Alexandria Register
Volume 30

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!

Darleen Damico Hickman
June 29, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: Thank you for this wonderful site.  It brought back such wonderful childhood memories. My parents owned and operated Damico's Food Mart on Lee St. Extension. now Bingo World.

I was born in 1956 at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.

I grew up on Kathy Ann Street just a few blocks from Cabrini.  I graduated from St. Frances Cabrini School and Menard High School. After graduating from NSU I returned to Alex.

My husband and I still live and work in Alex.

Marie Baglio Broome
June 29, 2009
West Palm Beach, FL

Comments: My grandparents, Ida and Joe Piazza, owned a little grocery and liquor store on Rapides Avenue not far from Glorioso's store. I haven't been back for many years. Thank you for this website. It is truly an incredible walk down memory lane.

Cecile Normand Leotta
June 25, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments:    This was the best place to grow up.

I attended St. Frances Xavier, Providence (1960 graduate) and went to college at Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio, Texas.

I returned to Alexandria in 1972 and have stayed.  After listening to me and my family all these years, my son, who grew up here, wishes he could have experienced all the great things we did.  We were truly blessed!

Jeanie Carbo Irons
June 23, 2009
Pollock, LA

Comments: I also lived in Alex. during these times and remember those places fondly. Your Dad sold insurance to my parents and I remember him coming to our house.

I am passing this web site along to my brother in Lafayette and my sister in Baton Rouge.  Thanks for the memories.

Randy Bowen
June 22, 2009
Lafayette, La.

Comments: Born in Alex in 1948. Remember it well.

J. Bagwell
June 20, 2009
Winnfield, LA

Comments: Love, love, LOVE the site.  I was born and raised up the road in Winnfield, and trips to Alexandria were an exciting feature of my childhood.  My husband and I moved to Alex for awhile, and I am not ashamed to say it was exciting and fun place to live (small town girl!) 

Thanks for the gorgeous pictures and for sharing your memories.

David Coco (David.Coco@hphood.com)
June 18, 2009
Winchester Va.

Comments: Hi - I've signed before, but the comments about the Air Force base made me remember something that may not have been mentioned before.  I remember as a young boy, in the 50's and 60's, having the glass window panes rattling because of the new thing that was happening, something called "sonic booms."  The jet aircraft from the base were breaking the sound barrier, and it was a novel noise at the time in Alexandria.  Best to all...live in Virginia but miss the true south. 

Katy Majestic Scherr
June 17, 2009
Reno, NV

Comments: Lived in Alex from 1972-1987 and still tell stories about growing up in the South. 

What an amazing place with many memories of lifelong family friends.

Wish Reno wasn't so far away to show my kids the history and people.

Ed Jones (Av8shunbuf@aol.com)
June 11, 2009
Chandler, AZ

Comments: Wow....nice site!

I was stationed at EAFB from March 1982 to March 1989 with the 76th CMU, and special duty with Correctional Custody. Many fond memories of cruising Jackson St. and working many hours as a part-timer at the MacArthur Drive Exxon. Al Rapouli and Darty Smith, if you guys read this, I'm thinking about you!

Great times, great place!

Ed Jones
USAF Retired
Chandler, Az
Av8shunbuf@aol.com

Sandra Pinckert
June 9, 2009
Shanghai, China

Comments: Great memories...I was born and raised in Lecompte and now live in Shanghai, China.

Janelle Bordelon
June 8, 2009
Jacksonville, Florida

Comments: Born in Alexandria in 1962. Grad, 1980, Tioga High School. Joined the Navy in 1981. Have been home a lot over the years. It was fun looking at all the pictures.

The first movie I ever went to alone was at the Don Theater.

Thanks

Kathy Bowling
June 8, 2009
Virginia Beach, VA

Comments: I signed the register a couple or years ago but I love going  back looking at it whenever I have time.

I was born & lived in Alexandria the first 18years of my life (St Francis Xavier, Providence & LSU-A) and I share a lot of the memories that are posted  here. After a move to N.O. I married a soldier and shortly after that came to Virginia. I did come back to Alexandria for one year to live when he was sent to Vietnam. My older son was born in the hospital at England AF Base in 1966.

He was baptized at the Cathedral, where I had been baptized years earlier.

We came back to Va. in 1967 and I have been here ever since. I love Va: the climate, the history, the people, the ocean, my home, my church & my friends...this is home.

But in Alexandria I got my foundation for life, my education and all those 50's and early 60's memories. I've been trying to persuade my younger son (whose education is in historical preservation) into a visit with me back to Alex. I want him to see it before every old place is gone, especially the Cathedral property and the Bentley.

Dale Genius (lahistorymuseum@aol.com)
June 5, 2009
City: Alexandria, Louisiana

Comments: I would like to connect with some of my friends from my school days in Alexandria. Most of them moved away from here after they completed high school or college. Drop me a line and we can talk about the past.

Lynn Rowe
June 2, 2009
Tampa, Florida

Comments: Thanks for the pictures.  I was assigned to the 23rd TAC ATH; was a RN with the hospital squadron.  I have no pictures from that time due to a house fire.  I enjoyed the pictures. 

The base had a newspaper and pictures of the hospital appeared from time to time, including our training exercises for setting up the field hospitals.  It was a great base.

I have fond memories of the Alexandria/Pineville area and especially of EAFB. 

Anna Bruno Adams
May 30, 2009
Alabama

Comments: I really enjoyed this site. It brought back so many warm and wonderful memories of home. I still have family there, and try to go back as often as I can.

Kareen (Percy) Ramsey
May 30, 2009
Tulsa, OK

Comments: Thanks for the memories - great old pix. I went to Prompt Succor, then Sacred Heart in Pineville, and high school at Providence.  My brother and sisters went to old Menard and new Menard. My brother and I and the rest of the neighborhood kids would walk or ride bikes to the Don on Sat. mornings for the shows. I visit twice a year now - sure has changed.

Robert L. Ward (rward.pe@cox.net)
May 28, 2009
Fountain Hills, AZ

Comments: I was an F-100 pilot with the 612th Tactical Fighter Squadron stationed at Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam during 1970.  In late September 1970, our wing, I believe it was the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, was transferred to England AFB.

We flew our F-100s across the Pacific, with overnight stops at Guam, Hawaii, and Cannon AFB in New Mexico.  On the 4th day we flew into England AFB.

Once at England, I was assigned to the 68th TFS, still flying the F-100.  The F-100s were phased out a few years later and replaced by the A-7.

At that time I was re-assigned to the 6th Special Operations Training Squadron, as an A37 instructor pilot for South Vietnamese student pilots.

I left the Air Force in Dec 1974 and moved to Arizona where I have since worked as a professional civil engineer.

I was on Google Earth today trying to find the old Claiborne gunnery range, but was unable to find any visual evidence of where it was.

Dave Curry
May 25, 2009
West Chester, PA

Comments: I may be northern born and northern bred, but by the grace of God, I'll be southern dead.  We hope to retire and move to Alexandria in 2010.  Thanks for the memories of the place that will be home.  I cherish your memories about places I never knew.

Georgia 
May 24, 2009
Raleigh, NC

Comments: I did not see anything about the Frank Valotti Grocery and Meat Market, the Red Front Bar nor Hokus-Pokus.

How about these places?

Thank for the memories

Charles P Briggs SSgt. Ret.
May 24, 2009
Hampton,VA

Comments: Got to EAFB in March 80. Worked as crew chief A-7, A-10 in 76 AMU. Went to Nellis in Oct 83. to work F-117. If I had a chance I would go back to Alexandria.

Larry Newcome (newcome@cox.net)
May 24, 2009
Washington, DC

Comments: I noticed two names on your register that rang a bell.  Debby Horton was a fellow 6th grader in the once-a-week GT class held at Horseshoe Elementary; I recall the day her father was lost in a KB-50 crash in 1962.  I was also a classmate of Paula Spera Burton's father, Charlie, at Aiken Elementary, whose great-uncle (?) served as the crossing guard for the school.  Until he moved to SF after 5th grade, one of our classmates was Bruce England (along with his younger brother and sister), son of Lt Col John England, for whom the air base was named.

We lived in Alex from 1954 to 1963, first on Asber St, around the corner from the St Francis Cabrini CYO, then two blocks away on Linda Lee Lane, a short walk down Bacon St (then a dirt road) to Masonic Drive.  I attended 1st through 6th grades at Aiken (Mr Ford, Principal) and 7th at Alex Junior High (Mr Nichols, Principal).  I spent my summer days riding my bike through Bringhurst Park, from the branch library at one end, by the swings, golf course, zoo, amusement park, and pool to the baseball fields near the SFC Hospital at the other end, where I played Civitan League baseball.  With my windows open in the summer, I would wake up hearing the lions roaring as the sun rose.

We would celebrate the school play at the end of each school year by stopping by one of the A&Ws (Bolton Ave or Bypass).  Sunday wasn't Sunday without a dozen donuts from Shipleys ($0.60 with a 13th one thrown in).  Something great was always showing at the Don, Joy, Paramount, or Rex theaters.

When The Horse Soldiers was being filmed out from town, I recall watching the buses with the dust-covered actors (John Wayne and William Holden among them) and crew pulling up to the Hotel Bentley at night.

EAFB always hosted a great air show every May; Capt Bond was the local stunt pilot.  It wasn't Christmas until Wellans set up its annual window display with everything in motion.

Alex in the 1950s was a great place in which to grow up.

Scott Stevens
May 19, 2009
Lake Charles, LA.

Comments: My Mom and GrandMother lived on St.Anne & 5th Ave and was the last house to be moved for the Womens and Childrens Hospital. We would visit until 1991 but the 70's is what I remember the most of that view from my Grandmother's front porch facing the Bell Tower of St Xavier's where I was Baptized and Mom got married too! 

Barbara B. Louviere
May 13, 2009
Woodworth, Louisiana

Comments: I enjoyed this so much.  I also attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor School in the 1950's, as did my children in the 70's and 80's.  I then graduated from Menard in 1968.

Alexandria was a great place to grow up, but sad to say, it has changed a lot through the years.  I wish we could go back to those good old days and relive every moment.  Sometimes, I'll drive through the old neighborhoods and remember the sights, sounds, and smells and I dream of a place that use to be, and I remember what life was like before it all changed. 

Thanks for the great memories!

April Walker
May 13, 2009
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Comments: I enjoyed reading your memories of Alex/Pineville so much. My parents live in Pineville on Berry Street. My mother's Father, TJ Kimball, worked for the Post Office. Thanks again for the Retrospective.

Marlene Tullier Willimann (marlene.willimann@cardinalhealth.com)
May 11, 2009
Katy, Texas

Albert Hutcheson  (Hutch) (weshutcheson@hotmail.com)
May 9, 2009
Old Hickory, TN

Comments: Stationed at EAFB from 1962 to 1964 working on KB-50 tankers-in-flight refueling systems. I have very fond memories of Alexandria. I made a lot of friends at the roller rink. I would love to make contact with them ... Kathy Kidd, Gail Kidd and Gail Simmons.

Gayle O'Brien
May 8, 2009
Pennington, NJ

Comments: I was born at St. Francis Cabrini in 1958. Lived in Alexandria until I was 5 years old when my parents moved to Opelousas.

Stephen L. McClendon
May 7, 2009
Friendswood, Texas

Comments: Father's hometown

James Wismer
May 4, 2009
Ragley La

Comments: Stationed at Alexandria Air Base 1953, married Claire Plauche 1954, now live in Ragley La

Ben Reppond
May 3, 2009
Seattle, WA

Comments: Moved away from Pineville in 1963.  Fond memories growing up in the 50's in Pineville.

Paul Johnson
April 27, 2009
Farmington, NM

Comments: I am an ASH graduate, class of 1989, and have enjoyed reading through all the comments on this web-site.  I found this site by accident and what a find.

I actually grew up in Lecompte but we moved to Alexandria in 1987 when I was 15.  I remember going to the Mall and tossing pennyies into fountain in front of Wellan's and Weiss and Goldring, the old mall movie theater next to JC Penney, the smell of Holsum Bakery driving down south MacArthur and my first time to actually DRIVE the south traffic circle!

I had forgotten so many things about my upbringing in Alexandria.  My family is still there and I visit a few times a year and am amazed at how things have changed.  I spent many nights at the Bayview and the Cotton Gin, those were the places to go in the early 90's.  I left Alexandria in 1994 for Monroe and haven't lived there since.

My career has taken me to many places but I still refer to Alexandria as my home.

Paul Delacroix
April 26, 2009
Alexandria, La.

Comments: bringhurst field
gould ave
alexandria town talk
paramount theatre
camp beauregard
the silver moon
st francis cathedral
menard memorial high school
kaplans men store
hotel bentley
19-16th st.

David Roll
April 26, 2009
Ellsworth AFB, SD

Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 1981-83. I worked at the base hospital in the Non-Flying Physical Exams section, then in the Emergency Room. My wife, Bobbie, was a nurse up on the medical floor. I enjoyed fishing at Lake Cotile, the great Chinese food at the Mandarian House and the get-togethers with the hospital personnel. I remember hanging out at a gas station outside the gate that had a make-shift bar in the back.

Sgt Steve Redford
April 25, 2009
City: Las Vegas, NV

Comments: Man, what a place.  England AFB was my first duty station with the USAF.  I was stationed there from 85 to 89.  I remember cruising Jackson Street on Friday nights in my buddy's '54 Chevy.  Or another buddy's '80 Mustang GT.  We used to go to places like the Bayview Yacht Club, or the Cotton Gin.  Or Indian Creek for water skiing.  Crawfish boils and etouffe's.  Jambalyas and gumbos.  Boudin & andouilles. Man, that's the best food in the world.  Tunk's was my first experience eating alligator.  It tasted pretty good. 

The people of Alec & Pineville are the salt of the earth.  I'll hopefully return one day with my family, and show them the old stompin' grounds, and introduce them to some of the kindest folks they're ever going to meet.

Comments: Greetings - Very nice website and such a gift to future generations. I wish you all the best as your website grows and grows.

I would like to ask if there are any pictures or memories of the Ritz theater on Lee and 3rd street. Thanks, Joe

Joe Fleming
April 21, 2009
Coldspring, TX

Comments: man where can i start. born there, loved all of my life there. how about howard brothers?

Or when the Jackson Street overpass opened - was the first one across with my mother.

now that was a great one, or when the coffee company burned down by rapides hospital i was there too. but i guess the best time i had in my child hood was baseball and jackson street crusing on friday nights and ice age was a hit, or boat races at fort Buhlow lake and of course parties at twin bridges. those were the years

Angel Guaderrama
April 21, 2009
Walnut, CA

Comments: I was at England from 1965 to 1968; my time at England helped me grow up and understand a lot of the stuff in life.  Thanks for the memories, E4 Guaderrama

Jim Rodgers
April 19, 2009
New Braunfels, TX.

Comments: I had a grandma who lived in another town just below y'all -- Glenmora. And I have a brother who was stationed at England Air Force Base some years ago.

Sue Womack
April 13, 2009
Iola, Texas

Comments: I am almost 60 now and still have a vivid memory of walking across the bridge from Pineville to Alec, as we called it, when I was eight years old to go to the Saturday movie theater downtown.

James A. Coe
April 13, 2009
Dothan, AL

Comments: I was in 366th or 401st A&E Maintenance from 1957 - 1959, we had F-84s then got F-100Ds and 100Fs. Our daughter was born in St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Oct, 1957!

Mary N. Pantalion Sharp
April 10, 2009
San Jose, Calif.

Comments: I was born and raised in Alexandria. I went to Saint James Catholic School, Jones Street Middle School and I finished high school at Peabody Senior High School. I left Alexandria in 1983, I really miss back home. I hope one day to return for a visit, I'm sure it has changed a lot. Just looking at these pictures brings back a lot of memories.

Patricia Byrd 
April 8, 2009
Jonesboro , LA

Michael W. Mcginnis 
April 5, 2009
Metairie, LA

Comments: My dad's side of the family were from the Alexandria area.  My grandmother worked at Wellan's Department Store on Third Street. 

Too bad it's gone. Mr. Wellan gave Christmas bonuses which my grandmother hid for years from my grandfather, and one day she used it to surprise him with the down payment for their home.

Susan Geiger Foster
April 3, 2009
Newmarket NH

Comments: Thanks for the nostalgic trip back.

Joel Stevison
April 1, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: Local history abounds.  Wish you were here to tour my students around the downtown.  Thanks for the pics and history.

Allie Jackson (nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com)
March 29, 2009
Chicago, Il

Comments: I love this site. This and Ancestry. com has lead me to my family. I am coming to Alexandria in the fall. I just hope I can find the DeLarues and Wades also. Anyone know of them, drop me an email.

J.T. Rougeou (jtrnet@windsteam.net)
March 26, 2009
Sautee, Georgia

Comments: (Read posting by  Susan Gremillion West) Susan, are you the same Susan Gremillion that attended St. Francis Cabrini in the late 40's, early 50's. If so, you went on to Providence HS. I went to Bolton. If so, I think we went to my first dance together, after a Cabrini-Prompt Succor football game.

J.T.

Vickie and Eloise Crowe
March 26, 2009
Denham Springs, LA

Comments: We remember Fuzzy's Drive Inn and our favorite waiter was "Shorty". We never have found as delicious a barbque sandwich and curly-ques.

We went to Emmanuel Baptist Church and loved Sam Reeves as pastor and Don Riddle as music director as well as other church staff. After church Sun mornings we enjoyed the Holiday Inn buffet...still a great memory. As children we frequented the park, zoo, and city pool. Also enjoyed the Pineville city pool and picnics at Fort Buhlow Mom and I both graduated from Bolton. Alexandria was a great place to grow up

Susan Gremillion West
March 23, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: I moved back to Alexandria almost 4 years ago from California.  While I was there, this site was most precious to me as a connection to home.  I've noticed many similar memories that people have posted - one being the Ethma Odum Show (which my father was on as manager of the local IRS office).  Sadly, she passed away this weekend.  But I see she is a part of many memories that will last forever.  Sleep with the angels, Mrs. Odum.

Michael Long
March 23, 2009
Ardmore, OK

Comments: Thoroughly enjoyed this trip down memory lane.  Made me remember so many other places that have faded in the past.  Remember Hopper's Drive In, Showtown Drive In East and West.

Also the Fleur de Lis Motel, Leroys Restaurant and Lounge, Fuzzy's Drive In, Lazerones Drive In, Walker Farms Dairy, The Paramount Theatre, The wonderful animated Christmas window displays at Wellans, Burger Chef (the 1st fast food burger joint in town with their .15 burgers), Bowlero, and many many more.

Those really were the "good ole days".

Sgt. Dwayne Lang (dwaynelang5@gmail.com)
March 15, 2009
Jackson, MS

Comments: I was a member of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, 76th Strike Fighter Squadron, 76th Combat Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 1985 -1989. I served under the command of Lt. Colonel James Jameson. Participated in Gunsmoke when we won the Daedalian Award as the best A10A Fighter Wing in the world.

Also participated in Long Rifle Competition, George AFB, Ca. Red Flag Competition,  Nellis AFB, Las Vegas NV. Forward Operating Location Mobility Exercise with Navy Seal unit at Barbers Point NAS, Oauhu, HW. Operation Cornet Fox with the German Armed Forces, Leck AFB, Leck, Germany.

I do appreciate the support the people of Alexandria gave to our Wing and our mission to protect their freedom at all cost. The people of Pineville-Alexandria made us all feel at home. A special thanks to the good people of Pineville Baptist Church that several of our pilots and support personnel were a member of. All the prayers for us when we left the area to go into the four corners of the world to protect our freedoms. They treated us like family also. Thank you very much for the support and prayers you gave us. I enjoyed my time in the Alexandria-Pineville area mainly because of the wonderful, supportive and appreciative people of the area.

Thank you Alexandria.

Karen Gauthier (kdgauthier@yahoo.com)
March 13, 2009
Alexandria, Louisiana

Comments: I am looking for an old friend:  Shirley Williams, or her sisters Jamie, Jeanette, Anita or Velma if they happen upon this website.

Ronald Chatelain
March 12, 2009
Baton Rouge, La

Comments: I have fond memories of KALB Radio as a child in the middle 40's to middle 50's.  How can I ever forget Antie Philless and her stories at 5:50 to 5:30 pm every day.  Also Big John and Sparkie were my favorites.  Sure wish KALB was still there.

Mary Ellen M
March 8, 2009
Texas

Comments: My father, Matthew, was stationed at the Air Force base from 53-57. We lived on Rainbo Dr. in Pineville. My brother, Timothy, was born in Alexandria - at Cabrini Hospital, I think. 

His godparents' last name was Lucas. I remember the Bordelon family as friends of the family. I know that is a common name. This family either owned or operated a gas station - perhaps an Esso, but I don't know for sure.  I attended Sacred Heart grade school.  My last teacher there was Sr. Mary Gracia, MHS.  I seem to also remember a Mrs. Rice as a teacher in one of the other years.  I remember a friend named Patricia La Prairie (sp?) from school.

I belonged to a Brownie troop sponsored by the school.  My mother was involved with the Girl Scouts.  Just about every weekend the family would go to Borden's and get 5-cent ice cream cones.  My father would also take me to a toy store - name unknown. Often we just looked at toys. I hope that life has been kind to anybody I knew during those days!

Sarah G. Nadeau aka Peggy Girard
March 4, 2009
Shreveport, LA

M. Bourne
March 3, 2009
Los Angeles, CA

Comments: I don't think I will ever see another summer like the summer of '77 in Alexandria, Louisiana. What a great town and what great folks. Gained a lot of "wisdomisms" that summer and I will always think fondly of the town and the people. What a special place.

Julie (McGough) Brendmoen (julie.brendmoen@scds.org)
March 3, 2009
Santa Rosa California

Comments: My name is Julie Brendmoen.  My maiden name is McGough.  My dad was Alfred Eugene Mcgough.  He grew up in Alexandria.  His mothers name was Mary Kate (Ford) McGough.  I will be traveling to LA in August to place flowers on my fathers grave.  Does anyone remember him?  I would love to get some stories about him for our family album.  He died when I was young.  I know his nick name was 'apple' and that he had a brother named Leo.  I would loved to know so much more.  Does anyone know of his childhood address?   Thank you in advance!   Julie   

Matthew Gordon
March 3, 2009
Pueblo, CO

Comments: I remember much of my home town, but I must say that the picture of Noah's Potato Chips really hit home. 

My grandparents worked there for many many years and I remember my grandmother bringing home fresh chips and then letting us put the barbque powder on ourselves.

Harold Borchert
March 2, 2009
Flintstone, Ga

Comments: At Beauregard in fall of 1940, Michigan Natl Guard, attended First Presbyterian Church, worked w/Dr. John Richardson there, married Lois Wilson of Yale Street. Now retired Presbyterian minister. Ex-missionaries to Japan.

Tracey (West) White
March 2, 2009
Ocean Springs, MS

Comments: Loved the pictures - Brought back some great memories - It was a simpler life in the 70's.  After "running" the roads of Jackson Street and Twin Bridges graduated from ASH in 77', left Alexandria in 86' but go back a few times each year to visit family.

Flew in recently and it felt a little strange riding thru the ole Airbase, my Dad help to build the golf course in the mid 50's.  Keep up the good work.

Bob and Mary Holm
February 24, 2009
Columbus, Ohio

Comments: We lived in Alexandria from 1960 to 1963 at 2219 Vance Avenue. Bob was an officer in the 401st Air Police Squadron at England AFB. We had been married for a month when we arrived, so we have special memories of Alexandria and our early married life, and the birth of our first son.

Mike Ellzey (mwellzey@earthlink.net)
February 23, 2009
Tucson, Arizona

Comments: I grew up in Alex in the 1940's and 1950's when life was simple and you didn't need to lock your door. I attended Rosenthal, AJH and Bolton High.  I would like to get in touch with my friends from my school days.  I have been married for 37 years and have two children.  I sold my Electronics company two years ago and retired.

I have such great memories of fishing at Prather Lake, going to Fuzzy's and Lazarone's, going to the Southern Club and the Pelican Club.  Saturday morning shows at the Don Theater cost 15 cents.

My brother Steve lives in Pollock and Randy lives in Miami, Florida. I fly into AEX several times a year and drive to Natchez, MS to visit my aunt and uncle.

I would like to hear from any of my friends from my time in Alexandria, and you can reach me at mwellzey@earthlink.net.  

Jeffrey Littrell
February 23, 2009
Cedar Hill, Missouri

Comments: First assignment from 1975 to 1979

Nicholas M Williams
February 22, 2009
Lancaster, California

Comments: I was stationed at England from Aug 1962 to Aug 1964, with the 401st TFW. I have many memories of Alexandria, mostly good, some sad; it is a very special place in my heart.

Allie Jackson (nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com)
February 20, 2009
Chicago, Il

Comments: I am coming to Alexandria in the fall. Anyone who is or knows of the Lockwood/Delarue/Wades,email me at arj1961@sbcglobal.net My mom was born there in 1940. Her grandmother had a house on Overton St.

Jeanne (Delrie) Anderson
February 19, 2009
Orrville, Alabama

Comments: Enjoyed viewing the pictures and reliving the past of Alex.

Debra (Sussman) Matthies (debram@discountramps.com)
February 19, 2009
West Bend, Wisconsin

Comments: Looking for old friends from Cajun Korner days. My nickname in those days was  Mousie. Remember me? Get in touch!

Johnny Hurd
February 18, 2009
Newport News, Va

Comments: I grew up in Alexandria in the 1940's and the 1950's. I lived in Samtown and this year my wife and I are planning a trip back to Alexandria. I moved away when I was 13, and I miss the place and would like to see what it looks like after all these years.

meline hollie (crawley) camp
February 15, 2009
Pineville La

Comments: Thanks for the walk down memory lane. My mother has some pictures like these.

Allie Jackson
February 15, 2009
Chicago, Il

Comments: My mom and grandmother are from Alexandria. I have never been there. But thanks to this site and ancestry.com, I will be coming there for the first time in October. I have found some family that I have been looking for. I am from the Lockwood/Delarue/Wade clan. See you soon Alexandria. AJ

James E Downs (fourj1@bellsouth.net)
February 13, 2009
Meridian MS

Comments: I worked in sq. supply 1969 to 1973. First air planes A37 trainer, F100 super saber, A7 flying tigers. Please write if you want to

Peggy Roblow Baillio
February 12, 2009
Albuquerque,New Mexico

Comments: I attended Providence High School and graduated in 1966.

I also lived at Saint Joseph's across the street from Cabrini. I have lots of good memories as a teenager. I have lived in Albuquerque NM since 1967 and am married to Jack Baillio who graduated the same year (1966 Menard).

We attended the 20 year reunion and kind of lost contact after that.We visit Alexandria occasionally and it really looks different.

Linda Gallien Kirby
February 11, 2009
Lafayette, Louisiana

Comments: Thank you!  This brought back so many memories.  I loved the downtown area, Wellan's, Weiss & Goldrings;  all of it. I left Alexandria initially back in the 60's and moved back once.  Alexandria will always be home to me.  My parents lived in one placed for over 60 years in Alexandria.

Jennifer Jill (Kimbrell) Alexander (appy23@aol.com)
February 10, 2009
City: Katy, Texas

Comments: My mother was Gayle Ann Bordelon and her mother was Nina Lemoine and father was Alphonse Bordelon. She was from a large family that lived near the original St. Rita's church for years.  My mother married Carl Horace Kimbrell. My mother passed away in May of 2007. They never left Alexandria.

If you have any stories you would like to share about her or her brothers and sisters please email me at appy23@aol.com I would love to add these to a scrapbook I plan to give my two daughters who did not get to know my mother and who are too young to remember her.  She often talked about the landmarks and said she once worked at Reed and Bell or dated someone that worked there. She was born in 1947 and also attended Bolton High.

Clara Claud Gantt (bcgantt@bellsouth.net)
February 8, 2009
City: Columbia,SC

Comments: I would love to hear from anyone in Alexandria and maybe renew old friendships. I lived on Edward Avenue from 1955-1960. I married a wonderful man from England AFB and we left Alex. in 1963. My parents moved from there and went to Bossier City, La. I have been back to Alex. only 2 times, but still call it home.

Michael Bell
February 5, 2009
Shreveport , LA

Comments: I just came across this site, and much of what I read brought back a flood of memories. I went to Arcadia grammar school the year it opened.  We moved and I went to Rugg, and Huddle, for a year each. Then I went to JB Nachman the first two years it was opened.  My grandfather owned Basco's barber shop on bolton in the 60's and early seventies.  I still have some family in the area, but I don't get down their often. Growing up by the city park, and behind the coliseum left me with some very fond memories. I never missed "A Visit with Santa" and his magic spyglass.

Nancy Mouliere Gremillion
February 3, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: Growing up in Alexandria was a wonderful life.

Such memories... Rosenthal, Brame (still there), Bolton High School (such a beautiful school with such deep wonderful memories!)

I feel very lucky to still live in my hometown.  Would love to see some of my old classmates again.

Barbara Love
February 3, 2009
Nashville TN

Comments: We lived in Alexandria 1970-1972 and loved the small, hometown feeling. We made wonderful friends. Sadly we've lost contact with most of them.

Carl T Harris
February 3, 2009
West Point, MS

Comments: Stationed at England AFB fro 1966 to 1970. Enjoyed every moment.

Karen Leopard McKnight
February 1, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: I enjoy reading everyone's fond memories of my home town!  One memory I haven't read about is the CAT (CENLA ASSOCIATION OF TEENS) dances on Saturday nights run by Bobby Michiels and his wife....it was on Highway 1 North and before the dances was Merten's Roller Rink (where I spent many a Friday night). I had an ID card with my photo on it stating that I was a member of the CAT club.  My dad nearly had a fit when he saw the card as he didn't know what CAT stood for.....lol!

Karen Gauthier (kdgauthier@yahoo.com)
January 31, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: I grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, along with my siblings:  Pamala Renee Gauthier, Irby "Joey" Gauthier, David A Gauthier and Gwen Gauthier.  I've attended Huddle Elementary, Horseshoe Elementary, AJH, Bolton and LSUA.  I live in Alexandria today.  I remember growing up on Texas Avenue, with my cousins "The Kirby Moras" family next door.  We would collect old coke bottles to take to Betars grocery (a small neighborhood corner store) to trade for candy/coke.  We would ride our bikes from sun up to sun down, down Levin Street, where my great-grandmother lived.  That is before the Alexandria Mall was built.

We use to go to the drive-in theatre on MacArthur drive when I was little, the billboards they use to play the movies on are still there, but they are all overgrown with vines, etc.  It is pretty neat to look over and still see them there.  We use to drive up in our car, with a large paper sack of popcorn, and a pitcher of koolaid.  Now we go to the Grand Theatre and spend more money in one day than we would for months.

So many things have changed.   Please write to me via my e-mail address if you know my family. 

Thank you
Karen

David Fleming (david.fleming1@ntlworld.com)
January 31, 2009
Cambridge,England

Comments: I live in Cambridge, England and i`m looking for a "Eddie Mobley"or ex band members who used to sing with a local Soul band called "Salt & Pepper" in the late 60s early 70s. I think they were from "ALEXANDRIA,LOUISIANA" area. Any help in finding him or family members or locating any of their 45s on the "Heatwave" record label would be very much appreciated,thanks.

Best Regards
David.

Norman E. Hicks, Jr.
January 25, 2009
Magee, MS

Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 1955 to 1958.

Stan Goodwin
January 24, 2009
Plano, Texas

Comments: I was born at Baptist Hospital in 1952 and was raised in Pineville until I moved in 1968. I have so many memories. Here are a few: (1) The Christmas display in the front window of Wellans; (2) Playing in Sandy Canyon (see photo to the right); (3) Shopping at Morgan & Lindsay and Ben Franklin's; (4) Fudgesicles from Leatherman's and Owl's drugstores; (5) Sundaes from Tastee Freeze; (6) Eating out at Fuzzy's, Herbie K's, Colonial Restaurant and Burger Chef; (7) Bowling at Bowlero; (8) Swimming at Keys Park; (9) Buying groceries at Keys And Barron's groceries and Jack's and Ralph's Fruit Stands; and so many others.

Patty Miller Eberhart
January 22, 2009
City: Granbury, Tx

Comments: My dad was stationed at England AFB from 1966-70. He ran the gunship (C-47) school. Everyone who flew C-47s in Vietnam went through that school. We lived off base in "Major Ronka's house". Maj Ronka had been killed in Vietnam. I went to Brame, then started at Alexandria Sr High when it opened. They had synchronized swimming in PE then. The favorite thing to do was cruise the McDonalds to see who was there hanging out.We moved to San Antonio when my dad retired, but I still keep in touch with friends there.

Dudley-Brian Smith
January 22, 2009
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Comments: Some say that I am a bit of a character because of the family I come from.  But, I maintain that if I am slightly eccentric it is because I come from Alexandria, Louisiana, a most peculiar town.  On the road most of my life, I have compared childhood memories with people and find that my remembering of life in the late-50s through early 70s in Alexandria are very close to people from the 40s and 50s in the Midwest.  Strange, too, I have met others from Alexandria everywhere I go and am constantly reminded in a myriad ways of my childhood.

I walked from my home on City Park Boulevard (across from the golf course) to L.S.Rugg and later Alexandria Junior High. 

I come from the time of clinking milk bottles delivered by Borden and Walker Farms dairies to wire carriers on our front stoop.  As children, we hung out at the Thornton Branch library, explored and imagined endlessly at the zoo or in the "rock garden", running through the cane forests that clung to the sides of Bayou Roberts. Later, we would ride our bicycles throughout the town often visiting Noah's Potato Chips on Lee Street or stopping with Dad at Panzica's Hardware or Chicola Supprette for various supplies. 

I took the bus many times with my Granny to the downtown area to look over the bins at Kress Five and Dime, occasionally buying a Disneykin (many of which I still have), and to have a hamburger at one of the lunch counters.  Granny set-up the bridal and gift departments at Hill Harris, and later Koblen's and Schnack's. My brother, Joel, recently helped remodel Schnack's into the Diamond Grill and last fall my band, Smithfield Fair, performed at the Hearn Theatre in the old Kress Building.  I remember the delight of Christmas decorations in the Wellans and Weiss & Goldring windows and Laverne Perry's Little Wranglers show at KALB-TV.  My doctor's office was right next to KDBS radio where there were always posters for coming events hanging in the window.

In the shadows of the Guaranty Bank Building, the tallest building in town, we rode over brick streets to our family home just a block-and-a-half from Bolton High School.  We played with neighborhood kids in the swing park until called home at dark and swam in the City Park Swimming Pool.  An annual event was the Shrine Circus every year at  Bringhurst field, but we saved our money for a soda from Mr. Grey's drug store behind his home on Harvard Street and later Parkland Drugs on Masonic when we were old enough to cross.  We also saved our money for the occasional Saturday matinee and featurette at the Don Theatre on Bolton Avenue, or possibly a family outing to the Paramount Theatre downtown.  As Dad had been a swing musician, he had recorded down there with the Hermann Scallan and Chet Steadman orchestras when the radio station was upstairs.  It seemed there were memories everywhere, even then.

Now, I remember mother collecting S&H Green Stamps, my brothers and I singing on the Ethma Odum Show on KALB or just tuning in to watch Ms. Field's latest arts & craft project.  I remember Steve's Gulf and later Skelly service station by Dad owned on Masonic just down from the Dr. Pepper bottling plant.   As a child in a musical family and later an active musician in the area, I remember hours spent trying out instruments at Al Whitney's Alexandria Music on Bolton and later Charlie Humphries' Professional Music on Monroe Street.  There were bands playing at dances at the CYO when I was younger and later my own band, Charmer, playing at the Cotton Gin.  So many memories!

So many things remind me of my first 18 years in Alexandria and then three years at LSUA after returning from the Navy.  Some memories are good, some not so good, but all part of the fiber of who I have become.  It was an interesting existence and a remarkable time and place in which to grow, and like I said, I meet Alexandria's scattered seeds everywhere I go.  We always have a laugh at how far-flung we've become.  Yes, there are many memories there and when I return to visit, there are always echoes and new memories being formed beside them.

Patsy Rachal
January 21, 2009
Alexandria, LA

Comments: I also remember all these places, and miss the good old times.

James Williamson
January 18, 2009
Dry Prong, Louisiana

Comments: Born in Alexandria, 1945. Lived in this area all my life..Lots of changes over the gravel and corn and cotton fields that used to be Texas Ave, MacArthur Drive Area, etc, etc...Nice place to live, however getting too large for me now.

Betsy Foote Trammell
January 14, 2009
City: Charleston, West Virginia

Comments: Sonny and I hope to move back to Alexandria when he retires...hopefully it will be soon.

We miss Louisiana...love the mountains and four seasons in WV, but it's not home!

Denise Taylor (dtay3800@yahoo.com)
January 13, 2009
Willis,Texas

Comments: Again, I come back to see my old town as it was. The LaCour name was still etched in stone on the step going up to the house a few years ago. Of course, the great magnolia still stands. How many times Gene Baker had to get me down ... I could go up, but afraid to get down.

Thank you so much for the memories; each time I go home I pass less and less by the neighborhood. I want the wonderful memories and sights to remain in my head as a child ... those were the happiest days of my life and you have helped preserve them.

Thank you.
Denise and Peter (Peter has since passed away, but his memories were as mine were.)

Roger M Smith
January 12, 2009
Lakeside, Montana

Comments: Lived in Woodworth, LA and worked in "Alex" in the early 1990's. Loved every minute I was there.

Butch Crenshaw (lvc@bellsouth.net)
January 8, 2009
City: Alexandria,Louisiana

Comments: I enjoy your new format very much. Equally enjoyable is to read and hear from people from these times who have moved away. The feelings are always the same: Alexandria was and is a special place. I had the best of time and place. I was a teenager in Alexandria in the '50s. An unbeatable combo.

Thanks for this wonderful site.

Sgt. Larry S. Chauvin 1st Air Commando Div (piplarry@gmail.com)
January 5, 2009
Kissimmee, FL

Comments: So many years have passed, seems as yesterday. Great times with friends!! Discharged May 69 !! Miss my 1st Air Commando beret. Lost it some years back. Please assist me to replace it!! Maroon beret with 1st Air Commando side of beret (Any Place Any Time) 101 missions Vietnam!

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Larry S. Chauvin

Comments: Hello to all ... grew up at 2110 Hill St. and 5806 Navaho Trail, Menard class 1970, LSUA Nursing class 1973. Daddy had Redmond's Pharmacy on Lower Third. We used to go "help" Daddy at the store, no A/C, big glass jars of penny candy, an ice cream freezer we would reach into for popsicles. My Uncle Charlie Redmond and cousins still live in Alex. I would love to hear from anyone who has photos of Daddy's old store... Happy New Year, you guys!!!!!!

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