Loard's Love

Every morning after the coffee has started brewing and before I head to work, I sit down in front of the computer to post a new photo and daily topic on CVLegends.

I have basic, predetermined topic ideas; expecting me to come up with a single cogent sentence first thing in the morning would be cruel and unusual punishment for myself and everyone who participates on CVL.

However, last Friday morning, whatever idea I had about neighborhood carousing or favorite mailbox was thrown out the window. I woke up to the news that Russell Salyards, the founder of Loard’s Ice Cream had passed away.

I don’t want to be an obituary column. I’m not going to try to eulogize a man I never met. I want to talk about Loard’s Ice Cream.

Loard’s is an institution; Loard’s is like a family member.

When I was a kid, Loard’s toxic blue Bubble Gum ice cream (with the plastic cup to save the gum-balls) and a movie from Play It Again Video was a weekend tradition. It seemed to be the perfect ratio of family time and annexing the kids to the TV room for my grandparents.

In high school, Loard’s was either a great place to go on a date, or a great place to try and beg a date (or ice cream) from the girls who worked there. I’m quite certain that my wife and I went on a Loard’s date within our first week of dating.

I have long proclaimed that my Castro Valley tribute tattoo is going to be the smiling banana split art from the back wall.

My daughter was in an art class a few years ago. One of her paintings was a Louvre ready piece entitled, Loard’s Love. 

And if a teenager (who is definitely not my son, because I would hate to embarrass him in print), takes a young lady to Loard’s, well, that’s definitely what Marlin Perkins from Wild Kingdom would have termed courtship behavior.

I don’t know how many hours my family and I have sat in those Pepto Bismol booths, with those glasses of ice water, and Peter Pan sundaes, speculating on just what exactly was under that band-aid. Incidentally, if you got that last reference, maybe a little more stair-master and a little less ice cream for you; you are clearly spending too much time in the ice cream parlor. 

CVLegends asked for feedback on Mr. Salyards and his ice cream, below is a small sampling of the response.

"My friend Mariellen Jessop-smolik and I are sad that early this morning we lost our friend, Russell Salyards at age 94. He was the man behind Loard's Ice Cream for 60 years. Mariellen and I, along with countless other people in many parts of the Bay Area worked for him. We were blessed to have an enduring friendship with him that lasted until we both said our goodbyes at the hospital earlier this week, some 30 years later. Russ had a profound and positive effect on so many people, young and old - those who worked for him and even more still who came into his stores. Russ often said he was happiest behind the counter scooping ice cream and talking with his customers. He especially enjoyed it when someone would say they remembered him as a child, and now they were bringing their child to have the best tasting ice cream. We are profoundly sad, but will have our favorite flavors tomorrow in honor of him."- Kathy Culwell

“My Loard's memories are mostly of my dad taking my brother Brent Dobbie and I to Loard's in Castro Valley. The three of us would get Mint Delights which were dad's favorite. Our dad has been gone almost 11 years, but every time my brother and I go there we still only order Mint Delights. Loard's is the only place I have ever had this combination of Mint ice cream with hot fudge, Peppermint Stick ice cream, marshmallow cream, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.” -Brian Dobbie

“My Dad discovered Loard's shortly after moving to CV in the early 60s, and always had some of their Rocky Road ice cream in our freezer. It was his absolute favorite. I don't know if he knew Russell, but wouldn't be surprised if he did. Dad would've been 93 this year.” -Paula Greer

“To this day I can remember the smell of Loard's. Sounds weird but that place smelled wonderful! Must have been all the amazing ice cream flavors wafting around the room. Peppermint stick was my fave too.” -Courtney Hughes

“I worked for Mariellen Jessop-Smolik in the Orinda store and then at the plant for Mr. Salyards. So MANY best memories...I remember him patiently showing me how to roll the perfect 3 to 3.5 ounce scoop and testing me when he would randomly show up. I took that scoop with me when I left the store years later (sorry Mariellen!) and have had it ever since, for over 20 years. So much care went into everything they made including hand designing all those candies on top. And caramel marshmallow eggs. Mmmmm..... Love you, Russ!” -Katie Hildebrand O’Connor

“Used to go there during lunch hour from CVHS in 57-58 and had donuts and ice cream for lunch. No wonder we're such tubbies! Just went there today and got the favorites - Burgundy Cherry and Chocolate Showers and special for my hubby - Peanut Butter Fudge.” -Arleen Perdue

“I worked at Loard's in the early 1980s, and Kathy Culwell was my manager. Mr. Salyards came in once to speak to us about the history of the company. He was such a genuinely nice man, and I was proud to work for him. He was also a very forgiving man, and did not make Kathy fire me when I accidentally crashed the "Loardsmobile" into the column in front of the store during the Fall Festival, (I did not have my driver's license yet, only my permit). He just said "Accidents happen", and asked me if I had learned anything from my experience. I learned that you should never drive without a license, and that I had the best boss ever. RIP, Mr. Salyards, I will never forget you.” -Julie Farrington-Sheetz

There you go, spoons up in salute, I raise my glass of ice water to Mr. Salyards. As always, if you would like to read the rest of the comments or contribute your own you can find us at www.facebook.com/CVLegends