bicycle store.

(Napa Register 1969. article written by classmate Sherry Slimp)

Burgers Popular

"Hamburgers are a national institution, and across the street from the Napa Senior High School green can be purchased the finest served in northern California, according to our usually ravenous Injun-eer staff.

Any student knows that we are talking about 'Chic's', but how many know the owner of 'Chic's' James H Jordan?  James Jordan arrived in Napa in the fall of 1954 and opened 'Chic's" on Sept. 26 of that year. Prior to his arrival in Napa, he lived in San Francisco and worked as a salesman for a restaurant and fountain supply house for eight years. James Jordan was in parntership for his first six months in Napa with a man nick-named Chic - thus the present title of the Napa High's favorite hamburger hang-out.

Most foods that are in demand, he commented, are hamburgers, fries, and drinks (mostly coke) which account for 80 per cent of his business. The other 20 per cent is derived from sales of tuna burgers, chicken, hot dogs, etc.

Jordan has a minimum of 10 to 12 people working for him. Three of those are high school or junior college students. James Jordan hires people 18 years old and over.

During the school term, students account for 30-40 per cent of Chic's' business, although Saturday has always been the biggest day.

In answer to a query about student conduct, Jordan said, 'We find in our judgment that 95 out of 100 students are good and conduct themselves well.'

'Chic's has sponsored such things as the Boy's Club, Pretender's Playhouse, school swimming teams, 4-H clubs, and anthing tha is worthwhile' he concludes."

Glory Days...by Dave Stincelli

When Mike Daniels and I met at Rich Reynold's funeral we had a lot of catching up to do.  We went to Lincoln Elementary kindergarden through High School together. We spoke of family, friends, and then... baseball.   The "Undefeated" 1970 season was quite a feat!  All those years of practice, tough losses, from fly league to little league came to head for a group of young athletes.  We spoke of Coach Tye (no, he was never on the Dick Van Dyke Show) and his passion for the game.  When you have a magical season like those our 1970 Varsity Napa High Team it takes a combination of supportive parents, knowledgeable coaches, raw talent, and luck.  I recall watching some of the home games and marveling at the skill and abilities that abounded on that team - fantastic pitching, legendary long balls, and well executed plays!  I remember the ball that was crushed over the tennis court fence by Mike Daniels was real big news that season. 

What a wonderful gift having that ball in my possession!  After sending the ball around to all the players (which took a great deal of time and effort on Linda Hansen Johnson's part) Linda presented it to me at Mary Baker's retirement party.  One of those random acts of kindness you hear about from time to time.  Thank you Mike and Linda for your efforts.  I hope that sending the ball around to all the players brought back good memories to all involved.  I hope some of the players will share some of their moments on this forum for us all to enjoy. 

The "Traveling Ball" was signed by: Barrie Sandy, Paul Freitas, Warren Brusstar, Steve Mann, Bill Ringer, Jim Buckner, Mike Green, Jesse Zuniga, Mike Daniels, Mark Johnson, Bob Hendryks, Duane Knight, and my good old buddy Bill Valentine.  Thanks guys!