The Helms Man

Still haven't reached Aliie.

But I'm sure she remembers the Helms Man. He drove through our southern California neighborhoods, too. His truck was yellow, his call a two-note whistle. (Two notes that sounded at the same time.)

Helms Bakery was a California company, started in 1926 by a guy named Helms. The company lasted until 1969.

I remember going to the bakery itself with my mother--it was in Culver City, not far south from us. That was kind of a wonder-ful thing for me, because I loved the little truck and always wanted something from it.

It was actually Helms Olympic Bakery.

From the truck you could buy bread and baked goodies--cinnamon rolls, cookies, doughnuts, coffee cakes, cupcakes, I would guess, and probably Danish, too.

I used to like those little right-to-your-door things.

Not now. When those guys come around and tell me they're just in the neighborhood and would I like to buy a bunch of meat, I can't go for it.

And when I say no, they usually ask, "Don't you like steaks?"

I just say no, thanks, although I'd like to say, quoting my husband, "What's it to you?"