Lamorinda Patch Blast From the Past: Neldams Bakery

Back in the day, when Moraga had things like bowling alleys and driving ranges where kids could swing away and endanger only a stray cow or two, there was a bakery in our midst run by the Neldam family.

In business since 1929 the family kept to a strict recipe of fresh ingredients, over-the-top concoctions and "who cares about calories?" attitude that saw people lining up outside its Telegraph Avenue location – and the same rabid following develop when they brought their baked goods to Moraga in the '60s and early 70's.

All vestiges of the old store and counter where employees handed over eclairs and danish pastries (always a favorite after church) are gone, but the memories remain strong.  As Neldams closes the doors of its Oakland location for good, it may be an appropriate time for some reminiscing – as well as some shedding of tears – for the apparent demise of an East Bay institution with strong ties to Moraga.