Post #566830 by TINAC33 on Sun, Nov 28, 2010 5:10 PM

Hello!

I don't even know where to begin about Ferguson's and the history. It really should be written into a book because there are so many crazy stories I have heard. Grandma is almost 90 and has only started slowing down in the last couple years but before that, lived life to it’s fullest. She is one of the most talented, interesting, classy women that I have ever met and I have so much love and admiration for her. She has a vivacious, magnetic personality that draws people to her and makes you feel good being around her. She made Ferguson's a fun place to gather for all. Anyone that owns her artwork is very fortunate to have it in their possession and I feel they deserve to know a little bit about the amazing woman that created them.

It is really quite impressive how she put her ideas into motion marketing the restaurant. She always had something going on to keep the calypso room alive with parties, contests, and promos. As a child, my family would go the restaurant and she had this huge treasure chest that she handcrafted full of little toys and trinkets. They were little cheap toys similar to what is in a pinata, but kids loved them and it brought alot of families. She gave the restaurant away shortly after I reached drinking age so I had only been in the lounge a couple time, but it was very comfortable, festive atmosphere. She was a very smart business woman with a bit of a wild streak and surprisingly was able to get away with it, even in the earlier days. She pushed the limits but was able to carry it off with finesse and is one of the most respected women in the community today.

Ferguson's had a lot of regulars which gave it the "Cheers" feeling with a calypso atmosphere. Throughout the years it was updated and renovated to keep up with the times. I have included a few photos. There is much more to this story. I could probably write a book but I’m giving you the basics.

Ferguson's began as a car hop in the 40's and was called "XXX Drive In" when she and her husband, Jack Ferguson first built it. In the 50's they renovated it to calypso theme and changed the name to Ferguson's. There was a section for family dining (diner style), a banquet room for larger groups, and the calypso lounge. Jack Ferguson died in a plane crash in the early 60's and shortly after she remarried the love of her her life, Phillip Wertheimer. His family co-founded Longview Fibre paper mill, which is major employer of this mill town. After Phil's passing in the early 90's she decided she was ready to give it up and travel. When she was approached by 2 businessmen wanting to buy it she turned down their offer and was told, "your crazy lady, you will be lucky to get 200,000 for it." She said, "I'll give it away first." So the next day she donated it to Longview Community College. She's an independent, proud woman that has nothing to prove to anyone but herself

Ferguson's sat on a prime piece of land that borders both Longview and Kelso. About 5 years ago, LCC wanted to build a new student center and so they made a trade agreement with Mc Donalds for the land because Mc Donalds was adjacent to the college. Ferguson’s land had easy accessibility with good traffic flow and was good for increased business for Mc Donalds. I'm not sure the exact details but have heard that in addition to the land trade Mc Donalds gave LCC 900.000 for the deal. It was sad to see Ferguson’s torn down and see Mc Donalds in it place.

Now to answer your other questions. The drink in the mug was called "The Ospylac," (calypso backwards.) There was no real recipe, just some sort of fruity juice with vodka (because it was cheap she said.) There were also matching ashtrays but they were always being stolen. She did all sorts of artwork so who knows what went where. I have some of her paintings that I treasure.

I hope this answers some of your questions. If not, feel free to ask and I will do my best to help out.

[ Edited by: TINAC33 2010-11-28 19:34 ]

[ Edited by: Bora Boris - Cleaned up some "edited by's" - 2010-11-29 19:52 ]