Union City old timers offer an exciting, behind-the-scenes look into the lives of Union Cityy's families. We learn about the changes that took place in Union City during the years and learn how each family contributed to its history.

Raymond and Gertrude Machado Corchero had lived in Union City almost all their lives.

It is interesting to note that Gertrude was born in a historic farm in Union City, a farm owned by the Union City pioneering farmer, Ezra Decoto. The farm was where Gertrude's ancestors settled in. Gertrude's birthplace was a ramshackle frame house surrounded by acres and acres of tomatoes and cucumbers. She and her family stayed in a camp and picked these vegetables. It is again interesting to note that the acres and acres of tomatoes and cucumbers are now gone, and in this place is now the Pulte Heritage tract, where half a million dollar homes are now built.

Gertrude, a Portuguese descent, was born on July 30, 1928. She attended the old Decoto School up to 8th grade and then continued high school in Washington High School.

Raymond, a Spanish descent, was born on February 28, 1919. He came to Union City in 1931 from the Irvington District in Fremont and lived in 8th Street in the Decoto district. Raymond and Gertrude Corchero were married on October 12, 1947. They have two grown daughters, Claudia J. Orozco, who teaches at Our Lady of the Rosary School and Donna Rae Morrow, who is a UC Med School graduate and now works as a Dental Hygienist. They attended Alvarado Elementary School, Logan High School and then Cal State University in Hayward.

The family lived in San Leandro for seven years because that was the only place where homes were being built. They moved to their present house at Alvarado-Niles Road in l954 because they wanted to raise their daughters in a country-like atmosphere.

Gertrude contributed to her ambition to serve her own town. Gertrude Corchero was Union City's City Treasurer for 24 years. It was in the early 70's when then Mayor Tom Kitayama frantically called her and asked that she fills the position of City Treasurer. She complied and stayed as City Treasurer until 1997.

The Corcheros are relaxed, friendly people and their lives reflected this. Gertrude is a frequent attendee at city council meetings. She said that she is a professional volunteer and did a lot of volunteering for the city. Some constituents that time were Tom Kitayama, Shorty Garcia and the city.

Raymond or Ray as people call him, remembers his farming time. He remembers the tomatoes and cucumbers that were made into pickles. He recalls the feast in the area, which was somewhat like the Mardi Gras. On Sundays, they partied for three days. He tells the story about the burying of the sardine as the symbol of Lent. Also on Sundays, because of the absence of spending money, the boys played baseball. He remembers that Carol Dutra Vernacci's father went to school with him until he was l8.

The family attended mass at St. Anne Church in old Alvarado. Gertrude remembers the feast of the Holy Ghost, which they celebrated at the old Alvarado. She proudly reminisces that both of their daughters were queens during the festivities. Four weeks after Easter, they celebrated. There was the parade and there were fireworks in the evening. They cooked "soupas" all night. "Soupas" is meat cooked in wine. They fed all the people and guests because that was a tradition started by the Queen of Portugal to feed all her subjects.

From another time to another time; from the same place to the same place, Ray and Gertrude reminisce with pride and awe. They think of how well the little farm that they tended had changed into a booming city, with more than 64,000 inhabitants and with thousands of beautiful homes. They were proud to say that they've seen them all.

For Gertrude's leisure time, she tends her beautiful garden; for Ray, he loves to play golf and loves to read anything he can get his hands to.

Ray quipped: "I will not forget to mention that I belong to the Veterans Foreign War 7906 (VFW) in Alvarado." He had served as officer for the last 30 years. Gertrude also served as an auxiliary, holding the position of President five times. And "Oh," Gertrude concluded. "I love to go to Reno. Larry Orozco of the Ralph Ruggieri Senior Center plans good trips and I will not miss them."

Ray and Gertrude Corchero are Union City old timers who had seen lots and lots of changes in Union City. We learned history from their own narration. The Corchero family contributed much to the history of Union City.