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Alexandria
Register Thank you for visiting the Alexandria Louisiana 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-Pineville and Louisiana connections who have viewed this site, and take a minute to sign the Register! Lloyd Edwards Comments: Bolton High '58, LSU '62 Harry Gregg Comments: Bolton Class of 58 Gayle Daniels Fisher Comments: Love the website. Brings backs so many fond memories of my childhood and just how wonderful living in Alexandria really was. John Spencer Mixon Comments: Missed seeing the old movie houses ... will go thru the family albums and forward any that I come across. Thinking of Castor Plunge, Valentine Lake, Shady Nook, etc. ... Greatly enjoyed and appreciate your effort. Vallle Normand Comments: I found this website because I was thinking about my childhood and the 2 summers I spent at Camp Windy Wood when I was a child. Camp Windy Wood is one of the most fondest memories where I did things like ride horses, did crafts, learned archery, learned how to paddle a canoe to get to where I needed to be (I can still do that!), swam in competition teams, enjoyed great meals at breakfast at lunch and dinner. And then there were the talent shows where you had to participate with your own act, all by yourself. I was probably 8 years old at the time. Now I am 51. My sister and I both went there. Such great memories. I will never forget them and what Camp Windy Wood gave to me in my lifetime! My favorite couselor at that time was, Binky! She made it easier on me because I was homesick most of the time at night. I wish I could find her now. I wish I could go again and maybe be a counselor. Thank you Camp Windy Wood! Anna Smallwood Whitelaw Comments: I was born there in 1948 and attended St James School. I'm glad I found this site.
Butch Crenshaw (lvc@bellsouth.net) Comments: What a delight to see the "Menard" retro. I began my coaching career there in 1963 at the ripe old age of 22. The Sacred Heart Brothers are dear to the hearts of nearly everyone whom they had contact with. My mentor and dear friend, Brother Cosmas, left an indelible print on Alexandria. I will do my best to find some photos of those early '60s (in 1964 we went to the state semi-finals in football.) What a thrill! Forty five years later, I still feel close to that group of players. I never drive down Elliott St. past the old school site that I don't for just a moment think that I see Brother Julius looking for Doug Scott, or Brother Bennett lifting his weights, or Brother Dean fretting over some detail that would help us do better. Alexandria was a better place when the Brothers were here. I will forever remember and cherish my five years with them. Wanda Clark St.Pe Comments: I was born and raised in Alexandria and Pineville and loved every minute of it. Sherry Brimer Lowry Comments: Love this site!!! I went to Brame Jr. High, ASH (9th grade) and graduated from Bolton HS in 1974. Moved to Virginia in 1982. Never know, once my husband and I retire, Alexandria may be my home again. 
Cindy Landry Comments: I spent six years in Alexandria living at the Masonic Home (from the age of 12 to 18). I attended Brame Junior High and graduated from ASH. I used to go back to visit the Home from time to time after I left whenever I passed through Alexandria until its closure in 1994. I really enjoyed going through the room with old photos and memorabilia of past years of the Home's history. The Masonic Home, Alexandria and the many kind people who positively influenced my life during my time there will always hold a special place in my heart. Susan Crouch Dusang (susandusang@comsouth.net) Comments: Graduated in 1969--looking forward to the reunion this March. Francis J Blanchard (francisblanchard@bellsouth.net) Comments: I am currently interested in finding where did Margaret Lee Buchanan graduate Harry Smith [Jr.] Comments: Bolton High School, 1948. My father, Harry Sr., graduated from Bolton in 1928. I enjoy the site, particularly the old photos. Pamela Moore Fox Elbaz Comments: Love this site. Born and raised in Alex. From Cherokee to ASH. Does bring me much joy, and, I must say, a few tears. I honestly never realized how beautiful our city was, but really enjoyed all the amenities. Thank you for this very special place.
Ruby Clark Comments: I grew up in The Masonic Home for Children from 1980-1990. That will always be my home. I went to Cherokee Elementary, Brame and ASH and was a member of Horseshoe Drive Baptist. Since the home has closed I find myself longing for the childhood days I wished away. Editor's Note and Update in 2012: Shirley Ross Ellisor (shirley.ellisor@yahoo.com) Comments: I visit this site around once a month or so. I'm always so happy to read another familiar name and hear another familiar memory. Good to see Becky Wells has found us; I hope you're doing well and know that we're so proud to have a celebrated author in our childhood memories. Randy Murphy, if you read this please know that I was so excited to read about you and what's going on with you. We lived next door to you on Highpoint Circle and I had the biggest crush on you when I was a young girl! I fondly remember David and Elaine; hope they're all doing well. I remember my Mom going over to your Mom's house at least daily for a coffee break. Such a wonderful family you have. Keep all the memories and posts coming, everyone. Rebecca Wells (Rebecca@RebeccaWellsBooks.com) Comments: Thank you so much for the images and comments which you have shared here! I will return to this site often. Blessings, Rebecca Patsy Kurmrey Dauzart Comments: Thanks
Dave Blalock (dmblalock@hotmail.com) Comments: The P. J. Blalock's moved into the Alexandria/Pineville area in 1946 from Avoyelles Parish. We lived on Rapides Ave, the Lee Heights area, and finally on Gary Street near Cabrini school. We were a total of 9 boys and 1 girl. All but two of us was born in Cabrini Hospital. Dad worked for REA Express and Mom worked at Cabrini school. Both were instrumental in starting the Cub Scout and Boy Scout program at Cabrini. We all attended school at Cabrini, then on to high school at Menard and Bolton. Each of us began our working career at the Daily Town Talk, delivering papers on various routes in the Alexandria area. I do remember the days at the old Cabrini school attending classes in old military buildings, the wooden sidewalks between the buildings. I especially remember seeing the Ringling Brothers circus. We could look out the classroom windows and see the "big top" go up. It was hard to pay attention to Sister Sicily. I remember getting my knuckles rapped a time or two. I remember our neighborhood of old. Caps drive-inn, 7-up Bottling Co., Jeansonne's Grocery, Deville's Drugs on Masonic Drive. Noah's, Lazarones, Dr. Pepper and Community Coffee on Lee Street, CYO Center on Texas Ave., City Park crawfishing and frogging, the Zoo, the Rock Garden, the Swimming Pool and Bringhurst Park. We could watch the Aces play if we took a portable radio and climbed up to the top of our pecan tree. I spent a couple of summers selling peanuts, popcorn and sodas during the weekend games. The neighborhood families included the Ashley's, Bonnet's, Curcio's, Baillio's, Carlyon's, Rougeau's.
While at Menard, I was very active in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and was a member of the Garland Rifles. We did many halftime shows at Bolton stadium. We were "honor guards" for the then Vice President Richard Nixon at the dedication of Chenault AFB in Lake Charles. We also competed annually in drill competitions in Louisiana and Texas. In 1957 the Garland Rifles went to the international competition in New York City. Like everyone else, I remember the Friday and Saturday nights at Teen Town, dances at the CYO (Boogie Kings), Po-Boys and curly fries at Lazarones, or just cruising Third Street, Bolton Ave and MacArthur Drive. After graduation from Menard in 1959, I continued working at the Town Talk and attended Louisiana College. Left the Alexandria area in 1964, spend 29 years working for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. throughout California and took an early retirement in 1993. I married my best friend, we bought land between US Hwy. 20 and the Santiam River in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and built our retirement home. Mom and Dad are now with the Lord. My sister lives in Texas, one brother lives in Jackson, Louisiana, another brother lives near Marksville, and the remainder still live in the Alexandria/Pineville area. I first heard of the Alexandria Retrospective from Sam Damico a few years ago. I finally took the time to look at pictures, postcards, and read most of the volume's. I am searching boxes in storage to find pictures and will share. I now like to check the site monthly hoping to recognize a name and pick up new email address's, I really enjoy hearing from everyone who shared our past. Keep up the great work. Dave & Lowene Blalock Debbie Rae Allen Poirrier Comments: Thanks!
Betty Gagnard Schultz (bls345@yahoo.com) Comments: I really enjoy these pictures and stories of all the memories I remember as part of my childhood life. I miss it so much. In 2000 we buried the last member of my mother's family. It seems everyone should have known MOM and POP Brown. They lived on Augusta Street just past Hodges cattle auction. Those were the best days of my life. But me like probably most of you thought we wanted to be 18 and get out of this place. But I never go to lower Third or upper Third that it doesn't send chills up my spine. Our grandparents wouldn't have had it no other way. Every Saturday she would prepare meals to feed everyone of the family and their families. I use to stand at the stove while my grandmaw was cooking and I still smell that wonderful aroma of her cooking. She could whip up a meal fit or a king in less then an hour. I learned a lot from her cooking and then my mama could cook just like her. Well when we lost the last of our mother's siblings, I told everyone there that I was tired of meeting at funeral homes and I did just that and for about 6 years we had a Brown Family reunion in June or July every year. But some of us have had some horrible things happen in their family that has kind of put a halt on the reunions until further notice. There is a Brown family reunion website hosted by Jesse James. I'm sure some of you know him. He made the headline News in the Town Talk one year when he couldn't be found for a few hours. He was a small boy then, anyway the Town Talk headline read Jesse James is on the loose again. It was more of a comical news. They had a picture of him sitting on the hood of a car, I think. He wasn't lost for lone he was just over at a neighbors house playing with others. I also would like to know if anybody remembers Central Grammar School. Saint Francis Xavier School and Central Grammar School were separated by a fence. We use to go to the fence and talk to some of our friends there. I use to have a crush for Bobby Delong maybe I'm spelling it wrong but that's how it sound. I was in Central Grammar and he was at Saint Francis Xavier. I also attended Saint Francis Xavier School for 1 year. I took communion there when I was around 8 years old. Do anyone of you remember the show on KALB called Cactus Jack? My class went once and it was so much fun. I never did know what happened to Cactus Jack.When I was in my 20s I sang on KALB with some band that was out of a town close to Winnfield. I can't remember their name. Something about the Catahoula boys. I sang one of Tammy Wynette's songs: I DON'T WANT TO PLAY HOUSE. If anyone knew any of us would you please email me at bls345@yahoo.com I would love to hear from someone that I knew back then. If you ever see on the Brown Family Reunion a scheduled reunion, please feel free to come. Would love to see ya. We hold them at the American Legends just past the Coliseum. I had some cousins that lived on the Sam Town Road, named Durison and Malone. I would love to hear from anyone from the old days. Always keep looking at this site... there is always something new. EMM REYNOLDS WOOD (erwdaw@condolidated.net) Comments: MY JOURNEY BEGAN IN POLAND LOUISIANA, BUT AFTER MY MOTHER BECAME PARALZYED MY LITTLE SISTER, JANET AND I WERE PUT IN THE MASAONIC CHILDREN'S HOME. WE WENT ON TO GRADUATE FROM ASH AND GO TO COLLEGE THANKS TO THE MASONS OF LOUISIANA. I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF ALEXANDRIA. BOTH MY OLDER BROTHER TOMMY AND CHARLES STILL LIVE THERE. IT WAS A WONDERFULLY SIMPLER TIME OF GREAT FUN AND SIMPLICITY. HOPE TO HEAR FROM OTHERS WHO GREW UP IN THE MASAONIC CHILDREN'S HOME AND THAT I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH. BLESSINGS
Patrick C. McCusker Comments: I love this site! William Short Comments: Today I sign the papers to cut the final ties to the old hometown of Concordia, Kansas, and sell our dad's house. all of dad's utilities, phone numbers, insurance policies, trash service bills are done. Growing up in a small town in the 50s was a delight...our town was much like yours, and as kids we had the run of the town on our bicycles. no longer are we running errands looking for sky hooks and left hand monkey wrenches. what a pleasant site to find on this special day. Thanks for a trip back into time. w t short
Randy Murphy (rgmurphy@nf.sympatico.ca) Comments: I moved to Alexandria in 1960 with my family as my father was stationed at England AFB as the GM for the BX. The photo of the base gas station brings back memories as this was one of the many facitilies dad ran along with the base cafeteria, snack bar, flight line snack bar, convenience store and of course the main BX and toyland. We lived in the Highpoint subdivision located off of Jackson St. Ext. (you turned off at Ida Street just past Mr. McGraw's ranch) and lived there for 8 years. I went to school at Prompt Succor and Menard until 1968 when dad was transfered to the Azores, Portugal where I graduated in 1969. Big event that happened every Saturday night at the CYO center on Texas Ave. was the ATA's dance where we would dance the night away listening to the music of the Stepping Stones, Dimensions and many other local groups. It was the place to be on Saturday night and the place where the chaparones had to see 'daylight' when we danced to 'When a Man Loves a Woman', 'House of the Rising Sun', 'Whiter Shade of Pale' and many other slower tunes...we also had fun participating in the dance contests that were held. Mr. and Mrs. Gaspard, along with many other volunteers, made sure we had a good and safe time.
Loved to go to Lazarones for a Po-Boy along with the old Burger Chef on MacArthur Drive and of course the meeting place...McDonalds. We would eat at the Waddle 'N Grill, pick up snacks at Jiffy Pak or Rizzo's, go to the movies at both the Don and Paramount Theatres, hangout and play the pin ball machines at Bowlero, go swimming at Castor Plunge and Valentine Lake, Stewart's Lake and watch the races at Buhlow Lake. The highlight of the school year was the football game between the Menard Eagles and the Pineville Rebels...they could get heated! I moved back in 1973 and worked at both KALB and KDBS as a radio announcer, which bacame my career for 16 years, and then moved back to Canada where I have resided ever since. Alexandria has many found memories, and is where I call home! It will continue to have a special place in my heart. Randy Murphy Ruth Annelle Brown Tanner Comments: What wonderful memories this site evokes!! I can identify with many of the WAY long ago pics!! My dad, Willis Brown, Sr., was pastor of Tioga Baptist Church 1948-1956. I started school at Tioga Elementary. I moved back after finishing college and marrying. Our 3 children started and finished school here: Shelly, LSMSA'91; Susan, Bolton'94; Bryan, Bolton'97 Clyde D. Hart Comments: What a wonderful review of the City and how the memories come back. Left after graduating from Bolton in 1955. After Mother died in 2001, trips back have few. I will visit this site often though to remember all the things from growing up on Albert St. Kathy Adams Comments: My cousin Pat and her family live in Alexandria, have for many years. I'm coming out for a visit in March and just wanted to get a sense of the city. Thank you for a wonderful reflection of your city. I look forward to seeing all the sites on your "journey back". Elizabeth McKenzie Comments: I was born in Alexandria in 1955 and spent nearly every summer of my life their with my grandparents. Those were most of my happiest days. It's sad to see so many things change.
Dorothy Bowman (dbowmanart@gmail.com) Comments: Sweet memories of Emmanuel Baptist Church - from a bed baby until off to college. Singing with the New Life Singers was the best! Loved my ASH experience (class of '75), pom-pom routines with the Troyans, and alot of great friends!! Mom and Dad - Wesley and Mary D. - loved working for La. Baptist Convention and La. College. Buz Decker (Buzzy) (buz1544@wmconnect.com) Comments: Was stationed at Ft Polk until 1977. Many fond memories. Was at this club called The Lighthouse (I think) down the road from England Air Force base every weekend. Saw KC at the Coliseum with Cindy Edwards whom I've never forgotten. She knew sign language. I think I might have located her on this site. Sure would be nice. Thanks for the fond memories.
Freddy Rouse (radome_00@yahoo.com) Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 1972 til 1981! Of the 22 years I was in the Air Force, Alexandria was my favorite place to live! If I could afford it, i would move back there for good! DANIEL E. SULLIVAN Comments: THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES ... DANNY Garfield (Gar) Pearson Comments: EAFB 401st CAMS 1960 tp 1963. Met and married my bride of 45yrs. Warmest Thoughts! Gordon Tilley Comments: I have never visited Alexandria, but my great-great grandmother, Matilda Graves-Cox-Dow, was living there in 1860, so I am interested in the history of your city. Robert Davis Comments: What great memories from viewing this site. Thanks..I have great memories of Alexandria during my youth. From school friends at ASH and Menard, working at Caplan's downtown, the Christmas lights downtown and Christmas dances at the old Hotel Bentley! What fun it was! Paul Michael Baillio (paulbai121@comcast.net) Comments: Pierre Baillio I was my great-great-great grandfather. All of his sons and their respective sons had children at a late age. My father was 52 when I was born. He was born in 1888. His father, my grandfather, was born in 1851. I hope to visit Alexandria someday soon. Wesley Glenn Anderson (anderphoto@gmail.com) Comments: Thanks for putting these pages together. My first AF assignment was at EAFB in 1969 as a Photographer at the Base Photo Lab. Allie Rea Jackson (nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com) Comments: I have been back from Alexandria a few weeks now, and already planning my next trip. As I said previously, I wanted to take my shoes off and walk the grounds my mom did. I did on Harris St. Sat on the porch on Overton and walked downtown. See you in the fall Alexandria. I loved meeting my family, and those I missed, I will see you next spring Dr. Lanny G. Maddox Comments: What a fantastic website. I was born and raised in Alexandria and left in late 1977. I still have family in Alex and visit once or twice a year. This site brings back wonderful memories. Thanks for allowing everyone to reminisce. Chris Burch Comments: One of my memories is my first "job" at the Rex Theater downtown; I really thought that was work at the time. This is a tremendous production ... congratulations. Cindi Sheets Murphy Comments: I so enjoyed looking at all of the pictures. Alexandria will always be "home" to me! Martha Gravel Antoon Comments: I loved the Retrospective...it certainly does bring one back to a place that was so full of joy and simplicity. Thanks for collecting and forwarding the memories that we all share and regard with such pride.
Regina (Gina) James Jinks Comments: I grew up in the garden district on 24th street. It was the best neighborhood. If I could, I would go back in time and do it again!!! Sondra Scalco Comments: Graduated from Pineville High School in 1963 Laura C Voltz Comments: One of my favorite outings when we were small was to go to Reed and Bell hamburgers where they had the A & W Rootbeer in the frosted mugs. Their hamburgers were the best. Vicki Jon Ivy Carr (homeagin58@yahoo.com) Comments: Loved to ride my horse from my home on Carl St. down Camille St., across Jackson St. Ext. to Tic Toc Grocery, down Horseshoe Dr., across the Masonic Home property, across Masonic Dr. to Walker's Dairy..Meg Brown and I would stay gone all day!!! Not much was scary then. Went to Cherokee Elementary in the late 50's and early 60's (Cleme Duke, Rodney Armand, Frankie Fiorello). What crazy fun we had. Then to Brame Jr. High, and attended Bolton for a short time. Graduated in 1969. Would like to hear from Ya'll. Also the original Calvary Baptist Church on Jackson St and Bolton Ave., Pat and Mike Dean, Suellyn Clyde, especially Bill Miller, I found an old picture of his family he has to have!!!!!! Don Gassman Comments: Assigned for almost three years (1956-58) at England AFB. Great memories on and off base. Babs Callaway Comments: Thank you for your hard work & research to create this. You did a very admirable job in your "review" of Alexandria's past. The only thing I didn't see that I thought needed to be included was Bolton High & Menard and Providence Catholic High Schools. Marianne Hopson Barber Comments: Born, raised and raised hell there. It was home for about 30 years and then I moved to the Houston area. We lived on England Drive and I graduated from ASH 1972 and my sister Cherry from Bolton, 1970. My Daddy, Leo worked at Rapides Bank for almost 40 years and Mama, Aleda Cook Hopson, worked at Rapides Packing Company owned by our cousins the Whatleys and Dominique Livestock Barn. Most all of the family is gone now. Cherry still lives out at Hineston/Calcasieu area on some land we inherited from the Goodman side of the family and she works at the Rapides Parish Court House. Memories are what makes life worthwhile. I was blessed to have a lot of good ones. I come back about 4 times a year and visit Cherry and the rest of our family at Resthaven in Pineville off the old Military Hwy. Thomas R. Post
Comments: I loved seeing all the pictures of buildings that I went to and patronized all during my "growing up years" in Alexandria. I was born in Alexandria in 1931 and lived there until I went to college. These pictures bring back many old memories, some long forgotten. Your picture of the Texada-Miller-Masterson Building should have also Dr. Thomas W. Davis, as he joined the Clinic in 1952 and was there until it closed. I may be prejudiced because he is my brother-in-law. Dr. James D. Sandefur Comments: Always enjoy the Retrospective site. Thanks. E. Wayne Crouch Comments: I lot of good memories and happy days. It is a shame we can't let our grand kids enjoy the freedom we had. Ann Farmer Klassen Comments: Alexandria and Pineville area was a great place to grow up! No place like home!
Grady & Sidney Ortego Harper Comments: Both Alexandria natives and Bolton Graduates. Thanks for the memories. Lane Thurman Comments: Brings back a lot of memories of my time in Alex. Raised there but left in the mid 50s, a lot of those pictures are really familiar. Graduated Bolton in 52. Bobbie DiNicola Comments: Nice memories and well put together. We enjoyed living in Alex for 11 years and treasure our Central Louisiana friends.
Chuck Cantrell Comments: I was born at the Baptist Hospital (RRMC) on Christmas Eve, 1950. My sisters were upset because it was Christmas and their mother wasn't there and dad wasn't letting them go out in the snow. Graduated from Pineville High, 1968, and Louisiana College, 1972. Mike Kees Comments: The memories you provide are priceless. I finished at Pineville High School in 1963 then La. Tech in '67. Been in the Houston area since then, but the Cenla memories are still very strong. Again, thanks. Linda Hayden Libert Comments: What a wonderful surprise to find this. You have done a great job. Alex does have many memories for me, I lived there for the first 20 years of my life, and you are right, it was a wonderful place to grow up. Do you have any pictures of the old city park zoo or swimming pool? I may have a few I can get to you. Oddly McKay Comments: I used to shine shoes on the corner of Murray and Third for the military in 1943. Kathleen Hamm Montgomery Comments: I am so tickled to see so many familiar names. I am in Alex. often visiting family members and love being around where I grew up. There are no people comparable to those in Alex. I grew up thinking that everyone waved when you let their car go first at an intersection or if you met them on a country road. I thought that everyone's Mom yelled out the door at suppertime for the family to come in. (And that kids came quickly). I had such an amazing awakening to other ways that people live, when I moved away! Great to read so many comments. Thank you!!
Sue Gaspard Seighman (zekensue@comcast.net) Comments: I have enjoyed this site many times and last posted here in 2003. I graduated from Bolton in 1969 and some of our classmates in the Alex. area are putting together a 40th reunion in March 2010. There is a group on Facebook or you can email boltonhs69@aol.com for information. Come on people! Let's get together! Lana Davis Ray Comments: I lived in Alexandria and other parts of Louisiana off and on from 1958 to 1989. Attended Bolton H.S. but graduated in 1970 from Alexandria Sr. High in a very small class of 60. This website has brought back a lot of memories. One of my favorite memories is of taking the city bus to the city park pool everyday in the summer to swim with my sister and brothers. Another good one is going to the Paramount theatre on Saturdays; one time I participated in a twisting contest. What fun to get to sit up in the balcony! I remember the Paramount as being one of the most glamorous places ever! Daretha Paul Comments: Thank you to everyone for all the memories!! I love this site!!
David Campo (davidcampo36@yahoo.com) Comments: I was talking to John Rino today about the old days & he told me about this site. I won't spend as much time on Facebook. This is great. Cindy Vercher (LONGJON24@AOL.COM) Comments: My name is Cindy Vercher, I had 2 brothers JD Vercher and Joel Glenn Vercher; 2 sisters, Brenda Vercher and Amelia Dee Vercher. My parents are Lamie and Eileen Vercher. I grew up at 4603 Green Street. I joined the AF and was stationed at England AFB in INTRO from 80-85. I was married to Don Hardison. I have a daughter named Heidi Edwards. I remember going to Damicos grocery store and getting nickel candy. I do know the Thiels (Whimpy, Sandy, Oscar and Ms Mary). My daddy played poker with them. I went to Cabrini, Brame, Bolton and ASH. I remember we went to Pizza Hut to hang out, after cruizin MacArthur Drive. If you know me or my family and would like more info please email me. LONGJON24@AOL.COM Ronney Blaney Comments: Lived in Pineville until 1965. Left for the Navy. Worked at the Alex Park running rides 1962 for $0.60 per hour had a blast. worked for Economy Groc on main st pineville. Attended Pineville Jr high school. This sure brings back old memories. Diane Scotti Dawson Vermaelen (Scotti104V@aol.com) Comments: I married an Alexandria "boy" and we now have 5 children. I went to H.S. for a yr and 1/2 at Menard and than on to NSU to College. Upon graduation, I returned to Alexandria (even though I was from out-of-state) and ended up dating and marrying my Alexandria man. Never thought I would live in Louisiana. Our 5 children's Fraternal Grandmother and a few other relatives still live in Alexandria. I have family there.....roots to my children....and will visit Alexandria forever. Thank you.
Thomas Lachney Comments: I have a lot of memories, just don't have the time to write them down now, but i can say this, Bolton ave sure has changed, from the old Don Theater, Joy, Paramount theater, the Black Pearl Lounge which my dad and Mr Johning Lazone owned. Like i said i can go on and on; it was quite different back in the 50s, and 60s and 70s, you could ride your bike down town, walk down town, not now; lock the doors, and carry your gun. Dona Armand Monroe Comments: I have too many fond memories to list. I long to go back "home". 20 years in "yankee land" is more than enough. pamela lewis-green Comments: went to school in Alexandria from 1971 to 1977 before moving to texas as a kid John Denham (johndenham@bellsouth.net) Comments: Hi, I'm looking for any information on a paddlewheel steamship ferry that served between Pineville and Alexandria during the early 1880s called the John M. Sandidge. Thanks for any info. John Denham
Patrick C. McCusker (psmccusker@yahoo.com) Comments: I thoroughly enjoyed the visit, yet one landmark remains unspoken. Effie's was the place where Eddie Arnold, Vincent Price, Michael Landuan and many other celebrities frequented, and needs respect. David Coco (David.Coco@hphood.com) Comments: I was reading through the entries, and came across the name "Steinman." Does anyone remember the daily talk radio show that aired in Alexandria, Irving Ward Steinman I believe. It came on at noon every week day, and was full of rants and raves, very entertaining. This would have been mid 70's maybe. Best to all. Judy Farthing Mendell Comments: Thanks for this wonderful journey back in time. Almost every photo brought back a personal memory. Those were happy times. I was born and raised in Alexandria, leaving in 1966. Allie Rea Jackson (nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com) Comments: I am about to make my journey to Alexandria to meet my family for the first time. I am still trying to locate some (Lockwood, Delarue and Wade). The first thing I want to do is take off my shoes and walk the grounds my mom walked as a child in the 1940's and 50's. Her Grandmothers lived on Overton and Harrison street. See you Alexandria in 11 days. Harry Brown Comments: nice trip ... a few painful memories of things and a time lost... bolton grad 58. still return to camp at kincaid every year. Julie Brendmoen Comments: Thank you Alexandria Retrospective!! Your wonderful website made it possible for me to unite with family I did not even know I had! My cousin saw my post asking about information on my dad. He contacted me and we met face to face just a couple of weeks ago!! Thank you for this great opportunity! Jerry F. Rogers
Comments: We lived in the Pineville/Alex. area from about 4yrs.old till the summer of 1964 to Shreveport, La.Went to Pineville Elem. and Jr. high to the 9th grade. Loved it down there. We went down there this past summer (Jerry,Terry Rogers and our sister Sheila (Rogers) Oliver. I got turned around on MacArthur Drive. Forgot my Gamin. We had a blast living down there those yrs. Swimming in Pierson Lake (also called crazy lake since it was by the state hospital, also swam in Buhlow Lake, Valentine Lake and the coldest place ever Castor Plunge ...as I remember it, a lot of England Air Force people swam here too. Can't leave out Little River area also, what a great place to have fun growing up on the weekend. I talked to Tommy Cardwell about Pineville's 40th class reunion but i was a day late last summer. There is still a lot of classmates we still remember from those wonderful yrs. Too much write down...keep eating the Gumbo...got to go. Ed Hernandez (ropn2ft@hotmail.com) Comments: What a great web site...I spend hours reading it. I lived in Alex. and the surrounding area from 1968 until 1975; would have graduated in 1975 from Bolton High but joined the Navy instead. My best friend Abby Blalock told me about this site during a conversation about the death of another friend Ricky Haney. (rest in peace) May the fish always bite in Heaven my friend. Mom still lives there so I get back every few years, sure would like to hear from some of the old gang on Texas ave. Levin ST. Betars grocery and school.
Betty Gagnard Schultz Comments: I was raised in Alexandria and Pineville for most of my life. Just 10 years ago I moved to Texas. I, like you, had such great times growing up. We even managed a small restaurant caddy corner from Peabody School. The restaurant was called Frenchies, that was my daddy was known to everybody as Frenchy. It was right next door to Redmonds drug store. We lived on lower third St. close to Hodges, the place where they would hold an auction for cattle. Even the old Sunbeam Bakery was nearer lower third than any business. My brother worked there and what a wonderful smell it would put out. I also miss the drive in theaters back then. My grand parents lived on Augusta street way down lower third. Crime wasn't as bad back then as it is today. Me and 2 of my sisters and 1 brother would walk all the way to the down town Rex theater and tickets was 35 cents. The Paramount was a higher class theater and tickets weren't as cheap as they were at the Rex theater. I also remember a clothing store that still exists at the mall called Lerner's. Back in time it was downtown. I also remember going to something free and down town on the City Hall lawn called the Dancing Waters. Many would sit on the knoll, sidewalks and anywhere they could find a place to get comfortable and watch this amazing display of dancing waters to music. We had parades down town a lot of times on different occasions. One year when mama and daddy gave us theater fare, we wouldn't go the theater, it was close to mother's day so we decided to use that money to buy mama a mother's day gift.
We would go to Kress and look around for something we thought she would like. We did this for several weeks until we had enough money to purchase a beautiful red tiger with a gold looking chain and also bought her a beautiful pair of earrings. We were so excited to give it to her and she cried and cried because she said we would miss the fun of going to the theater. We told her that was more enjoyable to us. She was a great mom. You probably know my grand parents, Telesfore and Laura Brown. We all knew them as Mom & Pop. When I go down town now I start crying when the feelings would raise the hair on my arms. It was a lot of fun in our home town of Alexandria, la. I wished the old City Hall was still there because when it was there it looked like the White House where the President of the U.S.A. I could go on & on about the good old days when life was simple and safer. There were 2 places I really enjoyed going to eat at. They were Palms Drive in and Fuzzies the home of the first curley cues. Another popular place was the A & W Root Beer in Pineville just over the Red River Bridge. The big bridge that still stands today is the O. K. Allen bridge. Oh, I could go on and on of how much we enjoyed our childhood lives. Barry Lee Comments: Thank you so much for a wonderful little visit to the past! John W. (Dub) Blaney Comments: I moved to Alex. about 1944. I attended Central Grammar School from 1st to 6th grade, where the school board office is located now. Then the old Pineville grammar school.
Robert Hughes Comments: I Googled Suburban Gardens looking for their phone number, and discovered your site. I also grew up here, and enjoyed the trip. Thanks - RH Gary Harding Comments: 834th CES Fire Department at England AFB from 1965-1968 Shelia "Rogers"Oliver (shelia.oliver920@sbcglobal.net) Comments: This is the 2nd time that I have written on this site. I love it because I lived in the Pineville/Alexandria/Tioga area from pre-school through 6th grade. I attended Pineville Elem.1st-6th. When my dad retired from the USAF we moved to Shreveport. (I hated moving up there) Sorry S'port! Anyway, I have lots of cousins that still live in the area. I was just there 2x's this summer. I got lost on MacArthur Dr. Can you believe that? Anyway, life was good then and of course I miss living there. I was scanning the register and found a Timothy Walding. I would for him to email me, at shelia.oliver920@sbcglobal.net. Your grandfather and my aunt Evelyn Lacroix were partners in the E&E Club. I might have pics of the club. One of my brothers has the album. I and my twin brothers Terry and Jerry spent many, many hours there or around your Grandparents and my aunt.We too have fond memories of the club.Your grandmother was a wonderful person. We loved her like she was our aunt too. We called her aunt verna or vernon. It's been a long time Timothy. I remember seeing your dad one time when you all came to visit. Let's talk!
Rick Mosher Comments: I was searching for Noahschips.com but, after reading the comments and looking at the gallery, (sigh) it is no longer. I am truly sorry ... there is no chip, and I mean no potato chip, that will ever taste like a Noah's chip. I used to attend the UPCI summer camp in Tioga, LA and there they served Noah's chips. ... oh to be young again! Pauline Brumfield Comments: I just came upon some photos from the 50's and found Paramount Movie Theater next to People's Shoes with Wellan's and Sears on the opposite side of the street. I started looking for what city it was and now believe it is Alexandria, La. Thank you for your online information. Glynn Kegley Comments: I am an Alexandrian myself and really enjoyed your Alexandria stuff. It really brought back memories. Thanks for doing it.
Joseph Leonard Comments: I have many fond memories of serving at England Air Force with my fellow members of the USAF from 1963 to 1965. The residents of Alexandria were always very nice to Air Force members providing a home away from home for us, and I shall always treasure memories of being stationed there. Judith Harris/Evans (judyevans39@yahoo.com) Comments: I lived in the Masonic home for children from the age of 11 till I graduated in 1966 from Bolton High School. I would love to hear from some of the residents of the home during the time I was there. Loved this site, and I thank you. Carol DiStefano Colwell (colwell.carol@gmail.com) Comments: I'm hooked on this site. I love it!! I've been trying to find two people I was good friends with at Bolton. I lost track of them and have had no luck finding them on the internet. Ruth Ann Roberts, who moved away in the late 60's or early 70's and Jill Grable who was only here for a couple of years and was from Michigan. Her dad was in the Air Force. If anyone knows anything about these two please email me. But better hurry....I'm getting older by the minute. Suzanne Levy Mirabal Comments: What a delightful trip I just took to the past, to my roots, to Alexandria. Thank you for the memories, and thank you Alexandria for the simpler times, which I so long for. Marie Ashley Garneau (jmgarneau@msn.com) Comments: I was born and raised in Alex, on Herbert St., a block from St. Frances Cabrini Church and school, which I attended for 8 years before going to Providence.
As an aside, our class of '67 was the last class of Seniors to physically occupy the all-girls high school, just as was the case for the boys at Menard. We bore the new school name "Holy Savior Menard Central," remembering how concerned we were that all that wording would somehow fit on our Senior ring! I moved from Alex in 1974, being married to an Air Force Sergeant and transferring for the 1st of many tours. Richard and I were married in 1971 at St. Frances Cabrini Church by Msgr. Tyrell. The first two of my children were born in Alex before our first transfer, and even though we lived in New Hampshire for 5 years, I made certain that the last two kids were born in Alex, both at Cabrini Hospital. Richard promised that my parents on the day we announced our plans to marry he'd return the kids and I to Alex every summer, which he did for 20 years of his 24 serving our country. Though we retired in Iowa, we have made trips to Alex every year, sometimes 3 or 4 in a year. After Richard died 2 1/2 years ago, I did not go back for over a year and a half, but have several times in the past 6 months. Interesting how life takes us. And upon my return trip in Oct 2009, I will have my mom, who left her house on Herbert Street - between Masonic Ave and Texas Ave - 4 years ago. This is her first, maybe last, trip to Alex - a farewell to her home of 53 years and a renewal of friendships with family and friends. It will be great showing Mom around the new Alexandria, as it has grown even more in the last 4 years. She saw the development of I-49 and hunkered down for Katrina and Rita, my brothers in Baton Rouge and Houston traveling to her house during those hurricanes. All the photos of times passed brought back many a memory: cherry nectars at Woolworth; the Chevy dealership with the rubber hose running through the shop area where my 2 friends and I during the summer of 63 discovered that riding our bikes over the hose made the rhythmic tone of Dink, dink, da dink, dink...dink, dink; Shipley Donuts and real cherry cokes, chips of cherries floating on top, sinking slowly to the bottom as we rode out bikes in over 100 degree weather, never letting the heat faze us; 6 RC bottle caps to get in on Wednesdays during the summer at the Paramount Theater for several hours of fun, leaving with a 4 x 10 inch slip of paper on which was printed 8 to 10 coupons to different fun activities to keep us occupied until the following Wednesday...coupons for 6 bottles of RC cola (they knew we had to "pay" to get in each week), Putt Putt golf, go karts etc. How the community pulled together to keep our lives carefree, happy and safe!!! God bless all those patrons, who until years later as I continued to share my childhood with foreigners (Iowans) did I realize it was the generosity of the folks in Alexandria that provided such a wholesome environment in which to grow up. For all those folks, many who I'm sure on in Heaven if not still living...a belated, heartfelt thank you. I still call Alexandria "home" though I live in the Midwest and love it here. And, as I said previously, I look forward to going home, albeit, for only a short visit. God bless you, Ken, for all the work you have dedicated to this site: the photos and a place to share memories. Can't beat this for an uplifting experience!! Thanks, Marie Debbie Roseman Comments: My father, Frank Keslinsky (later Kessler), was raised in Alexandria with his 6 brothers. His father, Abe, was a shoemaker. The first time I came to town was in 1955, I was 4 years old, but I still remember the general store with sawdust floors and meeting my father's high school buddy, Noah Bohrer. They remained friends until my dad died. My father never tired of visiting Alexandria and telling stories of Bolton High and being on the tennis team and in the orchestra. He graduated in 1930 or 31. Karen Gauthier (kdgauthier@yahoo.com) Comments: Looking for information on Shirley Williams or her sisters: Jamie, Jeanette, Velma or Anita. Thank you, Karen Darlene Ballentine Comments: I Loved it. I love Alexandria, LA I would love to move there someday. Roger Bolin Comments: I've lived in west central Louisiana since my dad got stationed at Ft. Polk in 1964. Spent/spend lots of time in Alexandria. Carol Ann DiStefano Colwell Comments: I stumbled on this site a couple of days ago and have been going through the register just looking at the names. I attended Prompt Succor, St. Rita's and Bolton High. I graduated in 61.
I recognized a few names, but was really taken aback by seeing my daddy's name a couple of times - Sonny DiStefano who owned Palace Grocery with my mother, Nettie. They also ran the store across the street from the Palace called Sonny's City Food. This has been a wonderful trip down memory lane. I've lived here all of my life and it brought back memories of the old days that I had forgotten. I also remember the Pack of Fun club. It was originally at the Rex Theater and then moved to the Don Theater on Bolton. There was also a Star Theater in Pineville. The building is still there. We went to the movies often on Saturday evening. Before the days of TV. It was great growing up in Alexandria. Thank you so much for a job well done!! Julie Poole Hayden (julieanneorr@yahoo.com) Comments: I married Fred Ross Hayden III there in '67 or '68 when he returned from Vietnam. I would like to know if anyone remembers Ross or his sister Linda and how they are doing. Michael Taylor Comments: Brother of Ricky (Rik) Taylor - Bolton 1969/70. Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church Youth Choir Freshman - Bolton 1969/70. Graduated- ASH 1974, USN '74-80, LSU 1988, Tulane 1992. First love - Kathy Abshire who lived with a dozen other beautiful young women at the Masonic Home but whom (tragically) married another dude. (what was she thinking?) Putt Putt and bowling. Skiing on Indian Creek and fishing on Cotile Lake. Cold winter nights marching in the Natchitoches Christmas Parade. Time spent waiting on my friend David to finish working (for his dad) so we could go have fun. Do you think the guys on the football team ever figured out what went on in the band bus?
Willis J. Rabalais Sr. (crf823@yahoo.com) Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 1958 thru 1966. I live just a few miles from the former base. I would love to reconnect with any old buddies out there! Jimmy Edwards Comments: I grew up in Alexandria, and lived there throughout my formative years. From Sister Olga, my first grade teacher at Prompt Succor, to Butch Crenshaw, my coach, mentor and friend at A.S.H. (where I graduated in 1971), my memories of Alexandria are all very fond.
Who can forget Saturday morning movies at the Paramount, followed by "exploring" the Bentley Hotel, getting a fountain drink (and on special days, a burger) from Walgreen's. And riding the elevator and window shopping at Wellan's...the memories of downtown alone are legion. Ah, and not too far away was the "up only" escalator at Sears on Bolton Avenue! We'd ride that thing over and over..go up...run to the stairs, run down..run back to the escalator..and up again! And how about those delicious cherry nectars at the soda fountain inside the Rexall Drugs on Jackson Street, across from Suburban Gardens. What a town!! What a dear, dear collection of memories! What an excellent place to grow up!! Mary Wynona Sims (msims8502@sbcglobal.net) Comments: I am David Sims, from Dale, Indiana. I am looking for Barry Avert, he was living in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1977; if any one knows of his whereabouts please e-mail me at msims8502@sbcglobal.net We were in Minot, North Dakota Air Force Base together. Scott Duplechian (sduplechian@watchfox.com) Comments: I am looking for information regarding a hotel fire that happened April 3, 1973 in Alexandria. If anyone has any news about this, please follow up with me. Pam Ducre Comments: I camped at the all-girl campground called Camp Mary Hill in the 1970s. Timothy Walding Comments: I enjoyed looking at all the old pictures on the site. My Grandfather, Edmond "Elmo" Walding owned a nightclub, the Old E & E Club. I was just a young boy when he died, but have fond memories. I was hoping to see a pic of the place. The Firestone place moved in the club after the club shut down. Kenneth A. Burrell Comments: This is very informative. I fell as though I was able to feel and hear the past life of Alexandria. Please accept my thanks for a wonderful journey. Darren McGraw Comments: I like this website
Janet Fowler Woods Comments: Really enjoyed the pictures. Was born in Cabrini Hospital and lived all my life on Albert Street in Alexandria until going to LSU and getting married. Have been in Alabama since 1968. I was trying to remember the name of the shoe store on third street. There was a really nice man named Jerry who fitted our shoes by x-raying our feet in a machine. We played with it so much I am sure we probably did harm to our bones from over exposure. Thanks for the memories. Lola Raley Comments: I was browsing something completely unrelated when I was delighted to find this website....just wonderful! I visited Alexandria a lot in the past 20 years until my dear friend Pat Strange passed away in late 2006...she and her husband owned one of the many plant nurseries.....theirs was located in Woodworth.....I intend to tell friends about your extraordinary site....keep up the good work and many thanks....
Joe Horton Comments: My uncles owned the Double V. Have many great memories when I visited my grandmother back when I was a kid. Melvin Henry July 17, 2009 Baton Rouge, LA Comments: Attended Bolton 8th grade thru 12th grade. Graduated in 1961. Four years at LSU-Baton Rouge then 5 years in the Air Force.
Ernie Knobloch (EKnob245@cableone.net) Comments: This site brings back some wonderful memories of growing up in Alexandria: going to Prompt Succor (having my own mother for a teacher one year), attending Menard, and playing baseball every summer in the park.
Gary Lueders (glueders@dc.rr.com) Comments: Bolton High class of '58 lost a great classmate with the passing of Jimmy Newell. I've got many fond memories of him going back to grammar school days. Debra Ducote Comments: Born and raised in Marksville, La. I have lived in Alexandria for 17 years. Flo Jordan Thibeaux (floarise3@aol.com) Comments: The spelling that I remember on the store on Lee St. was Thomas Camilleri. I remember Mrs. Camilleri. My mother knew her from when she lived in the neighborhood as a young girl and she took me in that store.
Does anyone remember the "Little Gray Library" as we called it? It was originally a state trooper place, I think. Do you remember RC Cola, Tasty-Freeze, A&W Rootbeer, Panzica's Hardware, the Fox Cafe next door to John Ward Hardware, Shipley Do-Nuts at its first location, and the drive-in where Shipley is now on Lee? What was the name of that drive-in? Do you remember when Lee St. was narrower? A nice line of trees led up to a little white brick kindergarten trimmed in dark green. It was across the side street from Southern Chevrolet, and is a used car lot today. The building is very old and a picture posted on here would be very nice. This and Elizabeth Damond's Kindergarten in the Garden District were private schools before kindergartens were in public school. They should be commemorated. Also, does anyone happen to remember the exact location of the Plantation Club that was on North Bolton, or Highway One? James "Jim" L. McGough Jr. (jmcgough74@gmail.com) Comments: Looking for children of my uncle Alfred Eugene McGough who was raised in Alexandria and passed away there in the 70's. I am the son of J. Leo and Mary (Faucett) McGough, both of whom were raised in Alexandria. Linda Henry Morris (lamorris@erols.com) Comments: In the past, I have left some entries and some photographs. For some reason the other day, I decided to look up my old address on Chester St. using Google Maps. It's been a while since I have done so. When I zoomed in on the satellite imagery, I discovered that there is a vacant lot where my house once stood. My heart is still a little broken from seeing that. In the 1950's and early 1960's the area of Chester St. between Monroe/Levin and Rapides was my world. Although a modest neighborhood, it was filled with friends and neighbors that seemed more like family. I guess that you can't go home again except in memories and Ken's Alexandria Retrospective. Margurite Brow Dryer (mollydryer@msn.com)
Comments: I went to Bolton High from 1954 and graduated in 1958. Just happened to google Judy Ward Steinman's name and stumbled across this site. It was so enjoyable hearing the mention of so many places we visited as kids in the 50's. It really was a "better time and place" then. Also, I have visited my sisters, Daisy Aymond and Betty Barnett, in Alex ... and "YES" to Georgia in Raleigh, N.C who visited the site on 05-24-09, "Hokus Pokus is still there!! I believe the location was moved at some time or other to Jackson Street. I passed it going to I-49." Would love to hear from some others from Bolton during those years. It was a marvelous and unforgettable time. Shirley (Honeycutt) Ingram Comments: Thank you for preserving such wonderful memories for us. Miriam Guillory View Register comments from the first half of 2009 |
