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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! Susan Oleary Comments: I went with my Daddy to Hokus PoKus more times then i want to remember. Do they still give bubble gum? I grew up on Vance Ave. Went to LS Rugg, AJH, AND Bolton HERBERT E. BERGERON,JR. (handyberger@suddenlink.net) Comments: I have enjoyed reflecting back on history where I was born and raised. At a later date I will report on my memories of Alexandria. For now, I would like to hear from anyone that went to West End Grammar school in 1946 through 1950. I have a picture of my class in 1946. Maybe someone can remember some of the students in that class. Sure would like to hear from someone that was in that class.
Thanks for all the time and effort spent on putting together this web site. Herbert Bergeron, Pineville, Louisiana Steve H. Wilson Comments: Nostalgic site for sure Pam "McClung" Brooks Comments: What a nice visit through memory lane. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Jill Comments: My father, "Micky" Meeker, grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Bolton High. When I was little my sister and I would walk to the city park from my grandmother's house in the morning. Everyone's yards were so green and well manicured and the blooming azaleas along the way were unforgettable.
Larry A. Bringol Comments: Returned to live in Alexandria in March '06 after Katrina ran us out of New Orleans. As one might expect, my morning coffee group, composed of retirees, ran out of substantive topics long ago, and we are now reduced to discussing such things as where on Third Street was Leggett's Rexall Drug Store. Anyone know? If so, write me at mcgough3@suddenlink.net Byron Shaw (byronshawlsu@sbcglobal.net) Comments: I grew up in Alex with my dad stationed at the base. I went to North Bayou Rapides Elem on England Dr. During the summer we would ride our bikes out to the base pool. For lunch we would ride over to the bowling lanes for a grilled cheese and fries. We'd ride along the flight line looking at the planes (A-7's) at that time. During the fall we played football on one of the base leagues. My brother and I (ok, more him than me) made the "Tiger Talk" newspaper several times. For some summer money I'd head out to the base with my lawnmower and get those yards ready for inspection. I went to Airbase Road Baptist Church. My pastor was Joe Sharp and my youth pastor was Jerry Carley. Other than my dad, these men taught me more about character than any other men in my life. they didn't talk it....they lived it.We lived in Alex up until my teens when we moved to Sulphur,La. I would eventually go back to Alex for my 4 year hitch with the Air Force.
I worked for Cenla ambulance part time while. I got out of the AF in '90 and went to school at LSUA. Finished the nursing program in '93 and moved to Cali........been here ever since. I love looking at some of the older pics. There was a posting to the register recently about Mayo's Saw Shop. I knew Charlie and his wife. They lived on railroad ave just near the overpass at that time. I hope everyone enjoys this site as much as I have. byronshawlsu@sbcglobal.net is my email. It was a nice stroll down memory lane. Eddy Lashney Comments: great site, old memories come around, you can't go back, but sometimes you wish you could... 
Billy Short (billshort35@yahoo.com) Comments: was dispatcher in base motor pool 1959 to 1961 when i was sent to korea. would like to talk with friends, especially gordon humes and john stewart. and any one else that remembers those days. Byron Shaw Comments: I saw the entry from Mary who lives in San Jose, Ca and I just wanted to say I am just up the road from her in Fairfield, CA. I grew up in Alex with my father being stationed at England AFB. My brother and I played football on the base leagues. We had pictures in the "Tiger Talk" several times over the years. I was wondering whether there were any archives of those "Tiger Talk" newspapers. I have such good memories of the base...........those days were nice when your kids could ride their bikes out to the base pool and maybe ride over to the bowling lanes for a grilled cheese sandwich and back to the pool until it closed. It was so safe to let your kids literally be gone for 8 hours with no cell phones or fears. If anyone can give me anymore information regarding this it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Byron Donna (Morgan) Lukas-Hall Comments: Moved to Alex in '69, left in '76. Went to Brame, Menard and Bolton graduated in '74. Alex was not my first choice as a place to become an adult but I think I am better for it. Great friends, great memories, worked at the Don Theatre (didn't everybody), Show-Town Drive in (my mom was the ticket booth lady, participated in Little Theatre (does anybody remember "Where Is The Mayor?"). Worked at the 4-Seasons Store at EAFB and at the K-Mart grocery (Wal Mart was not first one stop shopping place). Became a Rainbow Girl with Ms Ruth Spofford as my mentor. As a military brat I just knew there was more to life than 'old boring Alexandria' and couldn't wait to get out. I was just too stupid to realize that I was living in a great place and like so many others wish I could go back, but this time really appreciate it. I thank God for the friends that I made there (that I have lost track of) for the friends that I have been able to hold on to and for you for creating this walk down memory lane. God Bless. Debra Johnson Looney Comments: This is like stepping back in time to visit wonderful childhood/young adulthood memories!! Thanks Mike Aaron (hmaaron2001@aol.com) Comments: I met Louise Heatherwick in 1966 through a mutual friend, Sylvia Hayes, who attended high school in Alexandria. They both graduated in 1968. If anyone knows where Louise is is living I would like to contact her. Please c email me at hmaaron2001@aol.com
Jerry Clyde Phillips Comments: I came across this website by accident and spent a nice half hour reminiscing. I lived in Alex from about 1950 through 1961 when I left for college. I really never came back. All those photos, empty lots and faded signs brought back dozens of memories, some nice, some not so nice. I think that my fondest memory was attending baseball games at Bringhurst Park watching the Aces. Thanks for all your work putting this site together. Mike Aaron hmaaron2001@aol.com Comments: I am looking for Louise Heatherwick who graduated from Bolton High in 1968. I met her through a friend Sylvia Hayes who attended high school there. Earnest Martin Jr. Comments: I remember all the great people that I got to know while growing up in Alexandria like Coach Davis, facilitator of the summer youth programs in the city; Frank Johnson, my first baseball coach who taught me the right way to play the game and how to give back always; Ms Joshua, my teacher at Peabody Elem. who always demanded my best effort; Mr Green, a teacher also at Peabody Elem whose one lesson has always been burned into my mind (paddled also) -- if you don't know something there are too many resources at your disposal for you to stay in the dark. I would also like to thank everyone in Alexandria that was and is still there. THANKS! Earnest DAVID HOLLIDAY Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 1973 to 1977. I had never been to Alexandria before. I will never forget the first time I got on the north traffic circle. I thought I would never get off. My wife and I really enjoyed going to the mall, especially on rainy days when you couldn't do anything else. We also enjoyed the zoo, and fishing and skiing on Cotile, Kincaid, Indian Creek, and Lake Buhlow. We never went downtown much, we pretty much found everything we needed on MacArthur drive. We still visit a couple of times a year, and it still feels like home, even thought it has changed a lot. I have regretted many times ever leaving. Thanks for the memories. Bill Groff Comments: Great site. Stationed at EAFB four times (69-72, 76-78, 79-81, 90-91) Mary Elizabeth Rumsey
Comments: I've never lived in Alexandria, but a special person in my life was born in Pollock...closeby. I remember her talking about the Bentley Hotel, and even going back there later to stay for the weekend. This special person in my life was Florence Irene Buxton. I know that she had many brothers and sisters and they lived on a farm. She told me many times about a special pig that she had as a child. She lived in the area for a long time, and then later moved around finally ending up in New Orleans. Whenever I see the word Alexandria, I immediately think of her. Thanks for the site. Rosa C Fields Comments: Enjoyed the photo album. Like taking a step back to my childhood. Would like to see something like this done for City of Pineville also. Carol Dykes Scott
Comments: So many places - so many memories - My father was Buddy Dykes, mgr. Pearce Twin City Motor Company. Today, I live in a magical city that has restored her former grace and glory - but it took a million people, doggedly working together, to do it. If only that could happen for Alexandria Oh Mercy! I just saw old artifacts from the 150th anniversary of Alexandria! All the men grew a beard that year, so they could be in a parade. My father dyed his beard "fire engine red" - and had a pair of red-rimmed sunglasses with yellow lenses. I was horrified! ...but he thought it was hilarious! I hadn't thought of that in years! Mary N. Sharp Comments: I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN ALEXANDRIA, AND I MOVED AWAY IN 1984. I WENT TO PEABODY HIGH SCHOOL. I MISS MY HOMETOWN. LOOKING AT SOME OF THE PICTURES BRINGS BACK MEMORIES. WISH I WAS HOME. john rino Comments: living in alexandria my whole life it is strange that i stumbled on this website. i remember saturday morning golf tournaments at the "brink" almost every week. bugs trotter letting us play all day for 75 cents. crawfishing in the ditch that ran through city park, bumper cars and the train at city park funland. the zoo when it was free!! i remember walking to the city park pool with my older brother george and my sister patsy. mr knox being a great man and letting us in free when we didn't have the 25 cents required to swim. the rock garden and goldfish pond.when the present tennis courts where a flying rink for flying model airplanes. how great was the c.y o. and mrs bruno. growing up right off texas avenue. we used to ride our bikes from the dr. pepper plant to the nehi plant on lee street, to the 7 up plant behind bringhurst field. each stop meant a free "hot" soft drink. camp thunderbird that we were never able to attend. the swing park. pik n pak and jiffy pak. knox inn, the first place that i ever heard of that served mexican food. riding to lazarones with sonny cataldie or wray chicola to get a po boy. the don and paramount theatre, watching all the great disney movies with my brother on saturdays, and staying and watching the movie two or three times for the same 35cents. my bother and i going every other saturday to the bentley hotel to get our crewcut with our dad, and then him treating us to a chocolate malt at walgreens down the street. then on to kress for 10 cents worth of candy from the candy counter. mom buying our clothes at sears and roebuck on bolton while we ran up and down the only escalator in alexandria. the colored seats at reed and bell drive inn. morgan and lindseys in westgate. showtown drive in. walking to school whether it rained or not. wanting to go to cabrini hospital to eat in the cafeteria. i have spent my whole 49 years in alex and only recently realized what a great place it truly is. hillary leviner Comments: i was born in alexandria la back in 1937. attended rosenthal grammar school and bolton. i moved away from there in 1963, but have fond memories. Nancy (Mayo) Bishop Comments: Does anyone remember my grandfather Charlie (C.D.) Mayo's sawshop? He lived in a little house just under the big overpass (what I remember from when I was a little girl going up to see him from Luling with my Dad (his son) and Mom). The saw shop was in his garage out in back of the house. I remember LOTS of folks stopping in to bring in saw blades for sharpening and folks doing a lot of sitting around and chatting with him, and my dad when we were there. I was there in Alexandria about two or three years ago, and sadly, I can't even find the street now where the house used to be.
Jim Watkins Comments: In the early 60's I played the Hammond organ at Herbie K's restaurant. I was a student at Louisiana College and played dinner music every night. irion s. heyman, jr Comments: I am very glad to find the alexandria retrospective. for those of you who new him (irion sr) he was born august 11,1898, brother of abram who was born in 1896. Dad died in 1954 in houston, tx. I married frances friedman heyman 51 years ago. we live in houston and have 2 daughters, Cathy and Laura. they live in Austin, tx and Denver Colorado. we have grand children penny smith Comments: My great grandmother, and her three sons which one was my grandfather owned Pearson's furniture company
JOEY CLARIUS Comments: WHERE WAS ELECTRIC PARK, KENT PARK AND THE ROCK GARDEN LOCATED IN ALEXANDRIA? Donna (Moore) Starr Comments: OH MY. What a wonderful stroll down memory lane. I was born in St. Francis Hospital 01/15/62. My entire family was from the Alexandria area. Sadly, only 2 cousins remain living. I accidentally came across this site and it brought back memories of places I haven't heard of for over 30 years. THANK YOU so much for this trip back in time. kerry redmond couvillion Comments: 2110 Hill Street was my first address,born in 1952, I lived there with two older siblings, Carol and Paul, and then with Eileen, Erin and Tim Redmond. No a/c there, I don't know how my mama, Barbara, stood the heat. we had a whole house fan in the central hall,at night I would lie on the smooth,cool wood floor, in my cotton pajamas under all that breeze, all the windows open, even during rainstorms...I would watch the lightning through the wood venetian blinds at night, I don't remember the heat ever bothering me those years...Daddy came home from his Pharmacy on Lower Third late every night, 7PM, eat and then we'd all get in the car, all of us in pajama's, and we'd "go for a ride"...one of us would lay up under the big rear window and watch the stars, no a/c in the car of course, a special treat was a stop at the Reed & Bell place for root beer in a heavy glass mug, placed on a car window tray. the McGinty's lived 1 block down from us on Hill St., Muff was sis Caro! l's bestfriend and Joe was brother Paul's friend. I met Becky Wells when she'd visit at her grandmother's house behind us on Thornton Court. Martha Morgan was my good friend and lived on Thornton Court also. We walked to school ,Our Lady of Prompt Succor, up Chester, past Owl's Grocery store, like good little ones, such a dream now, a good dream, to think of that life..... .love to all who share similar memories, of our Alexandria lives..........Kerry redmond Couvillion....email me at couke2001@comcast.net Wayne Waltman Comments: I was stationed at EAFB in 1989 and 1990. I was a weapons system specialist on the A-10. I have a lot of fond memories of the base and the town of Alexandria. Being from the north, it took me awhile to get used to the hospitality of the people of Alexandria. Gina McDonald (gnmcdonald@yahoo.com) Comments: Do you have any information about Mt. Carmel Baptist Church located on 1201 Fenner St.? I am an LSUA student and I am doing a project on this church. If you have any historical or recent information about this church I would greatly appreciate it if you could send anything you can find to me. Thanks, Gina McDonald
Yvonne M Wieters Comments: I was born and reared in Alexandria/Pineville. Lived all my life there until recently. I enjoyed the "trip" back in looking at the photos and reading about your connection with the city so many years ago. I plan to share this site with other family members and friends. Thank you for taking the time to put it all together. It brought back many memories to me as a child and shopping with my Mom and older sisters. We thought we were "big time", when we went "to town" back then. Ha! Wish people were as caring and simple today as they were then. Thanks again. It was great!! Sabrina Leggett Burkhalter (mssutherngirl@hotmail.com) Comments: Alexandria was and still is full of great memories for me. We (Leggett's) will be having our next family reunion which is titled the "Boxley Reunion" July 18 - July 20 in Alexandria LA at the Best Western Inn Conference Center. I am hoping that those of you who read this blog and know my family find a way to contact me and make the meet.
Gayle Coco Kersey Comments: Thanks again for the website. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me at gkersey@cox.net. I graduated from Providence in '57' 50 short years ago. What wonderful memories I have. Gene Dunlap Comments: I am a musician and am from the Alex.- Pineville area. I just got back from a visit and found a little mag in the town talk with a lot of history of Alexandria in it and really enjoyed it. Thanks, Gene Dunlap Lucille Ducote Comments: Brings back good memories James [Jimmy/Jim] Reese (latech1114@yahoo.com) Comments: Having grown up in Colfax, and then attending NSU & LaTech where I later graduated, I would go to Alex for entertainment and fun. Later married Gay Margaret Mathews [twin Kay Mary Mathews].
Worked @ Cotton's Holsum Bakery right after getting married and then the La.Dept. of Trans & then the US Forest Service in Pineville. Lot of pleasant memories in Alex and then those that come with divorce. Now with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Time passes so quickly, things change so much. GOD bless all. Respond if you'd like. By the way, I used to be in the 95th US Army Reserve Division at the Armory near the North Traffic Circle. Seems like that place burned down last time I saw it. About 4-6 months ago. Greg Walker (gwalker@wpmattorneys.com) Comments: Amy - The Plantation Manor Restaurant was built by Johnny & Charlie Waters. They owned the Fireside Life Insurance Company. The Fireside Life Insurance Office is now the Gold Law Firm building. The Waters hired Mike Totah (sp?) to manage the Plantation Manor. He was the manager of the Alexandria Golf & Country Club before moving to the Plantation Manor. Later, Mr. Totah bought the restaurant, the Gilded Cage bar next to it (now Sammy's Restaurant) and the hotel behind Plantation Manor from the Waters brothers. The Plantation Manor had an "open" steak grill in the middle. This was later closed. Also, fried cornbread nuggets were served instead of rolls, much like Herbie K's served the thin garlic toast. Sharon White Comments: How can I not forget "Hixson Brothers" I didn't see a photo on the Alexandria web site or maybe I missed it? How many times I have been to Hixson's for my Father, GrandMother, Brother and two Aunts and one cousin. I always found the directors very sensitive and kind. http://www.hixsonbrothers.com/html/our_history.html Asa K. Fulton
This is a very nice and sensitive retrospective of this small city and what it was and is all about. We stayed at the Hotel Bentley for a few nights on a trip from Orlando to Houston, and were thinking of returning this spring to revisit the fine, historic hotel for a few more nights. But, alas, we were saddened to learn that it has closed and been sold to a new owner. It is a shame that the beautiful Hotel Bentley could not support itself ... I pray that the new owner can reopen it for the enjoyment of future generations, or at least preserve it, perhaps converting it to a fabulous private mansion or hotel condo! Marilyn Segari Daigre Comments: Love this site. Had so many memories looking at the pics. Grew up in Pineville, but moved to Alex at age 10. I went to St Francis Cabrini and graduated from Bolton in 1960. Keep up the good work.
Janet Guillory Langford Comments: Wonderful memories, thanks to these postcards. Thank you for putting them together. Debra Ducote Comments: I love seeing our past and what it looked like back when. Amy Lee Collins (amycollins0921@yahoo.com) Comments: Does anyone know who owned the Plantation Manor restaurant?? This was our birthday restaurant and there has never been another like it.
Rick Edwards Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 1976-1979 and again from 1984-1989. It was great to see the pictures of England and Alexandria again. Especially the chapel on England where my wife and I were married in 1987. Thanks for the memories.
Wendy Whiffen Seale Comments: I remember swimming at the YWCA nearly every day in the summer. Going to Aces games. Friday night football with my best friend, ASH's principle's daughter. Halloweens in Grundy Cooper and Charles park where the streets were covered in kids and nearly every house was giving candy. Mimosa trees and a much slower pace. Movies at the Don Theater. My dad's office was next door. I saw all of the Planet of the Apes movies there. Kathleen Yerby Bowling Comments: I enjoy viewing this so much. I was born at Baptist hospital in 1943. I attended 8 yrs of school at St Frances Xavier.
My 2nd grade teacher was Sister Luke; she was so old and I was scared to death of her. My 5th grade teacher was Ms. Normand. She took us at recess to Central [right across the fence] to play baseball, as we didn't’t have a field. We had many events at Victory Hall - it was so hot, no AC back then. My best year at St Frances was the 8th grade. Sister Virginia Claire was our teacher and she loved art & taught us what she could. I loved it. I was a cheerleader, and loved going to the football games. We had a great team. I don’t remember the name of our team but the coach was Dr. Boisvert & our colors were blue & gold. MY brothers were LSU fans and I listened to those games on the radio then. No T.V. -- KALB didn't’t come to Alex. till I was in the 5th grade. After that we were allowed to watch the World Series during school. Someone‘s father brought a T.V. to school and we watched it with our teacher in the class room. Can you believe that? I went to the Rex to see movies on Sat. [a dime]. I went to the Paramount too, it cost more, a quarter. My Uncle and Aunt came from New York in the 50’s and stayed at the Bentley; it was such fun going to visit them there & having a coke from room service. We used to get fresh donuts from a bakery [name??] on 3rd street after church on Sunday. My father worked on Lee Street and my mother shopped at the A&P there every Friday.
My first job was working at Wellans at Christmas wrapping gifts. We all got a Christmas bonus in a little white envelope; mine was five dollars. I attended high school at Providence Academy; my favorite year was my senior year. I was on the yearbook staff & we worked on the yearbook on the 4th floor; nothing else was up there-maybe the girls that boarded. I attended LSU-A for a short time before moving to N.O. I was working at the phone company when I met my husband, a soldier. When he was sent to Vietnam I went back to Alex for a year. My oldest son was born at the Hospital at England Air Force Base in 1966...After Vietnam we were transferred back to the East coast and I have lived in Virginia since. I used to go back to La. every summer to visit my mom & every year I would notice the differences. We did get to stay in the Bentley with my youngest son before it closed. But every year more stores were closed, buildings torn down, & schools closed or torn down. After my mom’s death my visits have been less frequent. I was in Alex. last year for the first time in about 6years & there were more changes. I like going to the old sites that were still there, [the Cathedral & the area where St Frances Xavier School use to be]. and I missed the ones that were gone. It was fun reminiscing as I look over this website. Thank you very much for being so creative with it. Gertie lusted eddy Comments: I have visited these memories many times and will again. Please continue the site which gives so much joy. I will always remember my life in Alex and the people. I wish we could bring it all back as it was. Thank you, Gertie. THOMAS G. WILSON Comments: I have lived here in this area all my life,except for my college days at LSU. (O.K., I lived a few years in Colfax, but that's still this area). My dad was Dr. Eustis Wilson, my brothers are Sonny Wilson and Steve Wilson. They graduated from Bolton in the 50s, I graduated from Menard in 68. I am always up for talking about the old days in Alex- so if you knew me or my family drop me an e-mail.
Margot Kiesewetter Comments: I lived on Olive St. in the 70's, attended Rosenthal Elementary, Alexandria Jr. High, and graduated from Bolton High School in 78. Another "better thing" about the Don was you could sit and rewatch the movie all you wanted, they didn't run you out like they do today! Thank you for reminding me of a sweeter time in life. Scott Pinson Comments: Great times-Mark Wilborn of the 23rd component repair squadron,We worked together on the a-10"s and a-7"s -- tf34 engines -- great times.-- 83-85
John Stinger Comments: Wow - was so great to see Alex! I was an airman stationed there in 1956-1959 and loved the town, the people and Air Force. I was the cartoonist for the Tiger Talk the base newspaper and directed the base yearbook. If I find anything from those days, I will share it with you and your readers. Thanks so much for the memories- the trip made me cry a little and I'm a 69 year old man now. I don't cartoon anymore, but I do paint everyday. Thanks again! richard boudreaux Comments: lived here in alex. all my life. bolton high school in the fifties. "go bears". have watched some old memories disappear: rex, paramount and saenger theaters, french unique cleaners and recently the alexandria steam laundry, sorry to say. i am now involved in the alex. historical society. hopefully we can do something to dodge the steam roller of "progress". still 18 and loving it. richard boudreaux, bolton '56 Drew Lowther Comments: Thank you for sharing these great photos; they bring back many fond memories. Linda (Kinley) Oliver Comments: My grandfather owned Brown's Plumbing. My grandparents lived on Jackson Street ext. I went to Cherokee elem. while my dad was in Greenland. After he retired from the Air Force. We moved to Ball. I graduated from Tioga High School in 1973.
Kyle Robbins Comments: Alexandria was good to me when I did my student teaching at Tioga High School in the spring of 1998. I returned to CENLA in 2004, when I moved to Pineville. I taught at Buckeye H.S. for 2 years. I also came to know the backstreets of Alec as a delivery driver for Domino's Pizza on Coliseum Boulevard. Laura Rountree Lott (lottll@hotmail.com) Comments: Looking over the register I saw Margaret, Charlotte, Cleo and Judy from my Providence class of '58. I also recognized some people I knew at LSU. If anyone recognizes my name and would like to contact me, I would love to hear from you lottll@hotmail.com Victor Daigre Comments: I suppose it is time I add my comments & memories to this outstanding website & collections of responses. I was born at Baptist Hospital in 1938, & grew up in Alexandria until I left in 1961 for an Air Force career. Those 23 years were a great time to grow up there. I remember all the sights & events of the '40 & '50's in thriving city; those were 'Happy Days'! I liveed on Levin St., attended St. Francis Xavier, St. Rita's, 2 years at Bolton, then gratuated from Menard in 1956. I worked at Chain Battery on Jackson St until I left. I met my future mate, Marilyn Segari, when I crashed a garage dance party with a blaring Juke Box, on Texas Ave. I was 'Fonzie' with a hopped up '53 Olds & 3 years older then the rest of the gang. My favorite was the A & W on Lee St. Marilyn & I were married while I was in boot camp. Since then I have retired from careers in IT. We are now enjoying living at Lake Bob Sandlin in East Texas. We will celebrate 45 years on June 24, 20007. As I approach 69 years, I have been looking through boxes of photos & will share some of those from Central Lousiana with this website tina johnson Comments: my family is from alexandria and i am looking up my family tree Jeanette Hinckley Comments: My sisters and I have trying to remember where Magnolia Park is located. We remember our parents taking us there and almost freezing from the cold water. What a treat on a hot summer day, being hot and sweaty from the ride there (no air conditioning in the car) and taking that first plunge in the water. Anita Watson (fashionexpressint@yahoo.com) Comments: I grew up in a little area called Rock Island Quarter, where was located the old paper mill co, Falstaff Beer Co, the bus barn, chicken poultry, and a man delivering fruits on a wagon with mules. We had to bathe in a tin tub. Granma Sable Watson use to have a garden in our back yard. I remember my old school Peabody Elementary on Third St. I wish they could have saved that old school. If you know of any one with the old year book, email me...I would love to buy a copy. Randy Firmin Comments: My family lived on Shannon Road, off Prescott. Graduated from Menard 1967, Louisiana College in 1971. The memories of Castor Plunge, Indian Creek, Shady Nook, Valentine Lake, and cruising McDonalds, Burger Chef, and Bolero are still vivid.
Paul (Nick) Manteris (pmanteris@bellsouth.net) Comments: I would love to talk with any of the long ago friends in my life from Alexandria. (1946-1954). We lived on Hill St., 54 Louisiana Ave. and at 107 Bolton Ave. across form Borden's Dairy in the early years. To help you remember: My father owned the L&A Cafe by the train station, and then The Evangline Cafe in the Evangline Hotel. I finished the 8th grade at St.Francis Xavier.... Some dear friends I remember are Johnny Francis, Bobby Descsant, Freddie Russo, MaryAnne Serio (my first kiss at 13), Sammy Norman, Kay Andrews, J.B. St.Romain, Silvia Veed, Oliver Yerby, Wade Turnage, Wayne Hood, the Higdon brothers Danny and Toni. (I am sure I have mispelled many of the names but I was young then and old now). I have just discovered The Alexandria Register and think it is just Great! PLEASE contact me if we were young together in Alex. I would love to reminese with you. Skip Armstrong Comments: I see some familiar names here. Great site Sharon White Comments: Thank you, Marilyn. So that was Cap's. I couldn't think of the name come hell or highwater. The old folks were right: time does fly by before you know it. Marilyn Burnum Rico Also responding to Mary Lynn Hamilton...I went to school (Bolton) with a Frances Baillo. Was she your mother?
Rhonda Reap-Curiel Comments: I am looking for the date of construction on the Holsum Bakery building on Bolton Ave. Does anyone have an idea where to start? Brenda McGraw Comments: I remember going shopping downtown in Alexandria when I was growing up, with my mother--it was quite a mother-daughter treat! We visited relatives here and in nearby Oakdale quite often. Third Street was such a treat to a child, the escalator at Weiss and Goldring, the dime stores, eating lunch at the drug store, shoe shopping at Baker's and getting Girl Scout paraphenalia at Wellan's. We also used to go to Sears on Bolton Avenue for school clothes. Alexandria was a lovely place to visit and live in those days. I came here to raise my daghter who is a 1988 grad of ASH. She and I have such fond memories of going to Shipley's and church, being involved in Little Theater, enjoying MacArthur Village Mall (inside) and have so many fond memories of places long done away with. I live here now, but for how long?? It's changed much to much, and not always for the better. David Wood Comments: We moved to the Alexandria area 2 years ago - what a nice thing to find this website and see some of the history and memories of our new home. Tana Abel Comments: I'm glad I found this site by accident. The entries bring back a lot of memories. I'll be back to read them all. Doug Allen Comments: I was stationed at England AFB, Aug 1967-Jan 1971. Noah's Potato Chip Co. sponsored our bowling team on base. I have some fond memories while I was there. I was fortunate enough to get to know some of the local people and got too enjoy some great cajun hospitality. Would like to come back to the area sometime. Mary Lynn Hamilton (Mothers name Baillio) Comments: My mother was a Baillio, relative to Pierre Baillio the 1st. As a child, I was told all the family stories and reciepes would be handed down generation after generation.
Now the Baillio Plantation is the Kent House. While at the Kent House I bought the recipe book and in the original form,was my mothers' recipe for her Fudge Chocolate Cake Iceing I could hardly belileve that it had originated in the 1700's with Pierre's wife. My father was a Alexandria police officer when I was a baby in the early 1950's. He won many Sharp Shooting Trophies. He came to Houston Texas in 1954 and was a police officer for Pasadena. He recently passded away at the age of 73 two years ago. I miss him. My mother commited sucide at the age of 42 years in 1972 and my brother Robert David Hamilton died July 4 of the same year in Viet Nam. All three are interned at Forest Park East League City Tx. I am a nurse and work as a Contract Liaison for Diabetes Center of America. I have 2 C! hildren and 3 Grandchildren and divorced. I have no family left so if you are related to me thru the Baillio or Hamilton family please E-mail me I would love to hear from you. Kind Regards Mary Lynn Hamilton James Michael Parkerson Comments: I was born in Alexandria during WWII, the son of another native Alexandrian who like me spent most of his life elsewhere. One of my favorite memories of my childhood was fishing for 'mud bugs' in local ditches after a heavy rain. We -- my uncle Lannis and I (he was less than a year older) -- would use a piece of bacon tied to a string to entice the critters out of their holes and into our grasp. Mary
Elizabeth Weeks Schock (mschock17@yahoo.com) Comments: What a treasure!! I always knew I was from an exceptional place....this site proves it!! I discovered it by mistake, just trying to find the committee for the 50th graduation ceremonies for Providence High (Catholic/all girls school). I graduated in '57 at Providence, and have been in California since June '57. I have never been to any grad celebrations, and I thought this might be the right time...and stumbled onto this site...I can not believe the enormous effort that goes into this site. If anyone has any info on the above committee, please e-mail me mschock17@yahoo.com There are some people on the Retrospective Register that i remember and would love to contact (now here in Calif.) one is 'Pat' Thiels of San Martin, ca. my best friend was Virginia Vaughn, who's sis married his friend, glen. We used to ride horses over to the horse show, and i had the maddest crush of all times on his brother 'Wimpy" for years. we also have relatives in common (DeWitt); my aunt alice was Dewitt/Connella. Absolutely a wonderful site....I always knew I was from a very special place!! BENITA JO ANNE Comments: WAS HOPING TO SEE MY FATHER'S BAKERY IN SOME OF THIS HISTORY. LOTT'S BAKERY ON MASON ST SERVICED ALL THE SCHOOLS WITH FRESH PASTERY BACK IN THE DAY - 60'S AND 70'S James R. Atwood, Sgt., Ret. USAF Comments: Was stationed at Alexandria AFB, in 1953, transfered to Thule AFB, Greenland till June 1954. It sure was cold up their. Retired in 73. Loved that city. Kimberly Rachal Doni Comments: Although I was not born in Alexandria (I was born in Lafayette), it has always been a second home to me because both of my parents grew up there. They met each other while attending kindergarten at St. James and, almost sixty years later, they are still together. At least two weekends a month were spent visiting relatives in Alexandria during my entire childhood. Later, as a teenager, I spent much of my time trying to figure out how to get away from Louisiana. As an adult, I have begun to ponder why I ever wanted to leave and how to get back. Alexandria - and my roots there - is much of the reason why. Meagan Thiels Comments: wimpy thiels is my paw paw. he died when i was very young. i dont remember him very well. all i know is he was a very very good man and loved to fish and hang out with his grand children on toledo bend. wimpy's son terry thiels (scootie) loves him so much, and follows him in his foot steps. we all miss him very much, and wish he was still here. i wish i could have known him a little more than i did. i love him so much. Patricia Curlee Lovell Comments: Enjoyed reading about Alexandria's past. Hal Brown
Comments: When I was 8 years old my Dad, who was an Army Officer, moved us to Alexandria. We lived on Thornton Court and my best friend there was Hardin Lewis, who lived on Hill Street. It was a great place to grow up in those days. I attended Westend Elementary School and my good buddies there were Billy Ray Adams and Carl Ben Priest. A real treat was to walk to Gravel's Drug Store for a malted milk shake at the soda fountain. Our family moved to Tioga in 1942 where I attended school until I joined the U.S. Navy in November of 1948. I have many good memories of my childhood years in that area. Waverly Hickman-Nichols Comments: Looking for family members.
Floreda Duke Varick Comments: As a 17 year old living in Alexandria when WWII started I quickly became a volunteer with the USO. There was no USO building at the time the war started (does anyone remember when the Bolton Avenue USO was built? 42?). We belonged to the Military Maids and attended many dances at the USO and at Camps Livingston, Claiborne and Beauregard and occasionally at Esler Field (I remember once we danced on the runway in the rain) and later we attended functions at Alexandria Air Force Base (now England). We would be taken from Alexandria to the camps via military bus and occasionally it would be a military truck (about half the time we were in formals - and always several chaperones were along). I would like to hear from anyone who remembers those days. I sometimes try to tell my sons about my experiences - they listen for about five minutes before their eyes begin to glaze over and they remember something they just HAVE to do. Mary Ann Martin Comments: I enjoyed seeing Alexandria as I remember it.I love those days! Paul Jemison Comments: I was born in Alex Oct 39 on 1118 Holly St. Went first to West End Grammar, across from the Don on Bolton, then Xavier on 4th until the 5th grade and family moved to Leesville. Moved back to Alex from Leesville for the 8th grade at Xavier, then Menard through mid-term of sophomore year. Then back to Leesville, graduated in 57, and then 5.5 glorious years at Northwestern finishing in 62. Service in the Army until 83. Your site truly brings back many happy memories. Please do continue your excellent efforts to keep the past alive since many of us think of Alex as we grow older. Many good times, good friends, good food, and good music!!!
Mary Edwards Connell Comments: What a wonderful site. I just discovered it and have spent the last hour looking at the great old pictures. I have lived in Alex most of my life except for my college years in Baton Rouge and an eight year stint in Memphis Tennessee. My husband and I are both retired faculty from LSU-Alexandria. I have such fond memories of my childhood on Webster Street and later Shirley Park Place. My years at Bolton High 1957-61 were the greatest. Thank you for the hard work that obviously goes into maintaining this site. Gracie Ann (Blackmon) Hargraves Comments: I spent the first 20 years of my life in good old Alexandria. Lots of wonderful memories. Particularly during my high school years. I joined the Navy at the ripe young age of 21. I met and married my boss (Commander Hargraves) and we've been together for 27 years. He brought me back to the cold land of Idaho and we love it here. I got to finish my doctorate and work in the field of counseling. I can still remember the words to the school song at Bolton High School where I graduated in 1971. One of my fondest memories is driving around in my Karman Ghia to hang out with friends. Alexandria has really changed and when I return to visit, I don't recognize many of the new places. Bob Clemons RN Comments: I would like to know the year Herbie K's Restaurant was built...Start/End dates... Thanks, Bob |
