Register Volume 15

I REMEMBER STANDING IN THE SEARS PARKING LOT OFF BOLTON AVE AS A LITTLE GIRL, WAITING FOR SANTA TO APPEAR ON THE ROOF AND THROW CANDY TO US KIDS BELOW. I WAS BORN IN 1959 AND HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF THE DAYS PAST.

Vicki Nichols
Alexandria, LA USA - Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 03:24:36 (GMT)

A picture you have shown on Third Street of Caplan's Store actually goes further back in time to when it was Ginsburg's Store, a business that had older roots in Alexandria than Caplan's. The Garden District picture you show is actually the first block on Albert Street where I spent my childhood. Dick and Jo Betty Sterx have renovated most of the houses on that block and adjacent blocks.

Fred Goldstein
Stamford, CT USA - Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 03:13:47 (GMT)

After reading this Register I discovered that my son and daughter have both written entires, so I am just adding to their comments. I've retired since leaving England AFB and the Air Force but if ever I had a home away from home, it was Alexandria, Louisiana. My wife, Peg (recently deceased) and kids, Bob and Michelle, were assigned to EAFB in l960-63 and again in l971-75. I was first assigned to the 653rd AC&W Sq. (60-63) as a tenant of the 401st Tac Ftr Wg and later assigned (71-75) to the Logistics Plans Div., 23rd Tac Ft Wg.

It isn't often that any of us really enjoy our stay to the bases we have been assigned to, but the people we were associated with and the facilities that were available to us were outstanding. Some day I would like to visit Alex and renew some of the old memories that have been with me ever since I retired. I'll have to cut this short and give someone else a chance to put in their two-cents worth.

Robert J. Fiorello
Tampa, Fl. USA - Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 04:02:03 (GMT)

Although I wasn't born in Alexandria I moved there when I was about 6 years old and was 'raised' there. The pictures, descriptsions and especially the write-in comments of people's memories is a special treat. I went through school and graduated from Bolton in '48. (remember, that was the only high school then) Joined the service after graduation and haven't been back much since, except for a rare visit. My e-mail is tigrfan2 @ bellsouth.net -- would love to hear from old friends.

Burt Farrar
Shreveport , La USA - Sunday, March 21, 2004 at 17:12:02 (GMT)

Ken, I like the Forum idea. I recently added a new parent library volunteer to my elementary library. It turns out that she was born and reared in Alexandria. She went to Prompt Succor. Today I gave her the directions to look up your site. Last week I met her cousin who is Air Force and stationed in Pheonix. She said that they both get a little homesick for Alexandria. So I'm sure they will be looking up your site. Thanks for the trips down memory lane.

Linda Henry Morris
Fairfax, VA USA - Friday, March 19, 2004 at 22:50:06 (GMT)

Wow, where do I begin! First let me thank you for taking on the project. It is a great trip down memory lane, I often think about my childhood with fond memories and Alexandria was a great backdrop. As a little girl I remember walking down the street to Gravels Drug Store to have an ice cream soda when they did the soda through the old way.

There were so many other memories of my elementary school years at Rosenthal Elementary and was saddened when my mother told me they tore down the majestic building to build an ordinary ranch style structure because they wanted air conditioning. (BTW: I would love to see some photos of Rosenthal. They are etched into my memory but it would be good to see the old building again.) In the past when I've visited my family in Alexandria there are more and more areas I don't recognize. It seems the culture has disappeared but I will always be grateful for my childhood memories and experiences. And I know our education in Louisiana between 1969 and 1981 was excellent compared to what I've currently seen in the public education system. What has happened to the quality?

Again, thanks for the providing this site and if you need any help let me know! If you need help with technology or programming then I would be happy to speak with you. :) All the best.

Vanessa Haakenson (vanessa at ithinkmedia dot com)
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 00:24:47 (GMT)

I lived in Alexandria from birth until I went off to LSU in 1946. I settled in Los Alamos, NM in 1956.
Thomas A. Oliphant, Jr.
Los Alamos, NM USA - Saturday, March 13, 2004 at 12:52:01 (GMT)

I was born at the Baptist Hospital in 1949. I lived in Pineville and attended school at the old Pineville High through the 5th grade, the year it burned. Pineville and Alexandira remain fixed in my memory and will always be my boyhood home.

I remember the Christmas lights at the courthouse square and the minature "church" display. I remember Borden's Ice Cream, Kress and Adrians drug store where my mom worked when we were kids. I remember my Dad telling about the time he delivered a Western Union telegram to General Omar Bradley at the Hotel Bentley when he was 17. Later he would fight in WWII and be one of the first to cross the Rhine River at Ramaghan. My dad's job at the Texas and Pacific Railroad would take us to Ft. Worth, TX in 1960 and back again to Pineville where I would attend Pineville Jr High, and finally back to Ft Worth for good in 1964.

I miss the neighbor kids I grew up with in Pineville, Julian Long (Long's Prefered Products) , Rodney Lofton (Lofton's Grocery), "Dooksie" Humphries (Dr Humphries), the Smith girls.

Alexandria was the "big" City and Pineville was my "Mayberry" but both were my home!!

Tommy Cupples
Arlington, TX USA - Sunday, March 07, 2004 at 04:50:13 (GMT)

Your site was a great find! I grew up in Alex, attended OLPS, Bolton High, and LSUA. Your site brought back a lot of happy memories. I had the best time viewing the old photos and reading some of the Register entries. Thanks for your hard work.

Nancy Schwiederek Tebbetts
Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands USA - Friday, March 05, 2004 at 20:49:49 (GMT)

Hey - did you know they are tearing down the old Bowlero? Did you get a picture of it? I can't recall if it's on your site or not. Just wanted you to know. Karen

Karen McKnight
Alexandria, LA USA - Thursday, March 04, 2004 at 20:04:01 (GMT)

Editor's Note: Visit http://www.alexandria-louisiana.com/other-alex-11.htm#bowlero for a great picture of the Bowlero site courtesy of Ronnie Puckett of Pineville

What a treat to go back in time for this visit. Ken, I remember your father standing on the front porch at our home on Louisiana Avenue, insurance book in hand. Congratulations to you for such a professional job well done.

Helen Jean Fassentold Langlois
Toronto, Ont. USA Canada - Thursday, March 04, 2004 at 19:33:06 (GMT)

Excellent site. Enjoyed the trip back in time. Was stationed at England AFB, 77-81, lived in Cabana Mobile Estates down from base front gate.Wife worked at Cabrini hosp where daughter was born.Enjoyed the area, and all the nice people. Spent a lot of time at City Auto Parts, and Dubroc's wrecking yard trying to keep my old car going. Am planning to try to make it back to the Air Park for HawgSmoke 2004.

Richard Ray USAF.Ret <
Hahira, Ga. USA - Wednesday, March 03, 2004 at 20:16:14 (GMT)

This website is awesome, and brought back a lot of good and happy memories. I will continue to visit this website to check on new developments. I was disappointed to see no mention and/or pictures of the Masonic Home for Children, which I know was closed (several years ago), and up for sale (and has probably been sold by now actually). I lived there from 1958-69, and I feel it was a very integral part of Alexandria. Two of my siblings and some other "home kids" visited the home in Aug. 2002, and had a blast, but were very sad to observe the neglect of the "old homestead". The home kids attended public schools; Cherokee Elementary, Brame Jr. High, and of course Bolton High, and had many friends that were not residents of "the home". The Masonic Home for Children opened in 1924, and closed in, I believe 1994, and was at one time placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It would be great to see something about the Home included as part of your retrospective. I love the work you have put into this, and please continue to update!! Thanks again, Beverly Barnett

Beverly Barnett
Arvada, CO USA - Wednesday, March 03, 2004 at 04:18:59 (GMT)

Ken, Like so many others I find myself checking in with the Register looking to see who else may have discovered the site and left a note. I only wish that they would include their e-mail addresses in the text more often so they can be contacted by friends and classmates. Everyone's contribution seems to evoke even more memories from a wonderful place to grow up in. You have done a true service for us all. Thanks so much. Sam Damico (Menard '62) (sdamico1@houstonl.rr.com)

Sam Damico
Houston, TX USA - Monday, March 01, 2004 at 20:28:47 (GMT)

I lived in Alexandria in the early 40's in the Sonya Quarters and attended Peabody School. My family moved to Richmond, California during WWII to work in the Kaiser Shipyards. I have visited friends and relatives periodically through the years and this website has helped to bring back a lot of good memories.

Ellissteen Owens
USA - Monday, March 01, 2004 at 06:43:51 (GMT)

LOOKING FOR A FREIND OF THE FAMILY STATIONED THERE IN 1956
DORTHI HARVEY
PINE BLUFF, AR USA - Saturday, February 28, 2004 at 05:50:50 (GMT)

What a delight! Keep up the wonderful work! I have a treasure trove of old Alexandria memorabilia and would love to share. I grew up in Alexandria, and later owned and operated K-Dixie Radio and KRRV. Moved away in 1996, sold radio stations. Live in awesome Blue Ridge Mountains 2 hours north of Atlanta; also have home on Intracostal Waterway at Beaufort,NC. Charmed by the old photos and wonderful old memories. Thanks! jkc

Judy Ward-Steinman Karst
Hiawassee, GA USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 19:49:39 (GMT)

I went to Bolton in my 9-11 grades. I had to move due to my Dad's job in the summer before my senior year. I graduated from Robertsdale High school in Robertsdale Alabama in 1986. I was married in 1988 and moved to Pensacola Florida. I would like to hear from anyone who graduated in 1986.

Janice "Turnipseed" Brown
Pensacola, FL USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 19:01:46 (GMT)

I keep coming back to your site every couple of months to see what is new. Great work and please keep adding to it!! For anyone I know, please drop me a line. Attended Prompt Succor and graduate of Menard, 1976. My e-mail: stevenas@sbcglobal.net

Steve Nasello
Little Rock, AR USA - Friday, February 27, 2004 at 15:44:30 (GMT)

I would love to see the Little Theater (City Park Players) represented on this site. The building on Sylvester St. is slated to be torn down as soon as the new performing arts building is finished.
Terri Febuary
Alexandria, LA USA - Monday, February 23, 2004 at 15:06:41 (GMT)

Editors Note: See photograph provided courtesy of Ronnie Puckett

I have a picture of Medica's Cities Service Hill at Lee, 1956. I found it along with others. Will post soon.

Ronnie Puckett
Pineville, LA USA - Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 20:04:20 (GMT)

I am Anita Jean Estes who use to sing on the Pack of Fun Club each Saturday, with Herman Slallan at the piano. He also had an orchestra that I sang with in later years. Love this site. What memories! Please tell me you remember me.

Anita Estes Cerda
Pasadena, TX USA - Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 00:43:09 (GMT)

I was station at England AFB from Sept. 59 to Dec 63. I lived at 81A Eastwood Blvd. for awhile. I loved the city and the people. I remember Shipley Donuts and the Skelly gas station on the end of Bolton Ave. I try and remember how things use to be, and I am sorry that the youngsters today will never get to see it. When I lived there, Grady Kelly was the sheriff. I hope that I will get a chance to visit again before long. I remember the big snowfall we in 1959 on base and the city. Thank you for bringing back memories of some better times.

Ken Shultz
Caledonia, NY USA - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 19:33:59 (GMT)

I was stationed at England AFB from 1956 until 1961. I was the NCOIC of base communications. Retired in 1968 as a E-8. I helped build the 9 hole golf course.

Michael Volk
Sherman, IL USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 17:38:00 (GMT)

Great web site. I have seen in the Krogers Food Store on Jackson Street several photos of the original store. They are posted inside the front entrance.

Michael Menache
Alexandria, LA USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 15:19:17 (GMT)

What a wonderful trip down memory lane! I came across your site by "accident" & spent a couple of hours enraptured by it all.......thanks for your efforts. My family & I moved to Alexandria when I was five, & I attended West End & Rosenthal elementary schools. Then on to graduate from Bolton in '59 & Northwestern in '63. We lived in homes on Jackson & Hill. No family left in the area and haven't been back since 1989, but plan to return this spring for a visit!

Anne Clark Tyner
New Braunfels, TX USA - Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 05:21:34 (GMT)

Ken -I was never in Alexandria, LA, but this led me to think about my own hometown which my mother, sister and I visited about 10 years ago. My, how we looked at our own home, now gone, the Church and school and neighbors... Thank you for letting me share your memory of "home" that brings me to be grateful once again, for my home own "hometown"!! Katie

Kathleen M. Aucoin
New York, NY USA - Monday, February 09, 2004 at 12:35:19 (GMT)

What a wonderful trip down memory lane! I was born on E.A.F.B. in 1963 to Bob and Peggy Fiorello. We left in '64 only to return in 1972. Went to elementary school on base. My brother Bobby went to AJH and Menard HS. Dad retired in 1975 to Tampa, FL. I miss the baselife and Alex, where we frequented on the weekends. Anyone living there at our time, please drop me a line if possible. Thanks for such a great web site!

Michelle Fiorello Benetatos <michellenchris @ aol.com>
Cape Coral, FL USA - Sunday, February 08, 2004 at 20:32:10 (GMT)

My brother introduced me to this site about two weeks ago. I have thought about my "misspent youth" growing up in Alexandria everyday since. I now go to sleep at night and in my minds eye I try to drive the streets that I used to pedal down on my red Schwinn bicycle that my Father bought for me at Western Auto across from the old Southern Chevrolet that was originally downtown across from First Methodist Church.

Born in Baptist Hospital (courtesy of Dr. Rand and nurse Edna Keesler) in 1943...product of L.S. Rugg in 1955...Bolton passed me on to LSU in 1961. Early memories include Little League Baseball, City Park Pool, the Zoo, the Rock Garden, KALB TV (the only station we could get with our rabbit ears), having the first TV in the neighborhood and how popular we were on Sunday night when Ed Sullivan came on, KDBS for great music, "Teen Town" at First Methodist Church, CYO dances, hanging out at Bordens Ice Cream on Sunday afternoons - unless you could get a ride out to Camp Livingston for the drag races, cool cars that had been "shaved" front and rear and had dual Hollywood glass pack mufflers and fender skirts and twin antennas in the back and Oldsmobile "flipper" hub caps and two speakers in the rear and fuzzy dice that hung from the rear view mirror...THAT WAS COOL! All of the girls wore "virgin pins" and all of the guys lied about their sex life because nobody had one...you "went steady" because you could get your girl friend to wear your ring on a chain around her neck and sit as close as humanly possible to you in the car.

Lazarones, Fuzzys, Hobo, Herbie-K's, Effies, Suburban Gardens, and the Bentley Hotel on real special occasions. Friday night football, sock hops, flat top haircuts, shopping at Wellans, Kaplans, Weiss and Goldrings, the Don "Pack of Fun Club", having your first job throwing the Town Talk in your neighborhood, learning to drink beer at Parkway Inn and Skippys, putt putt golf and the little red train that ran around the zoo, and the fabulous Christmas lights downtown.

I haven't been back since our 20th class reunion in 1981. I visited Bolton and I swear somebody shrunk the place...the streets have gotten narrower and somebody forgot to turn on the "change" switch...nothing wrong with that. Maybe my children would enjoy a visit...I know I would...sounds like a plan to me!

John "Johnny" Blake
Dallas, Tx USA - Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 20:27:35 (GMT)

Have already signed once, but thought I would also throw my email out there if any old friends would like to contact me. mabrico@earthlink.net Thanks again for this retrospective..........makes me so homesick!

Marilyn Burnum
Minden, LA USA - Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 00:22:43 (GMT)

This site is a real treat for natives like me; I was born there in 1983, and still live there now, though I'm attending college out of state. My maternal grandparents have lived in Alexandria since the 1930's, after their own parents moved there. My mother and her siblings were all born there, of course.

We lived on White Street until I turned 11, after which we moved into one of the newer suburbs in the western edge of town. I still remember, though, hearing the church bells sounding every hour during the day, as well as the trains (not to mention the occasional growl from the nearby zoo! or maybe I just thought I heard them).

Best Wishes, Andrew Hilleke --- (See The Alexandria Zoo: http://www.thealexandriazoo.com)
Andrew Hilleke
Alexandria, LA USA - Tuesday, February 03, 2004 at 22:01:34 (GMT)

Does anyone out there remember the dances on Wed. afternoon at the KALB studios where we could go dance and be on TV??? I emailed the station to see if they had some of the film in their archives and whoever wrote back said they knew nothing of it...surely I wasn't dreaming about dancing with Tommy Marshall...I really think it happened...have some Alex pictures that I'll be scanning and sending soon..I LOVED GROWING UP THERE.

Melonie Lambdin Norton
Austin, TX USA - Monday, February 02, 2004 at 05:27:52 (GMT)

Even though my family moved from Alexandria when I was ten, I still have many wonderful childhood memories of Alexandria, Pineville and Ball where my grandparents and other relatives lived. I lived on Kent Avenue just off Hinson and went to Huddle elementary in the early 60s. This was a fun walk down memory lane.

Charles Urban
Bossier City, La USA - Sunday, February 01, 2004 at 13:59:01 (GMT)

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