Then and now: From selling clothes to food
Until the early 1960s, this building on Highway 50 near Ski Run Boulevard housed Lawrence’s Department Store. Upon opening their much larger store (now Sports LTD) in the new Crescent V Center at Stateline, Lawrence’s rebranded this building as Lawrence’s Economy Store, as shown in this 1966 photo (courtesy of Bob Rockwell).
Ultimately it closed and was remodeled in the 1970s into Epominanda’s, part of the Eppie’s restaurant chain of Sacramento.
That later transformed into Carlos Murphy’s, approximately 1980, 
and today it is Chevy’s, as I’ve photographed here.
— Bill Kingman
If I recall correctly there was a free standing laundromat to the left which is now the Chevy’s parking lot.
Ken Curtzwiler, Paul Midlebrook, and I spent a few years together behind that bar in the early/mid 80’s. Crazy nights during Monday Night Football!
The orange Julious across the street was great for late night burgers
Occasionally got my school clothes there.
DaveH, Tony, toogee and DavidK,
David, thats where I got my school clothes too. Gotta look sharp for the first day of school at Bijou Elementary! My mom used to walk me down there from our old motel, The Echo. Walk by the the Burger Bar and it was time for new school clothes at Lawrences Economy Store!
Tony. Oh boy, they did have good burgers at Orange Julius. After a few hours of playin’ basketball at STHS’ “open gym night” on wednesday nights, shootin’ hoops with Doug Van Zandt, Jon Allasia and others, that’s always where we went for a big orange julious drink and a burger with fries.
Toogee, I’d like to hear of some of your exploits with Ken and crew behnd the bar at at Carlos Murphys. I bet you’ve some stories to tell!
Mr. Kurtzman , yes there was a small laundromat where you described it. At one time a small sandwhich shop was in the same area operated by Jim Gaylord which then became a record shop that eventualy became the Deadhead. That business was Jimmy (George) Valentine’s after he bought it from the lady who lived out at Fallen Leaf. A fine woman! (Mary?) Jimmy Valentine was a good guy, may he rest in peace.
Then he moved the store up to stateline by the Greyhound bus station and the post office in that long since gone annex across from the Crescent V.
Till’ next time, Old Long Skiis
Carlos Murphy’s. We opened Feb 1981 and I was there from day one to day close, almost 19 years. I also was with Chevy’s for about a year. Most, if not all, of the stories are true yet cannot be told.SCHNAAAAAAAAAAAPPPSS. (Paul you know what that means)
Kenny, Toogie…..I remember that those were some seriously good times…..I don’t remember ALL of it….
I kind of miss Orange Julius. The Drink. I do not see those anymore. Do they even exist anywhere. Is the Orange Julius unhealthy now? or just miss-managed the operation?
I worked as a salesperson/office clerk/window dresser at the Stateline Lawrence’s for all of my High School Years (1974-77). It was one of the best jobs I ever had. I worked mostly in the Children’s Dept., some evenings in the office and about once a month decorating the Children’s Dept windows. My favorite time of year was Christmas, when i also got to work the gift wrap counter. Good people (Margaret, Sherri, Gerry, Myrtle & many others) and a fun place to work.
I passed out at Lawrence’s. The newer one at Crescent V. First and last experience with diet pills!
To those of you who worked at Carlos Murphys: Mike Berns passed away in Reno.
Kenny, how?
Call me 530-308-5265 or 530-577-5678
MTT, they do exist! I have to get one a year just to relive the moments of my past :). Haven’t made this, but here is a recipe: http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/Orange-Julius-Orange-Julius-Recipe.html