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Alexandria
Register
Thank you for visiting the Alexandria Louisiana Retrospective Web site. Shown below are the most recent entries made by visitors to the Retrospective. 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! Wade Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from June of 75 till Dec of 78. I was in the ECM Shop. Great first assignment. Terry Swafford (swaffordt@bellsouth.net) Comments: What a great site. Thank you for putting this together. I love reading and revisiting the past in Alexandria. When I go back now it just seems like it's all growing past me so fast. I'd love to be able to take my son to all the places we used to go and experience when I was younger ... oh well, we'll just have to do that here in Baton Rouge and catch it as we can back home... in Alexandria. Ronald Mayeaux Sr. (ronaldmayeaux@msn.com) Comments: Had two fly guys marry two of my sisters. Bruce Benjamin Garrison from Okla.City, Okla. and one from Huntsville, Ala. Bobby Wayne Colvin. Always thought the Air Force was a joke until I grew up and went to Vietnam and needed them and they were on the money {literally} Thank You Fly Guys!!!!!! Pat Vallery Constantino Comments: I went to Providence Academy in 1962-63. I loved going with my family to Bordens ice-cream parlor on Bolton Ave for a 'fruit bowl'...served by Mrs. Coleman --she was so sweet! Michael H. Hurley (hurm4344@aol.com) Comments: Arrived EAFB, 401st Police Sq, May 61 from 4yrs in Alaska. Deployed numerous times to Europe and SE Asia [RVN] with TAC Ftr Units ... Investigator, Flt Sgt, Ops Sgt and 1st Sgt...Maj Bennett, was SirSec&LE...after several TDYs went PCS to SEA for 3 bases there..final dep date was 1965 great base and great area...retired as MSgt in 1973. David Hiney (drhz@pge.com) Comments: I served at England from 28Aug81 to 14Apr85 as a bomb loader on the A-10. I was first assigned to the 74th AGS serving as the number 3 man on the load team. I soon moved into the training facility as a trainer as part of the 75th. Under the tutelage of SSgt Ron Herring I served as the number 2 man on a load team that went to Nellis AFB in 1983 to compete in "Gunsmoke '83". Because of the excellent training we received from SSgt Herring, my team and I walked away as the overall "loadeo" winners, one of my finest memories of my time served. James Arnett (lonewolf_hd@hotmail.com) Comments: i was born at fort polk. my father, who served at eafb in the 60's, isaac t arnett, died this year in amarillo tx. he was a man i really never got to know ... looking for old photos, and stories of him, i remember the base as i was so young, my mother was irma, always at the commissary back then. thanks - jim arnett Elizabeth Melton (liz.melton@talktalk.net) Comments: I came to EAFB as a young bride from a small town in England. My husband was in the fire dept and EAFB was his second place of duty after Woodbridge AFB England. 1981 is when we arrived. I often think of the times there and how we enjoyed ourselves, making new friends and discovering the south.We both also got Baptized at the community Baptist church in 1985. I often think of our time there and still have the seven dwarfs that I made at the ceramics workshop on base!!!! Good stuff. Have enjoyed the web site. James A. Coe (ja33coe@aol.com) Comments: I was stationed at England AFB 1957 & 1958. Aircraft changed from F-84s to F-100Fs and F-100Ds. Refuelers were KB-50s. Two wings were there, the 401st and 366th. Anthony Loche (aloche6094@msn.com) Comments: My first duty station - '86 Britni Campbell (britni.campbell@yahoo.com) Comments: I have utterly enjoyed this website. I appreciate your longing for the history and remembering of the "grander" days. I live in a rural area outside of Alexandria, and I'm only 21 years old. I have always known that Alexandria was a city filled with great past times, and wish I could have seen the city in its better years. People my age and younger think of it as a "nothing" town, which I completely disagree with. I feel that no matter how big or small the community is in which you live, you should have pride because we are the future of the city and it's up to us to bring back, or found, the character or the city. Looking at this site hightens my love for the city even more than before. I just wish it could rebuild and be of the same quality that it was back then, especially downtown. Once again, I thank you greatly for this site, and I am sharing it with many, including my father who works for the City of Alexandria. MAURICE CONVERSE (CLINBUD@AOL.COM) Comments: I WENT TO MENARD FROM MY FRESHMEN YEAR TO 1962. WE MOVED IN THE LAST YEAR; I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE THE 1963 CLASS REUNION IF THERE ARE ANY PLANS. Dorothy Hebert Dubuisson (dubuisson@mail.com) Comments: My mother, Edwina Crowder, grew up in the Alexandria area and was lovingly cared for by her aunt, Lydia Eldred Crowder (Mrs Corance S) ... G-uncle Corance was a Mason and worked for the railroad. Aunt Lydia was active in Eastern Star and Brotherhood of Locomotives local administration and was known for her ceramics which often were collectible dolls fashioned to resemble brides of the area. Any info about any of this greatly appreciated Msgt Gilbert W. Whitten (lgw318@newwavecomm.net) Comments: How well I remember the years I was stationed at EAFB, La. with the 23rd TFW from 1976 thru 1981, EMS Night Maintenance Superintendent. I left a lot of friends working there on the A-7s and the A-10s. Anthony Cons (jadencrystal@hotmail.com) Comments: I need help in trying to locate my father. My name is Anthony Cons and my father's name is Wayne Herron. He was stationed there in Lousiana around 1978-1979. Mother, whose name is Andrea Cons, was also in the Air Force. I left there when I was a baby and met my father once, and am now 31 years old and trying to find my father. Does any one know who he is? Please help if you can; please email me at jadencrystal@hotmail.com Leslie Morgan Comments: My husband, Darrell, and I were stationed at EAFB 1977-1981. Lots of great memories. We were in the 23 AGS, 75 AMU. Janet Woodard (enosier@aol.com) Comments: My father Rodgers Woodard was born in the Alexandria area. I am trying to find my relatives there. Douglas G Hadley (par.ta.gas@hotmail.com) Comments: I never thought I would be saying this, but I miss EAFB and the people I met during my tour. I was stationed there from May 87 to Nov 91. I belonged to the 23rd EMS assigned to the Phase Dock. I had the privilage of working on each and every A-10 aircraft that served so amazingly well during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. If there is anyone out there that would like to contact me, I would love to hear from you. Pamela Boese (ibcrayzee2@earthlink.net) Comments: Thanksgiving Day my mother and I were talking about the places we had lived while I was growing up and the churches we had attended. I couldn't help but look up Air Base Road Baptist Church to see if Brother Joe Sharp was still the minister or maybe his son. When I Googled it, this site came up with Byron Shaw. I can't help but think that we may have been there at the same time. I also used to go to the pool during the summers and would wander the base with my friends and even occassionally ride our bikes into Alex.; our parents never had to worry about us. Back to Air Base Road Baptist Church, that is where I found the Lord and Brother Sharp was a great man ... he did live what he preached. Maybe some day I will go back. My father retired in 1974 and we moved to Florida and have been here ever since. My maiden name was Taylor; we were there from 1970 - 1974. We lived on Norman Drive ... you may remember the airplane in the carport - that was us. Seems like yesterday; those were good times. Never would have thought that years later, that I, myself would fly, but that has even been a quite a few year too. It has been nice to go back. Pamela (Taylor) Boesebcrayzee2@earthlink.net Larry Lothery (ldlothery@aol.com) Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 1987-1992. I was production supervisor 75th AMU black section. Briefly 76th NCOIC, and NCOIC Manitenance Operations Center. Best assignment of my 26 years in the AirForce. Great people, great area, sorry it had to close. Barbara Ware Painter (bpainter49@att.net) Comments: I have just found this website today. I love seeing all the comments and the pictures. I have lived here since 1953. Attented Cherokee Elementary, Brame Jr. High and Bolton High School (1967 graduate). I loved going downtown at Christmas to see the Wellan's Christmas display. Buying candy at Kress. Eating tuna fish sandwiches and people watching at Walgreens. Also eating french fries at Grant's across street from Walgreens. Going bowling at the ABC bowling alley. Saturday mornings at the Don Theater. Hula Hooping on the stage at the Paramount Theater. Fun times. Thanks for so many memories. Barbara Painter Dennis Johnson (djjemail@gmail.com) Comments: I was stationed at EAFB 86-87, in the 75th AMU,Weapons Load shop. I miss the great people and good times and night fishing at Cotile Lake. Also working out at Rick's Gym in Pineville. Priscilla Ann Stewart Lanham Comments: Thanks! Frederick Frank Comments: I would love to see pictures of the old South Alexandria Elementary School buildings. The buildings were red brick, and three or four stories high. Both school buildings were located on Vance, Ave. Larry Michel (ldmichel@yahoo.com) Comments: Living in Atlanta area now. Almost retired. Don't get back to Alex much although both parents are buried there. Would love to get back for 50th reunion of Bolton class of '63. Lester Beacham (lester@bizec.rr.com) Comments: Served at England AFB March 1969 to Feb. 1971. Firefighter Bonnie Nelson-Blum (bnelso64@ainop.com) Comments: I was stationed at England AFB with my ex-husband John Blum in 1980-1982. For the first year I was there I worked at the Officers Club. Any one that worked there then I would like to hear from. patricia jackson dunn (pejdunn@aol.com) Comments: born in Alexandria 1952, spent most of my summers growing up there. My grandparents had a house on Rosalee, and then built one around the corner on Herbert St.
GUY DILLARD MD (donavit@att.net) Comments: DRAFTED BY LYNDON JOHNSON TO SERVE MY COUNTRY AS A GENERAL MEDICAL OFFICER FRON 1966 TO 1968. I DID MY BEST, LOVED THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE I SERVED WITH AND MET IN THE CIVILIAN POPULATION. GUY DILLARD, MD doyle crager (dcrager@bellsouth.net) Comments: was at England AFB from 1968 to 1972, worked in the jet engine shop. had some good times there. really a good assignment Chuck Clarke (chuknann@yahoo.com) Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1961 - 1964. David Bolding (maryacats20@hotmail.com) Comments: does anyone remember the KB-50 crash in late 1958 or 1959? Wanda Lofton (wl1024@MSN.COM) Comments: Hi, I was just trying to find out about my father who was born and lived in Alexandria way back. He always talked about Alex. but we never got to visit. If Dewey sees this message, please respond as we may be related. My father's name is James Lofton. Anyone who may have information on the Lofton's please email me. Wanda Lofton Terry Rutherford (Truther106@aol.com) Comments: Great site. A message for Bill Reinhart.... Hal Brown (geaux-587@comcast.net) Comments: My father was an Army officer stationed at Camp Beauregard from 1940-1942. During that time we lived on Thornton Court in Alexandria. I attended West End grammer school and recall walking to school up Lee Street to Bolton Ave., passing by Damico's fruit stand and being given an apple or bananna by the owner. I recall attending Saturday movies at the Don. On rare ocassions my parents would take us to dine out at Suburban Garden. While attending my 60th Tioga High School reunion this year, my wife Patricia and I were thumbing through the telephone book looking for a nice restuarant to partake of dinner and I was very happily surprised to note that the Suburban Garden was still in business. We hopped in our rental car and drove from Kingsville, where we were staying, to the Jackson street address and there stood the Suburban Garden restuarant. Not only was the food as great as I had remembered from my youth, but we enjoyed conversing with the current owner who is the granddaughter of the original owners. The forementioned are just a few of the wonderful memories I have of my days in Alexandria.
ronald h kingsland (bartenderlife@yahoo.com) Comments: i am from buffalo new york area, moved to s.c. a year ago. stationed at england air force base 1964 to march 1967. went to vietnam to march 1968. refueled planes. looking for other P.O.L. guys who were there when i was. buddy bracken, richard bertum? Sam & Judy Despino (samdespino@att.net) Comments: Sam played on the 1955 Little League team that went to The Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. His Dad Sam Despino, Sr. was one of the coaches. Great memories for a lot of young men. Karen Lemoine Musselman (karenm9683@yahoo.com) Comments: My dad, Edwin Lemoine, grew up in Alec with his brother, Daniel. I have only been to Alexandria a few times in my lifetime but dad still talks about his memories from his childhood. I would love to have some of my relatives on my dad's side to contact me. I only met a a few of them some 30+ years ago and don't think they are still alive but there off-spring ought to still be around. If you are related to me, please email me at karenm9683@yahoo.com Sherry (Brooker) Brantley (sherry.brantley.l1xc@statefarm.com) Comments: My Dadddy, Leland Brooker, was with the 615th TFS. He was stationed at England AFB '64-'65. He was sent to Clark AFB then on to Veitnam in June of '64. He would love to hear from anyone that remembers him. Brian Balentine (bbalentine@aol.com) Comments: great area to grow up in, many great memories, piney woods. tic toc, lou and laura's, Indian Creek. Still visit the area all the time ... thx Jimmie Lois Granger (LosCaf99@aol.com) Comments: I worked at the Motor Pool until it was closing and was transferred to Camp Headquarters. I was the next to last female to leave. Was transferred to Civil Service in Alexandria. valerie lacas (valerielacas@yahoo.com) Comments: Can remember going to the drive in back in the early 50s to see the carmen Jones movie. I was only 14 or so. And going by the parkland drug store and getting a cherry coke with my cousin. special memories to me. Gregory Wilborn (netranger60559drew@sbcglobal.net) Comments: Looking for news about 1958 Black baseball team.The owner of the team was my grandfather Lester Wilborn..The team played across the street from the Black High school Peabody High..looking for info... Art Cryer (arthur@artcryer.com) Comments: I was at England from 1972 - 1978.
'The formative years.'
My first assignment. 23rd TFW Base Supply Squadron. I think we were the best. Our motto was 'We Try Harder'. May sound a little funny thirty some odd years latter but, we really did well and had some fun at the same time ... in a difficult time of our lives. I admire, respect and miss all the people I knew and wonder how well you are doing. June Windsor Comments: My Father was assigned to Camp Livingston in 1943. He visited nearby Alexandria when he was off-duty. I have several pictures of Camp Livingston, down-town Alexandria, and of the old zoo as well. Gayle DeMeo (gademeo2010@gmail.com) Comments: Just wanted to say thank you for the website. Your website, along with others, is a gift and has great meaning not just for those who served, but for the family and children of those who served. Thank you. Terry Rutherford (Truther106@aol.com) Comments: I moved to Alexandria in 1957. We lived on the corner of Levin and Chester streets (neighbor to the Gambordello's). Later lived on Yale Street. Graduated from Bolton in '64 by way of Rosenthal and AJH. My mother was the lunchroom manager at Acadian Elem. My contemporaries included Harry Henderson, Bill Reinhart, Ed Cullen, Rick Hardy, Gary Remillard, Dennis Munsterman and Richard Rand. No air conditioning at any school I attended and either walked or rode a bike every day. I really miss the feeling of being safe and secure no matter where I was in town. It was a GREAT place to grow up. Kortney Reeves (Kortneyn24@aol.com) Comments: My great grandfather is Jimmie Thompson. He owned several places in Alexandria, La such as Jimmie Thompson's arena, City Park Funland and the drive-in movie theater. Alexandria is home and I absolutely love to read people's stories and memories about the way it used to be. It is so wonderful to see that alot of include one of my family members. I'm only 27 but I wish that this town was the way it used to be like back in the old days. Evertime my grandmother and I go downtown, she always has a story to tell about the buildings and it touches my heart how families were so tight knit and enjoyed each others company. I can say that reading these memories and stories have made me cry... Cleveland Riley, Jr. (friendly@whidbey.com) Comments: I grew up in the town of Boyce, fourteen miles north of Alexandria. Some of the fondest memories I have from my youth are the years that I spent at St. James High School (Class of '61). I received a fine education that encouraged me to broaden my horizons beyond what one could ever expect or imagine given the circumstances of that period in history. Added to my education, I made some really neat friends. If anyone reading this remembers me - do get in touch! JOE HORTON Comments: DOUBLE-V CAFE WAS OWNED BY MY UNCLE ROSS AND UNCLE ARCHIE. MY UNCLE SAM OWNED A BAKERY. Bill McMullen (marbill1110@gmail.com) Comments: England AFB was my first duty station during 1986-91, and met a lot of great people. I was 392x Plans and Scheduling DCM staff, 75 AMU, EMB. Been back a couple of times; great memories, and sad to see the place without the A-10. If any 392XX or others want to share memories, shoot me an email. marbill10@gmail.com Barbara Guilbault Lavespere Comments: Wonderful site. 1961 grad of Providence Academy. Very proud of our town. Linda (O'Quinn) Moss (Linda54972@aol.com) Comments: 2 of 3 of my children were born at St Francis Cabrini Hospital. All three (Angela, Melissa, and Paula) attended Horseshoe Drive Elementary. Angela also attended Brame Junior High. I was a "volunteer" in Ms. Williams class when Melissa and Paula were in kinergarten, then on to Ms Barbara Joshua's class. Angela is fixing to turn 39, Melissa is 33, and Paula is 32. I also worked at what was then called Briarwood Hospital on the Adolescent Unit. (don't know what it's called now). Our family then moved to Sulphur due to job related circumstances. If anyone has any pictures of Horseshoe or Brame, please feel free to email them to me. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers my kiddies or me. :) Deborah Kay Reed Bostwick Comments: Loved re-visiting the Alexandria I remember from my childhood Don Kinley Comments: Tioga High School 1970 ... Great site -- thanks for the memories.
Larry Moreau (moreaularry@yahoo.com) Comments: Wanted, 1962 year book. Would like to see or buy. I went to Menard, what a great school. Thank you. Larry Moreau -- football number 22 Tom Cleveland (tmclvlnd@yahoo.com) Comments: My father retired 1962 from England Air Force base. He was a WWII vet and I have fond memories of the base, Pineville, and Alexandria. we were stationed from 1956 until his retirement. Jean Bollinger (jeanbollinger@hotmail.com) Comments: Member 401st CAMS '61-'62; 3rd TFW '64-'65 at EAFB Dwight Evans (dtevans1968@yahoo.com) Comments: My father was stationed at EAFB for 6 years. I remember visiting the youth center, playing baseball, basketball, and football. I attended the base elementary school, where my mother worked. Remember my fourth grade teacher Ms. Versalati. Miss those times.... Olivia Greenhoward Comments: I was born in Pineville, Louisiana and grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana. This is home for me. Thanks for the look back in time. I really enjoyed looking back in time. Michelle Franklin Crawley (mcrawley@dpisd.org) Comments: How neat to see some of my friends and classmates on this site. Our entire family, from Lynda, Woody, Ricky, me and Janell grew up and graduated from Bolton. Funny how nostalgic you get when visiting. Memories are great! Anita Estes Cerda (cmerryjean@aol.com) Comments: I was born and raised in Pineville/Alexandria. My family was the Estes family. I remember KALB and KSYL, Jelly Elliot and the playboys, and I also sang with them on KSYL a couple of times. I remember the Pac of Fun Club at the old Harbor Teater in Pineville, La. I use to sing on stage there as a child, each Saturday. Herman Scallan was the music for all contestants. He played by ear for all, even tho he was a accomplished musician. Those were the days. Loved the dances at CYO and the Communnity Center when they would bus all the Fort Polk Army and the England Air base soldiers. Love the people of Alexandria nad Pineville. Would love to see some of the AF people I knew in 1956 and 57 ... one was a great guy Walter Williams. Would love to touch base with him. My brother never left Alexandria. Worked at the VA. My dad worked at the Alex. Post Office 20 years. In his 18th year transfered to the Pineville Post Office. If anyone knows me, please contact. Miss the good old days in a town that really gave a kid a great life to remember. Sure wish we could go back to that kind of life. gilda king balque (balque@att.net) Comments: I was born alex, pineville, la. moved from alex, in 1965. married, had three kids, remember all the good things about my home town. lee st. lower 3rd, upper 3rd and the whole town, wellans and all those things that all you people are talking about. The town has changed so much ... I49 makes it look like a big city. but it is the same alex pineville. I love the place too! we were there this summer, 2010. I don't care where I live, it's back home I go. I went to the old peabody elementary, jones street jr. high, then I got a GED. went to alex-vo-tech. and back to texas. love the two places, texas and alexandria. things change. For the best, I took my childern back home to go to school ... all three graduated from bolton. all three graduated from a university. all is good and good comes from my home town. peace. John E. Abel (jeabel38@yahoo.com) Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 1960 to 1962, as an A1C in the 401st A&E Sqdrn. I have many fond memories of the base and the people of Louisiana.
Comments: The old drive inn theater off of Highway 1 was called Show Town. I remember seeing a few movies there before they closed it down. I've been out there and the only things that remain are the Concession Stand Building, the entrance gates, the two projection houses and remmants of the projection screens. It's all overgrown with weeds as stuff and would take a lot of work if someone wanted to try to use this place again. At one time the city was using it to store cardboard to be recycled. David Faulkner (david7118@gmail.com) Comments: My father, Pat Faulkner, was stationed at EAFB from about '73-'75 before our transfer to Biloxi, MS. We lived on Daoust Rd and I remember fondly walking across the huge field to school and how cool I though it was that the school was round with the library in the middle. I fell in love there for the first time with my 4th grade teacher Ms. Versolotti (spelling??) and her Estee Lauder perfume. I remember the stories we'd tell about the crazy man that lived in the bayou near the house. What a great place to grow up! Kathleen Wilder Comments: Graduated in 1970 Steve St.John (steve32509@yahoo.com) Comments: Born in Monroe in 1955 but I call Alexandria home having moved there at age 2. My earliest memories of Alexandria were when I was 3 or 4 around 1959 I expect . We lived in a small brick home on MacArthur Drive across from the mall on the side where Albertsons is now. Lived on Rogers Dr. off Masonic after that and went to Prompt Succor kindergarten and then half of first grade at Cabrini Elem. Then moved to Mansfield for 2 ½ years then moved back to Alex living on Ave. B and went to Prompt Succor for 4th and part of 5th grade. Then lived on Jackson St. and went to Rugg for half of 5th and one month of 6th grade. Glad to escape Mr. Gatlin. The bulk of 6th grade at Horseshoe Elem with Mr. Gremillion (awesome man) after moving to Ransbottom Dr. My mom is Ursula of Ursula's Beauty Salon fame which she operated several of over the years in the area. She also owned the Bolton Ave. Beauty School for a time. Junior High at Brame while living at Parliament Square Apts, 9th & 10th at Bolton and ASH in 11th after moving to Martin Park. In 1972 my parents moved to Sedona, Arizona for my Senior Year. I moved back in fall of 1973 to attend NLU in Monroe and mom moved back in 1974 into a house in Cherokee Village on Yupon Dr which was where I lived when not in college in the late 70's. Some in the area may recall my annual Easter Beer Hunts at that location. College thing.
I recall traversing the town at will on the city bus system going to movies at the Don and Paramount at a very early age. The great zoo and amusement park (especially the bumper cars). YMCA day Camp Thunderbird next to the city pool in the summers. The lakes, trips to Castor Plunge and Fishville always made summers great being a kid. Whittle's Toys, Fuzzy's Drive In, ShowTown Drive-In Theater, Bowlero, The Old Sears on Bolton Ave, Valentine Lake, Frank's BBQ, Suburban Gardens, the smell of the Holsum Bread Bakery, the smell of creosote when you cross the bridge into Pineville. Good place to grow up. Shopping for school clothes at Wellan's and Caplan's. Eating at Herbie K's, Plantation Manor and Effie's. Hokus Pokus of course, disco at the San Francisco Lounge (on the back side of the mall that never quite was) and Bayview Yacht Club in my college years (mid 70s) not to mention all the romance and intrigue at the Port of Call restaurant on the back side of MacArthur Village around the same time. Good times. I love the water tower all lit up at Christmas next to Burger King. I went to NLU and LSU but eventually graduated from LC in 1979 with a degree in fine art. I was Chief Curator of the Alexandria Museum around 1978-80 just after it opened. My mom still lives at England Oaks. My brother is a state trooper there living in Pineville. Moved to Fort Worth in 1986 and have lived here ever since working at American Airlines Corporate HDQ. I get back to visit family on occasion and always enjoy driving around town looking at the old haunts and neighborhoods. Great site. Thanks for the memories. Tony Thomas (amtsecure@aol.com) Comments: I was a security policeman assigned to the 23rd SP Squadron from 1986-1990. Major Culpepper was my commanding officer. I truly enjoyed my time at England AFB and in the military and made alot of friends (Randy Pamplin was my dorm mate for a short time). I would like to make contact with you all again and tell "war stories". It has been 20 years. Malcolm Lanius (mlanius@aol.com) Comments: Fun memories. I went to Prompt Succor and Menard. Robert Robbins Comments: Thanks Debra Serl (serl@cox.net) Comments: I am trying to reach David Benson. He was at England AFB in 1955-57. He was a good friend of the family. If anyone can give me any info. I would appreciate it. Darrell Burchfield (burchfield11@verizon.net) Comments: I was stationed at EAFB 1972-1976 as a crew chief on the A-7d. Great memories. Ivy Segar (imsegar@aol.com) Comments: I was a 1lt Procurement Officer. My service dates was 8/79 - 11/83. It was a great experience that I will always remember. Walton E. Stevens, M.D. (stevenswalton@yahoo.com) Comments: My great grandfather William Kline Stevens came to Alexandria in 1859 to put together the sugar mill in Bayou La Boeuf . He brought his wife Mary Elizabeth McCullough down from Mansfield, Ohio in 1855 . They had McCullough Stevens. My grandfather David McC Stevens was born there on 3 August 1863. After the great fire of Friday, 13 May 1864 they all returned to Mansfield Ohio. I worked there as a radiation oncologist in the 1990's.The federal census of 1870 lists him as a mechanic and his shop was on Front street and Fulton street, where the first railroad west of the Mississippi ran down Fulton Street to meet the river. He provided services to the railroad and steamboats. The centenial paper talks about the mothers with babies in arms wading into the river to escape the inferno of the burning city. Perhaps my grandffather and his mother were some of those mentioned in the newspaper. Family tradition stated that some of the tracks and his shop were used to build the coffer dam to allow Federal gun boats get over the rapids and go down the Red River as the federal troops retreated South in defeat. W.E. Stevens James (Jim) L. Furby Comments: Thanks! Bill Fornaro (william29fornaro@yahoo.com) Comments: I had signed the register earlier (in 2004) and mentioned that I was stationed at England from September 1971 until January 1974. While there I served in 2 different squadrons - the 23 Headquarters Squadron from 1971 until January 1973, and then the 23 Civil Engineering Squadron until January 1974. If anybody here remembers me from those years, I would love to hear from you. Chris Saxby (saxby187@yahoo.com) Comments: I just miss EAFB so much; it will forever be home. I will be back! Jon Lowther Comments: Great site! enjoyed the pictures and comments. Dawn George (dgeorge60@earthlink.net) Comments: My family is from the Pineville area. My grandparents were Gladys Abadie Groves and Clyde O. Groves, Jr. My great aunt is Margaret Abadie Holbrook. I would love to hear from anyone who might know something about them. Thanks, Dawn Gayle L. Meiklejohn Dutra Comments: My father was in the 622 Air Refuling Squadran. I lived there in 1962. Gary Waits (gwaits1@pdq.net)
Comments: What a great place to spend as a child, up to high school. That boy sitting on the hood of the car could have easily been me, but most likely was not. I love looking at the old Alexandria pictures and remembering those magical days - at least in my memory! I have spent the past 44 years working on various space programs at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. It appears that the Space Shuttle Program will be the program I retire from. Like Alexandria, it has been a dream to be a part of. Margaret Cooper (bayousef@gmail.com) Comments: Grew up between White and Jackson streets during 1953 to 1967. At 4 and 5 years old, we could ride our tricycles around the block and the only worry might be errant dog. Every home had a "Mama" who was home all day. Unlocked doors and the smell of good cooking through open windows. It was so quiet you could hear parts of conversations in the homes as you passed. Every day the "Lone Oak Dairy" delivered milk and you probably made a trip to "Owl Fine Foods". The city bus was the main mode of transportation for many people and at that time it traveled down White Street. There was a sweet, little old lady neighbor who worked downtown and used the bus. One of our afternoon rituals was to run to hug her when she came off the bus. Nice ladies back then wore "dusty powder" and the pleasant smell was your reward for that "big hug". Great memories. Thanks for the photos. Ralph Davidson (louisianadreammachine@yahoo.com) Comments: My fondest memories growing up were from 1975-1985. I was a lifeguard at the Knox Inn Pool in the City Park for three summers from 1981-1983.The first year 1981 the pool was re-opened after years of decline and I remember vividly getting into the bottom of the 12 foot deep empty pool on my hands and knees in a t-shrit, bluejean cutoffs and flipflops scrubbing the concrete with buckets of powdered clorine and brisell brushes to clean the slim and mildew off the floor and walls of this majestic waterless pool. It took about a dozen of us lifeguards to get the pool ready for reopening that summer and once it was done and the pool filled back with its beautiful crystal blue liquid, we all took a dip and enjoyed its sanctuary. It was also really fun to jump and flip off the 30 foot diving board and doing cannonballs off the low dives. Great memories from summer 1981. Would like to hear from any other lifeguards who worked there then.Thanks! Susan Woodward DeFanti (cajundaegoes@sbcglobal.net) Comments: Does anyone have any information on the Jack and Jill Drive-In in Pineville? Used to go there with my grandmother as a kid. Thanks! Randall Bonin (RanJanBon@gmail.com) Comments: I was assigned to England AFB approximately 1972 to 1975. I was a Ground Radio Communications Equipment Repairman (AFSC 30454) in the 1908 Communications Squadron. My job required that we commute between the radio shop (on the base) and the remote transmitter and receiver sites. This included travel in and around the aircraft flight line and runways. Noise levels were extreme. I now have severe œbilateral hearing loss. Is there anyone out there that experiencing the same hearing loss? Thanks in advance. CINDY (LONGJON24@AOL.COM) Comments: IF ANYONE KNOWS SHIRLEY MULE (SHE SHOULD BE ABOUT 60), PLEASE EMAIL ME. MY SISTER BRENDA VERCHER HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR HER FOR YEARS. THANKS. Shelia Rogers Oliver Comments: I LIVED IN PINEVILLE. MOVED TO SHREVEPORT IN 1963. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE PINEVILLE/ALEXANDRIA. MY DAD WAS FROM THE TIOGA AREA AND BURIED THERE. HE WAS STATIONED AT ENGLAND AFB. LIVED IN FOREST GLEN Michael Haley (michaeljhaley2003@yahoo.com) Comments: Pineville residence: Haley's Nursery, 309 Main St., Pineville. PHS class of 1963 Terri L. Tolbert (deputyterri@hotmail.com)
Comments: I was stationed at England Air Force Base from 1986-1990 and would love to catch up with some others that were there at that time. Earl J Gremillion, Jr. Comments: Graduate of Menard 1958. Thanks for this great site! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the collection of pictures and memories of my early years growing up. I will continue to review this site as well as reading the Alexandria Town Talk. Beverly Harrison Huffman-Harms (geniebev2004@yahoo.com) Comments: I really enjoyed discovering this site and all the historical photo postcards of Alexandria. I was born at Baptist Hospital in Alexandria in 1951, but my family moved from Pineville, Louisiana to California when I was only 6 years old. If anyone who sees this remembers my parents, Marvin and Augusta Harrison of Pineville (both now deceased so I know it is not very likely), or my brothers and me, please contact me to share stories of life in Pineville circa 1950's. My older brothers Dave and Mike Harrison both attended Pineville Elementary School from about 1950-1957. We all three remembered living through Hurricane Audrey in 1957, just before we moved to California. I am now the family historian and have added this site as a source in my genealogy collection. Thank you!! JoAnn Myers Cutts Goforth Dave Ullery Comments: EAFB 1981-1984 Kathleen Yerby Bowling Comments: I was back in Alexandria for a funeral on 8/13/10; it was held at the Cathedrral and the St. Francis Xavier Academy - this is where I attended church and school for 8 years. It brought back tons of memories for me, my brothers and sisters. I am so glad they have not torn down the school building and of course the cathedral. It was great fun driving down Elliott St and looking at the old Providence site and the homes of some of our former clasmates who lived on Elliott St. A lot has not changed in over 40 years and a lot has.The highway system going all through the city is a bit confusing. Tony Glorioso (depchef92@yahoo.com) Comments: one sign on the side of the building by the Nehi Bottling Company is "Thomas Camilleri "
Carol DiStefano Colwell (colwell.carol@gmail.com) Comments: Note to Bill Finical --- Yes, I do remember your parents. Marie and I were very good friends in school. Lost track of them in the late 60's. I've been trying to find her, but didn't know her married name. You didn't leave an email address so this is the only way I can contact you. I would love to hear from Marie. Brian Goff Comments: Stationed at England from Mar.'69 til Dec.'72. Mechanic in the 23rd Trans. Sq. Doesn't seem that long ago. Michael T Manion Comments: I was stationed at England AFB in 1958-59. Married my wife, an Alex girl, after I got discharged and moved her to Oregon. We visit Alex very often, her family is still there. I was an A/1C in the 613th personel shop and later in the parachute shop. Earl J. Gremillion,Jr. (earlgremillion@gmail.com) Comments: Graduated Menard '58. Fantastic Site! Brings back so many fond memories of my childhood and and just how wonderful living in Alexandria really was. Thanks for all the hard work that went into this tremendous collection of memories. Linda Reiser (lrsmc72@aol.com) Comments: Does anyone remember my brother Capt. Michael Reinhard? He was stationed at England AFB as an instructor pilot after serving in Vietnam. He died at the base in a crash on February 24, 1972. Would love to hear from anyone who knew him - he was a great individual! Bill Finical Comments: Spent my high school years growing up at EAFB. My dad was M/Sgt William Finical and my mother, Marie, worked at the EAFB credit union for years. Attended Tioga, Menard and Bolton HS, graduating in 1961. Anna Huebner (huebneranna87@yahoo.com) Comments: I found this site while looking up history on the Masonic Home for Children. I remember as a teenager my ballet company danced there when we had no place to go. I've always admired the buiilding and its beauty. I remember as a little girl driving past it and trying to picture what it looked like when it was still open. It's an amazing building and I'm sure has a wonderful history to it. I was stationed in Cali and just recently moved back home and it still amazes me. For the past 15 years I've been trying to find out the history about it but everyone that I've talked to about it either doesn't know or won't talk about it. I'm 22 now and still know nothing. I've been able to pick up bits and pieces about it but not enough to sastify my hunger about it. If anyone here knows where I can more information about it I would love to get in touch and find out about it. Editor's Note and Update in 2012: Michelle Crawlely Comments: I wish I had a picture but how can you have left out Laverne Perry, his TV show and his shoe store? Those were integral parts of my childhood. Phil Cupples Comments: My brother and sister and myself were born in Alexandria. We actually lived our younger years in Pineville. My dad was the Chief Timekeeper at the Texas and Pacific Railroad. My mother worked at the soda fountain at Walgreens. My dad went to Bolton High School and for a time drove a City Cab in Alexandria. He has since passed away but my Mother is shortly moving from Houston, Texas to Mansfield to be closer to my brother and myself. I miss the ol' times in both Alexandria and Pineville. We didn't have much money then so my Dad would take us to the city park and swing and we would drive up to the city pool and watch the people swim. My mother could not swim and didn't want us going near the water until we could learn to swim. We used to go to Kiddieland on a special Sunday ever now and then. There were many more memories as I write this, but that is enough for now. Phil Carol Rousseau Carol McCartney
Comments: This brought back so many fond memories of my childhood. Especially one about making sure I was well behaved while mom shopped. If I did, the reward was a grilled cheese and lemonade at Walgreens. I can still remember the taste of the food and the excitement of getting to eat out. Laura Souder (Chitwood) (mad_hatter16@yahoo.com) Comments: My dad was stationed at EAFB in the mid '80s until the base closed. My mom worked at the elementary school as a teachers' aide for Mrs. Hoge and my brother was in Mrs. Wiltse's kindergarten class. I remember my time there fondly, from grades 2-6 (my teachers were Mrs. Hoge, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Denton). I was hoping to find some old classmates or teachers on the site. If you'd like to contact me, I'd love to "walk memory lane" and catch up! JOY ALDRET HIRSCH Comments: After reading about so many of you who attended Cherokee Elem and lived at the Masonic Home, I had to write and tell you my Mom worked at Cherokee in the lunchroom for 25 years. She loved all of you from the home and would have loved to taken you home with her to raise. Her name was Mable Aldret and sadly she passed away in Feb 2003. My Dad, Archie Aldret worked at Alex Police Dept. for years. He passed away in 1969 at the age of 47. I remember his old black police car with the red bubble light on the top of it. My sister, Dorothy worked behind that famous candy counter at Kress' and my twin brother Roy & I were the first surviving twins born at Cabrini Hosp. Dorothy was married 42 years to the late Gary Moore and Roy was married to the late Bonner McKneely from Pineville. Dad escorted Elvis around when he was at the Paramount Theatre and Fess Parker (Daniel Boone) around when he was in Alexandria. I will celebrate my 26th wedding anniversary to my husband, Bruce on the 10th of August. We will become great grandparents around Sept 6th...(uncle Gary's birthday). Earl C. Myers II Comments: My dad was reassigned to England in 1964 from Itazuke AFB, Japan. We lived off base for about a year until base housing became available and then moved into quarters on base. He was assigned to the OMS unit as a Capt. Douglas C Myers. I have many fond memories of the folks that used to come over, the Webers, Luebberts, etc. Had a tidy business cutting grass during the summer and bagging groceries at the commissary during the school year on weekends. I attended Cherokee elem, Brame JR High, Bolton and the first year of ASH. Fond memories. I am now retired 30 yrs active duty US Army and remember EAFB as it was yesterday. Jerry Goodale Comments: Was stationed at EAFB 62-64 & worked part time as Bartender at the officers club. Jimmie E. Larson Comments: It was great to see the old base. It was my first station and I really enjoyed being stationed there. Thanks for bringing back good memories. Martha Jean Hathorn Comments: I was so excited to happen across this Internet site. I remember the excitement of seeing the windows at Wellans' at Christmas time. How exciting for a little kid from the country to come to the city and see something like that! I remember the thrill of shopping at Kress and being able to buy a nice toy with the 25 cents in my little pocket! Douglas Land Comments: I was born in Alexandria, left to join the Navy when I was 17. The last time I was in Alexandria I had nearly driven past/through it on the new highway before I realised I had reached the town. Betty Gagnard Schultz (bls345@yahoo.com) Comments: I get so into this web page. Every time I sign into this site there is always something new. I love Alexandria and Pineville. I was raised there and lived in the area until about 11 years ago. I hope some of the old businesses stay unless they get dangerous. I sure do miss the old days. I couldn't harly wait until I was 18 and could go see other places but still live in Rapides Parish. I just wished some of my friends and school mates would get in touch with me. Now I wish I could go back in time and relive the good old days. We had the best town around! Joan Lowder (jlowder1@bellsouth.net) Comments: Actually I'm looking for any information on my mom who I think went to or graduated from Bolton high school, maybe around 1940. Her name was Sylvia Mercedes Golzales and she might have used her mother's name Villisana. She was living with her aunt, Nina and Sim Breaux. Mama was born in Cuba. She will be 88 in Sept. and I thought some old photos would be a nice surprise. Jimmy Lacy Comments: Would like to see more photos from the 1970s Dewey Lofton Comments: I grew up in Ball, La and graduated from Tioga High, but spent lots of time in Alex. My Dad, Matt Lofton worked for many years at Rapides Auto Supply located on Third Street accross from Lanier Buick and the Dept of Motor Vehicles. The DMV was where most of us got our first driver's license. I watched many Christmas parades roll down Third Street. Good memories. Jann and Marc Lampert Comments: Thanks for the memories. You are preserving in our hearts and minds what the Town Talk tore down on our streets. Memories are all we have left of our former splendor. Debbie Corley Wiltse Comments: EAFB Elementary School was a special place that created a bond between the staff and students/parents that will continue on forever. The impact of that school touched so many in so many ways. It was a teacher's dream come true! Sandra Robinson Comments: Thank you Denise Fossett Comments: Very good - I always wondered about the Red River Candy Company ... now I know. David Kramer Comments: I was stationed twice at England AFB LA, once as a dependent (my father was F-100 Fighter Pilot and 416 TFTS CC), and once on active duty 1980-83 A-7D conversion to the A-10. I am a Crew Chief by trait, USAF retired 24 years, currently working for L-3 Vertex Aerospace at Luke AFB AZ. I grew up around the HUN and ALEX, attending Alexandria Jr High and 2 years at Holy Savior Meanard HS. My 3 sisters also went to school in ALEX and we loved water sking at Cotile and Buhlow lakes. Little brother Rick and I would walk my sisters to Catechism on base eaery Saturday and Mass on Sunday, but the best days were Friday and the fish frys. My Dad was an avide sportsman, and fishing at Toledo Bend was an annual spring trip. I remember The Sharpes, the Beckwiths, The Mangum's, Snowden's, Carlton's, Griffith's, Gayden's, and on and on. What a great life in the Air Force, and the service to our country. I love you all forever!! Donna Parker (donnarpa@msn.com) Comments: I'm looking for a friend of our family; his name is James Hopson and he was stationed at EAFB in 1963. Sharon Pharis Baugus Comments: It has been awhile since viewing this site. It is even better than the first time. It is like a walk down memory lane. I went to St. Francis Cabrini until the sixth grade, then to Brame, and then graduated from Bolton in 1970. I, too, remember the drive-in, movies for 6 bottle caps, Lazarone's drive in for root beer and po-boy with curly q's....that was the life. Bobbie Jean Scott (bobbidear@aol.com) Comments: I graduated from St. James High School in 1961. I enjoyed all 12 years at St. James. My address was 814 Winn St., and later we moved across the street to 1507 8th St. I enjoyed shopping at Wellan's and People's Shoe store. I especially remember the X-ray machine at People's. During Hurricane Ike I spent 10 enjoyable days in Alex with the King family. I enjoyed the old pictures of downtown Alex, but do you have pictures of Lawson's Drug Store, Berry's Grocery Store and Casson Community Center? Rolf Gunter Pinckert Comments: Thanks Gary Jinks Comments: Thanks Terry Ware Comments: I grew up in Alex in the 1950's and 60's, graduating from Bolton in 1964. After that, I went away to college and never returned to live, though I visited family there throughout the years. It's saddened me to see the old places go, and I still look for curly-Q's like I used to get at Fuzzy's! Looking at the photos and reading the comments brings back many memories, and, in retrospect, how very safe it was - we'd go trick-or-treating without parents and without being afraid of razors, poison, or being kidnapped! Thanks so much for putting this together. Gary Lueders (glueders@dc.rr.com) Comments: As my '58 Bolton High classmates break thru the 70 age barrier, my thoughts drift back to a simpler time when we could simply shoot 4th of July fireworks off from our front yards! My, how times have changed. |
Christopher Bordelon (
