Editor’s note: At our annual newsletter team get-together, Tim Hemstreet suggested that we encourage B-W residents to submit “snippets” (i.e., short informational articles) relating to Beaumont-Wilshire’s past or present. John Sandie came up with “Beaumont behind the scenes” as a title for the new feature and penned the first snippet. Whether it’s historical information about the neighborhood or something current, send it my way (editor@bwna.us).
So, what’s in a name? While seeking local business support for our annual Taste of Beaumont, I talked with Amanda from Anchor End (located at Fremont and 47th), whose tasty cuisine added to the event’s great food choices! Curious about the name Anchor End, I inquired about its origin. To my surprise, Amanda answered that the name emanates from a punk rock band song! Subtly and correctly assuming that I was not familiar with the piece, Amanda pointed out the neon sign displayed on their back wall, which reads “All my friends are anchor end.” Later I googled the lyrics and found a video of a group called “A Wilhelm Scream” performing the song. Fortunately, there were printed lyrics under the video; but even after a couple of readings, I wasn’t sure if this phrase was meant to be a positive message or expression of disappointment. Upon reflection, I decided it was more the former than the latter and interpreted it to mean that “grounded” friends help us through tough times. While “A Wilhelm Scream” will not displace Led Zeppelin and CSNY from my play list, I do appreciate creativity in songwriting as the expression of one’s inner thoughts for public consumption. That said, I didn’t get an opportunity to confirm my interpretation with Amanda or find out why she feels strongly enough about the lyric to use it as a business name. I’ll leave that for you to discover next time you see Amanda working the counter.