Register Volume 13

I love it here.

Ray Bloch, Alexandria., December 31, 2003

This web site is excellent. Thank you for reminding me of the nostalgia of my youth growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana and my years of attending Bolton High School. I graduated from Bolton High School in 1965. Many of the small mom and pop stores, streets and geographic sites denoted in your presentation remind me of places I visited and roamed as a kid in the city. My brother (Harry Doyle) graduated in 1961, and my cousin (Jesse Doyle, Jr.) was principal of Bolton for many years. Again, thank you for sharing this information with me.

Jerry Doyle
National Executive Vice President
Council 252
American Federation of Government Employees
U.S. Department of Education

December 26, 2003

Bolton High School Class of 1959 As good as education gets! Thanks Miss Lewis and Mrs Parker, Mrs Adams, and MrsTwilley (sp), and Mrs White plus the rest!!!

Saturday Night Teen Town at First Methodist (downtown) and "fast" dancing!

Playing hookie at the gravel pits and "customized" hot rods with dual glass pack mufflers!

Beautiful women, sock hops, and making out on Horseshoe Drive......True HAPPY DAYS and we ALL were Richie Cunningham or Fonz!!!!

Lane Grigsby
Baton Rouge (Big BR), Louisiana
December 24, 2003

I am a 4th generation Alexandrian. I grew up on Thornton Court and my family sold the home in 1998 after our mother died. She had lived there since 1923. Aunts and cousins still live there and I will always love Alexandria. I remember riding the city bus for a nickel and going to the library in the courthouse.

The city park was our playground, Rock Garden, the swimming pool and the zoo were the best places. I remember the giant slides at the park that were made of wood, talk about splinters! We took sheets of waxed paper to sit on and make the ride so fast!

Elizabeth Grigsby Reimer
Alvin, TX USA - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 05:49:59 (GMT)

I don't even remember how I got to your site, but it is the coolest. I grew up in Alexandria from '68 to the present; I love old and new. I really enjoyed seeing the photos, although as everywhere it sure is painful to see the lost architecture and companies.

A few places I never knew about and guess I will have to go look for, take some pics myself. Thanks for the memories, keep updating.

Jay Douglas
Alexandria, LA USA - Tuesday, December 09, 2003 at 04:53:45 (GMT)

Thank you for this look back at Alexandria. I lived there from age 8 to age 26, 18 of my 61 years; attended Brame Elem. (later named Rugg), Aiken Elem., and graduated from Bolton in 1961 (the last class that never attended any Junior High because there weren't any!)

My father owned and operated the Cities Service Station at the corner of Fourth & Jackson, right beside Hemingways and later became a postal clerk, working at the main post office until his retirement. As kids, my sister & I had a lot of fun in the City Park where the high swings and the big slide were GREAT, and later as a teen-ager I spent many happy hours flying model airplanes at the park, just across the street from the swings and slide. Thanks again for the memories of Alex!

Robert K. (Bobby) McClaran
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 23:39:07 (GMT)

Graduated from Bolton in 1966. Would be glad to hear from anyone.
Janet Fowler Woods
Harvest, Al USA - Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 13:31:10 (GMT)

Your retrospective brings back many memories of being in Alexandria in the 1950's. I visited Alexandria last December after being away for 39 years.

I was pleasantly surprised by the changes that had occurred during those decades. I sensed a vibrant community with more awareness of the history of the city and region.

Although my grandparent's home and business had been torn down, there is an obvious effort to preserve important buildings and landmarks in an evolving community.

Bill Griffith
Seattle, WA USA - Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 20:56:56 (GMT)

Thanks for the memories. I grew up in Alex. and Pineville. My parents first residence was on Elliott St. We would take walks to Holsum Bakery for fresh bread and to Don Theater for a movie or on Saturday for a talent show. Many wonderful people in the area, and much has been lost to progress.

Jim Bailey
Kingwood, Tx. USA - Tuesday, December 02, 2003 at 17:00:27 (GMT)

Pleasing to go through your shots. Some are very good. Looks like some of the places I've been before while in Anyplace, USA. I am glad I stumbled onto your site while trying to find old photos of the courthouse and the walkway that crosses the street, I think, to the parking garage. I used to string for AP & UPI a long time ago, so I close with these simple words: Very Good Work and no doubt, a LOT of effort!

DW
Memphis, TN USA - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at 06:04:25 (GMT)

I would like to say hello to some friends from your area, who I met during 1961 and 1962 at Shoney's. It's been so many years, I'm not sure if they would remember me, but my name is Dick and I was stationed in Fort Polk, La. If any of you are out there, my email address is: ruthsrescue@erols.com There are a lot of photos of us all enjoying the past.

Dick Marcine
Trenton, NJ USA - Monday, November 24, 2003 at 12:27:53 (GMT)

I lived in the Alexandria/Pineville area from 1951 thru 1964 counting my time away at La. Tech. Your retrospective has been an enjoyable trip down memory lane. Thanks for all your efforts. I found the Alexandria Postcard Collection to be interesting in that I have similarly been collecting Alexandria postcards for the past several years. In your collection, I found a few that I hadn't seen before and believe I have a few that you don't have. If you would like to add them to your collection, let me know and I'll send the digital images to you.

By the way, the Rapides Theatre that you show (in the postcard section) was an opera house that eventually became the Paramount Theatre. Schwartzberg's which was adjacent to the Paramount was, I believe, converted from what had previously been either the Strand or Saenger Theatre. (My dad was the manager of the Paramount as well as the Rex Theatre in the next block south.) Again, thanks for the memories.

Fred Richards
Vienna, VA USA - Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 21:54:53 (GMT)

I remember Christmas being shoulder to shoulder in Kress'. It will never be the same.

Carol Ann Thompson
Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, November 13, 2003 at 19:43:46 (GMT)

When I got there I wanted to leave, but after spending 4 yrs at the England Air Force Base fire department, those were the best years of my life, excluding my present with my family.

Purola
Apple Valley, CA USA - Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 05:56:39 (GMT)

Thanks for the memories of a kindler, gentler Alexandria. Do you have any pictures of Hopper's Drive-In on MacArthur Drive? It was the home of the best ever cherry ice cream sundae--so cold there were chunks of ice down in the bottom of the dish. That was especially refreshing in the days of no or only slight air conditioning. It was also the site of our courtship days in the mid 60' where we'd go after cathing a movie at The Paramount and then have to rush home to make our curfew of 10:30. Special reminders of a special time.

David & Shirley Wilkerson Lemoine
St. Louis, Missouri USA - Friday, October 24, 2003 at 02:12:12 (GMT)

Looking back in retrospect . . . I have so many memories of Bolton Avenue. As an African-American struggling to feed eight mouths, not including me and my wife's, I could remember all the trips I have made down Bolton Avenue grocery shopping, and just plain shopping period.

Getting my car fixed, buying tires, transporting church and family members to the Trailways station . Time has brought about a change. Businesses closed or else moved. Bolton looks like a completely different place from then to now.

Freeman Young
Pineville, La USA - Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 04:17:16 (GMT)

Oh, what wonderful memories. I grew up in Oakdale and eagerly waited for the next trip to Alexandria --- the big city! Off we would go, my mother and at least one of my aunts. No air conditioner, no CDs or headphones, just total excitement!

When 65 veered into 71 I knew we were there and when we turned on Lee Street I thought that was about as good as it gets. First Wellans, then the candy at the Kress counter, and then if I was really lucky, an ice cream soda at Walgreens! Sometimes we would stop at Fuzzys or the Suburban Gardens.

When I close my eyes, I can see it all and I can smell the freshly baked bread and the potato chips. Thanks so much. Kay

Kay Clark Martin
Alexandria, La USA - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 13:20:55 (GMT)

I moved to Alexandria, La. in 1952, from Hughes Springs, Tex. I was married and when I moved here I started working at Rapides Bank & Trust.

I am thankful for the City Buses we were able to ride in those days. There were not too many cars, and the bus is how I got to work each day. I learned to love the people and the city. It was wonderful to feel as if I was welcomed here and I have continued to live in this area since then.

My husband's father and mother had a mom & pop restuarant on McArthur drive, which was next to the State Police. As you said, so many of the mom & pop operations could not stand under the larger companies moving in. But they made a good living, sending 3 children to college and lived comfortably until their death.

Alexandria patrons took real good care of them until they decided to close their business in 1972. They are both deceased now, but their children and grandchildren are still around. I enjoyed looking at all the pictures and reading what you had to write about them. Thank you for allowing me to remember some of the places I have shopped at. I especially remember Wellan's with the Christmas windows. We would bring our children to see that every year. Life was simple back then. Thank you, Ann F.

Ann Fournet
Deville, La. USA - Saturday, October 04, 2003 at 20:40:44 (GMT)

What a true pleasure to find this Alexandria Retrospective. I have a small obsession with my real home, Alexandria, and crave any little bit of contact with it.

Kerry Redmond Couvillion
Columbia, MD USA - Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 01:31:01 (GMT)

I enjoyed your pictures and comments about old time Alexandria. I was born at Baptist Hospital in 1931 and lived here until I went to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, where I graduated in 1953. After spending 3 years in the Air Force, I lived here several times until CLECO moved me to Natchitoches in 1971, where I still live on beautiful Cane River.

I went to West End Grammar school and I wish you could find a picture of it. I also went to the old Pineville Grammer School. I graduated from Bolton High school in 1948. I still like to drive through downtown sometimes and think of the old times when we had the Paramount, Rex and Saenger theaters to go to. I enjoyed your book on Alexandria very much. Thank you.

Tom Post
Natchitoches, LA. USA - Monday, September 29, 2003 at 01:08:39 (GMT)

Thank you so much for the work of this site! It is so good to be able to show our children the town we grew up in. Both my husband and my parents are still in the Pineville area. We go home often and still take a spin downtown to look. We still remember a lot of these places in our minds as we drive thru.

My dad (Ray Fournet) was the manager in the automotive department of Sear's downtown on Bolton and my husband's father (Linnie Nelson) worked right off Bolton at American Optical (AO) for many , many years. We spent a lot of time at the candy counter and riding up and down the escalator at Sear's. The memories of the Warm cashews at Sear's!

My grandfather had a family restaruant on MacArthur Drive called Murphy's Restaraunt; wish there would have been a picture of it. Thanks again, Kim Nelson

Kim Fournet Nelson
Kingwood, Tx USA - Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 21:59:23 (GMT)

Great site - I was planning on building such a site for my graduation class of 1948 from Bolton High School. And even though I still live in Alexandria and see these things happening daily, I appreciate this trip down memory lane.

Ned Berlin
Alexamdria, LA USA - Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 16:16:51 (GMT)

I was born one of the daughters of George and Thelma Allen, in 1951 at Cabrini Hospital. I lived in Alexandria until 1992 when I moved to Kansas with my husband, Phil Armstrong. I found this website while searching for information that I am looking for on the old Joy Theater that I believe was located at 5th and Murray Streets in Alexandria.

Thanks for the walk down Memory Lane. I have really enjoyed your site. I can remember standing in front of Wellans downtown every Christmas watching the different activities that were displayed in their windows each year. I remember helping my Father sell Christmas Trees for the Optimist Club in MacArthur Village each year. To me, that is when Christmas still meant Jesus' birthday to everyone. I will never forget my life in Alexandria. It was filled with happy times and wonderful people. Best Wishes, Janet

Janet Allen Armstrong
New Llano, LA USA - Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at 01:01:41 (GMT)

Kenneth, this retrospective is wonderful. How I wish your Mother and mine could have seen this. I am so glad our Bourg family has celebrated four reunions now and that you and I reconnected with the rest of our family. Of course, I am sitting here crying because your pictures and words bring back so many memories of the safe and carefree times we had. Thank you for all the energy, work and love you have put into this Retrospective. I am very proud to be your first cousin.

Sandra Matassa Conway
Seabrook, TX USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 19:19:46 (GMT)

Wow - great web site. I was born in 1961 in New Orleans but raised in "Alex" from 1966 to 1982. My memories are: In the 1970's Reed&Bell curley Q fries & milk shakes on MacArthur Drive. Bringhurst Par 3 Golf Course, the best place in the world for a kid to grow up and "Bugs" Trotter was the greatest baby-sitter ever. Remember the Pepsi Cola & Junior City Golf Championships? Hole #9 is where hole # 1 is today.

There were 10 cent snow cones from the Zoo, and Disney movies on Saturday's at the Don Theater. I finished my paper route off Elliott St., then bought boxed jaw breakers & red hots candy at Cummella's grocery on Bolton Ave. Played pinball endlessly at Palace Grocery on Monroe St by Rosenthal Elementary, and also at the Bowlero bowling alley. Walked to the Phil A Sak on Monroe St for Icee's (the extra large one was 35 cents), and played basketball and tackle football at Harmen Park near by. There was a Octagon Hut in the park which on the inside had toys to play with and Mrs Wheeler had the keys to it.

We road bicycles over the Jackson St Extension bridge before it finished completion, and in the fourth grade from Prompt Succor, I went to Noah's Potato Chip factory for a field trip. On Saturday's we'd go to Prompt Succor, climb on the roof to retrieve those orange colored two-corner balls to play with. My mom took me to the TG&Y on Bolton Avenue to buy marbles for which I in turn would lose at school the following day. We'd go to Giambrone's Grocery on Rapides & Chester and charge junk food to my mom's account. Ah, yes, those were the days....

John
Houston, TX USA - Friday, September 19, 2003 at 18:23:40 (GMT)

"GOOD SHOW" Brings back many memories. --- Moved to Alex 1936 Graduated Bolton Hi, l939. During High School worked several jobs, soda jerk & car-hop, most noteable, helping install accoustical tile in Bolton High auditorium. Many names and places mentioned, trigger memories. One is "BRING YOUR GOON TO THE SILVER MOON AND SWING AND SWEAT WITH JOE RIVET", Maxies Drive-In, Herbie K's (Worlds worst service but the Worlds best food), and there are many more. After high school, attended junior college in Miss. La. College, Pineville, La. Polytechnic, Ruston, finally Alexandria Business College.

Worked at Auto Hotel, across from Bentley Hotel, sold lots of Coke bottles of Kerosene to soldiers to treat chigger bites, delivered ice cream to post exchanges at Camp Claiborne. After service with U.S.Marine Corps in South Pacific during WWII, worked for D & M Hardware, Bolton Ave., owned by two fine gentlemen, Dennis Dinnat (Dinnat's Bakery family) and Maxie Bohrer ( Maxie's Drive-In owner) N.D.Roberts Lumber Co., Office in Alex. sawmill at Grayson, La., then 10 years as Rapides Deputy Sheriff with Sheriff Grady Kelley, Jr.

During this time was president of Alexandria Optimist Club (was named Outstanding Optimist of the Year) chairman of Alexandria Salvation Army Advisory Board, as well as other civic activities. Attended First Methodist Church on Jackson St. Moved to Mansfield, La. 1963, now residing in Bossier City, La. retired in 1988 after selling six Taco Bell Restaurants of which I was Co-owner, Just celebrated my 83rd birthday this month (September 2003 ). Feel like I'm only 50; there is so much to write about, so thanks for this medium to trigger those memories.

Ray U. Urban. Sr
Bossier City, La. USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 20:00:16 (GMT)

My family and I moved here in 1976. My husband, who was in the military, was transferred to England Air Force Base on a humanitarian transfer, and we've been here ever since. We're originally from Lafayette, so we're closer to home than before the transfer. There have been a lot of positive changes since we moved here. All for the better!

Jenny Figueron
USA - Monday, September 08, 2003 at 13:58:38 (GMT)

I was in Alexandria from January 1971 until August 1972. I enjoyed my stay there while serving in the US Air Force at England AFB. I made many friends in Alex while there and got to see and do lots of very intersting things. I loved Alex very much. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Paul Zundel who owned Professional Pharmacy. I dated his daughter Nancy a few times. She is a wonderful lady and her family made me feel at home. I hope to visit Alex again soon. Thanks for the memories and pictures.

Tom McDaniel
Chattanooga, TN USA - Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 07:28:51 (GMT)

I was born and raised in Alexandria until I was eighteen. I graduated from Bolton High in 1961. Looking for contact with other school mates, expecially Sharon See, Sharon Scalon, or Dolly Piscotta.

One of my fondest memories is going to the swimming pool in City Park every afternoon during the summer. It took me a long time to learn to swim across the pool, so I could swim in the deep end. After swimming, we would wander over to the zoo and visit with the animals. Looking back, it was a pitiful zoo. But as children we thought it was terrific. Thanks for the memories.

Donna Segari Kavanaugh
Mandeville, La USA - Saturday, August 30, 2003 at 21:48:23 (GMT)

A great testament to the success of Alexandria in raising its families with affection for the larger community.

JoAnn W. Kellogg
Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 03:48:56 (GMT)

After graduating from Bolton High School in 1960, I left Alexandria to complete degrees at NSU (64 and 66) and Ole Miss.(68). I then moved to Ruston, La. to teach at Louisiana Tech Univesity.

Although I have lived in North Louisiana for over 30 years, your wonderful site reminds me that Alexandria is still home.

Sam V. Dauzat
Ruston, La USA - Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 15:54:44 (GMT)

The only house I ever lived in until I went away to college and then to a teaching career was on the corner of White Street and Thornton. Thornton was gravel for most of my childhood, and I sometimes wonder if the soles of my feet will ever be "soft" after running across that street so often, barefoot, to play at the lot the James family let all the neighborhood kids use for our recreation. I was a little kid and a girl to boot, but the boys let my play "hind-catcher" --- it took me years to learn that all I got to do was run after the ball!!!!!!!!! I'm holding back a tear or two after making this nostalgia journey. Thanks for the memories.
Bette Claire Levine
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 17:27:11 (GMT)

Graduated from Bolton in 1953.... yes, 50 years ago. The Class of '53 was 'special'. We had approximately 100 classmates plus wives & friends joining us for our 50th Reunion in April 2003. What a great time we had!!! Still have many dear & close friends living in the Alexandria-Pineville area.

Lynn & Bill King
Houston, TX USA - Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 05:30:17 (GMT)

I have lived in Alexandria since 1933. I too went to Rosenthal Grammar School from the second grade and then to Bolton High School. I graduated high school in the class of 1944. I have a world of memories and do not often get a chance to relive them with any of my classmates. I too remember Mr. Tubre and the stories of his razor strop. I never saw it however. I do not really know if it existed. I also remember Mr. Scott Brame. A man I respected very highly.

I also remember, as a Town Talk Carrier, how we got out of school after 5th period to go and deliver the afternoon paper. Six days a week for the sum of 15 cents a week. I remember too the swimming holes mentioned .The place was called Magnolia Park (not springs). Shady Nook and Castor plunge. I think all the water in these places came from melted ICE. They were THE places to spend some time after you had ridden you bicycle there from town. I could go on and on but it would be more fun to get together and talk over old times.

I love Alexandria! Eddie Dezendorf, 2513 Ave C, Alexandria,LA 71301
Edward "Eddie" Dezendorf
Alexandria, LA USA - Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 19:30:40 (GMT)

My daughter emailed me the link to this web site and it was a very pleasant surprise for me to open it. You have created a masterpiece with the old photos and your narrative. Indeed, you could have written a "best seller" book. You have touched many people's lives with your creativity.

I grew up in Alexandria, went to St. Rita Elementary School, Providence Central High, and LSUA. I have very fond memories of all the places you noted. The Paramount theater was just the greatest place to be on Saturday mornings.

I remember getting into the weekday morning movies there with six cola bottle caps and coming home with a sheet of free coupons. Wouldn't it be just grand if someone offered that type of entertainment for today's kids. I can remember never having the need to lock the doors when we left home. It seemed as though there was no fear back then. No worries that someone might steal from you, or vandilize your property. Everyone trusted everyone else. Not like today. Now most of us don't feel safe driving in our cars without the windows up and the doors locked.

Anyway, thanks so much for the memories.

Sharon Juneau Yarbrough
Alexandria, La USA - Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 06:46:58 (GMT)

Thank you for this site! There were MANY Italian Grocery stores all over Alexandria, where the owner/operators lived either behind or above the store. My Father, Samuel J. Glorioso, was born in the upstairs of Glorioso's Grocery at 603 Monroe St. (now the Friendship House) in 1920.

The business continued into the '70's (I spent after school and summer helping the family business) and moved to Bolton and Rapides. My older brothers, Samuel, Jr. and Joseph (named after my Grandfather) own and operate Chandlers Grocery on Hwy 28 West. The Tradition LIVES ON!

Michael Glorioso
USA - Friday, August 15, 2003 at 23:40:19 (GMT)

YOU REALLY TOOK US BACK. WE KEPT LOOKING FOR OUR OLD DEALERSHIP ON SIXTH STREET, HOPING YOU HAD CAPTURED IT, BUT YOU DIDN'T. THANKS, ANYWAY, WE REALLY ENJOYED ALL YOUR WONDERFUL WORK.

ALFRED & FRAN HEMPEN
ALEXANDRIA, LA USA - Friday, August 08, 2003 at 19:27:35 (GMT)

I continue to visit this wonderful link to the "Best of Times". We are so fortunate to have this little retrospective connection to friends, places, and, most importantly innocence.

I am curious as to whether anyone remembers Rizzo's Grocery Store. I lived on Prospect Street in 1960, and remember the convenience of walking across the street with my Mom's list. Does anyone else have memories, and/or information on Mr. Rizzo? Sharon Ardoin McEachern lived on Prospect at that time. I think we purchased "goodies" from Rizzo's during Lent. Then spent Sundays enjoying our respite from abstinence, on the levee. What fun times. What special, sweet young people.

Thank you, again, Ken for.......All of this!!

Carol Edwards McLane
Birmingham, Al USA - Monday, August 04, 2003 at 01:11:57 (GMT)

I grew up in Alexandria in the early 60's when my father was stationed at England Air Force Base. His home was in Avoyelles Parish and I often remember weekend rides through the pine forests to visit my grandparents near Vick, Louisiana. I also remember going for evening rides to have a rootbeer at the A&W on MacArthur Drive. I was only four or five, but my love of rootbeer stems from those evenings listening to the car radio in the drive-in of the A&W.

I attended Huddle Elementary School until I was in the 3rd grade and my father was transferred to California. I remember the November of my first grade year at Huddle when the teacher came to our classroom around noon and told us to leave school immediately and go home. We thought we wer so lucky to be able to go home early. We never knew until later that evening that President John Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas. Anyway, thanks for your work on this site. It has brought back some very old memories.

Gary Beaubouef
Nagoya, Japan - Saturday, August 02, 2003 at 13:28:48 (GMT)

Thanks for the memories! How could so many "ugly" buildings bring back such GLORIOUS memories! They didn't seem ugly then. Lazarones, the "fabulous" zoo, the high schools, the Paramount Theatre, Castor Plunge, City Park and ballfields...

Kathleen (Sanchez) Williams
St. Louis, MO USA - Friday, August 01, 2003 at 16:50:12 (GMT)

I grew up in Alexandria (1928-1953) and your pictures inspired a walk down memory lane in the days that were so different from today. I still have a paid-up insurance policy which my folks purchased from a "Mr. Freeman" in the early 30's. It is for the princely sum of $200.

Dan Lemoine
Gulf Shores, AL USA - Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 22:19:16 (GMT)

Editor's Note: Yes, that was my father, C.A. "Hoss" Freeman, a dedicated representative of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for decades! Read the wonderful memories of Dan here on the Retrospective: the 30s, Ringling Brothers Circus, the War, and more!

Hello Mr. Freeman, It's Julie's friend & penpal, Amy. Julie has probably told you, but my husband, daughter and I are moving to Alex. pretty soon. I am excited to live in La. again, and looking forward to learning more about Alex. My Grandmother has lived in Bunkie for years and years, and we were excited to go to Alex. for visits because it was such a big city compared to Bunkie! Enjoyed your web site.

Amy Simon
Lawton, OK USA - Friday, July 11, 2003 at 19:14:07 (GMT)

We enjoyed the web site and hope you will add more, particularly from the past. Alexandria-Pineville has a wonderful past, and should be recorded.

I was born in Alexandria, and have lived not far from it since then. My uncle, Chester Salmon, was born in Enola (Avoyelles Parish) and was 105 years old on July 5th. He is well, altho not very active. He is living in Mississippi and is the oldest railroad retiree in the United States, having worked for Rock Island Railroad in Alexandria. We all lived and grew up on the Rapides Bayou end of Chester Street.

We hope you will continue to add to this as it is a wonderful tribute to a great and dignified area. Thank You.

Pat Roberts Jones
Oakdale, LA USA - Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 16:03:19 (GMT)

As I stare out into the pitch-black West Texas sky from the control room of the 82-inch telescope at McDonald Observatory, it's nearly impossible not to contemplate my place in this universe...and mine began in Alexandria. Wow, where to begin? My father, John Cotter (a native New Yorker), was stationed at England AFB, where he met my mother, Kay Parker, an Alexandria native. (My dad now lives in Florida and works in real estate, and my mom lives in Shreveport and is the publisher and editor of Portfolio magazine, a publication distributed around Louisiana.)

I was born in '61 at the Baptist Hospital and my parents brought me home to my first residence on Barrister Street (later we lived on Jackson). It was a duplex then, and on my last trip to Alexandria I met the current owners of the building when I drove by to see the old place. My brother, Wirt, was born 364 days later. In '64 my family moved to Topeka, Kansas (where my brother, Mark, was born), and then to Grand Forks, North Dakota, after which we returned to Alexandria. My sister, Nancy, was born there in '69.

My grandmother, Inez Odom Parker (we called her "Meme"), taught English at Bolton High School from the mid-'40s to the late-'60s, and after that for several years at Louisiana College. (I've been told many times that she was somewhat of a legend!) Even though I was only 10 when we moved away for good, I still have very vivid and happy memories of living and growing up in Alexandria. In fact, these were some of the best times of my life. For example, I loved going to Meme's place (even when taking a Trailways bus by myself years later to visit her). From her small---but always cozy and tidy---apartment, I enjoyed watching the Buckskin Bill and Poly Carp shows; marveling at a huge family of cats under a nearby house; trying to build a go-cart from palm fronds (I only got as far as trying to make the seat!); and eating the best cornbread on the planet. She always had time for me and my siblings (even though I found out years later that she usually had a huge stack of assignments to grade after we went to bed).

Wirt and I spent some time in her classroom on occasion...that was always a bit intimidating, being around all those big kids (ironically, I've been an educator myself for nearly 20 years now, but the kids don't intimidate me anymore!). A few years later, my brothers and I went to City Park Zoo with Meme, and I'll never forget the gorilla (and I'm not making this up) throwing a brick at Meme's car---and hitting it---as we drove away! I think it mistook us for some other kids who had been taunting it. Not too long ago, I visited this zoo again with one of my sons and with my uncle (Jack Parker, a native and resident of Alexandria). As soon as I saw a peacock open its feathers, I had an early-childhood flashback. I don't recall seeing the gorilla, however. Sadly, Ms. Parker (as she was known by hundreds of Alexandrians) passed away in '97 at the age of 92, after having spent most of her life in and around Alexandria. She was the youngest of 10 kids, so we still have relatives in the area. When the mayor and several other ex-students attended her funeral, I knew she had affected in a positive way the lives of many Alexandrians---including mine---and I miss her still.

Many of my Alexandria memories are related to food (hey, food is important to a little kid)! I clearly recall eating curly-Q fries and burgers at Fuzzy's on sweltering summer nights; foot-long hot dogs at The Dog Hut; warm donuts at Shiplely's; fried chicken at Uncle Albert's and the Piccadilly; spaghetti in the candle-lit Suburban Gardens; steaks at Herbie-K's; ham sandwiches at Lea's near Lecompte; catfish and hushpuppies at a restaurant in Turkey Creek (whose name I don't remember); fancy meals (I couldn't fully appreciate at the time) at The Bentley and Plantation Manor; and the usual fare at Burger Chef and McDonald's (I swear McDonald's was much better back then!). One last food memory from Alexandria...my dad rarely took us to Burger King, because it was across the busy MacArthur Highway from where we lived... and he was just lazy, I think! He told us quite matter-of- factly that the hamburgers there were made of horse meat, a claim of which we were skeptical, but just in case I was always rather partial to ordering a "Whaler" (the now politically-incorrect name for their fish sandwhich...yeah, I know whales are mammals, but it's a better name than today's "Big Fish"...what the heck's wrong with our society today?!).

What else? Well, I clearly recall seeing a billboard for Bunny Bread and pestering my mom to buy only that brand of bread. (Ironically, I was nearly traumatized when I was "forced" to get my picture taken with a gigantic Easter Bunny while at one of the department stores in town!) My mom often took me for a ride in our convertible VW with the radio blasting, and I remember bouncing up and down on the front seat (the era and perhaps even the laws of physics were simpler back then, so I got away with this dangerous behavior unscathed!) and while jamming out to Beatles songs like "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You" ...and other great songs of theirs that were being played in America for the first time (a definite advantage to growing up in the '60s). In fact, I vividly remember hearing lots of great tunes while living in Alexandria, and when I hear these today, I often think of where I was when I first heard them. A few of these that trigger happy memories for me are "Proud Mary" by CCR; "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum (even while on the bus to Vacation Bible School at Emmanuel Baptist Church); "La Bamba" by Richie Valens; "Downtown" by Petulia Clark; and a bunch of great tunes by Three Dog Night, The Grass Roots, and a number of Motown artists...among others.

I had a great time climbing our sycamore tree and building tree forts on Ridgewood Boulevard; going through my uncle's extensive collections of record and stamp albums; making money selling pecans (my first job); floating a hand-made and barely "bayou-worthy" raft, and navigating it with a long pole, while trying to avoid water moccasins; riding my Schwinn banana bike (without a helmet...just imagine doing that today!) by my school (Nachman Elementary); paying a dime per ride at the multi-story-high Super Slide (a liability nightmare by today's standards!); letting my imagination run wild for hours---in order to keep from going wild---while at the laundrymat; playing back-yard football and baseball for Dixie Youth; being VERY careless with fireworks; visiting the Noah's potato chip factory and the Nehi plant; going to family reunions, nearby lakes, and Red Dirt; running across multiple lanes of traffic on MacArthur Drive and the Leesville Highway to get to K-Mart and a convenience store (Pik-N-Pak?); getting gum after haircuts and shots at Dr. Culpepper's (not pleasant memories!); swimming for hours at the Howard Johnson's pool and performing life-threatening maneuvers on the curved slide (lifeguards...who needed them back then?!); and eating banana ice cream afterwards. And I remember how neat it was to "get" a sister and the day my dad came home from Vietnam, a very happy day since I missed him a lot, and I felt really fortunate and blessed because a friend of mine (Rowdy Mercer) wasn't so lucky to have his dad return. I recall hearing screeching tires the day Mark was nearly killed by a car in front of our house, while chasing Doxie (our Dachshund, who was herself killed by a car). I also remember being sad when my dad was transferred to Barksdale AFB in Bossier City and having to move away from Alexandria, which essentially was my world.

Well, as you can see (if you're still reading this), Alexandria to me was and is a very special place. I remember these events almost like they happened yesterday, and I feel like the six years spent there (it seems like more) were some of the most formative and enjoyable in my life. As a husband and father of two boys now, I seem to reminisce about my childhood more than ever (maybe that's just a sign of getting older and being a father). I often wish our kids could grow up in an environment like I had as a young boy (and yet I'd be too paranoid to let them do many of the things I got away with doing!). My family and I make it through Alexandria every year or two, and I'm always overwhelmed by a flood of memories from a simpler and more carefree time. On a promotional trip through Alexandria a few years ago, I was humbled and pleasantly surprised when the Town Talk did a fantastic (and very flattering) story on me and a board game I invented (it's called Perfect Timing and it's played with digital stopwatches). The paper even put me on the cover of "The View" section! This nice gesture added to the pride I feel of being from and having lived in Alexandria.

Ken, thanks for creating this opportunity for me and other Alexandrians to share our stories. Well, back to the stars... Chris Cotter (LSU Class of '83) Austin, TX

Chris Cotter
Austin, TX USA - Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 07:07:58 (GMT)

OH MY GOSH!!!!! This web site is wonderful! I was raised in Alexandria and even came back after college. I stayed several more years and then moved on with my life. I never knew how wonderful Alec was until I was gone.

After 20 something years I still miss the smell of the cotton fields, the beautiful bayous and THE FAIR! It was a wonderful place to grow up and is still considered "HOME". Looking through some of your Register listings I've noticed several of my neighbors from years gone by and wonder.....do they still remember ME! Thank you for taking me home.

Cathy Garcia Hall
Lakeland, FL. USA - Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 21:19:29 (GMT)

You did a wonderful job with this project. It was really enjoyment to look back and see.
Barbara Ann Johnson
Alexandria, La. USA - Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 20:14:41 (GMT)

Hi.. I commend you on a job very well done! Our roots go very deep in Alexandria. I was born in 1963 and also lived there until I was 22 years old.. attended Prompt Succor and also Menard. My family had a grocery store on Lee Street for about 40 years until I-49 came through in the early 1980's- ("Boeta's Grocery"--Sam Boeta, my grandfather, started the business back in the 1940's, Steve Boeta, my dad and Charlie Boeta-my uncle, owned it for years).

We lived on Polk Street, blocks from the old Sears Building on Bolton Ave. and the Don Theater. I remember so clearly walking to the Don Theater to see "101 Dalmations" and "Super Dad" with my mom. We were always downtown at Kress, Weiss & Goldring, Peoples Shoe Store, and so many other places. "Lou & Laura's", my aunt and uncle's restaurant, had the best broasted chicken and "po-boys" around. My mom worked at Weiss' before she was married in 1960 at Cabrini Church. My husband spent most of his childhood there as well, and is an ASH graduate. His mom worked at the Rapides Parish School Board for 25 years and his dad at Dresser Industries for at least that long.

We got married at Prompt Succor Church in 1985 and moved to the Dallas area 18 years ago. This site brought back so many great memories. Thanks for all of your hard work. It will be fun to show this to my 2 children.

Thanks again, Mary Rose Boeta Simonetti
Mary Simonetti
Plano, Tx USA - Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 21:06:55 (GMT)

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