A treasure hunt in Downey...

[YesterdayOnceMore]

This thread has been moved, and some of this information is old. It was posted in 2004.....read on, and just be aware of that. Tim

Several people have actually asked me to start this thread, so here goes.

First, let me tell you a bit about this writer – I’ve been on the forum for a while now, and I have really enjoyed reading the information provided by everyone here. I thought I knew a lot about Karen and Rich already, but there is SO MUCH I didn’t know.

As most of you know, my name is Tim and I live in Missouri. I have been a musician since I could crawl up to the keyboard. Keyboards is my primary instrument, though I also play drums, trombone, and I’m a vocalist. I sang my first song in public in First grade, and I’ve been “on stage” ever since! I actually started performing professionally as an 8th grader with my first band. Just after my first semester in college, I went “on the road” with two friends, and our lead singer. We comprised a jazz trio, backing this lady who’d just released an album. My days on the road were quite something. It was certainly a learning experience. As I said, we were billed as a jazz trio, though I quickly introduced Carpenters music into our repertoire. That was a must!

When I returned home, I went out as a “single” and played in lots of clubs around town. I played everything from Cole Porter to Billy Joel to Pink Floyd to Carpenters – anything I liked that I thought an audience could reasonably relate and dance to. It also depended on the venue – if I was actually playing at a “piano bar” I would do a lot of stuff that had really great lyrics, and could capture my audience that way. If I was playing more of a club where dancing was the thing people wanted to do, I had to be a bit more selective in my choices of music.

Currently, I’m 51, Director of Human Resources for a global not-for-profit company that deals with education, and I still perform though not as often as I used to. And yes, I still love to play Carpenters music. My picture on this forum is with Billy Joel, who I was fortunate enough to get to meet in Kansas City Missouri a few years ago. His percussionist, the ultra talented Crystal Taliefero and I have become good friends, and it was with Crystal’s help that I got my children and I backstage passes to meet Billy and the band. Rick just posted his interview with Lib Devitto, who I was also fortunate enough to meet. It was awesome and Billy was absolutely gracious to me and to my son and daughter. It was quite a memorable event for us, to be sure.

to be continued.....

[YesterdayOnceMore]

^^ page two
Recently, I had to go to Los Angeles for a week to attend a conference for business purposes. For various reasons, my wife and I got to LA a couple of days prior to the start of the actual convention, and stayed a couple of nights in Anaheim. Knowing for a time that we were going to be in old Carpenters stomping grounds, I looked up the R and K Performing Arts Center website to discover that the exhibit could be viewed only when something was actually happening there – some program. Just our luck the Sunday before I had to be in Century City, there was something there, so we drove to Long Beach. I gotta tell you all, when I drove up my heart began pounding hard…, it was sort of an eerie feeling. I got out of the car and my wife was trying to get me to turn around so she could get my photo – but I just kept staring at those gleaming letters on the outside of the building, shining in the California Sun – The Richard and Karen Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts..now I was thinking this was pretty cool!!!
We almost didn’t get inside. It was only because I couldn’t get anyone to understand that all I wanted to do was view the Carpenters exhibit – I could care less what was going on inside the auditorium (though just the week before, Rich had been there performing to celebrate the 10th anniversary). I finally got someone to understand what I was wanting to do, and they happily let us into the lobby where there were even more surprises in store. I’d looked on the website as I said, and I noticed that in the pictures of the exhibit on the website, there was a display case that housed a set of KC’s drums and RC’s first electric keyboard. So, I was expecting to see those, and of course, that is the first thing that caught my eye. I almost couldn’t speak – I crossed over to the display case, and smiling from ear to ear, was looking intently at Karen’s Ludwig set, then at the keyboard with the original lead sheets for Close To You and Yesterday Once More on it.. when suddenly, I saw it – in the back corner, behind her set – it was her “Lead Sister” tee – the one she wore so often. There it was – and it was tiny! White, hot salty tears burned my eyes, as a lump was rising in my throat as I stared at it. I could NOT hold back tears. It was as if Karen herself was there, and I got to say hello to her, one last time. I was absolutely in awe. As I looked back for my wife to take the photo, I was smiling, and her smile was even bigger as she looked back at me – knowing how much it meant to me to be looking at this display. That was pretty cool.

Across the lobby, there were the Grammy awards. Wow! This just kept getting better. Below them, the American Music Award. In another display case, was the Hollywood Bowl award. And, finally, a big wall of Gold and Platinum records. It was just overwhelming. I just stood there. My wife kept asking me to turn around so she could snap pictures, but all I could do was stare and try to get my fill of all that cool stuff I was looking at.

It was kind of hard to leave. But, the next day we planned an outing to Downey, so I had that to look forward to.

And so on Monday, we had several hours until we needed to check into the hotel in Century City, so we drove to Downey. My friend Randy Schmidt gave me exact driving directions to the Newville Avenue house - and we found it right away – drove right up to it…and recognized it immediately. My wife (who is a fan, but NOT like her old husband) asked me “Isn’t that the house on the Now and Then album” – yup, was my response. That feeling again – I was just sort of stunned. Here was the house that Karen and Rich grew up in once they moved to California. I know I’d often wondered during my teen years if they lived like “normal” people, or if they were in the lap of luxury in some HUGE home, or something like that. Well, I can safely tell you, now, they lived comfortably, but the home was relatively “normal” to my eyes. After taking some photos, we headed on to the house on Lubec, where K and R moved into together. That was pretty cool, too, as we found it just right away. Just a nice home – nothing particularly special about it – just comfortable looking.

From there, we headed to the United Methodist Church, where Karen’s funeral was held. It was just up the block from the two apartment complexes that K and R had built – “Only Just Begun” and “Close To You.” We found them both.

There were many things going on in my mind during this adventure – I pictured an ambulance in the driveway, taking Karen out on a gurney – Richard driving up from the Lubec house to the Newville house, not sure what was happening – practice sessions in the Newville house – parties in the Lubec place. And, Karen’s funeral, of all the tragic, awful things, taking place in that church. It was sort of intense.

continued once more.....

[YesterdayOnceMore]

^^
final.......

After having a bit more of a look around Downey proper, and lunch at Marie Calendars where I feel CERTAIN that Karen, Richard, Agnes and Harold had eaten in the past, we headed on to Century City. Something kept nagging me – I couldn’t put my finger on it – but there was something in the back of my mind that told me this adventure wasn’t complete, yet.

I had a free morning, so we booked a city tour, that stopped for the Walk of Fame. Though there are more than 2 long miles of stars on that walk, I found the Carpenter’s star! I hadn’t even THOUGH about that! That was pretty cool. But something was still sort of haunting me – what WAS it?

As our tour guide kept telling us about various stars homes, or pointing out various movie locations, that thing in the back of my mind kept nagging at me! I’d kept thinking about the movie, the Karen Carpenter story. From my current surroundings, something should seem familiar, but I could not figure out what it was. I was in Century City – and the address was Avenue of the Stars – both of those had such familiar rings to it and finally, it dawned on me!!! Karen’s condo – was in Century City – I KNEW that, and had known it for a long time. AND, it was located on the Avenue of the Stars! I knew that, too – had known it forever – but I just didn’t put two and two together.

Well, all I had to do was look up towards the end of the block, and it was so apparent. For those of you who don’t know, the Avenue of the Stars there in Century City is only about 3, maybe 4 blocks long. So I knew I’d be able to find it easily enough.

Needless to say, this little adventure certainly made that trip a special one for me.

I’d just begun to really get active on this forum when I made this trip. I’m so happy that I found the time to make some posts, etc. I’d read a lot of them, but was hesitant, I suppose, to respond. As you can see, I’m no longer hesitant. What an awesome group of individuals you all are, and isn’t that Rick great in the manner in which he keeps this site updated with such great, interesting information? At any rate, I believe it was on some thread of the forum where I read about the new Carpenter website that Richard had going.

So, I went to the website. It’s very nice looking in case you haven’t visited it, yet. There was a button for fan mail. After having the week I’d just had, I sat and thought about what I would say to Richard, if I decided to send him an email. First – did I really think he would personally read it, or was it going to be a case of someone just passing the information on to him (or, not!)? But there were things I wanted to say to him, and so I did it. I sat down and composed an email to him about how much I appreciated his role in the Carpenters. How I appreciated that he was still willing to help those of us “fans” somehow cope with the loss of Karen, as he has had to do every day since her death. And, of course, about my love of the finished products he so carefully crafted – he and Karen. Her golden voice – his musical prowess. Just an incredible, unforgettable, indelible duo of talented musicians.

After I wrote the e-mail, I promptly forgot about having done so. In fact, until about 3 days ago, I didn’t think a thing about it.

On Monday of this week, I came home after work as usual, and checked the mail on the kitchen table. There was a large envelope for me, and the return address was the familiar Carpenters logo. Hmmmm...what might this be, I wondered. I mean, I knew it wasn’t a letter or anything because I’d written to Rich before at the 1084 Downey PO box, and received a reply from Evelyn Wallace, their personal sec’y – just like others of you have. So, I couldn’t figure out what might be inside.

I was truly surprised, and quite pleased to find a letter dated 11-9-04 from Richard Carpenter. I will send the letter to Rick to post. Also included was a signed 8 X 10 black & white glossy of Richard, also inscribed, signed and dated. This, too, I will forward to Rick. What a neat, cathartic end to my whole adventure. Immediately, I sent emails to Rick, Dave and Jim to tell them about it. And, as I said, I’ve been strongly encouraged to start this thread, and tell this story, and post my pictures, in order to generate a discussion. I plan to send Rick photos of all the homes, church, star on the walk of fame, apartment complexes, and Karen’s Condo in Century City.

Because of all of this, this ended up being an awesome trip. I hadn’t wanted to go initially– not to LA – it was too big – the fast lane – I ‘m just not used to that. But, I’m sure glad it all turned out this way. It was a great time, and to know that Richard must have actually read what I wrote him was worth more than I can describe to you. I’m pleased that he liked what I had to say, as it came from my heart. And, above all, what I’m hoping is that this is just the start of his correspondence with his many, many fans.

So, there you have the whole story. I wanted to share it with each of you. It may take a while for me to get the photos to Rick and for him to get the pictures to get up on the site. Be patient. (Thanks, Rick, for taking care of those for me).

“…all my best memories come back clearly to me, some can even make me cry, just like before, it's Yesterday Once More…..shoobie do lang lang…..”

All the best~~~
Tim

[Rick Henry]

@@

Hi Tim - excellent story. I enjoyed reading about your adventure.

By the way you mentioned dining at Marie Callender's. A few years back i used to work at Marie Callender's in the city of Orange. It was a fun and crazy job. I was the service trainer for the front end of the restaurant. I met a man and lady who knew karen and Richard. They were there for lunch. The man was a retired teacher from downey High school. He said he remembered Karen was a good looking young girl and very polite.

[smoothie2]

:-[Hi Tim! I'm smoothie...Thank you so very very much for finding this forum and telling us about your truly wonderful experiences on your trip! We really look forward to seeing the pics when you can post them. I know several that hook up with us have seen R. and K. in concert or in person, or at least have been very blessed to get to see Downey and-or the C's Performing Arts Center, I love to hear about such great moments in time! ;D
I'm in my mid-40's and grew up listening and watching our favorite duo on records and tv. I didn't see them in concert.
My parents and I went to S. Diego when I was young to see my sister who'se husband was stationed there in the navy.
I recall a lot about that trip. Of course, at the age of 8 I don't think I knew about the Carps. We went to Disneyland and Movieland wax museum and S. Diego zoo.
If I could go on a big trip I would want to go just exactly the places you've mentioned.
I know I'd feel like I was in a dream if that happened.
Hey, I always liked B. Joel. Very talented, gutsy, and spirited guy.

[carp1ncmor]

Thank you so very much, Tim, for your personal experience in L.A. I had tears rolling down my cheek as I read about your visit to the R and K Performing Arts Center. I work for an airlines and am able to fly standby for free. I am looking forward to going to L.A. and having a similar experience. How far is Downey from Hollywood? Did it take long to get from L.A. to Downey?

[YesterdayOnceMore]

^^ Hi Carp1 - Welcome - no - it isn't far from Downey to Hollywood - everything in LA is relatively close - the K and R Performing Arts Center is actually in Long Beach. Long Beach was about 10 minutes from Downey, which is about 10 minutes from Hollywood.

Have fun - you'll have a great time there. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.

Best!
Tim

[Rob813]

Hey Tim, thanks for your wonderful story about your Carpenter adventure in Downey and vicinity. Your descriptions make me want to make a similiar trip. I've been a big fan since 1970. I'd especially like to speak with Richard and tell him what he and Karen have meant to me. Perhaps someday it will happen. Anyway, I appreciate all that you share with us. You're a man after my own heart.

[beaner]

Tim,

I can sure relate to the feeling it gives you seeing all the Carpenter things. When I went to California in 1984, the first thing I did was to find Cypress Forest Lawn Cemetery and visit Karen's former resting place. Then I went to Downey and asked a mailman where the Carpenter home was....walked right up to the door and rang the door bell. Gosh was I nervous but determined. Then I visited the church and was able to see inside. I found one of the apartment complex by accident not knowing the other one was right nearby. Finally, I went to Hollywood to see their star on the Walk of Fame. What a heart wrenching feeling. I remember taking a moment in the mausoleum and kneeling in front of where she was and saying "Karen, I'm finally here to meet you". I just wish it was seeing her alive but I still feel like my goal was accomplished (meeting her someday) and she heard me.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Wow, Mary Ann, what a gut-wrentching recount of your visit. How beautiful! And...how touching. Thank you for sharing that with us. I'm happy for you that you were able to make the trip, and it sounds like you saw everything I did....isn't that just the greatest feeling?

And...Rob - thanks for your post. Glad you enjoyed my rather lengthy story. It was a great time, and I hope you do get to make this trip, because it's just, well, one of those great moments in time. Take care.

Best~
Tim

[carp1ncmor]

Thank, Tim, for the info on L.A. And Dave, thank about the Yahoo Maps idea. Hey Dave, what do you mean by you go out in field service?

[carp1ncmor]

Congratulations, Dave, on your 25th! Hope you and Karen enjoy your anniversary together. It sounds like you would be a handy man to have around. The world's full of problems that need resolved.

[beaner]

Dave,

Thanks for the kind words. Also, since I may not be reading any posts from you till after your anniversary, I will wish you now! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND KAREN!!!! &^

Enjoy it and be safe!!!

[Peteruk]

Tim -your Carpenters California visit plus great visit to CPAC must have been fabulous.....always enjoy visiting CPAC , Downey & LA highlights .....always so much to do and not enough time to see / visit everywhere ....

Peter

[BethMosior]

:oWOW TIM that was really coooooool thanx ever so much for sharing your story, I really enjoyed it ?*

[YesterdayOnceMore]

*% Peter and Beth
Glad to have been able to share. I'm going to be home recouping from surgery (long story) the week after Christmas and plan to scan and send my photos of this adventure to Rick for posting during that week.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season and I wish you all the very best for the New Year.

~Best
Tim

[Will]

Tim,

Thanks for the wonderful description of your visits. I visited the R & K Performing Arts Center myself when I was in LA for a conference about a year ago. It was interesting to read about your emotions as you arrived. I felt the exact same way. It is a very wonderful, exciting and unique feeling. I don't think I anticipated this feeling before arriving, but when I arrived and pulled into the parking lot -- it was amazing. For this reason I recommend that anyone able to go there should visit.

I was fortunate enough to be there on a Saturday when the exhibit would be open for a few hours. It is unfortunate that it isn't open for a greater period of time. In my case, I emailed ahead and found that the display would open an hour later than normal. Of course I couldn't wait that long so I got there at the normal opening time anyway -- didn't matter, I wanted to be there.

Shortly after I arrived another fan showed up (a young female drummer who currently plays in a 'rock' band.) She told me how she had been inspired by Karen when her parents would listen to the Carpenters. Meeting her added to my adventure -- nice to see someone whose life has been so strongly influenced by Karen and Richard.

She was a bit upset when I told her the opening would be delayed an hour. As we approached the building we found the woman I had emailed waiting for us. She decided to come out and open the place early because (I suppose) I had come such a long way and had shown such an interest in visiting.

You did a wonderful job of describing the exhibit's contents. It was like being there all over again. I went around visiting the items in the exhibit several times before finally leaving (and I didn't really want to leave then.)

Thanks again for your stories.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

*%
Will
Glad to know my story rekindled some old feelings, and that it brought back good memories for you. I just know it was a really wonderful trip, and I can't wait to go back.

Best to you this holiday season. Hope to hear more from you. Email me any time.
~Best
Tim