Books by Tony Wade
A magic nostalgia ride awaits.
Life in Fairfield in the decades after World War II was an unparalleled experience. From cruising down Texas Street on weekends to catching a carnival in the Wonder World parking lot, fond memories of long-lost times haven’t been forgotten. People flocked to vintage eateries like Joe’s Buffet and Smorga Bob’s, and played on the rocket ship slide at Allan Witt Park. Roller Rinks like the M&M Skateway hosted not just skaters, but dances featuring Fats Domino and Roy Orbison. Commuters hopped aboard the FART bus to save on gas, and frequenting Dave’s Giant Hamburgers was a rite of passage.
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Delve into the memories, meals, and the men and women behind Fairfield’s’ beloved former dining spots.
Since the city’s incorporation in 1903, Fairfield’s restaurants have reflected the simple tastes of suburban life, serving up good food and great times at places like the Firehouse Deli-Café, the Hi-Fi Drive-In and beyond. Longtime residents knew the best Mexican food north of Tijuana could be found at Dan & Ruth’s Café, and Voici, where the movers and shakers met, claimed the crown as swankiest spot in town. Smorga Bob’s, the buffet-style family restaurant where locals could let their hair down and get their grub on, is missed to this day.
Join longtime Daily Republic columnist and accidental local historian Tony Wade on a delicious tour of bygone eateries.
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Over a century of history, pride and tradition.
Armijo High School opened its doors for the first time in 1891. What began in the upstairs classrooms of Crystal Elementary School in Suisun City grew to the sprawling campus on Washington Street in order to serve the rising population of Fairfield, California. Armijo alumni have made indelible marks in numerous fields, including medicine, law, civil and military service, athletics, and the arts. Notable graduates include Noriyuki "Pat" Morita who earned an Academy Award nomination for playing Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid movies, New York Giants Super Bowl champion George Martin and Johnny Colla, multi-platinum recording artist with Huey Lewis and the News.
Join Tony Wade as he delves into the generations of students, parents and faculty that embody Armijo pride.
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Fiesta Days parades, Saturday nights at the Vacaville Theatre, and Bulldogs and Wildcats everywhere.
Exquisite food coupled with the wonder and whimsy of the world-famous Nut Tree restaurant. Beating the heat at The Blue Lagoon Waterslide Park or getting lost in the giant maze, The Wooz. Trips to the burger joints on “Hamburger Hill” while the scent of dehydrating onions from the Basic Vegetable Products plant wafted through the air. Savoring Vasquez Deli burritos with the radio station tuned to KUIC. Celebrating with hometown heroes Super Bowl Champion Jarrett Bush, World Series MVP Jermaine Dye and iconic rock band Papa Roach.
Author and accidental historian Tony Wade leads this vivid tour through bygone Vacaville.
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Laugh. Chuckle. Reflect. Laugh Some More.
Longtime Fairfield, California humor columnist Tony Wade serves up a collection of his The Last Laugh columns that ran from 2007 to 2025 in The Daily Republic newspaper. In addition to comic offerings, there are some on serious topics, an epic poem, parody songs, short stories and more!
Murder, mystery and misdemeanors in Solano County’s seat.
From the very beginning, Fairfield hosted its fair share of criminal activity. City founder Robert Waterman, a famed sea captain accused of beating his own crew during the “hellship trials,” walked away a free man, but the fallout paved the way for seamen’s rights. A spree killer set the state mass murder record in the 1920s, and several decades later, Fairfield was chosen as the location for serial killer Juan Corona’s trial. Mass murders, missing children, political scandals and even a case involving an Armijo High School graduate turned Russian spy all have their roots in this California town.
Author and accidental historian Tony Wade shines a light on the dark past of Fairfield, California.
To be published August 5, 2025
SPECIAL 15% DISCOUNT ON MY HISTORY BOOKS
If you order any of my first 4 books for The History Press ("True Crime Stories of Fairfield, Califonia: is not yet available) from the www.arcadiapublishing.com website, enter my code TOEKNEE and take 15% off, even off of sale prices!