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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! Thank you for this site. My husband and I are both 28 years old and each spent our late childhoods here in the Alexandria/Pineville area. Although the focus of the site is before my "generation", I am a Cenla history buff and really enjoyed your information and pictures. Another interesting point...my husband and I are currently searching throughout Cenla for our first home to purchase. You have a Wynn Sayman from Richmond, MA who stated he used to live at 1807 Polk Street in 1938. Believe it or not, we just had an agent show us that same home not even a week ago...one of the only homes in the area with a basement. What a small world! Thanks again for your site. I'm sure it brings joy to many during an uncertain time. You are appreciated. Shanna Worth Looking back at the old "alec" brings back many memories. Playing baseball at Red Hall Field, going to the Aces games, and eating curly q's at Lazarones. Those were truly good times. Not many worries when I consider what my children face today. John Cheneval New Hope , PA USA - Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 15:05:12 (GMT) I really appreciate all that you devoted to this project. After living in Alexandria for a few years during the late 90's, I was certainly able to recognize some of the pictures. The site was indeed a memorable one. Thanks for sharing it. Sincerely, Jeff Jeff Turner Shreveport, LA USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 05:19:59 (GMT) I was born in Alexandria, La. in 1957. Although I wasn't raised there due to my birth parents divorce, I have very fond memories of family vacations to visit my grandparents, Dorothy and Henry Vandersypen from Pineville. I remember going to the Zoo and to Valentine Lake to swim and going to Humphreys Country Store up the road from my grandparents to buy candy and snacks. I remember crossing the bridge over the Red River on our way to Alex from Pineville. My fondest memory is going crabbing
and coming back to make Seafood Gumbo and homemade cornbread.
My last visit to the Alexandria area was in April 2001; my
family and I went to meet my half sister for the first time
in Marksville, La. We also drove by my grandparents old place
in Pineville. It had been 20 years since I had been to the
Alexandria area and I cant wait to go back again! I really enjoyed the Web Site. I would also like to say that is good to read things on the computer and make me feel at home. Even though I many miles away. It's hard being stationed somewhere with no family. I'm thankful of the one who designed this. Thanks! A1C LaShonda Laneheart I am originally from Central Louisiana and enjoyed the Retrospective Web site. It brought back delightful memories of growing up in that area. Janis Cameau Richmond, TX USA - Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 20:59:55 (GMT)
I grew up in the 50s around Forest Hill, but spent a lot of time in Alexandria. I played a lot of baseball and remember a team from Alexandria that went to the Little League World Series. We played Bolton and Menard. This is a wonderful trip back in time. We always went Christmas shopping in downtown Alexandria. It was a wonderful experience. The Santa Claus booth was in the Square. To a young boy from the country, it was big stuff. I still own a wristwatch that I bought in 1957. I think it was from Weiss and Goldrings. I am now retired from the Air Force and aerospace, and I write fictional books and stories. My latest book, Will's Landing, is set in Central Louisiana. I will have to go back and add some of the color you've given me to my final draft. I was back in 2002 to attend my mother's funeral. I wish now that I had taken the time to go downtown and look around some. What a missed opportunity! It would have surely brought tears to my eyes. Thanks again. Charles E. Gordon I have several post cards which do not appear on your site. To support your community, I am willing to make digital copies available.
Don Sepulvado Thank you so much for the home page! It's
so lovely!! Now, it's one of my favorite site! Best wishes..!
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES OF OLD HOMES THAT MY GRANDMOTHER AND AUNT SHIRLEY TOOK ME TO TOUR NOT TO LONG AGO. IT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON TO TAKE THE TIME TO DO THIS WORK IN PUTTING ALL OF THIS TOGETHER!!!!!!!!! THANKS AGAIN!! JACOB CANNON PINEVILLE, LA USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 04:36:13 (GMT) Left Alex. in 55 when I graduated from Menard. Fond memories of: brick streets, Rapides Hotel Barber Shop, Alex. Aces games, Johnny Rush's Hardware, Providence Academy, riding my bicycle everywhere! Thanks for the memories. Dr. Gordon R. Johnson Mandeville, LA USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 17:58:40 (GMT)
Excellent work! I attended Louisiana College in the 1980s and worked at the law firm Trimble, Percy, Foote, et al. During my four years of college I walked all over downtown Alexandria running errands for the office. Thanks for the memories! This place will always hold a special place within my heart. Mary Ellen (Barrow) Johnson THANKS FOR FOR A BEAUTIFUL TRIP DOWN TIMES OF LONG AGO. BOY DON'T WE WISH SOMETIMES THEY WERE BACK? GOD BLESS YOU FOR TAKING US BACK TO YESTERDAYS!!!!!!!!!! GRACIE CANNON PINEVILLE, LA USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 05:36:49 (GMT) I have lived in Pineville all my life and worked in Alexandria. I really enjoyed the walk through memory lane. Carol Ann Norsworthy Thompson Alexandria, la USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 23:00:22 (GMT)
My family and I have lived in central Louisiana for thirteen years. I am on staff as music minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church - 4th and Jackson. To this day Emmanuel remains committed to being a vital part of downtown Alexandria. Your Alexandria Retrospective was insightful and informative to me. I did not grow up in this area, but through the church feel connected to many who did. Jerry Cauley Very interesting...show us more Wilda Beck Alexandria ,Louisiana USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 18:23:34 (GMT) Didn't we have a good time? Thanks for the memories. Carol McLure Tischer Huntsville, AL USA - Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 04:44:03 (GMT) What a wonderful nostalgic trip through time - in a city that I have always loved.
My first recollections are those as a small country girl, making the once-a-month trip "into town" from our Vernon Parish country home (in the 50's). I especially loved the 5 & 10 stores downtown and the Sears' escalator. Later, as a teen, I thought the Paramount Theater was the grandest! As an adult, it became much more to my husband and me...the city where we began raising and educating our family...and entering our professions as an educators. The times---they were a'changin', tho'. Viva M. Grant Had to say something more after reading all the other memories. We lived in Alex from 1937 til 1948. My memories are golden and include the Red River where we walked down from the levee and felt the red mud between our toes just north of the old bridge downtown. We went to the Paramount Theatre on Saturdays and sang on stage to the old mike for radio. The man who played the piano was great. I walked and rode my bike all over town from when I was 7 and never felt afraid. Attended a movie at the Don on Bolton (The Mummy meets Frankenstein) then walked home after dark, alone and age 11, under the trees surrounding West End Grammar School, terrified of the dark, but refused to walk fast. Went to the Alexandria Academy of Beauty Culture on Jackson Street, near home, and was licensed 5 months before I graduated from St. Francis Xavier at 16 years old.
Have lost track of almost everyone from those days. My brother, Bill Jones, graduated from Bolton Hi in '46, and has seen no one from there either. I, too, attended dances at the USO on Bolton and Park Avenue, when I was way too young to do so, because I wanted to dance more than anything. We went to Leesville, Camp Polk, to dances, and rode in old army trucks. There were no better dancers anywhere than the boys from Alexandria. If anyone remembers me from West End, Bolton or St Xavier, e-mail me at jancid1@attbi.com. Some of the names I remember were Jo Ann Penny, Carol Holliway, Carl Ben Priest, Hardin Lewis, who went to Grade School with me. Thanks so much for the memories. I wish my children and grandchildren could peek into the past with us and see Alexandria as it was when we grew up. Jan Jones Claridge My name now is Jan J. Claridge...Went to West End Grammar School til 1943 then Bolton Hi til 45 then St. Francis Xavier grad in 1948. E-mail if you know me. Gloretta Janet Jones Seattle Area, Wa USA - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 00:08:10 (GMT) Thank you for this outstanding visit to Alexandria. It brought back many fond memories: The Catheral where my parents married (1929), maiden name Ellington; Prompt Succor- grandparent's, Ed and Edna Ellington's 50th wedding anniversary; sister's wedding; Menard-1953 graduate; Providence- sister Peg- 1953 graduate. Pat and I have 5 grown children and 27 grandchildren as life moves on. Ed and Pat Healy Granger, IN USA - Saturday, March 08, 2003 at 15:30:37 (GMT)
Brought back memories from way back. I also remember Lazarone's and Fuzzy's. Also the Palm Drive-in on Upper Third. Annette Urban Stepp Malcolm Bordelon Lafayette, La. USA - Saturday, March 08, 2003 at 00:28:14 (GMT) This site is wonderful. It really takes me back to some great memories. I graduated in 1964 from Bolton. This is the Alex I remember. Thanks Ilene Bordelon Lafayette, La. USA - Friday, March 07, 2003 at 23:09:38 (GMT)
Great site. Can only suggest a picture of Bolton High. We lived first (up to 1938) at 1807 Polk and then at 2504 Marye. Haven't been back since my mother's death (at 99) in 1989. Thanks for the nostalgia trip. Wynn Sayman Hi everyone. I attended Horseshoe Elementary, then Cabrini School, then Menard. My father was Danny W. Williams, member of Exchange Club, Rapides Parish Country Club, etc. My best friends were the Bordelon family, formally of Airview Terrace; Celeste and fam and the Randall family on 2012 Elliott Street. I'm so proud to be a part of this guest book and to be from Alexandria, Louisiana. Karen Williams We are military transplants. We have lived here since 1982. I truly enjoyed your site. Thanks. Pamela Otis, LA USA - Thursday, March 06, 2003 at 01:11:58 (GMT)
This brought back such fond memories of my life in Alexandria. My mother was the bookkeeper for Noah's Potato Chip on Lee St. I played "hooky" from elementary school just to be able to go to work with her and watch them making those scrumptious chips and eating them right off the line. Thanks for the memories! Bolton 69 Sue Gaspard Seighman Thank you for a great web site. I loved it! I remember it all and wish we had better pictures of the way it was 40 years ago. Thanks again. Vivian Cupples Baton Rouge, la USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 14:32:42 (GMT) I was born (1977) and grew up in Alexandria and in one of its neighbors, LeCompte; and I really enjoyed the retrospective. Though most of the places here were already memories by the time I was old enough to see them, it was great visiting them still, and revisiting memories of the few that remained into the 80's and beyond. I'm married to an Air Force captain now, and we live in Germany- but home is still central Louisiana. Thanks again! Sally (Austin) Greathouse Dremmen, Germany - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 13:58:59 (GMT) What a great composition. It was really nice to see that someone else remembers the slower times of the past. Where has it gone, and don't we miss it? Great job! Tim Ahearn Lakeland, Fl USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 09:01:17 (GMT)
You must come back to the Kress building in a year or 2. It is being renovated into a theater (live productions). I do costumes for CITY PARK THEATER. We are excited about all the Italian marble pillars, etc., in the building. I believe the web site is cityparkplayers.com (not sure). I enjoyed it all and remember it well. Bought my wedding ring trio at Schnacks in 1966. Raye Austin
I loved this! Brought back lots of old memories! You did a great job ... just left out mentioning us old Bolton Bears. LaNell Cupples Hilborn My grandfather, Jim Harris, and I have enjoyed the journey. Joel Harris Alexandria, LA USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 21:50:17 (GMT)
The enormous response to this site is overwhelming. The additions you have made since the original version truly round out the retrospective theme. I am sure that adding the Hokus Pokus sign has relieved everyone who thought it was lost to posterity. Finally, reading the words of all who have commented is almost as rewarding as viewing the site itself. You obviously have rekindled more memories that you had expected. My years in Alexandria (1944-1965) are better framed in my memory because of you. Thank you again for this treasure. Sam Damico I've been away too long! Rodney M. Cupples San Diego, CA usa - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 16:11:20 (GMT) Small-town America remains a delight, even if the delight now largely resides in our memories. I thoroughly enjoyed this nostalgic tour of Old Alexandria and salute those who put it together for our delectation. Randall Evans New York City, NY USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 15:21:54 (GMT) I really loved this and it sure brought back memories. I wish I could remember the name of the drive in on the service road off of MacArthur Drive that served the sundaes in frosted glasses...yummy. And you didn't mention the Old Hokus Pokus liquor store...that had the weird flashing sign. I think it was off of Lee Street. Not sure if the sign is still there or not. So many other places...awww, it brings back memories alright! I sure enjoyed this journey back in time! Phyllis Richardson I think you did wonderful job. I am a little older than you but I know your father. I think I bought my first insurance policy from him. Vernon Drewett
Memories....so many memories drifted into my mind as I looked thru this presentation. I grew up in Alexandria and was sorry that BHS was not featured. Looking back into the past makes the future so much more exciting. Marguerite Gifford Capilli Liked your web site. I go back farther than you. I was born in Alexandria and attended Rosenthal, Bolton and Louisiana College in Pineville. Thanks for the memories. Marjorie Jones McCullough
Bennie Hickman Beaumont, Tx USA - Saturday, March 01, 2003 at 13:44:23 (GMT) Thanks for the memories! I grew up in Pineville, on College Boulevard. My home is now gone, the property a part of the Louisiana College campus. We were bused to Bolton High School for that period of education and, of course, Alexandria was our "city" where all the shopping and movies and showplaces were...especially after the bus service from Pineville to Alexandria was started. I was born in 1926 in Arkansas, moved to Pineville in 1933. Virginia Harris Hendricks I spent one year living in Pineville and attending Bolton High. As this was 1941-2 people were not driving around very much, so I don't have too many memories of downtown--I can't even remember where we went out to eat, if indeed we did. But I have tons of memories of Bolton High and all the kids I met there and in my Pineville neighborhood. One reason is that Bolton (I graduated from there in '42) was the best school I had been to up to that time. It was a hundred times better than University High on the LSU campus where I had spent the previous five miserable years. I remember SO many things, like when a group of us girls, all dolled up in evening dresses went out to the army camps and "entertained" the troops--hundreds of homesick boys watched our choral reading group, some cute monologues, and a drum solo called Valley Forge played by Specs Moriarty, on who I had a little crush, though he was a couple years younger. The troops loved us--we could sense how homesick and scared they all were. I remember SO many kids--beginning with my friend Carol Grubb, with whom I am still in touch, and Camille Marcus, The Fox twins, Harris Wilson, O.U Payne, Malcolm Stehr, C W Brister,Emily Needham, the Hogg brothers, Charlie Crouch, Lynn Keyes who used to walk all the way back to Pineville from football games, beating his snare drum as he walked--you could hear him in the distance then getting closer and closer--and lots of others. I hate to leave anyone out! Then there was Wilbur Joffrion, with whom I am also in touch,and Jim Saggus--I got back in touch with the latter two when it came time for our 50th Bolton Anniversary, which alas I was unable to attend. Jim and his wife dropped by to see us when they came up here to visit the Mall of America. Sadly, Jim died not long after that. This school and all the kids in it meant a great deal to me! The teachers were pretty memorable too--wish I had time to tell you a story about Miss Price, our Speech teacher, because that lady was way ahead of her time. That lady taught me a lesson I shall never forget! Marguerite Pickett Wilson Thanks! Gary Hetzel Eden Prairie, MN USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 19:11:54 (GMT) What a great stroll down memory lane. Thanks for putting this together. Susan Bowman Hetzel Eden Prairie, MN USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 16:16:07 (GMT)
WoW! This was a great trip back to earlier times for me. I worked at the A&P and the Piggly Wiggly stores. Leo Arnold Michiels Jr. I lived in Alexandria from 1938 to 1957. I still have family there and get back not often enough. Enjoyed the ride down memory lane. James B. Harris Lubbock, TX USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 11:51:08 (GMT) Thanks for a lovely trip down memory lane. Although we lived in Pineville, I remember getting shoes at Wellans, going to see the Christmas lights, etc. All those memories and more came flooding back as I looked at these pieces of my childhood. We left in 1963, and I haven't been back for at least 30 years. Thank you for your excellent and thoughtful site. Linda Reppond Seattle, WA USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 21:32:18 (GMT) Enjoyed the memories and pictures...hope to come back and write a few memories also Guy George Gainesville, Tx USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 04:48:45 (GMT)
I ENJOYED THE MEMORIES. I MOVED AWAY FOR 30 YEARS AND WHEN I RETURNED ALEX. WAS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT TOWN. I MISS THIRD STREET SHOPPING! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. Beverly Gunter I lived in Alexandria from 1957 until leaving for college in 1974. There really is no place like home despite many changes. Thank you for your photographic tour. It's amazing to reflect on the passage of time and to see the entries of people I went to high school with in the Register. Jonathan Koehler Orem, UT USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 01:02:22 (GMT) I only spent three years in Alex until my father got sick with cancer and we moved back to S'port. He was the sales manager at Walker Oldsmobile in the late sixties and I have so many fond memories of my time in Alexandria. Lucky for me, my wife, Vicki Stoker (formally Vicki Ulmann) also lived in Alex during this time but we did not know each other or get together until the early 80s (my loss). Anyway, thanks for letting me share this with you and hope to hear from our other homefolk soon. Bud Stoker Plano, TX USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 23:04:32 (GMT)
Born and raised here since 1949 - I remember most of these things the way you do. For instance the fresh ground coffee at the A & P. Do you remember the "Pack of Fun" at the Don on Saturday mornings and buying comic books at the 5 & Dime next door.
Steven W. Harris Thanks for this site. It is worth a million memories. I was born in Alexandria and went to Bolton. I graduated in 1961 and left for good in 1965. Since my mother and aunts all died, I haven't been back since 1996. These pictures mean a lot to me and bring back some really great memories. Thank you. Bill Burch hardy, VA USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 17:49:39 (GMT) I think of Bringhurst Field, Bolton High, Menard Memorial, the Blue Moon Night Club, Kelly St., 16th St. the Bentley Hotel, Alexandria Air Base, Lazarone's, riding the city busses and my buddies Billy Wagner, Vince DiStefano, Littell McConnell, and Rudy Hale. Alexandria is my home; I will end up there!! Paul Delacroix Jennings, La. USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 01:52:43 (GMT) I plan a future visit to Alexandria. I went online to get info about your hometown. I think it must have been a wonderful place to live How I envy you. How sad those times are gone and our children will never feel the security that comes from such a childhood. Thanks for sharing. Pat Furr Fayettte, AL USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 17:08:43 (GMT) I started school at Providence Academy, graduated from grammar school at West End on Bolton Ave, (across from the Don Theater) and graduated from Bolton High in 1946. Most of your comments are about Alexandria in the 50s.
As you can see my "growing up years" were in the 30s and 40s. I remember soldiers everywhere on the weekends, and I did volunteer duty at the Salvation Army USO on Jackson St. When I go home to visit relatives, it is hard to recognize the town I grew up in. City Hall Square doesn't have room for Santa's little house at Christmas anymore, the covering the historic brick streets, etc. Thank you for gathering all the pictures of things remembered. ( I worked at W.T. Grant before I moved to Houston in 1948 ) Eloise East Rudloff I was born in Alexandria, in 1940. Thanks for the memories. I have back a few times and it is not the same. I also went to Our Lady of Prompt Succor and Menard (Class of 58). I also have fond memories of Fuzzies on Bolton Ave., Rizzo's on Rapides Ave., Frog roll at the bakery on Lee Street and the Christ The King services at the ball park. If anyone went to school with me, please send me an e-mail. As I get older, I miss my early years and begin to appreciate what growing up in Alexandria really meant in my life.
I am sorry that my kids and grand kids will miss out on what I had such as riding to city park on my bicycle, getting A&W root beer on Lee Street, Garland Rifles Drill team at Menard Memorial, etc. Thanks again for a visit to my past. Eddie Wall I was born in Alexandria in 1941 and went to Prompt Succor and Menard before going to La. Tech. I thoroughly enjoyed this look back to the Alex that I remembered. Going back to Alex today is just not the same. Thanks for this wonderful trip back in history. Bert Wall Richardson, TX USA - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 03:30:24 (GMT) Thank you for brushing back the cobwebs of my memory, and uncovering the wonderful memories of my childhood in Alex! john e. mcintosh new orleans, la USA - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 16:34:51 (GMT) Thanks for taking the time and heart to create the "Retrospective Look". You jostled many of my very good memories. Thanks, Peggy Peggy Lindsley Rogers Monroe, LA USA - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 04:14:29 (GMT) Very nice work - congratulations. It was a pleasure to be referred to this site by friends and equally pleasing to pass the address along to other Alexandrians across Louisiana and the USA. Jonathan C. Harris Baton Rouge, La. USA - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 01:03:04 (GMT)
Enjoyed the ride around the old town. Wish there were more "then and now" type pictures. Menard, 1959. John E. David, Jr. 1959 MENARD Graduate. Thanks for the trip. I rarely get to Alex. Good site. I'll tell others. Donny Webb Thanks for the memories. Laurna Campbell Moscow, ID USA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 18:57:47 (GMT) Born in Alexandria in 1946, left for California in 1958. Lived on Bayou Rapides Road, across from England Air Force Base. Raymond A. Cooper I love this web site! The times spent as a child in Alexandria will never be forgotten. I hope to send in some of my childhood memories in the future. I thank you for all of your long hours and hard work in establishing this web site. Thanks, Kay Thiels Kay Sanders Thiels Ruston, LA USA - Friday, February 21, 2003 at 00:24:43 (GMT)
Could never forget my old hometown. Tears blurred the pictures as memories warmed my heart. I was credit manager for Montgomery Ward retail store and Catalog store manager when the old store closed. My Dad fixed the Cathedral clock for years. The Town Talk had a real nice article with pictures. I attended St. Francis Xavier. This retrospective has made my day. Dorothy Gaspard Di Pasquale Thanks for sharing your pictures of the past. Growing up in Alexandria, I can well remember each place. Though we don't get to LA very often, it is still a joy to return. Progress has definitely changed the looks of our "old" town, but the memories are unchangeable and will last forever. Again, thanks. Anita DeHaven Breeding Lots of good memories -Thank you! Richard A. Praet Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, February 20, 2003 at 03:27:04 (GMT) Lived in Alexandria from 1950-1956. Attended Brame elementary and Bolton H.S., class of '56. Brian D. Jones Spotsylvania, VA USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 13:39:44 (GMT) I came here in 1969, married Benny Bellino and have called Alex. my home ever since. Benny also went to Prompt Succor. Benny's grandparents had a grocery on Lee street years ago. Thanks for the jog to our memories; living here sometimes we tend to forget. Helen Bellino Alexandria, La USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 05:04:28 (GMT) I was born In Alexandria, graduated from Bolton High School in May of 1969, and moved away at the age of 17 to go to college. My aunt and uncle, Bob and Diane Blotner still live there. I have some very fond memories of my childhood in Alexandria. Vicki Ulmann Stoker Plano, TX USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 01:02:00 (GMT)
Thanks for the memories. Here are a few of mine that might strike a chord with some readers. I walked to West End Grammar for 7 years, remember standing by the flagpole at half mast, crying with the rest of the students mourning the death of Franklin Roosevelt. I still remember all 7 of my teachers there, even the "hard" ones with great fondness; we worked for our A's and B's. Now I have a brick from West End with "Rapides" on it; I found the school torn down while visiting Alex from the D.C. area. War memories there include the time I brought my brother's electric fan for the "scrap heap" of metal to West End to "beat the axis". I think I got carried away in my enthusiasm in collecting scrap iron but those war movies at the Don (9 cents for kids in those days) had me fired up! Bringing the tinfoil from cigarette packs or grease from Moma's stove can, or collecting newspaper wasn't enough. My Dad was an air raid warden and my brother was a "lightning" (one who ran with messages during the blackouts; I was jealous but being a girl and too young I couldn't be one).
The park and Community Center, at Bolton Ave. and Park Ave., turned into a USO. My Dad showed movies to the soldiers nights there and at the Salvation Army; I got to go with him, see the movies and talk to the soldiers. I loved to sleep on our screened front porch and listen to all the WWII dance music at the USO and peep at all the army trucks and soldiers. A big thrill was when my aunt, who worked at the air base, manned a war bond booth with Robert Young; she introduced me to him and he gave me that grin I'd seen so much at the Don.
The war continued when I went to Bolton. Years at Bolton in bobby sox and bows at our necks were busy and fun. Making formations with the band in the Marching Boosters, screaming a football games, dressing up with a football player escorting me while I was wobbling in high heels on the football field prior to a game, are among some of my memories. The teachers there, especially Mrs. Lewis, an English teacher, were dedicated and caring. Later, when I took college algebra, I knew all the course from my teacher at Bolton. Martha Keating Bryant We enjoyed seeing the old downtown building. Thanks buddy and patsy tudor USA - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 03:26:14 (GMT) What a wonderful labor of love and generous gift of sharing. To steal Bob Hope's line, "Thanks for the memories." Ellen Grass-Stoltz New Orleans, LA USA - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 01:07:41 (GMT) I was born in Alex the year of the flood, 1927, on Barrister St. My parents were Bill and Eva Clyde Keating, my grand parents were Clyde and Mattie Lee Lehman. I attended grade school on Bolton Ave., and High School at Bolton High. I learned to fly out on Lower 3rd St. at a little grass runway airport. I put in my service in the Navy. After WWII, I went to LSU Baton Rouge, thence to an industrial company in Shreveport where I worked 33 years and retired. At present I live near Heflin, La. and have a "farm" of
160 acres of pine trees and pasture. My children are scattered out to Shreveport,
Wisconsin, and Idaho, with 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.
I communicate with an old salt friend, Lucian Grass, who still lives in
Alex. Your pictures and pages are great, and I appreciate being able to
see them. Thank you ever so, Clyde Keating Wow!! Your photos sure brings back a lot of memories. I grew up in Alex and lived there till I left for college at LSU. Great job. Jack Guillory McKinney, TX USA - Monday, February 17, 2003 at 20:07:19 (GMT) Great job! Lots of effort to put together a very nice collection of memories. Thanks. Bill Jeansonne Baton Rouge, LA USA - Monday, February 17, 2003 at 04:02:37 (GMT) BROUGHT BACK SOME GREAT MEMORIES. RONNIE GASPARD STONEWALL, LA USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 20:38:45 (GMT) I grew up as a teenager in Alexandria, attended and graduated from Bolton (1956). Sold Town Talk Newspapers downtown, worked at Nehi Bottling Co. on Lee Street, et al. Many fond memories. Thanks for the journey back! Ellis Ellis Coutee Baton Rouge, LA USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 17:07:21 (GMT) Being a native of the Pineville/Alexandria area it was really nice to visit this website. Thanks for a little taste of home! LuAnn Drake Houston, TX USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 05:05:46 (GMT) I have recently moved to TN, but have lived all of my life in Alexandria. I remember many of these places; thanks for putting all these precious memories together on the internet for others to reminiscence. I also thank my friend for emailing this to me and I will forward to others now living away. Pam Robicheaux Joelton, TN USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 02:05:34 (GMT) I am a Menard graduate, '68, LSU alumnus, '72 who has lived away from LA since 1978. My mother is still alive and living in Alexandria. I really enjoyed the photos and memories. Jerry Allen Cheyenne, WY USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 23:27:04 (GMT)
It was indeed a pleasure to see this collection. I am 56 years old and remember all of these places. The Don Theater really brought back memories. That is where I met my husband of 32 years now. "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES"! You may publish this if you wish.
Shirley McNeely Thanks for the memories! Frank Grimes Jr. Alexandria, La. USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 20:58:51 (GMT) Gosh, it's been great seeing a "touch of home" so far away. Thanks for all the effort! Debbie Scallan McDonough, GA USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 20:23:31 (GMT) I am a 1964 graduate of Menard High who now resides in Baton Rouge. The pictures and narratives brought back many memories. I must say it was sad to see all of the boarded up buildings that were so much a part of daily life when I was growing up in CENLA. I grew up in the Bolton Ave./Rapides Ave. area. It is sad to see the deterioration of that part of town now, but as Thomas Wolffe said in his novel, "You can't go home again." You can go back to the physical location, but you can't recreate the commerce, recreation and vitality that made that part of town the great blue collar, family environment it was in the 50s and 60s. That is what memories are for, and I thank you for stimulating mine.... Dan Juneau Dan Juneau I WAS RAISED IN ALEXANDRIA AND ATTENDED ST. JAMES ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL. I GRADUATED IN 1960 AND HAVE MADE SEVERAL TRIPS BACK HOME. IT'S REALLY AMAZING TO SEE HOW THE CITY HAS GROWN. I'M ASHAMED TO SAY IT, BUT I GET LOST WHEN I GO HOME. I STILL HAVE A LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES OF HOME AND SOME NOT SO GREAT ONES TOO. BUT, AS FRANK SINATRA PUT IT, "THAT'S LIFE". Adeline D. Grigsby-Taylor Henderson, NV USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 01:37:20 (GMT) What a delightful trip down "memory lane". We in the South have these incredible memories of the special things that mean so much to our heritage. Not as an ad (because I get nothing), but anyone from the South who has not listened to Sela Wards audio tape "Homesick" is missing a special journey back in time. Bill Rush Alexandria, Louisiana USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 00:35:37 (GMT) Even though I was raised in Pineville, your retrospective brought back many warm memories. Thanks for a job well done. Robert C. Buckley I remember: The "old" McDonalds and eating our burgers on the red and white tile bench watching the french fries being made, while mom and dad ate theirs in the car; Racing home to get a dime before the ice cream truck left the neighborhood. Riding the boats and helicopters at Kiddieland; The bookmobile stopping at our street. I can still remember the smell and "feel" of it. Cabrini School and being taught "strictly" by nuns and priests, with a sprinkling of lay teachers; the basketball games at the CYO; having to eat "all" of our lunch, with elbows off the table; and the school dances where the teachers insisted on "daylight" between the dance partners. Shopping in Wellans upstairs at Generation 3, with its beads and "hipness". Our kids love hearing what we did when we were their age. Share the memories! Patti Cowen Pate Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 20:36:54 (GMT) Born on Bayou Rapides, a member of the Cooper family and the LeGras family - 713 DeSoto St. Graduated St. James Memorial 1952. I left the same year. I often wonder how much better Alexandria could have been if it had appreciated all its citizens and provided opportunities for them to if they had chosen to return to the city. Cooper, Gary D. Los Angeles, ca USA - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 08:38:05 (GMT) |
