How did this site start? It all started, at least on paper, when I received a phone call from Bob Hodgson - "My God, you're still at the same phone number!", he said, in a voice I knew. This brief exchange brought back fond memories. I was remembering my past and wondering where the gang was and what they are doing. If you've made it to this web site you are at least an honorary member (if not a charter member) of Hernando's Hideaway. If you can't remember Hernando's, age may have taken its' toll, but just think of it as a place to escape to, with friends you like, offering fond memories and hopefully a few laughs along the way. John Beaumont

A message from the webmaster

This site is dedicated to old friends and the good and bad times we had together. What are you doing tonight? Meet you at Hernando's!  

Here is the history of "Hernando's" as I recall it. When myself (Gerry Ferber Blackwell), Joanne (Dolkart), Arline(Jeffs), Marlene (Bine), were about 13 & 14 we were bored one summer and decided to get a bunch of the neighborhood kids together, climb the fence, and play baseball on the playground at 57th Street School. We attracted Bob Hodgson, Ted Wood, Gary Black, Phillip Young and very possibly a few others. We played every evening and other kids would drive by either in cars or motorcycles and join us. That would be, Walt McBride, Gus, John Beaumont, Margaret Hodgson, Wilton Blank, Robbie Dickenson, Roger Urie, Ted Cottle, Wendell & Doug Christopher, Wiley Baker, I'm afraid I've forgotten several and I beg their pardon. One evening the police came by and told us we couldn't play on the school grounds anymore so we ended up gathering on the corner of 57th Street & Alviso. The group grew and we, as kids, created some havoc, innocent but annoying to many in the neighborhood especially the Capps family who lived across the street from me with their pain in the butt daughter, Winifred! The police said we had to disperse, what were we to do. In my backyard was this little building called a rumpus room. No one lived in it, we used it for piano playing and sometimes slept there in the summer time. I asked my parents if we could use it for our quiet, well behaved, bunch!!! Sure they said. We decided it needed a name plus membership cards because the group was growing and we needed to keep out the undesirables. I think Joanne may still have her card. So the name "Hernando's". My parents went beyond the call of duty. They put up with loud music, motorcycles up and down the driveway, and constant stream of guys with black jackets, duck tails and motorcycles boots. My sister was livid and was constantly harassed by some of us. This continued for a couple of years and then my parents had had enough and we moved operations to Bob Hodgsons basement. Well, time marched on and we went our separate ways, trying always to keep in touch. The worse we did was smoke cigarettes and drink some beer. Some of us too much beer! It was a time I truly cherish in my memory bank. Gerry (Ferber) Blackwell

© John H. Beaumont 2007-2014 All Rights Reserved

Revised: 07/29/2014

Go ahead, turn up the sound and spin the old turntable to listen to “Hernando’s Hideaway” by Archie Bleyer, circa 1954 when it was #2 on the charts.