The "Degrees" to Fred's News

Many of the patrons that visited Fred's News from its' beginnings in the 1940's were either long time village residents, family members or long time friends. This held true during our ownership as well, but many new friends from all corners of the world were added. Many times we joke that people all over the place could somehow link themselves to either Fred's News or a family member that knew of Fred's News in a very quick amount of time. Sort of like the Kevin Bacon Game...Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. To this day, we still hear from friends that once visited Fred's News, but are now located around the world. These countries include: Australia, Korea, Brazil, England, many different African nations, Mexico and many more. Somewhere in my boxes of memorabilia are menus from Sydney, Australia, (thanks to Richard and Marge). Many young people that were born and raised in that small town, have now
moved to other states in pursuit of their careers, but would always make a return visit to Fred's News when they were in the area. All would tell us, "I wish there was a Fred's near me!" There probably is, but the great memories of that place as they were growing up were unique. For us, it is very comforting to know that whether it was "the brothers" or us, this little place made a difference to so many.

Recently friends from Connecticut let me know they would be in the area. They asked where I worked, they wanted to stop and say hello. Unfortunately, once they arrived they realized they had forgotten the paper with the info. Immediately they contacted Disney "City Hall", told them the story and in the tradition of Disney, they were given my Disney email. We met two days later. What a surprise! Their son had worked for us for a number of years and they had promised him they would look me up.

Just a couple of months ago I was at work. One of my people came to me saying a Guest had an issue and would like to speak with management. No problem, off I went. As I approached the Guest and introduced myself, I noticed him looking at my name tag. He announced he knew where Baltic, Connecticut was. Strange, not too many know that. I smiled and asked him, "Really, are you sure?" His explanation: he is married to a young lady from Baltic. Her parents still live there. When I told him that we had been the owners of Fred's News for twenty-two years, he smiled, laughed and said he and his wife had been there recently. His wife explained to him that she had grown up with our sons and was a frequent visitor, as were her parents. He pointed her out to me, sure enough Andrea smiled, laughed and we talked for awhile about the Fred's News she remembered. Since we have been in Florida, this has happened to me many times. People will look at my name tag, see Baltic, Connecticut and remark, "I know where that is, there used to be a little place called Fred's News, great food, lots of fun we miss it." I tell them " I know the place...OMG sometimes "Big Brother is Watching!!"