 A nostalgic look at 1970s Southern California coffee shop culture Nostalgia in a Cup: Childhood Memories of Coffee Shops in the 1970s and Early 1980s Childhood memories are often painted with vivid snapshots of the places and people that shaped them. For me, many of those memories are steeped in the warm, familiar aroma of coffee shops. In the 1970s and early 1980s, these humble diners were not just eateries—they were a way of life for my family. Coffee Shops: A Cultural Mainstay Coffee shops in the 70s and early 80s were found everywhere, affordable, and welcoming. Their 24-hour service and simple menus made them the go-to spots for families, late-night crowds, and social gatherings. At their peak, coffee shops like Sambo's, Norms, and Bob’s Big Boy dotted the Southern California landscape. Each offered something unique, yet all were tied together by a shared atmosphere of casual comfort. These coffee shops weren’t just places to eat—they were community hubs. Families on a budget could enjoy an inexpensive meal, and friends could linger over endless cups of coffee while catching up. They reflected a slower time when people connected face-to-face without the distractions of smartphones or social media. My Dad: From Morning Paper to Coffee Shop Crew My dad was a quintessential coffee shop patron, a habit he’s kept to this day. Back then, he’d head to the nearest spot early in the morning for a cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast, and the morning paper. It was his quiet ritual. Later, when we went out together as a family, it was always to a coffee shop. Breakfast or lunch—it didn’t matter. Coffee shops were dependable. When he took me to ice skating lessons or practice, he’d always wait nearby in one, coffee cup in hand. Today, he’s still there—different coffee shops, same habit—now joined by a rotating cast of lifelong buddies. They meet up in the mornings, swapping stories over steaming mugs, keeping the tradition alive. My Mom: Late-Night Coffee and Ice Skating Friends My mom also gravitated toward coffee shops, especially for late-night meetups with her ice-skating friends. After long days at the rink, she’d sometimes bring us along for hot chocolate or dessert. A slice of pie or a steaming mug of cocoa after skating made those evenings feel special. By the early 80s, her tastes had shifted slightly--Bob’s Big Boy became her spot of choice. Whether it was the Arcadia location on Baldwin Avenue or another nearby branch, I remember the cheerful Big Boy mascot beckoning us inside. The Kid’s Perspective: Single-Serve Cereal and Peg Games As a child, I wasn’t exactly a fan of coffee shop breakfast food. Pancakes, waffles, French toast, and eggs? Not for me. Thankfully, coffee shops often came to the rescue with single-serve cereal containers. There was something delightful about opening a mini box of Frosted Flakes or Sugar Smacks and pouring cold milk over it. One particular coffee shop near our home on Duarte Road in Arcadia holds a special place in my heart. My dad would take us there when we were little and again after my parents’ divorce, during his visitation days. Each table had a wooden peg game, which my siblings and I would eagerly play while waiting for breakfast. Those moments, simple as they were, carried a sense of stability and joy. Coffee Shops in Historical ContextSome of the coffee shops we frequented are now long gone or rebranded. Sambo's, once a nationwide chain, was a familiar sight during my childhood. Locations like Santa Monica’s Ocean Boulevard, Pasadena’s Rosemead Boulevard, and Arcadia’s Huntington Drive are tied to memories of family outings. However, the chain faced controversy over its name and imagery and eventually rebranded or closed all of its locations, except for the Santa Barbara one that lasted until 2020. Norms, on the other hand, has endured. With its iconic Googie-style architecture and neon signage, Norms remains a Southern California staple. Its late-night hours and affordable menu have kept it popular for generations. Then there’s IHOP, or as it was formally known, the International House of Pancakes. It was a place where stacks of fluffy pancakes were the star of the show, even if I opted for cereal instead. And of course, Bob’s Big Boy—with its cheerful statue out front and retro diner feel—was a step up in coffee shop chic. It was where we'd go when we were just a little bit more dressed up or had a reason to celebrate. Why These Memories Matter Looking back, coffee shops were more than just places to eat—they were the backdrop to countless family moments. They were where my parents could stretch a dollar and still treat us to a meal out. They were where we went to unwind after skating, laugh over simple games, and connect as a family. Even now, when I pass a Norms or see a Bob’s Big Boy sign, I feel a pang of nostalgia. The world has changed so much, but coffee shops still carry the echoes of simpler times and shared routines. What about you? Do you have a favorite coffee shop memory? Maybe it’s the taste of a milkshake, a certain table where your family always sat, or the way a slice of pie always seemed like the perfect end to a meal. Share your story—I’d love to hear it. *Note: The blog image is an AI generated image and does not depict the true signage of the coffee shops. More Nostalgic Memories
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 Top 5 Libraries for Genealogy Research: Essential Resources to Unlock Your Family History When diving into genealogy, libraries are invaluable resources, offering access to unique collections, databases, and expert assistance. Here are some of the best libraries for genealogy research, each with its own special strengths that can help you uncover your family's history. 1. FamilySearch Library (Salt Lake City, Utah)The FamilySearch Library, formerly known as the Family History Library, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the largest genealogical library in the world. It offers:
 FamilySearch Library (Family History Library) for Best Family History and Genealogy Research 2. Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.) The Library of Congress (LOC) holds a treasure trove of genealogical resources. This library offers:
 Library of Congress for Best Family History and Genealogy Research 3. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center (Fort Wayne, Indiana) The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is renowned for its comprehensive genealogy collection, including:
 Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center for Best Family History and Genealogy Research 4. New York Public Library (New York, New York) The New York Public Library (NYPL) boasts an impressive array of genealogical resources, especially for those with New York ancestry. Key features include:
 New York Public Library for Best Family History and Genealogy Research 5. Midwest Genealogy Center (Independence, Missouri) Part of the Mid-Continent Public Library system, the Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) is one of the largest public genealogy libraries in the U.S. It offers:
 Midwest Genealogy Center at the Mid-Continent Public Library for Best Family History and Genealogy Research Tips for Making the Most of Library Resources
More Genealogical Societies & LibrariesLearn about more genealogical libraries (and Societies) in this ultimate guide: Genealogy Resources: Genealogical Societies, Historical Societies, and Libraries for Genealogical Research More Top GenealogyMore Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Ancestry’s New DNA Matches by Cluster Feature in Beta Ancestry has just introduced a new feature for their AncestryDNA Pro Tools subscription called Matches by Cluster — a tool currently in Beta testing. This new option automatically organizes some of your DNA matches into groups that most likely share a common ancestor. If you’ve ever explored DNA clustering methodologies such as the Leeds Method or used third-party tools for cluster analysis, you’ll recognize the concept: grouping matches based on how they share DNA not just with you, but also with each other. Here’s an overview of how this new Ancestry feature works, what it currently offers, and my initial impressions after exploring it. How It Works Matches by Cluster analyzes your DNA matches and organizes them into clusters. The goal is to help you visualize and understand groups of people who may descend from the same ancestor or ancestral couple. Currently, the feature works within a specific range:
What I Noticed When I tested this feature on my own DNA results, Ancestry created seven small clusters for me — a mix of maternal and paternal side groups. The groups were relatively modest in size:
Currently, the clusters seem to center on matches connected to second great-grandparent couples, which may help those who are still establishing the broader framework of their DNA connections.  Ancestry DNA Match by Cluster Example- Groups Additional Insights
Who Might Benefit from This? This new clustering tool seems especially well-suited for:
Looking Ahead Because Matches by Cluster is still a Beta feature, it will be interesting to watch how it evolves. The ability to create custom clusters based on cM ranges or targeted matches will make this tool far more flexible and potentially more powerful down the road. If Ancestry expands this feature to include all matches across a broader cM range, it could become even more useful for identifying connections beyond the 2nd great-grandparent level and help visualize deeper ancestral ties that may not yet be obvious. Final Thoughts As with all tools, the value of Matches by Cluster depends on where you are in your research journey. For those newer to DNA or just beginning to get comfortable with organizing matches, this tool could offer helpful direction. For more advanced genealogists, it may serve as a supplemental tool while we wait to see how Ancestry expands its capabilities in future updates. I’ll be keeping an eye on this feature as it develops and will share further insights as new options are rolled out. Have you tried Matches by Cluster yet? I’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts on its potential for your research! More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Top 5 Genealogy Tips for Beginners – A simple checklist to help you start your family history journey today Starting your genealogy journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many resources and techniques available, it’s essential to know where to begin. Here are my top five genealogy tips for beginners, complete with examples and detailed guidance to help you start your family history adventure. 1. Start with What You Know One of the most fundamental rules in genealogy is to start with what you know. Begin by gathering information from your own family, including parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. Record their full names, birth and death dates, places of residence, and any stories they may have shared about your ancestors. Example: Imagine you’re trying to trace your great-grandfather’s origins. Begin by asking your family members what they know about him. Perhaps your grandmother remembers that he was born in a small town in Ohio and worked as a blacksmith. This information provides a starting point for your research, helping you to focus on specific locations and time periods. Tip in Action: Create a simple family tree chart starting with yourself and working backward. Write down every piece of information you gather, even if it seems insignificant. A small detail, like a family nickname or a vague memory of a place, can become a crucial clue later in your research. 2. Use Census Records as a Foundation Census records are a treasure trove of information for genealogists, especially beginners. They provide snapshots of a family at specific points in time, listing names, ages, occupations, and sometimes even relationships within the household. These records are invaluable for constructing timelines and identifying potential new avenues of research. Example: Let’s say you’re researching your great-grandmother, who was born around 1900. By locating her in the 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 U.S. Census records, you can track her family’s movements, discover her parents' names, and even identify siblings you may not have known about. Additionally, censuses often reveal occupations, which can lead you to other types of records like employment files or local directories. Tip in Action: When you find your ancestors in a census record, jot down every detail, including neighbors and other household members. Sometimes extended family members lived nearby or even with your ancestors, offering additional clues. For example, a previously unknown aunt living in the same household might lead you to another branch of your family tree. You can learn more about what you can find in census records starting with my blog The 1850 U.S. Census: One of the Golden Genealogy Records and continuing from there. 3. Document Your Sources Properly documenting your sources is a habit that will pay off in the long run. Every time you find a new piece of information, whether it’s from a census record, a family bible, or a birth certificate, make sure to record where you found it. This practice ensures the credibility of your research and allows others to follow your research trail. Example: Suppose you discover your great-grandfather’s birth date in an old church record. It’s tempting to write down the date and move on, but take the time to note the specific name of the church, the location, and even the book and page number if available. This way, if anyone questions the accuracy of your information, you can point them directly to the original source. Tip in Action: Use a research log or software like a genealogy database to keep track of your sources. Even a simple spreadsheet can work wonders for organizing your citations. This habit will prevent headaches later when you need to revisit a particular source or share your findings with others. Trust me; I'm still paying for this from my beginning research days. 4. Verify Information Before Accepting It as Fact Genealogy is full of surprises, but not all of them are accurate. It’s crucial to verify every piece of information you find before accepting it as fact. This step is particularly important when working with online trees or records that may have been transcribed incorrectly. Example: You might find an online family tree that shows your great-great-grandfather’s birthplace as New York. Before you add this information to your own tree, seek out additional sources that confirm this detail, such as birth certificates, census records, or land deeds. In some cases, you might find conflicting information, requiring you to dig deeper to uncover the truth. Tip in Action: Compare multiple sources before drawing conclusions. If three different records list the same birth date and place, it’s likely accurate. But if two records show conflicting information, you may need to investigate further to determine which is correct. Always be skeptical of information that doesn’t have a source attached or that comes from secondary sources like online trees. 5. Explore Local Archives and Libraries While online research is convenient, don’t overlook the value of local archives, libraries, and genealogical societies. These repositories often hold unique records that aren’t available online, such as local newspapers, land deeds, church records, and more. Visiting these places can unearth information that provides a richer, more detailed picture of your ancestors’ lives. Example: If you’re researching ancestors who lived in a rural town, consider visiting the local library or county courthouse. You might find property records showing where your ancestors lived, old newspapers with obituaries, or even court records involving your ancestors. These local resources can provide context and fill in gaps that online databases may not cover. Tip in Action: Call ahead or check the website of the local archive or library to understand what records they hold and any special requirements for accessing them. Some archives may require appointments, while others might have helpful staff who can guide you to relevant records. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance—they often have resources and knowledge that can significantly aid your research. You can learn more about what records and free resources you can obtain from local repositories in my blog post Genealogy Resources: Genealogical Societies, Historical Societies, and Libraries for Genealogical Research. ConclusionBy following these five tips, you’ll establish a strong foundation for your genealogy research. Remember, patience and persistence are key. Every record, story, and detail you uncover brings you closer to understanding your family’s unique history. Happy researching! 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Author, Diane HenriksHi, I'm Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist, speaker, author, investigator, and the founder of Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family who... Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family: Family History and Genealogy BlogI hope my family history and genealogy blog on genealogy research tips, resources, events, and more, along with my own genealogy journeys, will help you in your research and in building your family tree to learn more about your ancestors and family history to preserve for future generations to come! Categories
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