Register Volume 27

Allie Jackson (nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com)
December 30, 2007
City: Chicago
State: Illinois

Comments: Looking for members of the Lockwood and DeLarue family. My greatgrandmothers home was on Overton where your highway is now. My greatgrandmother was Ophelia Lockwood.

Ann Edgerton Darling
December 29, 2007
City: Vero Beach
State: Florida

Comments: I enjoyed the walk down memory lane. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos of our home of Alexandria. It truly warmed my heart.

Mary Harris
December 29, 2007

Comments: Happy New Year!

Thank you so much for posting the pictures of the little white church.  One day when my family was Christmas shopping, my Dad took me over to it.  That is one of my fondest Christmas memories.  I could barely remember what it looked like and then you posted these phontos.  It is so wonderful to see it again. 

I hope you have a wonderful year!

Mary Harris

Ann Edgerton Darling
December 29, 2007
City: Vero Beach
State: Florida

Comments: I enjoyed the walk down memory lane. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos of our home of Alexandria. It truly warmed my heart.

Julia (Walker) Maguire
December 28, 2007
City: Middleburg Heights
State: OH

Comments: Memories stored in a nearly forgotten place come springing to life when viewing your photos. Thank you for a wonderful walk down memory lane. It's been many years since I was in Alexandria/Pineville. Though I know there have been tremendous changes, seeing pictures of the past make what I recall real again. Thank you so much.

Tommy Dunbar
December 27, 2007
City: Alexandria
State: LA

Comments: Having grown up in the Dunbar family of Clark-Dunbar (and Dunn) Furniture Store, I remember many of the old buildings of downtown Alexandria, especially that store located at 325 Jackson St. In the early days it had an old rope-drawn elevator that was impossible for me to operate until I grew larger and stronger. I always marveled at the strength of my father, Ashton Dunbar, who had been an employee of the store since its beginning in the years after WWII. The elevator posed no problems for him.

For a number of years I worked for Clark-Dunbar during the summers for $1 or so hourly. The store moved farther out Jackson Street as the city grew in that direction, but the memories of that old brick building will never be forgotten.

Reeshia Ransbottom (reeshiar@hotmail.com)
December 27, 2007
City: Houma
State: LA

Comments: My grandparents James Melvin Martin and Belle Martin lived and worked on the Walker-Roemer farm in Alexandria. When my brother amd I were little we always loved to play with the animals. I have been trying to find photos of the farm. Also my other grandparents cecil & Rita Ransbottom owned the Ransville Court. I am also looking for photos of the motel. It is amazing how many photos we take of each other but never can find old photos of places that are no longer exist.

Susan Risley Pressley
December 27, 2007
City: Clinton
State: TN

Comments: Thanks for the journey down memory lane. I was home for my 35th High School Reunion this August and got lost downtown! Things have change so much I felt I was in a strange city. Of course I have been gone since 1972.

Linda "Rusty" Johnson Sharp
December 26, 2007
City: Newnan
State: GA

Comments: Do you remember when Wellan's had the "Dancing Waters" fountains in the store and the Miss Teena Louisa contest....I was one of the the Miss Teena Louisas!!!

Eddie Brown (brown727@gmail.com)
December 25, 2007
City: Richmond
State: Va

Comments: Visit here often, and really enjoy this site. Graduated from Bolton in 1948, and recently connected (via this site) with my first cousins when we all lived in Alexandria during WWII.

If any Bolton grads visit here, would be very happy to hear from you. Worked after school as a Western Union messenger, and stayed with the company for the next 38 years. Retired, and have lived in Richmond, Va., since 1970.

This truly is a fun site to visit!!

Daniel Smith
December 23, 2007
City: Alexandria
State: LA

Comments: Thanks for the great site! Your photos serve a great purpose for young people in our city to become educated about the history here. I've added you to our blogroll at cenlamar.wordpress.com. Merry Christmas!

Sam Damico (sdamico44@sbcglobal.net)
December 22, 2007
City: Houston
State: TX

Comments: Glad to see so many old friends who continue to show up here.

For more memories you might enjoy this presentation of the cars of the 50's and 60's. http://objflicks.com/CarsWeDrove.htm

Linda Henry Morris
December 20, 2007
City: Fairfax
State: VA

Comments: I really enjoyed the trip back to Christmas' past with the pictures of City Hall and that beloved little church. I know that one of my first visits must have occurred during the time the 1950 photo was taken. I would have been almost four. I so remember walking up to the church and peaking in.

All of the hustle and bustle that took place between Wellan's and Weiss & Goldring's made this time of year really exciting to a little girl. The window displays were enchanting. Thanks for taking me back to a special time in my life. Of course, they are still special, but those childhood memories, there's nothing like them..

Keith Campbell
December 18, 2007
City: Corydon
State: In

Comments: Stationed at EAFB from 1-67 thru 5-68. Loved it and would like to get back to visit.

Wynn A Sayman
December 17, 2007
City: Richmond
State: MA

Comments: For Shanna Worth -- 1807 Polk Street not only had a basement, but also a furnance, originally coal-fired. The iron door to the coal shoot is on the side of the foundation. Unique in Alexandria?

Carolyn Rabalais Pittman
December 16, 2007
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA

Comments: Great looking at all the pictures ... sure brings back great memories.

Dallas Lemoine (mannsandra@bellsouth.net)
December 2, 2007
City: deville
State: la

Comments: My co worker has an upcoming birthday and I was looking for pictures from The Laverne Perry Show, he was a little wrangler and I would love to surprise him.

Jeffrey Buelow
City: Alexandria
State: LA

Comments: Born & Raised in Central Louisiana

Pat Bell (patbell@eatel.net)
November 25, 2007
City: Gonzales
State: Louisiana

Comments: Lived on Midway Street, graduated from Menard in 1965

Ernie Knobloch (EKnob245@cableone.net)
November 21, 2007
City: Diamondhead
State: Mississippi

Comments: Our Lady of Prompt Succor - 1st - 8th grades, and Menard 1958-1962. It's always interesting to check back on this site and see which new people have posted something. It's amazing how people from Alexandria are now all over the US. Growing up in Alex during "Happy Days" times I never imagined that would happen.

Hope to hear from some old friends.

Bunny Snow
November 21, 2007
City: Nashville
State: Tennessee

Comments: Born and raised in Alexandria from 1968 - 1991, then moved to Nashville. My father was a firefighter for the City of Alexandria and the memories of the downtown Fire department are the best. The men of the Alexandria Fire Department from that time are the best. My dad "Big Dad" James Snow told my brother and I stories of the fires that happened downtown and all the crazy pranks they played on each other.

I haven't been home in awhile and miss it terribly. I went to St. Francis Cabrini and then on to Menard and then ASH. I have fond memories of this wonderful town and all the family there still.

John & Geraldine Walsh
November 20, 2007
Ci ty: Bethany Beach
State: DE

Comments: I want to thank you for the wonderful pictures. We lived in Alexandria while my husband was stationed at England Air Force Base, and loved every minute of it! Made some very good friends we will never forget.

Thank you for the trip down memory lane!

Rita Mahoney
November 19, 2007
City: Norfolk
State: VA

Comments: I really had a great childhood. My parents were wonderful. I remember getting dropped off at the Rex Theatre. Going to Kress and getting M&Ms because they were so colorful in the candy counter. Begging my Mom to buy me one of the baby turtles that were part of the "pet" area at Kress - which she never did.

I graduated from Bolton in '73. I moved away in '75 and moved to Dallas. I still have family there.

Oh! Western Auto, I loved to shop there for toys when I was little.

Louise Couvillion Harper (louise71@bellsouth.net)
November 19, 2007
City: Marietta
State: Georgia

Comments: Thanks so much for the memories. My brother sent me the site and I have been on it all day. The pictures are great. When I got to the #4 fire station I teared up as my father was a fireman and visited him many times when he was on duty.

I graduated from Providence in 1962...like so many Alex girls married my husband who had been stationed at EAFB. I worked at KALB radio station for 5 years, and it was nice to see the picture. I remember the dances at the CYO center, playing putt putt golf in the park, and having lunch at Grants and loved the Hokus Pokus sign on Lee street.

What a town! Everyone got along; it made no difference where you were from. It was so safe I remember walking all the way to Bishop Greco's on Halloween and our parents didn't have to worry. I also remember going to Gravel's Drug Store to get my mother's cough syrup that had codine in it, and he would give it to us.

It is wonderful site ...I've included my email in hopes someone may want to look me up.

Many memories...thanks.

Louise Couvillion Harper
louise71@bellsouth.net

Gerald M. Couvillion (mrgcouv@hotmail.com)
November 18, 2007
City: Lafayette
State: Louisiana

Comments: I am a 1958 Menard graduate, having attended St. Rita and Cathedral from grades 1 through 8. I enjoy your tours a lot. It keeps me connected to Alex.

Paula Wood Loud
November 18, 2007
City: Aspen
State: Colorado

Comments: Born 1946 Texada Clinic, mother Sue Bennye Gilham, grandfather Paul Asher Gilham, grandmother Sue Grigsby Gilham

William Reinhart (william.reinhart@hhs.gov)
November 16, 2007
City: Ambler
State: PA

Comments: I have posted on this website before, to share the wondeful memories of my two years in Alec back in 1958-60.

Now I write with great sadness. One of the reasons I have such great memories of Alec were the friends I made there. I just learned from reading the Town Talk website that probably my best friend during those years, James "Buddy" Buchanan, passed away on November 8. I last saw Buddy in 1980, but though we swore to keep in touch, we never did.

I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who knew Buddy and would like to share memories of him. Thank you.

Debby Horton Boyle
November 12, 2007
City: Corpus Christi
State: TX

Comments: My father was stationed at England AFB with the 622nd ARS flying KB-50s. He died in a plane crash in 1962. We left Alexandria in 1964 when I was in 8th grade. I attended Pineville Elementary, Huddle, LS Rugg and North Bayou Rapides Elementary Schools and Brame Junior High.

I've always thought of Alexandria as "home" but years ago lost touch with friends. My youngest son is now a freshman at LSU and traveling back to Louisiana has re-kindled many fond memories. It was a pleasure to find this site and remember such happy times.

Martha Rudeloff (mdrake@lstx.net)
November 9, 2007
City: Beeville
State: Texas

Comments: I read a letter from Joseph Baillio. I am a descendent of Pierre Baillio. I read there was a Baillio family reunion. Could someone tell me if there have been more?

M. Bourne
November 2, 2007
City: Los Angeles
State: CA

Comments: Ms. Earp's comments about the courthouse decorations makes one want to go back to a simpler time.

BILLY LIBERTO
November 2, 2007
Ci ty: ALEXANDRIA
State: LA

Comments: thanks for the memories. born and raised in alex, grad of bolton 1953. spent most of my childhood at the ole community center. great memories. didn't see anything about parkway drive inn on masonic drive. we used to kid about if it ever burnt down , thousands would be left homeless. thanks again for the memories & pictures.

Jimmie E. Ferrier
November 2, 2007
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana

Comments: Graduated Bolton High School mid-term, went into Air Force Mar. 10, 1952, got out Feb. 1975.

Elizabeth Ann Keasler Mansfield(Zanne)
October 31, 2007
City: Baker
State: La.

Comments: I lived in Alex. at 1806 Bush from 1941 until I married in 1956. I loved the city park pool, zoo & Bush Ave. School & Bolton Hi. Nothing but good memories!

Gary Stolowski
October 30, 2007
City: Alexandria
State: LA

Comments: Though I've lived here but two years Alexandria feels like home to me thank you.

Kevin Switzer
October 28, 2007
City: Alexandria
State: La

Comments: Lifelong resident. Family stories of the "Great Flood". Watched the demolition of the Murray Street bridge from my office window.

Glenn Guillory (monkglen@gmail.com)
October 27, 2007
City: Glenmora
State: LA

Comments: Lived on Sandra St, Alexandria, Cabrini Elementary, Maryhill Seminary and Menard; then off to La Tech, LSU, New Orleans, etc...moved back in early 2000s... Love to meet some old friends online. It seems I was always falling in love and then more in love. I was a romantic I guess, a poet. I wish I could find some of the old gang. Solitude and writing are my way now. email me... monkglen@gmail.com I want to establish a Red River Zen CENTER TOO.

Old loves, old friends, where are you?

Robert Grannan
October 23, 2007
City: Howell
State: Mi

Comments: I was only in Alex for a short time 1953 but it has always remained in my memories and heart.

Mary Ann Price
October 20, 2007
City: Alexandria
State: LA

Comments: Hello

Jill Akin Goulart (momagou2002@yahoo.com)
October 15, 2007
City: Ruston
State: Louisiana

Comments: I've signed this before in 2003, and saw this as a favorite bookmark and couldnt remember what it was. If anyone graduated from BHS in 1976, please email me..would love to hear from you. I miss Alexandria...I hardly ever go back unless we are passing through and we stop at Atwood's Bakery...every birthday, or a special occasion, my mom would get a cake from Atwoods..My family attended Parkview Baptist, and lived on Thornton Court...times have changed...

Debra (ckollector@sbcglobal.net)
October 15, 2007
City : West Bend
State: Wi

Comments: I love this site more and more evry time I visit it. I grew up on Monroe St and later Levin Street. Went to Rosenthal, AJH and graduated from Bolton in 1977. I remember some great times there at Cajun Korner etc. If anyone remembers me and cares to contact me please do at ckcollector@sbcglobal.net OR debra@discountramps.com. My nickname back then was Mousie (for my bar hopping buddies).

Greg Burns
October 13, 2007
City: Dickinson
State: Texas

Comments: I was a resident in the Masonic Home from 1959 to 1965. I hold a lot of good memories from those days! Thanks for making all of this available.

Rodney Johnson, Jr.
October 12, 2007
City: Denver
State: CO

Comments: Born and reared in Alexandria. My Mom and Sister still live in the area. I visit it at least annually. I can't imagine a better place to have grown up.

Marba Faye Rubin Mallet
October 5, 2007
City: Pompano Beach
State: Florida

Comments: I remember Miss Gates-wonderful civics teacher. Now, my grannies don't know civics! I remember being president of the Grease Club during the war years. I still am for recycling after all these years. I remember Jack Vaughn who went to the Navy in his Junior year. I remember our football hero, Lofton. I remember KIR ROOM 101..I remember Mr. Olyiphant Math saying that "SOMEDAY WE WOULD HAVE NAMES, ONLY NUMBERS." Boy, was he RIGHT! I remember bonfires on empty lots the nite before a football game. I remember helping get a cheering squard started called the Bruinettes. Wow....what fun!

Irion Lafargue, Jr.
September 23, 2007
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana

Comments: West End Grammer 1933-40
Bolton High 1940-44
LSU and south Louisiana thereafter.

Christopher Harford (atomcrusher01@yahoo.com)
September 22, 2007
City: Boyce
State: LA

Comments: Ms. McKnight, My name is Chris Harford. I am the son of Mary Eznack (Wagner). Her mother's name was Vivian Wagner (Head). She was kin to the Leckies. My mother told me I and my siblings were kin to the Davies and told me some stories about their owning a resort at Castor Plunge, along with a not-so-great story about an incident between the husband and wife that subsequently ended their involvement in the resort. Hope this doesn't bring back bad memories. My mom used to go out there with her two brothers and vivian in the summer and play with her cousins. I guess we're related, I wonder how and through whom. Write me if you ever feel like connecting the dots. chris

Danny Higdon (dhigdon@charter.net)
September 22, 2007
City: Cookeville
State: Tennessee

Comments: I am responding to a posting on August 10th 2007 by Joseph Baillio. I have information on the Engstrom family. Contact me at dhigdon@charter.net  I was in the BHS class of 55.

Paula Spera Burton
September 21, 2007
City: Memphis
State: TN

Comments: My father grew up in Alexandria and went to Bolton High School. My grandparents lived on Herbert Street across from a little inn. I have wonderful memories of our entire family being there at Thanksgiving. I remember going to Mass at the Cathedral and also St. Francis Cabrini. We walked many times over to the zoo and amusement park - is it still there? My father passed away in 2000 - he would have loved to see your website.

Sylvia Rubin Margolius (mmargoli@nycap.rr.com)
September 20, 2007
City: Albany
State: NY

Comments: I have heard from 3 people since my posting Dec., 2005. It's an amazing step back in time. Some of my friends were Brenda Bolen, Don Bradford, Ralph Lampert. This is a great site.

I left in 1957 and have been back only twice. Had I stayed in Alexandria, I would have graduated from Bolton High in 1959. Fond memories of the Bruins and being a Bluebird!! I remember initiation day and having to wear my clothes inside out!! Such wonderful silliness! Ah....the good old days!

Kenneth Lee Kent Sr.
September 17, 2007
City: Marianna
State: Fl

Comments: Served active duty Air Force 1988-Base closure in Base Supply

Midge Moore Manning Jacobson
September 11, 2007
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA

Comments: Remembrances of friends at Parkview Baptist Church, Brame Elementary, Rosenthal, skating rink, drive-in movies, riding the city bus with Mama to Third Street, buying "Evening in Parish" perfume at Kress for my mother, bass fishing with my husband at Cotile Lake, parties at Valentine Lake..

Dr. Lanny G. Maddox, PhD
September 10, 2007
City: Nogal
State: New Mexico

Comments: What an absolutely great site to reminisce about growing up in Alexandria. Thanks so much for allowing us to share.

Richard Scott Walker (chillijack@gmail.com)
September 7, 2007
City: Chilliwack
State: BC, Canada

Comments: I recently discovered that my father was Capt. Richard B. Gajewski, who was stationed at Alex (and Bangor, Maine) during the 1950's...

I would like to find out any information about him and to see if he is still alive and well... If anybody has any information, please contact me...

Thanks - Rick

Christene Moreau
September 4, 2007
City: Pineville
State: LA

Comments: I am doing a photo study of places in Alexandria, mostly historical or of interest to me for memory reasons. I have a long list of places, subjects to capture. I am then going to paint them. I want to create a visual journey of Alexandria past and present.

Great photos, and some of these places I didn't even know about.

Eddie Brown
September 4, 2007
City: Richmond
State: Va

Comments: I visit here every now and then. It brings back many, many memories.

Graduated from Bolton 1948, and in last 5 years was back in contact with a few of my classmates. Missed our 50th reunion as I live some distance away now. Lived in Richmond, Va., since 1970, and our 3 children more or less grew up here.

Just this week re-connected with my first cousin who also grew up in Alex. Was a real joy!

Again, what a wonderful site, and I shall be back frequently.

Mary Kay Earp
September 2, 2007
City: Pineville
State: La.

Comments: I remember in the 50's the old courthouse was decorated so beautiful at Christmas. It wasn't really Christmas until they put up the church and all the decorations. Good memories!!

Richard Ringgold
August 31, 2007
City: Naples
State: FL

Comments: Dolby Elementry

Bill Tabor
August 31, 2007
City: Fayette City
State: PA

Comments: EAFB was my first duty assignment right out of Security Police training center at LAFB in Texas. I was only 17 years old when I first arrived at EAFB, the year was 1972, and I was a Law Enforcement Specialist. Time has passed so quickly, it sometimes feels as though I had never left EAFB.

I was assigned the night shift at EAFB, my duties were to work the Main or Cape gate to the base, and on occasion I would be assigned to the flightline area to act as a Security Specialist, or "Ramp Rat" as we called it. During my stay in Alexandria I met many wonderful people, and the city was very inviting to armed forces personnel. I can't say that I miss the watered down beer at the NCO Club though, as I would save my money for frequent visits to Baton Rouge during my days-off.

I've never returned to EAFB since my being discharged from the AF in the mid 70's, however, now that I have two children living within a 30 mile radius of where EAFB once was, it appears that I will see EAFB once again, and I'm most anxious to see how far the City of Alexandria has developed/ progressed over the years.

JERRY ROY
August 29, 2007
City: SAN ANTONIO
State: TEXAS

Comments: l'll never forget riding my bicycle to school. (Bush Ave or LS Rugg). Life was much simplier in those days. (the 1940's). The people have all scattered to parts unknown but the memories still remain.

Lloyd J. & Mary B. Lachney
August 26, 2007
City: Alexandria
State: LA

Comments: We certainly enjoyed looking at the pictures. Lloyd was born in 1922 and remembers much. Yes, it's all changing and sort of sad.

Phillip and Carroll Cunningham
August 25, 2007
C ity: Okeechobee
State: Florida

Comments: Station on England AFB from Nov 1960 to Mary 1967. Worked in the clothing sales store and redistrubtion and marketing yard in that time. dad 3 kids born during this time, one in the Baptist Hosp and 2 in the base hosp.

Patrick Newcomb
August 21, 2007
City: Pineville
State: LA

Comments: My father owned Newcomb's Pizza and I'm glad that some people remember the place. Every once in a while my Dad will make up a batch and we'll freeze it for a special event.

David Liner
August 21, 2007
City: Houma
State: LA.

Comments: A very nice retrospective of Alexandria and Louisiana history. I enjoyed it very much.

Gustavo Escobar P.
August 20, 2007
City: Medellín
State: Colombia, South America

Comments: I attended LSU College of Agriculture in Alexandria, which does not exist now. I remember Alexandria with affection. Beautiful place. Beautiful people.

Dave Curry
August 18, 2007
City: West Chester
State: Pennsylvania

Comments: We are considering Alexandria as a place to retire when that time comes. Seeing the retrospective makes me feel like this will be a place to be a part of in the future. Thanks for your memories that inspire the future.

Linda Smith Juneau
August 17, 2007
City: Oakdale
State: La.

Comments: I grew up in Echo About 40 miles south of Alex. I went to Poland High School.. I would love to hear from old classmates.. I do remember the KALB dance shows...LOL!

Courtney Atchison
August 16, 2007
City: Leander
State: TX

Comments: I was born and raised in Alexandria for nineteen years. I was married 5 years ago and have spent the last 4.5 years living in Texas.

My husband and I are now planning to move back. His family will be opening a new restaurant in a portion of the historic Masonic building. I don’t remember Alexandria as far back as you, but I do recall my mother telling me stories of when she worked at Weiss and Goldring. I also remember going to Ace Hardware with my father.

Things have changed in Alexandria over the last 24 years and I hope that they continue to change. I hope that the city will be reborn as many times as necessary to regain the excited bustle of a healthy city. I really liked your opening quote “neighbor seeing neighbor”, it describes a friendly city.

Alexandria and Pineville are still great parts of Central Louisiana where family and friends can join together to bring it back to better days.

Linda Kyle
August 13, 2007
City: Lafayette
State: LA

Comments: My mother was born and raised in Forest Hill. I always loved going to Alex. when visiting my grandparents in Forest Hill. Now with parents and grandparents no longer living I miss the regular 6 week trips to Forest Hill and Alex. If I had a preference I would live in Alex.

Joseph Baillio
August 10, 2007
City: New York
State: New York

Comments: I grew up in Alexandria. Members of the Baillio clan were among the first settlers of Natchitchoes and Rapides Parishes.

I lived a lot with my grapndparents, John Adolphus and Clarice Le Blanc Engstrom, first on Marye Street and then in a rather large house called the "Pecan Orchard" at Willow Glen on the road to Baton Rouge. It is now some kind of horrible truck stop (an absolute desacration of a property that was once a show place), but I have good photographs of it. My grandfather's store was located at 1407-09 Lee Street.

I remember most of the places you can see on this site. My old schools--St Frances Cabrini and Menard Memorial (class of 1962)--don't exist anymore (as I knew them).

My ancestors are buried in the Rapides and Greenwood cemeteries.

I still remember Alexandria with fondness, even though I left it in 1964. But when I was last there in 1999 for a Baillio Family reunion, I found that most places I knew had changed almost beyond recognition.

read more, and view a picture of Pecan Orchard

Nara Faye Brakefield Aycock
August 4, 2007
City: Pineville
State: LA

Comments: Loved your site. It brought back many pleasant memories.

Terry English
August 3, 2007
City: Florence
State: Alabama

Comments: Great site. Brings back many memories. I was stationed at England AFB in the 23rd Equipment MAintenance Squadron and retired there in March 1986. Lt Col William McCormick was the squadron commander. If anyone knows his present location please email me [terry35645@hotmail.com]. I am also looking for Jerry and Millie Hilton. He and I caught many many crapppie on Lake Kincaid and had some great fish fries ! Plan to return soon for a visit to Tunk's Restaurant and to check out some of the old hangouts (that may or may not exist now). Keep up the great work.

Dennis Bozeman
July 28, 2007
City: Dallas
State: TX

Comments: I've posted before but...I almost forgot the most memorable annual events in Alexandria. Remember Wellan's Christmas windows with all the animated characters? It seemed to go on for blocks! And the little church on the lawn at City Hall? I would still love to connect with some of my old friends from Pineville High (Class of 69) dabozeman1@yahoo.com

connie chapelle
July 26, 2007
City: turkey creek
State: la

Comments: We didn't live in Alexandria, but all of our important shopping and medicial attention was there. So many of the places I remember too.

Brian O'Neill
July 22, 2007
City: Morristown
State: NJ

Comments: What a charming site!

My father was stationed at England AFB from 1960 to 1964. He flew KB-50s with the 622nd Air Refueling Squadron. Our family lived the first year in Alex at #12 Circle Drive, and I went to 6th Grade at St. Francis Cabrini. Then we moved on to the Base and I went to 7th and 8th Grades at Prompt Succor. I did half a freshman year at Menard Memorial before we were transferred to Langley AFB in Virginia.

It was wild seeing Randy Ball's comments about the Burger Chef and his sister Linda. I remember both very well. Linda rode horses in the field behind our Circle Drive home, and I had one of my earliest crushes on her. We owned a couple of horses ourselves there, and I occasionally rode one of them with her. Buried somewhere in our family photo archives is a picture of her and one of her girlfriends sitting on horses standing by our backyard fence.

The Burger Chef pre-dated McDonald's in Alex, as I recall. I remember one day in 1960 right after we arrived when they actually sold hamburgers not for 15 cents but for a nickel!! It only happened once, as I recall.

Perhaps my strongest memories of Alex revolve around the culture shock I experienced moving there from suburban Long Island, New York, where we were living before. I spoke with a bit of a NY accent, and that really counted for something back then, as you might imagine. There was also something of a local vs. military kid tension in school, especially at Prompt Succor, but we all basically got along.

The old Menard Memorial H.S. School was an incredibly special place. I still remember how smart the Brothers of the Sacred Heart teachers were, and hearing about the Kennedy assassination over the P.A. in class one afternoon, whereupon we all went home.

I revisited Alex in the mid-80s. Much had changed, of course, but it was surprising how many things remained, especially the still-small-town-lost-in- the-center-of-Louisiana feelings it evoked. My life is richer for having experienced this remarkable town during the American "age of innocence" before the Vietnam War.

Judith Ann Lewis-Young
July 18, 2007
City: Perkins
State: OK

Comments: I have visited only time in January 2006 I went to meet my new found Lavalais cousins (met online in 2000)for 3 days had to return home quickly due to a eulogy I needed to perform. GENEALOGY is my love and I didn't get to research. I can't wait to return to the area that my ancesters were from Marksville, Hessmer Avoyelles Parish etc and to meet new Family members..

Tommy Scalfano
July 16, 2007
City: Orange
State: Texas

Comments: brought back some memories of when i was a child growing up there.

Deborah Wells Winstead
July 16, 2007
City: Crestview
State: Florida

Comments: I spent the first 27 years of my life in Alexandria, graduated from Menard, attended Cabrini during my elementary years. I moved to Florida when I married 20 years ago. I still visit Alexandria several times a year. Thanks for providing these memorie

Mike Robinson
July 15, 2007
City: Round Rock
State: Tx

Comments: Came across this just cruising the www. Lots of memories, like the old crusing route--McDonalds, Newcomes, Pizza Hut, back to McDonalds. Moved to Tioga in 1961, graduated in 1971, went on to LaTech and graduated from NLU. Retired Air Force now. I was in Tioga last year. Some things changed, but most stayed the same.

Karen Fielding RN,CBS
July 14, 2007
City: Burlington
State: Kentucky

Comments: What a wonderful site and even recognized a few names and places mentioned!

Husband was stationed at EAFB 1976-1980 and was a flight surgeon and Chief of Professional Services at the hospital. Our daughter Missy attended the base school, and the youngest Amie attended pre-school at a wonderful methodist church off base.

Although we didn't venture off base too much, I too, remember the north traffic circle. The first time on it, I must have circled at least 20 times! I have good memories of LSUA where I first started a nursing program; clinicals at Rapides General and VA (I recall one instructor Ms. Guidrey, going out for 'po-boys' and Granma's for crawfish.

I have always hoped that someday I could take a nostalgic visit to EAFB. Although changed from what it was, I remember it with warm memories.

Dennis McCullough
July 13, 2007 at 01:30:43
City: Lumberton

State: Texas

Comments: Lived in Alex. from '65 thru '73. Went to Brame and Bolton. Class of'71. Met my wife there in'72 and moved to Texas in '73. Lots of good times, friends and memories. Enjoyed your site. Thanks!

Earl Yeomans
July 5, 2007
City: Kenner
State: LA

Comments: felt like i was 17 again

Nancy Cagle McGinity
July 5, 2007
City: Lafayette
State: LA

Comments: My mother, Rosalyn Merritt, was a cheerleader at Bolton High, and my daddy, Bobby Cagle, graduated around 1938 from there, too. (Mama grad. about 6 years earlier). My grandmother worked at Wellan's and my grandfather at Guaranty Bank. I remember the zoo!

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