Register Volume 19

Ken: I just want to say Merry Christmas to you and say "Thanks a million or more" for the outstanding website you have created and let you know "HOW MUCH" I have enjoyed reading the entries and looking at all the pictures of Alexandria for over two years now. I signed the "Guest Book" a long time ago. I read the new entries regularly and am always "joyful" when I recognize a name from my past. I learned about the site from a classmate from the Bolton High School class of 1951, after our BHS 50th Reunion in October 2001.

Just know you are appreciated and admired by many of us who live a long way from Alexandria, La. Thank you again, for all your hard work. I've lived in California for over 55 years but I still have many relatives in that area. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Ruth (Prestridge) Hauenstein
Moorpark, CA USA - Friday, December 24, 2004 at 17:16:19 (GMT)

I spent a lot of time as small child in downtown Alexandria in the early 1960s. My grandmother and aunts were all employees of the old American Hotel which stood where the new Riverfront Center now stands.

Gregg Griffin
Dry Prong, LA USA - Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 16:49:14 (GMT)

Because my Dad grew up in Colfax, Louisiana, I was born in Alexandria at the Baptist Hospital which is now Rapides General. I spent many summers with my Grandmother in this area. Even though I now live in Utah, it's nice to see pictures of the town.

Margaret Haddox
Provo, UT USA - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 22:14:25 (GMT)

My dad is retired military and we were stationed at EAFB til 1968. I have very fond memories of Alexandria. We moved to Lafayette (about 100 miles away) when I was 12 and I remember the song "My Green Tambourine" was playing as we crossed the bridge. My Dad said take a good look now and say goodbye. I couldn't stop crying.

Thanks for this wonderful site--I stayed up late last nite reminiscing!

Angela Abadie
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 20:13:14 (GMT)

I lived at England AFB during the early to Mid-1960s and went to school at "Our Lady of Prompt Succor." The best years of my life were spent during that time. I have been enchanted with rediscovering my past and learning that the base is now open to the public. I would love to visit the area and see where I went to school. By the looks of the image, the school is in good shape. I hope to return for a visit, and maybe, one day call the area home again. Very best regards, Mike

Michael J. McTamney
Philadelphia, PA USA - Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at 17:50:15 (GMT)

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I grew up in Alexandria in the 50's and appreciate your time and effort to reflect the past. "Excellent Job".

Earl J. Gremillion Jr.
McDade, Tx USA - Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 14:31:11 (GMT)

I grew up in Alexandria, and moved to Houston after graduating from La. Tech in 1980. I still get back a couple of times a year to see my Dad and brother. My Dad has been in the electrical business for ever, "Joes Electric".

He can still be spotted around town in that old 1953 Chevy pickup he drives. The town I couldn't wait to leave brings back fond memories daily. I find myself telling stories to friends about growing up in Alex. and how my kids will never have the opportunity to experience the things we did in the 1960's: The Rock Garden, free samples of chips at Noah's, the Dr. Pepper bottling plant, Parkland drug store, Nicks Food Market.

Thanks for the memories!

George Rino
Houston, Texas USA - Monday, December 13, 2004 at 22:46:45 (GMT)

It has been quite some time since I last visited the "Alexandria Retrospective". I am, as always, encouraged by those who take the time to sign in. Tonight I read an entry by an old (that's a relative term) who expressed sadness at the demise of this wonderful endeavor. Because there have been other entries since this posting, I am assuming I/we can look forward to more "friends" checking in.

Thank You, Ken, for keeping this alive for ALL!! Carol McLane (Providence - Class of '62)

Carol Edwards McLane
Birmingham, AL USA - Monday, December 13, 2004 at 04:35:44 (GMT)

Thank you very much. I remember many of the places in your wonderful Retrospective. Alexandria was and still is a pretty unique place. I miss it sometimes. Now that I know about this website, I can visit home a bit more often.

Randall Baker
San Diego, CA USA - Thursday, December 09, 2004 at 06:49:30 (GMT)

I loved this site. I am looking for photos of Effie's Restauant. Do you have any?

Pat
Baton Rouge, LA USA - Monday, December 06, 2004 at 20:02:34 (GMT)

Thank you for a nostalgic journey into my childhood. I remember being on the Cactus Jack show when I was six years old. We were living in Cheneyville and someone had a birthday & we went on the show. I would love to know if any of those 1956 shows were preserved. This is a wonderful website - I put it in my favorites and will visit again. Keep in touch!

Mariana Titus www.bayoutales.com
Santa Barbara , CA USA - Monday, December 06, 2004 at 17:30:05 (GMT)

Born in Alexandria in 1943
Morris Bordelon
Pineville, La USA - Saturday, December 04, 2004 at 01:04:27 (GMT)

I think you have a wonderful web-site. I visit it quite often. I was wondering if anyone remembered my sister, Ella Mae Mayeux, who graduated from Providence High in 1953 or 1954. She married Druitt Cross in 1955. If so please e-mail me back because she does not have a computer. Would appreciate it. I know she would like to hear from anyone.

Silven A. Mayeux Sonny63 @ aol . com
Lindale, Tx USA - Thursday, December 02, 2004 at 23:41:44 (GMT)

Excellent webpage, thanks a bunch!
Jordan
Atlanta, GA USA - Wednesday, December 01, 2004 at 22:58:17 (GMT)

I came here from Georgia as an 18 year old Airman in the U.S.A.F. in October 1954. For the first year I lived on England A.F.B. In October 1955 I returned to Georgia and married my wife Bettie, brought her back to Alexandria and lived the next two years in the city.

I commuted daily to the Base to perform my duties as an aircraft mechanic. I don't understand why this time in my life clings so to the things I like to remember. I guess it has something to do with the kind of people who lived there then. One of my favorite memories is a radio station in Alex. called KALB Radio, and a TV Station that called itself "your window to the world".

I have returned to Alexandria only once since leaving in October 1957. I live back in my hometown Marietta GA now but am still planning to return again soon. This town holds some precious memories for me that I will cherish the rest of my life. Thanks for the opportunity to share this wonderful time in my past.

Raymond J. Houston
Marietta, GA USA - Wednesday, December 01, 2004 at 04:58:57 (GMT)

I was reading through your site and found the entry talking about K-Dixie Radio. My dad used to work there, I think, in the 60's; he was a DJ named Paul Clayton aka "The Transitor Turtle". Mainly I was just wondering if this is actually the radio station he worked at; if so i would like to hear back. Thanks

Ryan Clayton   ryanclayton.1 @ netzero . com
Fort Worth , TX USA - Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at 21:48:09 (GMT)

I grew up in the small town of Georgetown near Alexandria. To do any shopping we went to Alex. We always looked forward to those trips to town. Then after high school I lived and worked in Alex. That was in the early '50s. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures.

Sue Pace Harris
Mapleton, UT USA - Monday, November 29, 2004 at 21:27:44 (GMT)

Glad to find this after looking through several other search engines.

Thomas D. Davis
Fairhope, AL USA - Monday, November 29, 2004 at 15:58:36 (GMT)

I lived in Alexandria from 1971 to 1975 while I was stationed at England AFB. My daughter was born at St Francis Cabrini Hospital in '72. We came back down for a visit in 2001. We had been gone for 25 years and we were really surprised by how many changes had been made in Alexandria. It was a nostalgic, but good, visit.

Robert Sotelo
Centralia, WA USA - Monday, November 29, 2004 at 03:39:38 (GMT)

I spent the first 21 years of life in Alexandria then moved to CA in 1962 after graduation from LSU. For about 25 years prior to 2002, I hauled a bass boat from CA to Alexandria every fall to visit the folks and take my father fishing on Saline or the Red River. In 2002, we had to move my folks from their home of 70+ years on Horse Shoe Dr. to an assisted living arrangement in Conroe, TX near my brother Dan; shortly after their move, I moved to Florida.

My father, Earl Haworth, is 97 years old and suffering from Alzheimers; my mother, Eva, is 96 and in frail health. They both worked most of their working lives at Wellan's. I don't get to Alexandria any more but still have a map of the Saline/Larto area implanted in my brain. Your web site has vividly reminded me of the town and life as a youngster.

Thanks for the great work. Robert Hardy just recently informed me that this web site exists. I still have not gotten through all of the information.

David Haworth
Orlando, FL USA - Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 23:39:33 (GMT)

It was a pleasure to "walk" around Alexandria and EAFB once again. I was stationed at EAFB from 1983-1986 & 1987-1991. My youngest child was born in Rapides General Hospital. She wants to go back to see Alex., maybe one weekend I will drive her over and we can have a nice visit with the "old home ground" that was so much a part of our families daily lives.

Thanks for sharing this site with all of us. Bob

Bob Mobley
Gulfport, MS USA - Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 09:18:35 (GMT)

I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you taking the time to put this on the web. I no longer live in Alec, yet moved with my Air Force husband back in 1991. My dad was a door to door milkman for Borden's Milk Co. I remember going with him at night for him to turn in his route and he would give me Elsie's ice cream in a cup. I was born in 1955. But, I still miss my home state, and my city. I am very proud of Alexandria.

Cindy (Cartwright) Early
New Whiteland, IN USA - Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 08:27:18 (GMT)

I truly enjoy this site, I feel like I made a trip home every time I visit. I am so awed that someone would go to this much effort to share this for free. Thank you!

Elizabeth Grigsby Reimer
Alvin, TX USA - Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 07:08:52 (GMT)

I am from Allende, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. But my husband will be at work in Alexandria in a hotel and am visiting your page for to look your pictures, and like it very much.

Hilda Flores
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, November 25, 2004 at 00:12:11 (GMT)

My brother's name, Sgt Donald J. Vanek, is on the F-84F in City Park. He was the mechanic on that aircraft.

Thank you for getting the aircraft back for the park. I hope his name is still on the aircraft.

David Vanek
Schuyler, NE USA - Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 22:59:49 (GMT)

I'll tell you, it was nice to go back in time, and see the old buildings and to see the one of the lounge on Elliot and Bolton Avenue, which belonged to my dad,and who had the first tv shop in alex, and mr johnny lasyone, who were best frinds and owned kdbs radio station, 1410am -- that was the station we all listened to.

Well, thanks for the memories, it was nice, and lets not forget Sue's Flowers Shop on Lee st, and so many more businesses.

Thanks - the lachney family: Roslyn, Jimmy, Stephine, Tommy, Mary, Donna, Bryan, and Becky Lachney

Tommy Lachney
Alexandria, LA USA - Monday, November 22, 2004 at 01:30:10 (GMT)

As someone who grew up in Alexandria, I really enjoyed this site and want to thank any and all whom were involved in this project. Thank You!!!

Richard Asscherick
Cheyenne, Wyoming USA - Monday, November 22, 2004 at 00:42:30 (GMT)

I am looking for other people, who might want to write me. I've collected postcards since I was 6 years old. Now I am 24. I have nearly 9,700. Maybe, there is somebody, who would want to write me... MY ADRESS IS: SANDY ECKSTEIN HAYDNSTRASSE 19 95448 BAYREUTH GERMANY-DEUTSCHLAND

SANDY, ECKSTEIN Fenya80 @ gmx . de
Bayreuth, Germany - Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 16:29:05 (GMT)

Another vist BACK again! The additions are fantastic. I so wanted an Orange Nehi and a bag of Noah's Potato Chips! Thanks for the fine work. I noticed some helped you identify locations and signs. GREAT. Nostalgia, or Memory Lane. I don't know. BUT I would give $25.00 for a Fuzzy's Barbecue Sandwich and some of his curly fries right now! Bill Phillips (Boyce High, 1961; Northwestern State, 1965)

Bill Phillips (of Boyce)
Springfield, OR USA - Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 22:36:24 (GMT)

Born in Alexandria and finished Bolton High School 1948.

Wallace I Penny
New Wilmington, Pa. USA - Tuesday, November 16, 2004 at 22:09:34 (GMT)

I was born in Alexandria in 1952 and attended St. Rita's School and Menard in its first year.

Dr. Lanny G. Maddox
Ruidoso, NM USA - Tuesday, November 16, 2004 at 19:19:16 (GMT)

My gg grandfather, Co.H.22 La inf.rgt was at camp in Alexandria in Sept 1863. fought the Teche campaign and battle of mainsfield with Thomas Brigade, Mouton-Polignac 2nd div.Apr. May 1864. Plan to visit in his footsteps May 2005.

Pier.Rossi
Lucca , Italy - Tuesday, November 16, 2004 at 00:17:56 (GMT)

I was born in Alexandria in 1946 at Baptist Hospital. Thank you for allowing me to wax nostalgic.

Stephen Randall Hammock
USA - Sunday, November 14, 2004 at 13:45:49 (GMT)

Post more pictures
Carney W. Potter
Plainview, AR USA - Friday, November 12, 2004 at 01:36:41 (GMT)

I left Alex in 1980 and moved to Texas. I return several times a year to see family and friends. For many years I thought of the area as "caught in a time warp" from the 70's, and found it amusing. However, after travelling the US, I now find that the woods and swamps of central and south Louisiana are a real treaure to return to and have bought land in the area. I just hope that the Wal Marts and Home Depots are not a sign of things to come.........

Guy Barrios
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 19:32:34 (GMT)

I have traveled over most of the US and I am always so glad to come back to Alexandria. When I truly retire, however, I hope I can live in NYC where Central Park in the spring has been the favorite spot of all. Just sit on the bench, feed the pidgeons, and watch all the people go by.

Eric McCarty
Alexandria, LA USA - Saturday, November 06, 2004 at 17:25:55 (GMT)

Your site is a pleasing peek at Alexandria's places and people. I'm now residing on the Gulf Coast. The food, the music, the golf, the fishing, the surf, the beach, the gambling are all OK, but in the end, they are not Alexandria. No W.E. Pate, no Jesse Doyle, no Allen Nichols, no Inez Parker, no Maxie Lambright, no George Bowdon, no Morgan Walker, no Jack Beasley, no Robert Bolton, no Joe D. Smith, no Fuzzy's, no Skippy's, no Palm Drive-In, no Bowlero, no Pelican Club, no Shep's, no Masonic Home, no traffic circles, no Wellan's holiday window, no A-10's, no catfish in swimming pool, no Kisatchie Forest, no Castor Plunge, no Valentine Lake, no gravel pits, no Crazy Lake, no Fred Baden, no Dr. Guinn -- just me, Bonnie and a stream of house guests. When you're our way, call and drop by. There's always space at Hotel Mississippi.

James R. Butler Jr.
Gulfport, MS USA - Saturday, November 06, 2004 at 15:25:53 (GMT)

Have enjoyed seeing names, comments of friends, classmates of long ago, most of whom unseen or unheard in the decades since Bolton and Pineville High, early-mid '60s. Would love to hear from you and catch up on whats happening. Lived in Alex until early this year, moving to Gulf Coast after husband retired, tired of retired and started new career.

Bonnie Russ Butler
Gulfport, MS USA - Saturday, November 06, 2004 at 15:01:39 (GMT)

I would like to thank you for all the time and effort you put into the pictures and writing about memories of the things in our so busy lives we take for granite (pun.)

Since I now live in New England and when we moved here in the early 80's I was amazed at how many people passed by the historical signs and never stopped to find out what was so important it had its own sign put up. Or people that live here never taking the time to visit Boston.

I really do miss home. The one thing that in my life amazes me is that I live on a small river, I grew up at my grandfather's who lived on Brown's Bend Road on Bayou Rapides that was in our yard. I know that now the farm has become a housing area. I remember days of watering and feeding the thousands of chickens and pulling greens and corn and picking beans and climbing the peach, plum and fig trees and taking them to most of the grocery stores in Alexandria like Glorioso's, Rizzo's, and Hotel Bentley and my great aunt owned a small grocery on lower third that we also supplied and many others. I really also miss picking lots of pecans at my grandfather's and picking cotton and riding in the trailer to get it to the gin. I attended St Rita's in the 50's and went to Providence and graduated in '63.

We do come to Alexandria quite often since two of my sisters and their families still live there. As a very young little girl I remember going to the Guaranty Bank and my grandfather or one of his friends buying me candy at the front entrance. Also later on we would take truck loads of watermelons to Maryhill Seminary for the summer camps. Anyone who was in my class from St Rita's or Providence can email me.

Thanks again, Ken, for this great site. God bless.

Rosa Brotherton

Barrington, NH USA - Tuesday, November 02, 2004 at 16:02:37 (GMT)

Was sitting at a local dive having a cold one with Geoff Glankler (also from Alexandria, now Tomball) and he told me of this site. Looks like we'll be havin' some fun over here. I already see people that I grew up with like the Melancons and Wallaces, Hoosiers? And I'm sure many more. I seem to be having trouble at this time gettting into the "book" where I'm told there are volumes of pages. If anyone would like to send me a direct link to that page, thanks in advance. Get Outdoors!!!....RB

Richard Barrios
richrobin1 @ netzero . net
Tomball , TX USA - Friday, October 29, 2004 at 22:26:40 (GMT)

Just like I remembered it; from OLPS to Menard (class of 1955). Thanks for the memories!

Dr. Gordon R. Johnson
Mandeville, LA USA - Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 16:55:39 (GMT)

Hi Mr. Methvin! My mom is Ann Melancon Wallace, and she told me how much fun she had at the 30th reunion. I just had to take a look at the photos, and it looks like you guys had a great time! I look forward to my 10-year reunion from Bolton; I can't wait to see all the familiar faces. I hope you had a great time... Best! Virginia Wallace Coon ps... I'll enjoy surfing your website since I've grown quite homesick over the past 2 years away from Monroe/Alexandria.

Virginia Wallace Coon
New York, NY USA - Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 23:29:17 (GMT)

My father, an air force pilot, was stationed there with his family from 67-71.

Kevin M Cark
Mystic, CT USA - Saturday, October 16, 2004 at 22:27:55 (GMT)

A beautiful website! Bolton57 LSU61 TWU97 (We're srs. again) grad, I'm a community college librarian (Dallas). My mother was with Rapides Parish Library, my father surgeon at VAH many yrs. Brother & his wife live there. Hi to all!

Jane Knoepp Bell
Ft. Worth, TX USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 17:29:21 (GMT)

Bolton High class of '83 - One of the things I miss the most. Funny The A-10's firing their guns at the Claiborne Bombing Range. You don't hear that everywhere, and most that do hear it, wish they didn't. Support our troops! Conserve your oil!

M.J. "Mike" Guillory
Ethel, LA USA - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 17:00:28 (GMT)

GREAT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
D H COLEMAN
USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at 15:20:09 (GMT)

Enjoyed your site very much. My first time in Alexandria was October 20, 1950 when I enlisted in the AF. I returned to Alexandria and the 137th FTW in July 1951 and to France with the unit in May 52. Returned to EAFB in July 56 and lived at 18th & Albert Street. Returned for a visit in March 2004 and found lots of memories & some friends. Thanks for the memories of old times we enjoyed while stationed there, and the friends we made.

Charles Wells
Ft Worth, TX USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 11:39:00 (GMT)

I found this site over a year ago and coming back it only has gotten better. I really enjoyed the Memories of Alexandria section and the clippings from the past section. I also found a couple of great Rosenthal Elementary pictures. And as I said in my previous post, I was so disappointed when I heard from my mother, so many years ago now, they had torn down the building to build a more modern school. :( I'm still searching for more photos of Rosenthal Elementary so if anyone has pictures from 1969 to 1975 I would be grateful to see them. I'm going to continue searching.

Again, thanks to Ken Freeman of Epagentry Design Studios for taking this project on....I know a lot of work and effort has gone into this site. And if you need any help or support I would be more than happy to lend a hand (vanessa at ithinkmedia dot com)

Vanessa Haakenson
Colorado Springs, CO USA - Monday, October 11, 2004 at 05:05:37 (GMT)

First visit, great site for an old Bolton HS guy!!

Stevie Wilson
Lacombe , La USA - Saturday, October 09, 2004 at 20:06:45 (GMT)

I am so old now I went to "Rugg" or "Brame" when it was Bush Avenue Grammar school.

Anne Hill Wood
West Monroe, LA USA - Friday, October 08, 2004 at 21:50:52 (GMT)

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