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Alexandria
Register Thank you for visiting the Alexandria Retrospective Web site. You can view more entries via the Register Index. If you haven't already signed the Register, we would be pleased if you would join the many others with Alexandria connections who have viewed this site, and take a minute to sign the Register! Alex was a fun place to live. We used to go to the Green Room on Friday nite and dance. There was also a swimming hole called Magnolia Park where everyone met to swim and dance to the juke box . Very few people had a car back in those days, so we all piled into one car. Oh the memories go on and on. As they say on T.V., "thanks for the memories." Mary Ann Price I thoroughly enjoyed the "tour". It brought back many fond memories!!! Candace Nichols Alexandria, LA USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 21:31:36 (GMT) Love the site. The photos bring back fond memories of growing up in "Big A". I went to Rosenthal Grade School, and attended Bolton High School from 1952 through 1956. Lester Woods Arlington, Tex USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 20:44:45 (GMT) Loved it!! I've already sent a copy to our class' e-mail list. Personally, the prose and the excerpts of Alan Jackson were overwhelming (esp. for a little Baptist girl from Pineville - who doesn't share your specific memories.) I don't know you or your family, but I am most grateful for both the poignancy of your recall and the majesty of your effort. Carol Strohschein Noble Houston, Tx USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 20:24:20 (GMT)
Brings back a LOT of memories. Great work. Spent eight years at Prompt Succor 1950 - 1958) along with my brothers, Jimmy and Mickey. I remember many of the pictures like it was yesterday! Walt Carey Bolton Hi grad 1961 LSU grad 1965 George F. Keene 111 Wrightwood, ca. USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 19:36:55 (GMT) My husband, Rick Herring, was born on England Air Force Base and grew up in Alexandria. This is a wonderful website. Diane Herring Atlanta, ga USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 17:54:23 (GMT) What a treasure to step back in time. For a few minutes I was "back home", shopping, eating and going to the Don...and yes, the times were simple, but perhaps our minds were young and innocent, not yet exposed...to the life we have chosen for ourselves. Thanks for taking time to capture my childhood and bring it to life for me...it felt good to be a kid again !! Teresa Richardson-Mandola Houston, TX USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 15:31:23 (GMT) Thank You Kristie Kaspar McKinney, TX USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 14:59:21 (GMT)
I grew up in Pine Prairie; therefore, we did all of our major shopping and dining in Alexandria. So many of these photos brought back fond memories! I'm surprised there was not a photo of the Hokus-Pokus liquor store -- also a landmark. Diana Glaze My mother grew up here and she loves telling me stories of better times gone by... Theresa Fuller Alexandria, LA 71303 - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 13:44:32 (GMT) Lots of good memories............. Don Flournoy Colfax, La USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 13:42:59 (GMT) 1961 Grad Pineville High School. Thanks for a memorable can't sleep, late night cruise. Connie Cantrell Brooks Houston, TX USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 05:51:51 (GMT)
I really enjoyed seeing these pictures which bring back many memories. If you get the chance, it would be nice to have a picture of our family's business listed. Our grandfather, Dad, and now brothers have been in business there since before I was born (1945). Our family business is known as Petrus Feed and Seed, on Bolton Avenue. I now live in the Little Rock area, but still visit Alexandria on a regular basis. Thanks for providing this nice service. Ellen (Petrus) Lamb Thanks for the memories. Randy and I have lived in Alexandria since 1976. In May to 1977 we bought Professional Pharmacy. Another Mom and Pop business. This year marks 50 years business for this little store and it looks just like it did 50 years ago. We call it the biggest little drug store in town. If you think about it, we had a drive in window before any bank or burger place. Paul Zundel opened the store 50 years ago. We are proud of the 26 years we have added to the tradition. "Mom and Pop" are alive and well. Please tell Allen J. Thanks. BG PS I'm sorry we missed the being in the Retrospective section. Randy & Becky Green Alexandria, La USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 03:58:27 (GMT) Nice to see those pictures of what's left of the Alexandria I remember. It rekindled a lot of memories of a great time spent in Alex.The best part about recalling these memories is the fact that they remain unaged and untouched by time. Time must go on and progress must advance,
but the ole memories never change. Although I grew up on the Pineville side (Tioga) Alexandria was and still is a very special place for me. Five years prior to leaving Alex. my husband and I lived on Marye St. Both our children were born at Cabrini. We were members of a very loving fellowship at Parkview Baptist on MacArthur Drive. Alexandria is more than a "place". It is an atmosphere that will always live in my heart. The same is true of Pineville, Lee Heights, and Tioga! Helen Vercher Rhinehart Surfside Beach, SC USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 02:44:10 (GMT) Enjoyed looking at the old photos. If you are interested you may wish to contact Newcomb's Camera Center in downtown Alexandria as they have an outstanding collection of old photos. Carol & I have our business in the Old Bridges Drug store and reflect daily on those old memories. Thanks again for doing the Retrospective; again, it was very enjoyable. Chuck & Carol Bolen Fowler Thanks for all the wonderful memories!! Ralph & Shirley Shows Kees Alexandria, LA USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 00:28:16 (GMT)
My family is originally from Alex/Pineville. You can drive thru Pineville and see remnants of our family's businesses on walls that have not been painted over. One of the businesses was Russell's Five and Dime and Russell's Lumber. My grandfather was Sam Russell and my mother graduated from Bolton HS; her name was Temple Russell. I'm sure that my family has some old photos and I'll see if I can get some from them. Kat Quinn-Rosser I enjoyed this very much, and thanks for putting it together. I graduated at Bolton in 1948; worked at Brewer's Graphic Studio doing photos for the Town Talk Until 1952. I'm now a staid retired university professor in Florida. Hary Smith Winter Park, FL USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 22:02:35 (GMT)
Wonderful is such an inadequate word to say about this outstanding remembrance of Alexandria. My family and I have lived other places but always wanted to come home - which we did in 1967 and have remained hear since then. I was curious, though, why you left out Menard High School and Bolton High School.
I guess the original Menard (on Elliott Street) was probably gone while you were growing up but Bolton is still there. I am sending this link to all my Classmates of the Class of 1948 and I'm sure they will appreciate it and your efforts as much as my wife and I have. Ned Berlin This is a lovely stroll down memory lane. I haven't lived in Alexandria for more than 30 years, but it's still home. It does make me sad to see that so much is no longer there. Phyllis Testa Thibodaux A great piece of photographic artwork. Thanks for the memories Phyllis E. Sayes This site invokes memories of the past. Missed pics of the trees uprooted at the community center on Bolton Ave. Had my new Corvette in the yard across the street when the tornado struck.
I was born and raised in Alexandria, attended Menard Memorial, active in CAP from 1953 - 1966, Squadron Cmdr of Rapides Cadet Sqdn. We had a HALFTRACK we used to drive around town. Miss the atmosphere of a small town. Living in Houston since 1973; retired now from the government. I get back every other month almost to Alex. You all need a CASINO. K9LSU@aol.com Dr. Odie Ascherick, PhD Enjoyed your presentation very much Calvin Bryan USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 17:11:08 (GMT)
Larry Migues Pineville, La USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 17:06:05 (GMT) Thanks for doing this. It was wonderful to reminisce. I grew up in Alexandria, graduated from Menard in 1978. My kids went to Prompt Succor before we moved to Raleigh, NC. I really enjoyed this. Kathy Flor Raleigh, NC USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 15:23:27 (GMT) Very well done. Sam & Judy Despino Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 15:16:44 (GMT) Thanks for your hard work and kind thoughts! Myron Wellan Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 14:51:13 (GMT) I lived in Alex. for 53 yrs. And, yes, I remember these sights. You did a great job...thanks for the memories! God bless! 1967 Providence/Menard grad. Deborah Smith Holmes Thornton, CO USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 06:59:49 (GMT) Neat!! Lizzie Floyd Alexandria, La USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 04:39:30 (GMT) VERY well done, so nice to see tribute to the past, appreciation of simple memories, easier times! Even though it has been 25 years since I've visited Alex as a guest, your project brought back those dusty impressions. Georgia Katy, Tx USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 04:12:01 (GMT) I grew up in Pineville and Alexandria and remember most of the pictures you shared. These are nice memories of a time past for me. Thanks Donald Lee Howard Deer Park, TX USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 03:46:59 (GMT) I enjoyed this very much. From 1948-1951, I lived at my grandmother's boarding house on Third St. near downtown. Her name was Mrs. Berlin. Joyce Patrick Deville, LA USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 03:42:15 (GMT) Brings back old memories and good times by all of us. Thanks for the old memories. Enjoyed all. Wanda Mayeux Deville, LA USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 03:36:33 (GMT) I was born in Alexandria but grew up in Ball, La. I spent many days in good old Alexandria before moving to Baton Rouge to attend LSU. I still live in Baton Rouge but go home frequently to visit my parents and in laws. I married Karen Petrus whose parents owned Petrus Feed and Seed Stories on Bolton Ave, a feed mill on North 13 and a store on Main Street in Pineville. I enjoyed the pictures very much and it brought back a lot of good memories of the movies, drive in theater and Fuzzy's Drive-In . Dewey Lofton Arrived in Alexandria 1944 with Kushner's Jewelry @ 3rd & Washington, father started Pattons Watch Repair, 426 Murray, 12-44, relocated Pattons Jewelry to 1025 3rd St, to Alexandria Mall 1971, to Jackson St Extension in 1998. Ken Patton graduated Bolton 1954, married Sandra Turrentine, retired from Jewelry business and living in St. Petersburg, Fl Ken Patton St. Petersburg, Fl USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 01:56:53 (GMT) i just purchased a piece of my childhood in pineville, close to the block i was born, some call it "blighted" now, i call it international, after all, my people came from marksville and couldn't speak english...they settled on the levee as a clan, and i'm so lucky, many are still there by the river. my parents moved us to suburbia and ruined my life, ha, happy to have a little getaway at home. this is a great site, thank you rhonda bordelon new orleans, la USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 01:47:31 (GMT) I really enjoyed the look back at the past. I grew up in Vick, but My Great-Grandmother Berlin lived on Third Street in the block after Wellans. My Grandparents and several others relatives lived in Pineville. The memories are so dear. Also, reading your Register was wonderful. Lots of people have the same warm and fuzzy feelings! Wanda Sayes Ivicevich USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 01:13:28 (GMT) I enjoyed looking at the pictures. I taught school in Alexandria for 33 years in the same school, Alexandria Jr. High. Ruby L. Chelette Alexandria, La. USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 01:09:45 (GMT) I loved it. I grew up here and I'm still
here, and it is still a great place to live. It was good to look through
the guest book and see people that I went to school with. I like to see
old pictures of how it was. It would be great if people
with additional old Alexandria pictures could be shown. Gary L. Fillette Thoroughly enjoyed this! Thank you for your hard work. I am sending it on to Alex friends who have moved away. Susie Nall Woodworth, La USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 23:57:44 (GMT) Janis Thiberville Heymann Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 23:28:26 (GMT) It was great. Takes you back in time though most of the pictures seemed to be taken fairly recently Dwayne Kinnison Pineville, la USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 22:44:20 (GMT) I enjoyed going back in time. I am only 40, but remember a lot of the landmarks and remember stories told from Mom and Grandparents Bernadette Giaco Colfax, La USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 22:51:42 (GMT)
It was great seeing the old sites and remembering the great times I had growing up in Alexandria. I count myself most fortunate to have grown up there and still have friends that are so special. It was a wonderful experience that I still treasure and look back on fondly. Bob (Bobby) Lee Great site, I enjoyed seeing some of the old pictures. I was born and raised right down the road from Alex. A little small town by the name of Boyce, but grew up in Alex. Reggie johnson dale city, VA USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 20:19:34 (GMT) I was raised in the Pineville/Alexandria area. My first Job was with Swift Independent, (supplied area schools), off Lee Street. My grandmother worked for Wellan's. I remember going to Rapides Bank (downtown) with my grandfather. My mom would take us to the drive-in at the north traffic circle (now an overpass). I think it would be nice to see the buildings the way they were along side the way they look today. I enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Tammie Mann Connella Dry Prong, La USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 20:08:07 (GMT) Well, done. It's good to reflect on times gone by. Dale Daenen Alexandria, la USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 20:08:06 (GMT)
WHAT ABOUT LAZARONE'S POBOYS. THIS WAS A LANDMARK IN ALEXANDRIA. IT WAS OPENED IN THE 30'S, CLOSED IN THE 60'S AND HAS REOPENED IN 2002. EVERYONE REMEMBERS THIS DRIVE-IN. MAYBE YOU COULD ADD THIS ONE. BETH S SAUVE Thanks so much. I really enjoyed looking
at the old photos and seeing Alexandria as I remember it. I too, return
every couple of years (I have a sister that still lives there and my father
lives in Colfax). I left Alexandria in 1959, but it will always be home
to me.
Great job on the pictures and history. Your site instantly brought me back to the my youth in Alex. I was a member of the Menard class of '67 ( the last true "all boys" class). Our Junior and Senior year, our classroom was in the old typing room with no heat in the winter adding a touch of Charles Dickens. Brother Max said that "it helps build character". Summers spent playing summer league baseball
and working at my brothers service station(s) one at the corner of
Bolton and Monroe and the other at Texas and Masonic (at different
times). Fall and winters playing basketball at the CYO and touch
football on weekends at city park in the rain and mud. Do you have
any pictures the CYO? On Spring, I joined the Menard Golf team to
get out of running track. That worked for 2 days when Coach Horn
came out the Rapides Country Club and brought me to a track meet.
Ah, the good old days - enough rambling - thanks for the memories. Richard Jarred
I grew up (4th grade through high school) in Alexandria. My dad was the sheriff there for some years. Even though my family members have either moved or passed away, these were great memories!! Thanks. Joyce Honeycutt Bourdier Alexandria was my home for 36 years! Memories are pleasant and sad. My only child, Jonathan, is buried there. He died at 21 months old at Cabrini Hospital in 1979. My father managed Blackman's Laundry and Cleaners for 25 years. Then retired from Haverty's Fine Furniture after having a stroke. He now resides in Tyler; however, Hill Street is where he loved to live when it was in its heyday! Bolton High School, Louisiana College, Pentecostals of Alexandria - all are landmarks stamped on my heart! Sherrill Melder Coffey I REMEMBER SOME OF THE PLACES YOU POINTED OUT & OTHERS WERE NEW TO ME AND INTERESTING TO SEE. I TRUELY ENJOYED THE LOOK BACK. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WALK THRU MEMORY LANE!!! CHERYL ARNOLD PAUL PINEVILLE, LA USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 16:05:28 (GMT) I graduated from Menard in '68. Have not been back to Alexandria since my 20 year reunion.....You sure brought back some memories. Thanks! Silvia Alonso White
It's great to know that someone still remembers the old, good times like going to the Don theater to see HERBIE THE LOVE BUG sitting out front for everyone to see. Thanks for the memories. Allen James What a delightful retrospective! Thank you so much for sharing your photos and thoughts. It brought back many memories, especially the Wellan's Christmas windows. I will pass this site on to all my friends. Thanks again. Elaine Walker Hicks So many memories. Thanks for the treat. John John Vandersypen Natchitoches, La USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 13:48:48 (GMT This was a wonderful walk down "Memory Lane". My first job was at the American Cleaners on Jackson St, working for Mr. & Mrs. George. Ginger Gaspard Riggs Alexandra, LA USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 13:12:55 (GMT) I was born at Culpepper-White Clinic on Bolton Avenue 59 years ago. Operated with my father Stark Radio and TV Service and Herb's Stereo Sales for many years. You have a well done site. Thanks for the memories. Herb Stark
Nostalgic and very interesting--would
love to see more !! Thanks for sharing!!! This was very interesting and provided many great memories for me. My family has long lived in Alexandria and my dad even ran for mayor a few years back (Anthony S. D'Angelo). My uncle, was Judge Angelo D'Angelo (Dad's brother). I attended Holy Savior Menard Central High School. I am now teaching in New Orleans. I have lived and traveled all over the world, but my heart and "home" will always be Alexandria. Thanks for a great job! Theresa D'Angleo Bell I moved to Pineville as a newlywed in 1984. My husband, Mitchell Fishman, had been enticed to move from our native home, Los Angeles, by Buddy Lipsey. Mitchell was offered a job at Wellans to be the buyer for the cosmetic's department. I thought my life had ended when he announced he really DID want to move to ...huh...where...Alexandria??? I went kicking and screaming. We settled in to our wonderful home (on a lake!) in Pineville. We were warned about the "traffic" from Pineville to Alexandria in the morning. Mitchell worked at the "new" Wellans in the mall, where the buying offices were housed. I got a job at Gus Kaplans. Gus Kaplans, a clothing store that housed the most beautiful fashions and people drove all the way from Texas just to shop there. And what other job bid you a fond farewell on Saturday evenings, after the store had closed, with a mixed cocktail. I soon became pregnant after arriving in Louisiana...in fact almost the moment I set foot in the state. I was told it was the water. I gave birth to Megan, on June 17, 1985, at Rapides Parish Hospital. Our wonderful neighborhood, Lakeshore Drive, came out to greet and meet our beautiful daughter. We took lots of walks around our lake and fed many, many ducks. That was Megan's favorite outdoor activity.
Our neighbors became our family. Soon I had to return to work. This time I was hired at the Downtown Schnacks. Spending days with the Carstens family was a blast. What a wonderful group of people. With Grandpa Carstens sitting at his desk on the second level overlooking his empire. A dignified man. With his sons, grandkids, and Jannie running the business, how could Schnacks not be a successful? I laughed and loved every second I was in that store. We lived in Pineville/Alexandria (pronounced: Elleck) for two years. Mitchell knew that Wellans would not survive that slowing economy too much longer and he felt it was time to return to Los Angeles. I went back to California kicking and screaming. I just did not want to leave my home, neighbors, and friends. Alexandria & Pineville will forever be a place that I love & will never forget, and I will cherish those memories, forever. Thank you for allowing me to remember and reminisce. Stacey Marston Bolton High School, 1939. Never forget the Alexandria I knew. Thriving businesses, not boarded up. Alpheus Bell Walker, LA USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 04:45:28 (GMT) Excellent piece of work! My father was born in Alexandria in 1917. He still lives there. He was in the Navy, and we moved back to Alexandria in 1960. I left in 1967 after graduating from Menard on Elliott Street (just like my father, his brother, and my cousin) to go to Louisiana Tech, and I also joined the Navy afterward.
I share my of the same memories as you do, because we lived with my grandmother on Scott Street. We walked all the time to the Cathedral, to Weiss & Goldring, Caplans, Swartzbergs and Wellans. My grandmother's house is now covered up by the lobby of the hospital. I loved to walk the blocks to Tenth Street to the train depot, and watch the trains and the delivery trucks coming and going. What a thrill. Life was so simple then. Stephen J. D'Angelo I enjoyed the pix from the past. Many of the pix brought back many memories. Marian Damico Deville Alexandria, LA USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 04:13:09 (GMT) Born at Cabrini Hospital in 1962, spent 8 years at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, 4 at Menard, 1 at LSUA, then moved on to LSU, graduated, married, and live in Baton Rouge. All of my family have also moved away. Alexandria was a great place to grow up, I remember it fondly. Ana Alonso Kline Baton Rouge, LA USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 04:00:19 (GMT)
What a wonderful collection of memories! My father's business, Petrus Feed & Seed, was also a Bolton Avenue landmark. Many a day we walked down the street for an ice cream cone at the Borden Co. or across the street to Fuzzy's Drive-In for curlyques. I'm going to send this on to my four siblings living out of state. Thanks! Karen Petrus Lofton I really enjoyed this very much. It brought back many, many memories. Thanks for spending your time to put this together for so many to enjoy, and remember. David Bruyninckx Grovetown, Ga USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 02:40:41 (GMT) My brother-in-law, Charles Randall, told me about the Alexandria site and I took a look yesterday. Took me right back to those days when we were both toting our book sacks to Prompt Succor. Was in town for Christmas as usual this year; driving around some of the haunts of younger years and regretting some of the changes. Time moves relentlessly on, but each year and new perspective shows me again how blessed we were to spent those early years in Alexandria the way it was then. Randy Bordelon
Our family lived in Alex. for 15 years, first
on Thornton Ct. and then on Ave. C. (1963 - 1978). This retrospective brings
back wonderful memories. This is a great site that brings back many
memories. I was born and raised in "Alex" in the 50's and grew
up with all these wonderful memories. Oh if only we could go back to the
Alexandria of yesterday!
I moved to Alexandria with my mother and brother in January 1956. We lived on the corner of Jackson and Bush. Rugg Elementary was behind us. I attended Bolton High. You have done a most splendid job on the documentary. I enjoyed every minute and will save it for future viewing pleasure when I feel a tinge of nostalgia. Many of the places bring back wonderful memories of the simple but good life, one that I wish we could enjoy today. Thank goodness for the memories. My very best to you. Jane Prager This brought back some great memories. I graduated from Bolton High in 1980. I also married there. I loved bowling at Bowlero's and going to the Don theater. Life sure was simpler then. Thanks! Jerrie Potter Foreman Olathe, KS USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 01:10:06 (GMT) Thanks for the memories. I went 8 years to St.Rita's and then Bolton High. Things you brought back to my memory were Hancocks Fabrics, A&P, K&B and K Mart on MacArthur Drive, Jackson Street Extension and all the cars on the parking lots at night. Blackmans Laundry trucks and the rodeos at The Rapides Parish Coliseum and the Browns Bend Rodeo. Places to eat were Piccadilly, Giamanco's and of course the Drive In and Bolero Bowling Alley on MacArthur Drive. Thanks :) :) :) Libby Smith Distefano Matney My fondest memory was watching "The Last Tango in Paris"--with its famous 'butter' scene--at the Don when I was about six years under the age for doing so. I suspect the ticket-taker was blind. Andy Johnson What a wonderful journey back in time. Thanks so much for putting this together. I have so many wonderful memories of our home town-- brought back even more by recently reconnecting with a number of classmates from the Bolton HS class of '64. David E Lemoine St. Louis, MO USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 00:12:20 (GMT) I grew up in Alexandria and have many wonderful
memories. Thanks for bringing some of them back to me. |
