The Brammer Building still stands tall

For The Madera Tribune

Brammer’s shoe store was a pioneer establishment on Yosemite Avenue that bent with the times and survived. It began as a single-story, frame building on the north side of the street. In 1913, owner Herman Brammer replaced the wooden structure with a single-story brick building. Six years later he enlarged his store to three stories, and it still stands today.

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A few years ago I had the privilege of riding in the Old Timers Parade with Tom DaSilva in a beautiful, classic, 1931 Cadillac.

Tom and I talked a lot about that automobile — how his brother, the late Lee DaSilva, had acquired it, and how much work it took to get it running. We talked about his parents and some bits and pieces of Madera’s past. We agreed to get together again soon to continue our conversation. I don’t think we ever did, but I still have fond memories of that day.

It was such a thrill to drive down Yosemite Avenue, wave to the crowds, and reminisce about old Madera. It was like being pulled between the past and the present, and I will have to confess that on at least one occasion the past won.