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Alexandria
Register Thank you for visiting the Alexandria Retrospective Web site. You can also 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! Acey O'Neal Comments: I attended West End Grammar and graduated from Bolton High. I worked at the Dairy Queens on Lee Street and City Park, and with my father at Chaptico Dairy. I also worked at the Post Office for a short period of time in 1969. Gary Lueders Comments: I have fond memories going downtown to see the Christmas lights and the magic windows of Schnack's Wellan's and others. I really enjoyed my trip back to Alex this past summer for our BHS Class of 58 reunion. Great to see the ole gang and remember the good ole days. Ken Cassola Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from March 1973 - Oct. 1974. My rank was Ssgt. I was assigned to the 23rd. OMS. Sq. I worked in the phase docks on the A7-D and A-37 Acft. Tom Williams Comments: I have great memories of growing up in Alex. You really couldn't have asked for a better place to be a kid. It was a safe place and the simple things brought so much joy. All the memories that the photos and the postings bring up are THE BEST! Dowell Bushnell Comments: Thanks! Vonita Green Comments: I have no ties to Alexandria except the enjoyment of the town as I traveled from Texas to Bogalusa, LA since 1996. I always enjoyed the sights of the town as I took detours through town each time I came through going to see my brother. Tracy Boudreaux Comments: I grew in Alex, attended grade school at St Rita's, jr high at Alexandria Jr High, then went to high school at Peabody and graduated in 1975. I was one of the first ones to integrate Peabody. I spent 20 years in the Air Force, but never got assigned to England AFB before it got shut down. Lots of changes through the years. Aurelene V. McGruder Comments: I remember downtown Alexandria had the Joy Theater and the Rex Theater which once showed the daring film,"Mondo Cane". The Paramount Theater was next to Peoples Shoe Store. On Lee Street was the "Ritz" Theater which showed 'race' films where comic actors like "Rochester Anderson" and "StepNFetchit" were leading men. Family-owned funeral parlors like Winnfield Funeral Home and Progressive Funeral Home were on lower Third street near what was then,"Peabody Negro School". Later it was Peabody Elementary as the high school and two Junior Highs were built: Jones Street Junior high, and Lincoln Road Junior High. We were customers of Wellan's department store. I was fitted with my first pair of shoes by a woman named Mrs.Gold. I got 'Buster Brown' shoes and the toy and balloon. We loved it when our mom would bring home the hot salted cashew nuts from the candy counter. We would drive to the end of Broadway where it connects to Lee street and see HerbieK's restaurant. Across from there was 'BunnyBread'.
I was born at the old 'Baptist Hospital' which is now Rapides Regional Medical Center. Our original family doctor was Dr. D.B. Barber. He left family practice to go into Geriatrics. He was replaced by Dr. Fern R.Spruill. Then there was Dr. Walter Cloud. Dr. Barber's office was on Washington street near the tv station. The other doctors were on MacArthur Drive.Our treat was to stop at McDonald's after the doctor visit. My parents are buried at the soldiers cemetery in Pineville. I graduated from Bolton High class of 1970. The last time I was in Alexandria was 2006 for my mother's funeral at TrueVineBaptist church on Broadway. Kathy Lanier Miller Comments: Thanks - I am leaving in the morning for Alex. and will see all those places and have wonderful memories. Kathy Janice Daniels Williams Comments: I was born in Alexandria at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in 1952. I moved to Los Angeles in 1969. I went to Peabody High thru the 11th grade. We lived on Solomon St. across from a church where we attended vacation bible school each summer. My friends were Irene Silas, Nicey Brown (deceased), Vera Jackson, Cynthia McClintock, Murry Brown (deceased). I also attended Silver City Elementary and Jones Street Jr. High. I have been home since 1990 when my grandma passed away but my mom goes each year.
Archie Voda Comments: Family lived on England Dr. from late 1940's to late 70's. Graduated Bolton High School in 1954 with best friend Howard Langston. Donzal McMain Langston Comments: I love to look at the old pictures and remember when. Thanks for making them available. I've lived in this area almost all my life. Michelle (mmarmande@yahoo.com) Comments: I am looking for anyone who would know anything about my grandfather Joe Waitz. He was a fireman killed in the line of duty in March 1937 at the Hotel Bentley. Jim Sandefur (optla@bellsouth.net)
December 17, 2008 Comments: I think the Pontiac dealer was Jamison before Turpin.(son Bobby Jamison was 58 Bolton grad). And the grocery/etc store on corner of Rapides and Chester was McInnis Grocery (son Russ was circa 59 Menard grad). Charlie Stu Smith (stu1@citlink.net) Comments: I am reregistering trying to maybe run across some really old friends. I lived in and around Alec from about 1935 [born there] graduated from Bolton in 1953 and left in about 1954, leaving to go to the Marines, then back in 1957, drank a little Jax beer at the Light House and across the street on the corner of Bolton Ave and Rapides Ave, then left for good. Many many fond memories of Rapides Parish!
Rebecca Gruener Comments: Your photos and comments triggered a lot of memories for me. I grew up in the Alexandria area during (I think) your era. But what about People's Shoe Store and the fascinating and oft-used x-ray machine? Bobby J Hogue (hab317@verizon.net) Comments: I am signing for my father Tsgt Bobby Hogue who retired from the USAF in 1975, stationed at England AFB, and resides there now in the Airpark community. I have visited him several times and tremendously enjoy looking around the base. He was in CE while stationed at England, and had a hand in opening the Hospital there. Thanks for this site! Robert Hogue Debra Matthies-Sussman (debram@discountramps.com) Comments: I love coming back to this site! I always scroll thru the registry looking for old friends. If anyone remembers me from the late 70's days at Kajun Korner - please email me. My nickname at the time was Mousie - given to me for my laugh back then. Man I did like to party in those days! Anyone else remember that place??? Remember the house band- Cowboy, Stan, & Brandy??? Sunday night gong shows, dance contests,the drinking till the sun came up??? Those sure were the days - where are you all???? Glynn Sharp Comments: graduated boyce high school - alex was going to "town" for us -- don, joy, and paramount.
Debra (Bynog) Smith (bynog57@yahoo.com) Comments: Looking for information on the Nursing Program at LSUA (early 1964-66). If any one has information I would love to hear from them. This is a wonderful site that you have developed and the photographs are excellent. Keep up the great work. Bill Groff Comments: I was stationed at EAFB four times from 1969 to 1991. I remember the mall being built and many of the downtown stores like Security moving to it. Thanks for some great pictures.
Ann Whitehead Comments: I left Ball/Pineville/Alexandria in 1963 at the age of 9, so I remember little of the city; however, I SO enjoyed the photos. It must have been Wellans Department Store that had the animated winter scene in its windows each year. I've told others about it and they look at me as if I'm nuts! What a memory, though. Thank you so much for sharing. O! and fireworks on the banks of the Red River. Aaahhh... Marion "Snooky" Givens Comments: Friends with Earl and Mike Tunney. I lived across Chester, on the curve to Roberts Street. Thanks for the memories. Ken Young Comments: 622nd arefs alexandria, la 1959-1962 in flight refueling operator. Dr. Lanny G. Maddox Comments: Thanks for a wonderful website. It brings back fond memories of my childhood. Timothy Day Comments: Best four years of my life were spent in Alex. Claiborne Ranger
Linda M. Peterson Comments: I really truly enjoyed viewing these precious memories of Alexandria. I was from Boyce, which I know you know where that is (smile). I was always looking forward to coming into town with my mother when I was a little girl to shop. All the old memories of Wellans, Weiss and Goldrings and the Kress buildings were a joy to see. I even remember when I was a little girl, at that time it was a Rex-all drug store on the corner of third street. The Wittle's toy store next to kroger's was always my favorite (being a kid you know). Thank you for this site and keep up the good work. Tom McDaniel (mcdaniel1951@comcast.net) Comments: I do miss the days I was in Alexandria and all the wonderful people I met there while in the AF. I was there from 1/71 until 8/72. Anyone out there remember me e-mail me. Thanks for the memories.
Glenda Jenkins (gpjenks2@aol.com) Comments: There was the Kings Drive Inn out here in Kingsville where the new Lowes is going up. However, does anyone know the name of the drive in on North Bolton? The old sign still there but no letters on it. Thanks. Jack P. Croom Comments: I am 89 years young. Alexandria was my home from 1924 to 1931.We lived on Rapides Avenue, across the Bayou Rapides at the end of Third Street, Lee Street and and near Gloriosos store on Gould Ave. Many good memories of Alec. I do plan a visit soon.
Jonathan (Jon) Harris Comments: L.S. Rugg Elem. School was previously named "Brame" for a Mr. Brame, a principal or school board member. It could well have been "Bush Elem" before that, situated on Bush Avenue. The "Hocus Pocus" sign (thanks to Mr. Sherman) was prominently seen in the movie "...of the Ya Ya Sisterhood." Robert Sanders Comments: Thanks, enjoyed the downtown pictures. Remember Saturdays from Wellans down to Weiss with a stop at Kress. Mike Myers (lafroggiebr "at" hotmail "dot" com) November 1, 2008 Baton Rouge, LA Comments: Class of Menard H.S. 1970. Wow, wonderful site! The memories of a simpler 50's and 60's life in Alex flood back! How can I make a financial contribution to support your wonderful work? Does anyone remember LaBorde's Rexall Drug Store on Lee at Texas? Would love to hear from old (or new!) friends!
Urias & Florence L. Hughes Comments: Trained in Camp Livingston in April,1945, and bought my wife Florence diamond at the jewelry store [on credit !] I was in Alexandria again in 1993 and got to visit Bentley & sneak into Livingston ... tough time, but great memories. God bless much. Terri Cox Comments: my family was stationed at england afb from england in the late 70's, and I have many fond memories. I used to work at the treasure island. I found this site quite by accident. alexandria is such a beautiful place, sad how time changes everything. Denise Richard Comments: Very interesting web site. It is fun to take a stroll back down memory lane. Walter Eickhoff
Comments: Thank you for this site. Seeing the pictures and reading the remembrances of others really brings back the times my family enjoyed in Alex. I especially remember the Saturday mornings at the Don Theater ... until TV took the viewership away. My dad was stationed at Ft. Polk and we lived at 604 13th St. My brother and I went to St. Francis Xavier school between '56 and '59 when we were transferred to Germany. I see all the places I used to go to as a kid, the Don on Saturday, Bolton Ave shops, and remembering the people I knew. Thanks for a great job in recreating a time that is long gone, but not forgotten. It's amazing, I remember more of what happened 50 years ago than I do of what happened yesterday! Again, thanks for the memories. Gene Campbell Comments: Grew up in Alexandria. Attended Central Grammar and Alexandria Jr. High. Went the Rex Theater for fifteen cents. Dad worked at Joe Rivets News Stand. George Wilson (giwilson@cox.net) Comments: I remember playing four square in the street on endless summer days. Playing hide and seek on bicycles at night. The boundaries were chester street, paris and alma. Also had great football games with david, bart, don, greg, ronnie and gene. Really had a perfect childhood. Was born in 59. Went to Rosenthal, AJH and Bolton. I also have many fond memories of Calvary Baptist church. Do they still put lights on the water tower in December? Charles Brady (cbbrady4@cox.net) Comments: I didn't realize how large Bolton High was until I recently passed and took some photos. I graduated there in 1961.
I think I recalled the lighted Stop sign on Vance, because when I walked to or from school I went up Chester St. In the morning there was a city Express Bus that cost a nickel that went down Chester just for students. Back then no school buses picked up inside the city limits. If you rode a school bus, you were country. I just read the old entry from Michele Godard of KALB-TV, asking for people's memories of her station... When my family moved from a temporary stay in Venezuela in 1954, I would come home from Huddle Grammar School on Texas Ave. and turn on our first television. It was a large console "Capehart" and the test pattern would be on until 4 p.m. when Pinky Lee and then Howdy Doody (or vice versa) would come on. Pinky Lee actually had a heart attack on the air once. The station went off the air at 10 p.m. after a movie from ACTION THEATER, which had Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" as its theme song. I think on Friday nights there was boxing that was sponsored by Gillette shaving products and Saturday nights had "Texas Rasslin'". That was the actual name of the program. Channel 5 was the only game in town. There was a local talent, Laverne Perry, who dressed in a black cowboy outfit and had a kids show or introduced movies. He later had a shoe and boot store between Texas Ave. and Hwy 71 near Monroe St. The sports was handled by a man whose last name was "Irwin" and he owned or worked at a sporting goods store on Bolton Ave. Mary Louise Baier Wier Comments: Was raised in Alex. on Bush Ave...tried to find a picture of the apt. but doesn't look right; we we were right across from the city pool and park! Went to Bush Ave. Elem., Aiken and Bolton '62 -- been thinking a lot about memories on Bush Ave and Prescott Rd! Met my husband at England AFB. Anyone remember the gravel pit swimming place outside town with the rolling telephone pole???? Linda Oliver Comments: I love this site! My grandparents lived on Jackson Street, and then moved to Paradise. I went to Cherokee Elem. Then when we move back I went to Tioga.
Eddie Brown (Brown727@gmail.com) Comments: Another great ride through the past. I lived in Alex from 1944-1951. Graduated from Bolton High in 1948, and have many fond memories of this great city! If there are any classmates from Bolton 1948, drop me a note. Ed di Guardia Comments: my mother Mary Pearl Pugh live at the home as a child until she married my father. They met at a USO dance, the rest is history... Glynn Sharp Comments: finished Boyce high school in 1953
Lillian Costa Sherman (gigi@vinomiami.com) Comments: I am moving back to alex Oct '08. My son Gus Olah is opening a new Hokus Pokus liquors location in Lake Charles, LA. this xmas, and i will be helping him in the Deli on the new location..I am so happy to go back home..Fla is nice to visit but my family and heart is in Louisiana. Ii would love to see old friends..please contact me thru hokus pokus or e-mail. See you all very soon..Lillian Mickie Myers Parr Comments: Just came across this site today, September 16,2008. It was 44 years ago today I skipped school at Providence to go see the Beatles in New Orleans. Boy, did they change my life! Sandra Darnall Poche' Comments: I loved Pineville High! We had some of the best people you'd ever want to know. My graduating class was 1964, and I also attended LC. Lots of water has run under the bridge since then, but when I start thinking about my life growing up ... that sweet little town, with Barron's store, the old Pineville bridge, Main Street..... I wish I could see all my old friends.
On of my best friends was Jeanie Goble, ie. Delores Jean Goble. I've tried many times to find her. If anyone knows anything about her, I would love to know. And thanks for this great web site!!! Russel Farrar (rujac@vermontel.net) Comments: I spent a few months stationed at England AFB during 1969-70. My best times were spent at Smitty's Garage and with Smitty's family. He had two daughters Thelma & Kathy; their Mom was a nurse. If you know of them, ask them to contact me. I have a few pictures kicking around of times down there and camping & fishing at Toledo Bend. Good people, good times... Nancy Reed Comments: Thanks for the tour. My grandson is almost ready to leave Red River Academy in LeCompte, so this weekend will be my last visit to Alexandria.. I have enjoyed each one, and will use your 'tour' as a guide to seeing some of the sights and memorabilia from years gone by. Linda N. Chenevert Comments: Came upon your site by accident and have enjoyed it so much. Graduated from Menard 1968. My father was Jimmie Normand, the BBQ owner. Many happy memories here. My mother is still going strong at 94 on Horseshoe Dr, still mows her own yard. I can't help but think how much she would enjoy this site, if she had a computer... Phil G. Giriodi Comments: Thanks for the memories. I was stationed at Alexandria AFB in 1952 thru 1954. Great little town with wonderfully warm and hospitable people. I almost married a very lovely young lady from there but fate had other plans. I went on to become a CBS Network News Photojournalist (Walter Cronkite News and "60 Minutes") and now retired. All the best and thanks again. Phil Lillian Costa Sherman (COSTA6370@COMCAST.NET) Comments: I MISS ALEX A LOT..WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM OLD FRIENDS. Wendy (Layman) Bischler Comments: I was born at the England AFB Hospital on June 24, 1963, while my father was training. I only lived there for 2 1/2 months. Danna Smith Comments: I lived in Pineville, across the river, from 1970 to 1979 ... we loved the area. I'm still trying to find the recipe for the salad dressing used on Crab Louie at the Plantation Manor. Dean McKay Comments: I have great memories of Alexandria ... and had a great time on this site! I grew up on Bush Ave and later E Texas Ave... went to Rugg (60s/70s), Brame(76), and Bolton (80)... I would walk to the Mall across the small farm where I think there is a Target now behind the Cabrini Church. Oh the fun times! Carolyn Drumm
Comments: I was born in 1941 in Alexandria's Baptist Hospital. I graduated from Bolton High School, and then Northwestern State College in Natchitoches. I was married in Alexandria and bore two children in Cabrini Hospital. These pictures bring back so many memories -- The city park swimming pool, Lazarones and Parkway Drive In. Drinking cherry nectars at Gravels Drugstore and at City Drugs after church at St. James. Things were so much simpler then. Thanks, you did a great job with the pics. Walter L. Cook Comments: Went to England AFB April 1955. Left to open Myrtle Beach AFB, Dec. 1956. Have good memories and friends from that period. Retired 1974, Edwards AFB, Ca. barbara parker yonke Comments: thanks for the memories. was a great time and place to grow up. samuel (sam) russell Comments: Lived in Alex/Pineville from 1939 till '54. Father, Sam Russell, built and owned Russell Lumber Yard by LC. Russell Court and Russells 5&10 by the old Star Theater. Old friends to find are Jimmy Dear and John Bessonette. My aunt was Erin Watson (teacher). Carolyn Robinson Wolf State: al Comments: I was born in Alex in 1935 at the Baptist Hospital. Went to Providence Academy. Married Marx Wolf from Alex. In laws were Theromae & Mokey Wolf. Related to the Wolfs of Wolfs Grocery. I have so many memories of Alex growing up. It was a busy railroad town. Karen Denise Gauthier Comments: Thanks for a wonderful site of Alexandria!!! James E. (Jim) Abbott (DrJim1940@aol.com) Comments: I attended Louisiana College from 1958 to 1962 and married an Alexandria native who was also a graduate of LC. Her mother, Mrs. E.S. Aiken, taught English at Bolton. My wife, daughter and I made many trips back to Alexandria over the years.
Some of my best memories are: curly french fries at a local restaurant; the Thunderbird Restaurant on MacArthur; the bowling lane near the traffic circle; shopping at Weiss's; visiting city park and the zoo with my daughter and in law's children; the dancing colored water site in Pineville at Christmas; driving into Alexandria at Christmas and seeing the lights on the water tower; the wonderful Baptist Hospital where I had the misfortune of staying for over a week due to a kidney infection as the result of a car accident my family had; homecoming at LC; playing in the band at LC and the pep rallies in downtown Alexandria; touring "The Town Talk" as part of a journalism class at LC in 1959. I was in Alexandria this summer while visiting a former college friend. Alexandria and Pineville will always be a part of my life. Thank you for this wonderful website. Marie V. Miller (pixelpassions@aol.com)
Comments: I am so relieved to read your wonderful comments of memories of Alex in the early years. Although I'm only middle aged, I've always thought I'd grown up in the wrong era. My husband and I moved to Florida a little over two years ago (because of a new job)...and now both of us miss home TERRIBLY! I pleasantly stumbled onto your website because I collect vintage linen postcards of Louisiana, especially of Alexandria. My maiden name is Vanderlick, so of course I miss the open air, rich soil, and friendly faces of Alex. Thanks for the wonderful website.... Lillian Costa Sherman (costa6370@comcast.net) Comments: I lived in Alex for 27 years, married to Steve Sherman...we had the Hokus Pokus Liquors, now passed to my son Gus Olah. I have also another daughter Gigi Olah. My Dad, Dr. Joseph Costa, was a pediatrician there for many wonderful years. My sister Lynn Sooter and my mother are still living there. I moved to Miami Beach, Florida, about four years ago after we retired and sold our home (4409 Wellington Blvd). I have not been back since but I am planning to go back before the year is over. I taught at ASH high school 30 years ago. If anybody remembers me, I would love to hear from you. Please write back, or drop me a note at 8415 Harding Ave, Apt. 1, Miami Beach, FL 33141-1212. I really would love to hear from some of the old friends. Regards and sunshine, Sharon Gorum (littlefootsdj@yahoo.com) Comments: My daddy collected bottles for several years before he died in 1976. I am interested in talking to anyone who might be interested in taking a look at his collection. We would like to get rid of them. John Comments: I was stationed at EAFB early 1970s. I worked in Life Support at that time. We trained VNAF pilots flying the A-37. I was there for approximately. 2 1/2 years. Karen Leopard McKnight (karenmcknight@bellsouth.net) Comments: Shirley Ross! I read your entry on the register....You were always such a nice person and I have fond memories of you at Brame and Bolton. Also, I recall that we re-connected some years later when I learned that you are related to the Hollingsworth's (my husband's friend is Henry). Hope you are doing well! Shirley Ross Ellisor Comments: I enjoyed this site thoroughly. I was born and raised in Alexandria. I went to grammar school at Cabrini for one year then OLPS till the 7th grade. Then off to Brame then Bolton THEN A.S.H. So, I hit about all of 'em! I fondly remember Mrs. Knobloch at OLPS as well as my third grade teacher Sister Chrysanthea. I'm a 1971 graduate of A.S.H. if anyone would like to correspond with me that I went to school with I would love to hear from you. I spent a good deal of time with Alexandria's famous Becky Wells when we were young girls. Nothing but fond childhood memories being raised in Hometown, America. Howard McCain Comments: I, my wife Carolyn and three children, Dennis, Bonney and James lived on Myrtlewood in Pineville from 1970 until 1978. We all have fond memories of those years. Ronnie Comments: Elizabeth Grigsby Reimer -- I lived at 2007 Thornton Court. I remember how we all knew we were sooo special ... We were!! Ronnie Linda Morris (lamorris@erols.com)
Comments: You can't imagine how much your having this website has meant to me. This past week or two, I have connected with a couple who were rearing their young children on Chester Street in the early to mid 1950's. He worked for my dad at the telephone company in Alex. With my dad's 100th birthday coming up tomorrow, the 4th of July, it just really blew me away. When Daddy was growing up in the Catahoula Parish area, he said that he always thought that everyone was having a special celebration because it was his birthday! I came along late in my parents' lives after WWII. The couple were responding to one of my earlier postings. Anyway, it was so nice to hear from someone who knew and worked with my dad. He died shortly before my 8th birthday and my mother passed away over 6 years ago. Anyway, I kind of feel that my dad has reached out to me from some former neighbors whe knew all of us on Chester St. during that time. Have a Happy 4th of July! Linda Henry Morris Kenneth Clark (kendelrio@hotmail.com) Comments: To the people asking about the Masonic Home -- I lived there for ten years and am current on what's happening. Feel free to email me at kendelrio @ hotmail . com Also, I can't find her, but I would like to apologize to Gretchen Miller, Bolton Class of 92. Editor's Note and Update in 2012:
Frank Norman Johnson (frankjohnson@cablelynx.com) Comments: Born in 1938 at LeCompte. Lived at Forest Hill. There was nothing like getting to go to "Alex" (as we all called it back then). Does anyone remember the large elementary school (West End I believe it was) on Bolton Av. approximately across the street from the A&P store?
Patty Moehle Isom (patisom@intergate.com) Comments: I so enjoyed your website, pictures and commentary. So many names came to mind as I read. The Talambas brothers, Spiro and Steve, were my next door neighbors from 1950-55. They shared comic books with me, the books they were learning their English from since they were from Greece. I remember their "Dairy Queen" type drive-in, our first taste of soft ice cream and malts. Later they had a family restaurant, the name of which I don't remember. I went to L.S. Rugg school through the 5th grade. My career is that of concert pianist and music and English professor. My first piano teacher lived in the neighborhood and then moved to McNutt Dr.: Margaret Anne Matthews. Her husband at the time was a radio broadcaster. My husband has been one for the 43 years of our married life in Fresno. My dad was the FBI SAC in Alec and we socialized with Chief of Police Riche, Chief of Detectives Bud Elliot, Detective Ellington, Charlie Wagner (sheriff, I think). I would not have found your website had I not come across a matchbook in my mom's sewing basket of the Bentley Hotel, manager Coleman J. Hudson (from the 50's). Thank you for your wonderful effort on this website. If any of the people I mentioned are still alive I sure would like to be in touch with them. |
