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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! Nancy I am trying to find information about the building that was named for my Uncle - Brother Cosmas Cazayoux who taught at Menard Memorial in the 1960s. I recently visited the Holy Savior Menard Central Campus and saw his picture hanging in the lobby of the gymnasium. There is nothing on the picture identifying him but I recognized him and seem to remember the picture vaguely. He died in 1967. I don't know when the building was built but it seems that the timing is in line with the "new" Holy Savior Menard Central High School buildings across from the Rapides Coliseum. I was young when the building was dedicated but would love to get information about it. Thanks to anyone who can send the info I am seeking. Janet Kaufman (Weil) Woodfin Comments: My twin sister and I were born at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in 1954 and lived in Alexandria with my father, Bernard Kaufman, Jr. and mother Carrie Lou Kaufman until about age 8 when my dad got stationed in New Mexico. My grandparents Bernard and Hilda Kaufman, great aunt Josephine Gandelman, and gg aunt and uncle Blanche and Sol Pressburg all lived in Alexandria their entire lives. My twin sister lives there today and we have fond memories of growing up there! Tim Hellrung (hellrungth@centurylink.net) Comments: Good Ole EAFB was my 1st assignment Base after Tech School training at AAFB (Amarillo Air Force Base - San Antonio, TX), Oct 1965 till June 1967, being deployed to Vietnam 67-68. Just a 19 yr old scared, yet gutty kid! Was assigned to the 834th Air Police Squadron and became the Chief Administrative NCO for the Squadron's Orderly Room (they called it). I worked for such GREAT Officer's, i.e., SMSGT, John Robinson (growled with a Texan/frog, very distinguished, SSGT Jessie Phillips, my 1st Office Supervisor (learned a lot from that man), a SSGT Ken Friend (who was 2nd office supvr & a good one), LT then Capt Charles Fuller (funny man), 1st LT Granson (very young, probably like 20, just out of College, Squadron Commander, Col Jesse Richardson (like a 2nd father to all of us), then many Cop and non-Cop buddies like Bruce (from MN), Michael Friedman (1st Jewish friend), Joe Robbison and Petry (Alabama, always puttin my MICHIGAN Football team down), & so many, many more, most went to Vietnam & didn't make it...I DID, only thru the Grace of God.... I remember the Base Main Gate, where even I, had to direct cars thru it until I neglected to salute a WOMAN 1st LT, so she DECIDED NOT to go, as signaled, ultimately CAUSING a 5 car pile up (as I kept on white glove han signaling ... LOL), remember serving in the Base Honor Guard, going to military burial's all over the state & getting paid EXTRA for a job I would have done for NOTHING as was such an HONOR, yet so very SAD, tears streaming down our faces for our fellow servicemen & their families. Remember the BASE PX (would SPEND almost my whole $65.00 a month salary, being broke the rest of the month til next pay day (BUT SAVED SO MUCH), remember the Base Theater & bowling alley we use to go to on weekends, IF we had any money ! Downtown Alexandria, remember my 1st Christmas away from hometown, Wyandotte, MI, the Christmas before, Wyandotte had gotten NEW Street Christmas lights, etc, they had purchased from somewhere in Texas and in 1965, Alexandria had purchased these SAME Street Deco's...so was almost LIKE being home, very similar downtowns and would shop at this men's store in Alexandria (Forget the name) but was just like my Wyandotte's Famous downtown men's store, Armstrong's & Chelsea's. I still remember how I chickened out, after going through parachute traing, NOT bailing out, along with 6 others out of 9...LOL. Remember GROWING up there, enough to VOLUNTEER to go to Vietnam, when I could have easily NOT and served the rest of my 4 yrs right there at my BELOVED EAFB. Never got the chance to go back. I'm retired NOW and Alexandria (& what's left of EAFB) is on my BUCKET LIST, along with the Vietnam Wall in D.C. If anyone out there was in 834th AP Squadron, please send me an email at hellrungth@centurylink.net ...Thanks EAFB, for a part of my LIFE I shall NEVER FORGET.....
Debra Plunkett Coyle Comments: Attended Rosenthal Elementary, Alexandria Junior High, and Bolton High School (1976 graduate). J.P. Perkins Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 80-83 in the CRS Hydraulic Shop. I will always take pride in having served with the Flying Tigers, and my time with the fine men & women of the 23rd TFW. Gregorie W Ream (starcompanies@yahoo.com) Comments: Born & raised in Alex during the 60's & 70's. My oldest sister Theresa, died in 1970 and I'm trying to find anyone that may have known her, or my family. She was terminally ill and died when she was only 15 in 1970. She attended the crippled children's camp in Leesville, and was sponsored by the Alexandria Lions. Please view the website at: www.mysistersdestiny.com and view the information. If any of the names look familar, please contact me. I would hope to find those people that attended the camp with her, or perhaps was a schoolmate when she was able to attend. A great and astounding event occured the day she died in Alexandria, and I'm going to show the world. Ronald Sanders Comments: Moved to Pinveille in 1953 from Boyce. 1965 graduate of Pineville High. Father was Rapides Parish School Super retiring in 1967. Marc Ivy Comments: Kathy Grimble Armstrong sent me e-mail telling me that Bobby Tic-Toc passed away. Man what a cool store that was. I loved those folks and all ways will. What a great site..... Ray A. Gandy Sr. Comments: I was stationed at EAFB May 1958 thru Oct 61 as Jet eng spec. 366th & 401st CAMS & F100 Crewchief - 614th - July, 59 A/2C Ray A. Gandy aka GOOSE Robert Sanders Comments: I too sutmbled on the site. I was in Alexanria Fall of 2009 and drove downtown just to relive the Saturday walk from Wellans to Weiss & Goldrings. So many memories. Someone mentioned the RC matinee at the Paramount! We would drive in from Pineville and spend the day on main street. Currently in France and probably will never move back to CENLA, but my heart will always be on main street of Alexandria. Erica Williams Comments: I grew up on England AFB!!! It feels so good to be able to look on this site and feel all the memories that I once had as a child all over again!!! Molly Phillips Grogan (duband@swbell.net) Comments: What an exciting website! I am the proud daughter of Bill Phillips, of PHILLIPS SIGN CO on Rapides Avenue ... the creator of many of the ICONIC signs that we cherish in our memories of Alexandria! ... Bentley Hotel, Hokus Pokus Liquor, Weiss & Goldring, Wellans, and many many more. I am filled with pride to see how many people have commented about those iconic signs that connect them to so many memories of our beloved hometown. --Molly Phillips Grogan Bolton HS Sr. '74 Paul Dupuis, Jr. (diehard47@yahoo.com) Comments: Would like to hear from ole friends that lived in Lower Third area during the sixties. diehard47@yahoo.com Kathleen Yerby Bowling (kathyskollection@aol.com) Comments: I'm pretty sure Dolly Piscotta Delanoix's dad [Nick] was my god-father when I was baptised at St Francis Xavier Catherdral in the early 50's Paula Villemarette Hooper (hooperp47@yahoo.com)
Comments: I am searching for former employees of Borden Milk Company from 1960. If anyone has information, I would love to hear from them. Also looking for a picture of Raymond Conner or Gaspard who attended Bolton High School during the 50's. Thanks Gene Ricks Comments: Thanks. Chester W. Sharp (cwsh1@aol.com) Comments: I came to EAFB in Feb of 1958 and was basically there until we closed it down in December of 1992. I was one of the last personnel to leave out the gate which ended the era of one and only adult adventures of my life's adult work. came as a young Airman from tech school and was asisigned to work in Aircraft Maint. with the F-100D, KB-50 refuelers, and some other tenant aircraft such as T-33, SA-16 and a lot of other transient aircraft of the day. After about 6 months they decided I was in the wrong career field and was sent the the Civil Engineers in the Mechanical section. Short story: I went through 35 years of stages of change and Wings and units of which I have a lot of memorabilia and information to share if anywone would like. I served as a young Blue Suiter and then later as a Enineering Civilian technician in the energy mamagement unit and system controls designer and renovations, etc. I helped with consulting on and building the Base air park as it apears today. the Architect for that project was David Word, who did a great job. That was with the 23rd Flying Tiger Wing which was there 20 years, but the first Wing(s) I was associated with was the 401st TFW and the 366th TFW which was an Air division and with a lot of over tennat aircraft. There is just too much to cover in all those years; I would need a more detailed request and some Photos to share that I could offer if anyone wishes to know and / or talk about. so, really, I spent all my adult life in the service of the Airforce at EAFB which was better than anything I have known since or before and all the smart people I met will be forever in my life and mind. Thanks for taking the time. That base should never have been closed ... it was one of the best in the Airforce. Thanks - Chester Sharp Mike Matson Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 75-78 as an SP. I served with a lot of good guys and have a lot of great memories. jerry e davis Comments: was at England AFB from feb 1959 to sept 1962 in 622nd Betty Gagnard Schultz (bls345@yahoo.com) Comments: I would love to see some of my classmates from Ruby Wise School before it was renamed KORUWISE. Our home place after we left lower Third , Alexandria, Louisiana, was on Williams Lake Road. I remember the road being called the Roller Coaseter Road. It was fun going on that road in the school bus. I remember our bus driver , Mr. Taulbert, would get his speed up before he would reach the top and we would all holler because we loved it. I believe Mr. Taulbert knew that we all enjoyed the wind because there wasn't air conditions on the buses then. We even had an old school bus painted and called the rolling grocery store. We looked forward to rolling grocery bus passing because most of the time we could get a popsicle or a fudge sicle. Those were the good old days when as a child or a teenager , you appreciated anything like that for a treat. Now if we didn't earn it by doing good in school or obeying our parents we didn't get any. I was born 03/05/1945 and my favorite teacher, who I will never forget was Mrs. Ruth O'Neal. She was the best. I loved school and all of my shool mates. We also had some of the best cooks in the town. They would bring home grown vegatables from their gardens. I also remember the glass milk bottles we drank out of instead of the plastic cartons. Anyway if there is someone out there that were class mates or neighbors please email me at bls345@yahoo.com. I really enjoy this website. It brings back so many memories. Hope to hear from some of you. I have not read anything about Central Grammer School. I know I'm not dreaming. It was behind St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Juanita (juanita-wilson@comcast.net) Comments: My mother, Maureen Holmes, lived in Alexandria around 1944. She met my father, Harry Wilson (known as "Willie" to his AFB buddies) at the base. They married soon after. Both of my parents have passed away and I would love to make contact with anyone who knew them during their time in Alex (1954 - 1958). Please feel free to contact me at juanita-wilson@comcast.net. Janet-DeBey Wells (myinbox1218@yahoo.com) Comments: When I entered my request for help to find some long last friends...I HAVE FOUND ALL OF THEM...except Ron King and I heard he had died recently.Thanks to all !! Janet Paul Dupuis, Jr. Comments: Born and raised in Alexandria, Menard class of 69. Love this site for bringing all the memories of a good time in my life. diehard47@yahoo.com Norman Jay Few Comments: When I was a boy I dreamed all year about going home to visit Uncle Alfred and Earline Wells, Ida (Gram) and all my cousins in the Alexandria area. Now I've grown up and have a wife Carol and 4 kids. All grown up now ... the two oldest girls Katie, and Erika are married and each have two grandsons, Katie and Matt have Austin 7,and Cooper 2. Erika just had twin boys Drew David and Carter Jay, growing. David and Allison are not married yet. David lives in LA and Allison will be a Senior in college. caralyn cloud (katespets1@hotmail.com) Comments: I am looking for william roy johnson; he was at england afb, from approximately 1963-1966. if you have any information about him I would appreciate it. thank you. Debbie Bolton Thomson Comments: Attended Rosenthal, AJH and Bolton H.S. What is one of the best things about growing up in Alex. was that we all actually went to these same schools at the same time. We were literally all in the same family of friends all of those years! I will always cherish the 60's and 70's growing up with this large family of friends. Grew up on Cottage St. Jim Reed Comments: Stationed at EAFB during 1973 to 1975. Avonics system on the A7 aircraft. Looking for any info on names or other items that was related to this shop. Helena Baillio
Comments: I am a direct descendent of Pierre Baillio, and have traced his geneological roots throughout France, England, and Spain. We are very proud of our ancestry and hope that any and all Baillio members recognize and appreciate the value of their lineage. Nicki Crittenden Comments: England AFB was my first assignment. I got there in Mar 80, worked in the 75th TFS Ops Admin until Oct 86. I spent alot of time trying to get back there. I loved it. Richard C. Gebhardt Comments: Good Job. My wife (Alice Faye Motter) and I are 1959 graduates of BHS. She was born there. Thanks Dolly Pisciotta Delanoix Comments: Bolton High, graduated 1961. Misty Briggs Comments: I love Alexandria, born and raised here. I attended Cherokee Elementary, Linclon Road Sixth Grade Center, Brame Jr. High, and Bolton High School. Graduated in 2000, will always be a Bear!!! Larry N.Prestridge Comments: Wonderful site and brings back all good memories ...teen town, Paramount and Rex theaters, walgreens, W T Grant, third st., Wellans, Castor Plunge, Buhlow Lake, riding scooters and playing baseball. Thanks for reminding us all for the unforgetable, and remarkable time to live in the 50 and 60's.
Rick Sauve Comments: Stationed at EAFB from March 1974-December 1975 Jim Lofton Comments: 23rd MMS 1975-1979 Ken Bowers Comments: Met a girl named Lanie. Where is she now? Cathy Sweeney (Cullen) Comments: Thanks. David Lambdin (captaind80@hotmail.com) Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1967-68. Crew chief on C-47. Born & raised in Alexandria, and graduated Bolton in 1966. LOOKING FOR MY RECRUITER!! Recruited in Alexandria in 1966. I bought my recruiter's 1963 Corvette after he returned from Nam in about 1965. Trying to remember his name so I can provide history for classic car repurchase. CAN ANYBODY HELP? My grandfather "Mr Bill Lambdin" ran streets & parks of Alex. He put the F84 in the city park. I was there when the plane was placed in park around 1960. Recognize lots of names and places on this site! Chuck Hawes (chuckhawes@ymail.com) Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1972-1975 in Medical Supply. Would love to hear from anyone I worked with, i.e. Bill Gaul, Tom Causey, Ed Laymen, Sandra Lowe. John Bolton Comments: Great town to grow up in. Good friends, great memories. Ron Wilkinson Comments: I recently donated a postcard collection I had created to the Carnegie Library in Jennings, La. If interested, anyone can contact Harriett Schulz, its director, about vieiwing. Pamela Planck Wilkie (billandpamwilkie@roadrunner.com) Comments: Anyone remember my dad, Maj. James B Planck and his dog, Gunner, who used to fly with him and was written up in a local newspaper? He was there from '56-'59. Any help will be appreciated. John David Comments: Class of 1959 Beth West Comments: I spent many summers in Alex. as my grandparents (Dan and Margaret Healy) lived on Parkway Dr. and great grandparents (Edward and Edna{Baker}Ellington) lived on Marye St. My mother (Edna Ann Healy Austin) graduated from Providence Academy, I believe in 1946. My great grands and grandparents had "camps" in Fishville where we swam at Deans Hole. My cousins (Ellingtons, Bordelons) still live in Alexandria though we don't see them much. Loved visiting this web site ! Mark Leblanc Comments: Moved to Alex., from Lafayette, in November 1967, when they opened the old Piccadilly @ MacArthur Village. My dad was one of original managers. Donna (Jacobs) Street (grannystreet@hotmail.com) Comments: '66 Bolton Grad - In 1963-65 before the new gym was built, I remember the back of the PE class with the 'naughty' boys from shop class laying on the ground trying to look into the girls dressing room! That's why I always changed in the bathroom stalls! And going back even further - 1958-62 - remember the bayou that ran thru the City Park - and catching pollywogs to bring home in a jar that would end up on the back porch for a week before Mom made you throw them out! Still remember that smell and crying over the little frogs I had let die. Remember the terrifying growls from Gus the Lion at the Alexandria Zoo? I lived on Vance and could hear him every evening just before dark. Poor baby was so lonely. Thank God for Les Whit and his wonderful family for investing their lives in making that park the wonderful place it is today. Remember the drive-in theater off the North Circle and Kings Drive-In that is where Kings Country is now in Pineville - Now THAT was movie watching at its best - mosquitoes and all! Remember those awful mosquito coils we burned? And the hateful old men with flashlights that would sneak up behind your car and shine the lights on you! - Never caught me doing anything I should not have been doing - hahaha!! But sure scared the heck out of me! So sad that our kids/grands won't have memories like that. I would love to hear from my friends and classmates of those times. Alexandria was a beautiful, laid-back and SAFE place then. I miss it - That is why I now live in Pineville! Jack Plunkett Comments: Hello: I was born and raised in Alexandria. I went to Westend Grammer School on Bolton Ave. and graduated from Bolton High School in 1955. I went to work for the Texas & Pacific Railroad and worked 44 yrs. and retired in 1998. I sold my home on Mary St. in Alex and built a new home in Westwego. I am the secretary for Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Waggaman and play the organ for weekend Masses. Alexandria has changed so much it's not like the same place I was raised up in. I have a daughter who lives in Pineville and my son lives about 45 minutes from me in Houma, La. Sheriaka Bazzelle Comments: I was young, about 7, when my family and I were stationed there, from summer of 1984-summer of 1986, when we moved from Edwards AFB. After England, we got stationed at George AFB (which closed around the same time as England). I remember living down the road off base (England) and then moving on base in a 2 story house a big long back yard and the Bayou was our backyard scenery with the armadillos digging holes. I remember walking down the pathway by the Bayou to go school, and across the street was the hopsital and not to far from that was a park (where I sat in a pile of ants and they attacked). The theatre and other places my parents took us, my family shopping off base (downtown) and visiting friends and family in Shreveport. I remember the Air Shows (which I still love as a Army spouse) and the shows Tops and Blues (hope that was the name). My next visit to LA, maybe I should stop by and take a look at something that was a part of my childhood and a part of history. As I get older I apprciate my childhood more and the things that were apart of it and show my 2 kids the AirForce side of things (though they know a little) ... I'm in awe about the photos I've seen ... memeories, memories, memories ! Mary Edwards Connell Comments: I love visiting this site. I feel so lucky to have grown up in such a special place. I actually still live here - moved away for about ten years after college. Everytime I start reading these entries, I'm just transported back to times and places hidden in the back of mind. One of my favorite memories was riding my bike to the city park pool every day in the summer from our house on Webster Street and swimming all afternoon. My hair stayed green all summer! Anyone remember the rock garden on Hynson Bayou and the "King and Queen" seats? Hello to all of my friends from Rosenthal Elem. (1949-53), Aiken Elem (1954-56), and Bolton (1957-1961). Fred Goldring (fredgoldring@xtra.co.nz) Comments: I believe I am a descendant of the founders of Weiss & Goldring Department Store. Where and how can I access a history of these two men? Regards, Fred Goldring Frank Norman Johnson Comments: I believe it was "Effie's Fried Chicken" that had the lighted chicken that flapped her wings (neon lights of course) on McArthur Drive South. I would get hungry just watching the sign, near Ransville Courts. I have lots more, even though I lived at Forest Hill from January 1942 - August 1951. Went to Forest Hill School then had to move to Turkey Creek when I was 13 because of my Father's work. Ronald Plunkett Comments: Lots of memories on this site, as Alexandria was my home till i left in 1984. Still go back 2 or 3 times a year to get some lou and lauras poboys to bring back to Houma. The memories i had were amazing but it seems like another town when i go... it's not what it used to be when i grew up there. What memories! Del Schmick Comments: 23 TFW, 76 AMU. 1984-1988 Cathy Sweeney (Cullen) Comments: We lived on a corner house on Alma street in 1963-1964. I don't really remember any of the names of the kids we played with because I was only five or six when we lived there, but I remember everything about the house we lived in. Our front porch had those louvered, opaque windows. I went to Our Lady of Prompt Succor for a short while before my father was sent to Korea and we moved to England to live with my grandmother. I have an older brother, Peter, who probably remembers much more than I do. One of my most vivid memories was when the garage in back of our house caught on fire. I also remember walking to some small neighborhood store with my brother to get bread or milk for my mother. Like I said the memories are kind of vague, but in my mind it was a happy time. Marianne Hopson Barber Comments: Thanks. Marcus Wallace Comments: I was born and raised in this area and still reside in Pineville. I still like this area because it's not too big and not to small. I want to raise my son here and let him have the same memories that I did. My dad retired from England AFB with the FAA and I remember the A-10's out there and the people who were stationed there. Times have changed so much just in my time. I wish we could just go back and live simple like we used to. I also remember the only McDonald's in town on Macarther Drive in the early 70's. Gerald Couvillion Comments: I check this wonderful site occasionally and continue to be impressed with it. Keep up the good work. I'm a 1958 Menard graduate and retired as a tech rep from Pitney Bowes, Inc. My wife is the former Frances Rountree also from Alex. We have 5 sons and 2 grand daughters and 2 grand sons. Betsy Stroope (Ainsworth) (betsysangels@peoplepc.com) Comments: I graduated from Bolton High in 1970. Was born in Cabrini Hospital. My son was born there too. I have alot of memories of Buhlow Lake; we used to ski there. I am the daughter of Elizabeth Close and Martin Close (stepfather). I still have a brother that lives there. His name is Martin Close III. I married a Stephen Stroope who was stationed at EAFB in the 1970's. We moved away in 1975 to Magnolia, Arkansas where we still live. I still go to Alex to see my brother. A lot of memories. Thanks for the web site. Allen Krause Comments: I much enjoyed the retrospective. I'm researching a book on the role southern rabbis played in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Clara Gantt Comments: My husband was stationed at EAFB from 1959-1963. We married at the chapel there and had our first son at the hospital there. Great times. Bob Horne (meddrummer@comcast.net) Comments: Was stationed at England from 1963 to 1965. Great memories. Would like to hear from anyone that remembers me from so long ago. Chuck Hawes Comments: Stationed at EAFB Hospital from 1972-1976 as a Medical Supply Specialist. Wendy Shivers Gintz Comments: I was born there in 1970, wonderful memories. Went for a long time for check ups and dentist visits and eye exams on the base. I thought it was so cool growing up and so proud of my dad's service in the Air Force!! Ben Hillman Comments: England AFB meant a lot to the Alexandria area. My father was a civilian firefighter on the base in 1948. I grew up near EAFB close to Hot Wells; and attended several air shows there in the 1950s. I recall the thrill of F-84s, F-86's, and F-100s flying over our house. I remember my sisters dating some of the pilots, and one who married an airmen in 1955. When I return to the Alexandria area now, it is sad to see the base closed. Judith Hyams Sterkx Bennett Comments: Haven't been back there in years, but still call it home. JoAnn Martin Nicholas Comments: Lived in Alex from April 1959 - July 1962, and again from the Spring of 1968 - Spring 1973. Three of my four children were born in Cabrini Hosp. and all four Baptized at St. Fr. Cabrini Church. I remember Alex as being full of spring flowers, friendly people and good neighbors. My father passed away there and is buried at the Nat'l Cem in Pineville. Lots of memories in Alex for me, all my children as they were growing up. My husband is from Leesville and went to Louisiana College in PV for two years between wars (ww2 and K). I loved Alex! Our second time we lived near the Swim Club and that was the center of our life. Haven't been back since and want to remember it as it was! Mairon Difulco Daley Comments: Hello Everyone! I am still here and loving all the comments so much. Thanks so very much for putting this together. Even though I am still here, most of the buildings are not there anymore so your site is wonderful for those of us who are still here and those who are not. Again, thank you. Chris Ellerson Comments: Assigned to EAFB May 1972 to Dec 1973 Earnest Martin Comments: As a child born in Pineville I grew up on 13th St. off of Applewhite St. down in Sunnyside, and I remember the softball games in Cheatam Park, swimming in the Pool across from Peabody, playing hardball in the summer behind silver city, and chasing the chuck wagon...also remember such individuals like Coach Davis, Frank Johnson my old coach with Peabody Elem baseball team and a host of caring nurturing people who made life wonderful for a kid. Would like to say thank you for having this wonderful site to visit. Phillip D. Dyer Comments: England AFB was my first duty station. I was stationed at England AFB from 8 Dec 86 - 12 May 92. I was assigned to the hospital. I've gone back to the base several times and it really brings back memories. I just retired 1 Aug 09 after 23 yrs. Ed & Bonnie Budy Comments: We spent 3 years at EAFB. Our daughter was born while stationed there. My husband worked the NDI lab and I worked in the BX. Stephen R Hammock Comments: Thanks! Keith Hood Comments: Born and raised in Horseshoe Gardens and Martin Park from 1963 to 1986. Went to St. Francis Cabrini and then on to Menard High School (class of '81). Try to get back as often as possible to see the folks. I love this site. Remember going to Sears on Bolton Ave and riding the escalator and going to movies at the Don Theater. Karen Browder Henderson Comments: I lived in Alexandria from the age of 5 and moved when I was 10y/o. My most vivid memories was the large water tower decorated with colorful lights during the Christmas Holidays. Also, becoming very excited to see the movies playing on the screen (I believe that must have been the drive-up theater) from a distance when riding in the car. I also lived at the Masonic Home for a few years before I moved. Most of my memories are from that time. Thanks ... Karen Editor's Note and Update in 2012: Joe W Segari Comments: I was born in Pineville and moved to Horseshoe Dr. in 1953. I was in the first class of Brame Junior High. I miss the easy life I had a child in Alexandria ... good luck in the future to all. Sam Damico (drsam44@yahoo.com) Comments: Just a reminder that the Menard and Providence class of 1960 is hosting a reunion of the classes of 1957-1963 on April 30 - May 1, 2010. For info, e-mail providencemenard1960reunion@yahoo.com. Tim Dorman Comments: 401st Air Police Squadron - Sentry Dog Handler at EAFB. 1961 to 1964. Brian Wyatt Comments: Those are great postcards and photos capturing the atmosphere of Ruston, LA!
Don Baxter Comments: This is great site. I grew up in Farmerville and went to LaTech! Thanks for so many good memories! Susan Scarborough Poff Comments: What a great site! Thanks! David A. Ricci Comments: I was Stationed at the England Air Force Base from 1982 to 1986, worked in the phase dock, had a lot of friends in and outsude the base and i also worked at O'banions which was a pool hall/ bar just off of Jackson st. Ed Jones Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1982-1988 as a munitions troop. Worked Munitions Control and 76th CMU. Special duty in Correctional Custody, NCOIC of Transition Flight. Great memories of the base and great folks of Alex. Dan Page (danielpage@bellsouth.net) Comments: In a search for photos of Chennault Air Force Base ( I served there 1958-1961), I came upon your site. I have great memories of playing in the 2nd Air Force fast pitch softball tournament at Barksdale AFB in the early 60s. Anyone know of a source for pictures of Chennault? Thanks! Ray U Urban Comments: Glad I lucked up on this web site - Thru Google -- Had posted in Sept 2003 - Fantastic memories - it takes time to really take everything in, but worth it! Stader Richardson Comments: This is just a great place to visit. The pictures and peoples' names are like magnets. Hard to stay less than an hour. How nice that we share such a strong common bond. Rugg/AJH/Bolton Class of 71 Maurice J Converse Comments: Went to Menard High school from 1958 to 1961. I love Alexandria La. The site brings back lots of great time growing up there. As kids we ran all over Alexandria. All I can say keep up the good work Dorothy Thomas Johnson (johnsonedot@aol.com) Comments: What a great site. Pictures bring back lots of memories. Looking for classmates between 1956-58 Toni Thornton Comments: This is a great tool. - Thanks Karen Kegley Comments: Thanks for putting this great site together. I was born at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital and attended Rosenthal Elementary, AJH, and Bolton High School. Bettye Leggett Comments: I lived in Tioga all my life (until graduation from Louisiana College). Both my parents lived there until their deaths in the '70s. We often visited and shopped in the BIG CITY, Alexandria. Kathleen M. Rodgers (TRod348@aol.com) Comments: My name is Kathleen Rodgers and I am the author of the award winning novel "The Final Salute: Together We Live On." Military Writers Society of America awarded me the Silver Medal in 2009 for my story that deals with USAF fighter pilots and their families around the time of the first Gulf War. The former England AFB served as the model for my fictionalized account. The Town Talk in Alexandria did a story on me and that got picked up by USA Today and the AP. Military Times ran a story about me and my novel in the Feb. 8, 2010 issue on page 3 of Off Duty section. Below is a link to a recent story. Sincerely, Kathleen M. Rodgers Denise Shaw Comments: What a marvelous site. I was born in Alexandria at Rapides General Hospital and lived there until I was 12. I tried to return annually to visit family and friends. My parents were married at St. Rita's, and I went to school there from 1st grade to 6th grade. Sister Ellen Miriam was the principal then. I have fond memories of Alexandria. My grandmother lived on Day Street (a once safe and lovely street and neighborhood). I often walked to Gravel's Drugstore, and went with my grandmother to the old Krogers that shared a strip center with a Five & Dime. I lived on EAFB a short time after my mother married her second husband. I was fortunate enough to grow up with members of the Snow Family--Lori Snow (RIP) was one of my best friends, and I kept in touch with her parents, Pete and Mary, after she passed away. I remember downtown being decorated for Christmas, and my grandmother's neighbor, "Ms. Gladys", working for Wellans I haven't visited Alexandria in almost 10 years, but still consider it my hometown and have wonderful memories of it. Thank you for such a wonderful site. Dr. John and Barbara Baldwin Comments: We lived in CENLA for 28 years and loved it. John worked at the VA Hospital and I had a studio at River Oaks. We left many friends when we retired. Stephen Kerr Comments: Thanks! Mark Lamberson Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from oct 84 to dec 89. Some of the best memories I have are from Alexandria. I still like to "savor" them 20 years later. Ann Allison Vise William R. Sanson (frogman@islandhoppers.biz) Comments: Well I know too well of the MPs vigilance ... when I was a boy my grandfather Floyd Nichols worked on the base. One day I ventured into a hanger and found the most wounderful thing to play on a small jet. I climb aboard and found my self inside the cockpit only to be removed by the well-placed hand of an MP. It seems I walked into a squadron of dragon flies. Cessnas pre-answer to the ground attack warthog. They were being shipped to Vietnam the next day. Needless to say I was having fun and the Col over the base was not happy with the MP; only question was how did I get into hanger and much less into the cockpit. If anyone knew my grandfather please write me. Clara Gantt (brucegantt512@gmail.com) Comments: I am looking for Teresa Claire Vereen (maiden name). She maried Patrick Tyron or Tyrone in about 1961 and I know she had a daugher named Renee. I lost contact with her many years ago and really would like to renew our friendship. If anyone knows her please email me @ brucegantt512@gmail.com Douglas Land Comments: Good Site. I was born in Alex in 1943 near MacArthur Drive. This site brings back a lot of memories. Allie Rea Jackson (nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com) Comments: I have visited alex retro for a few years now, and finally visited to meet my family for the first time. Now by the grace of God, I see east Texas. I am in the process of researching Marshall and Longview. My greatgrandmother in Alexandria was from Marshall, Texas. Calling out people with the last name of Hill, Washington and Jones. Nanaboo_jackson@yahoo.com Kirk Gibson (kwgibson@aep.com) Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from early 74 to mid 77 with 23rd MMS TAC, and worked in the missile shop out in the "Bomb Dump". Would love to hear from anybody who I knew when I was there. Alex was a great place and I met a LOT of the nicest people there. I drove a cab at night for Cenla Cab Co. Hello to Marion (aka "Dusty"), Steve (aka "T"), Laverne, Linda and the people of Alexandria. Thanks for making that time in my life special.
I think about those times often and maybe someday will get a chance to revisit.
Thanks for the memories. Wheeler Newman Comments: My father was stationed at England AFB from 1963 through 1966 and I attended Pineville Elementary School for 3rd and 4th grades, and Woodland Elementary in the 5th grade. Ms. O'Neal was my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs Duncan - 4th grade and Mrs Estrada 5th grade. I remember these days of my childhood well and have a place in my heart for Pineville / Alexandria. Janel Thiels Gaines Comments: Even though I still live in Alexandria, I can remember Daddy bringing us to Fuzzy's Drive-In to get a po-boy on Saturday night. 3 of us 5 kids would be in the backseat waiting for the waiter to bring the little red tray to set on the window with all of our food, including Curley Q's. City Park Swimming Pool was a specialty also ... both a high and low diving board.WOW! But to be allowed in the deep water, you had to swim the pool from side to side. Pretty scary when you're 8 or 9 yrs. old. Saturday morning movie at the Paramount Theatre - free admission with 6 bottle caps. We had some great times in Alexandria -- We had fun just being with cousins and family. I love the pictures --- thanks for the memories Russell Wilson Comments: Born & Raised in Alex. 214 Fisk St. across from the "Continental Trailways" Bus station, one block from Saint Francis Xavier Cathederal where I attended 1st thru 8th grade. I now live on Albert St., with my wife JoJo who graduated from Providence Central High and our two grand children Joseph and Kaitlyn Wright, the children of Kathy Wilson Wright our oldest daughter who passed away 7 years ago. Kathy was also a graduate of Holy Savior Menard. Jospeh is a "Senior" at Menard presently while Kaitlyn is a "Soph". Edward (Eddie) Marshall (Monger1938@AOL.com) Comments: Quote from Brother Max - "What is in this book does not do any good unless you have common sense to go with it. My name is Brother Max, and I am here to teach Algebra." Ronald Chatelain Comments: I was born in Mansura La in 1940 and always felt close to the BIG CITY Alexandria where it was always fun to visit my cousin took me to the Zoo. I saw the Ringling Brothers Circus in "Alex" as we called it. I remember the orphanage on Texas Ave which was accross the street from my cousins home. I still miss listening to KALB radio where I listened to Auntie Phyllis, Lets Pretend, Big John and Sparky and John Corbit Space Cadet. I will never forget seeing Jelly Elliott and the Playboys standing on the porch at KALB, awaiting their air time. I did not need to see the pictures. I used my imagination. It was RADIO. Oh how the chocolates were good from the candy counter at Kress. Those days are gone forever but the memories have stayed with me and will be there the rest of my life. Rebecca Wells Comments: Thanks! Clara Gantt (brucegantt512@gmail.com) Comments: I'm still looking for Tearsa Claire Vereen. If any one knows her please email me. |
