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Alexandria
Register Thank you for visiting the Alexandria Retrospective Web site. You can view more entries via the Register Index. If you haven't already signed the Register, we would be pleased if you would join the many others with Alexandria connections who have viewed this site, and take a minute to sign the Register! Hi. Wow, what memories! I stumbled on to your site and just couldn't leave it till I read all the Register sign ins. I was assigned to Alex/England AFB in 1955 thru 1959 and assigned to England Control Tower/Rapcon. I was on duty for the commissioning flight check for the existing control tower. My son was born at St Francis Cabrini hospital in 58 and we virtually lived off of FUZZY Burgers on Bolton and went to church at Bro Mangun's church on 16th and Day St. We lived almost directly behind Sears on Bolton Avenue at 1111 Cushman Ave. Great place back then to live so close to the action on Bolton. Later moved to Texas Ave near the water tower. My wife worked at Standard Printing Co. Loved to hear Pap Paw Cyrus on KSYL while working in the tower. There was another great place to eat on Lee St who had a slogan of the World's best food with the world's worst service (forgot the name)... great place to dine. I still return for a visit now and then and really enjoy it. The fishing was certainly great. Alex was the best assignment of all my 23 years of USAF. I really liked the 366 FBW and all the people also with the 401st. I remember a Col with the call sign of John Black. Anyone wishing to ctc me please do so. Have a great day. Robert M. Riggs I was born in 1959 and grew up in the downtown area of Alexandria (St. James St. & 8th St.). Your pictures brought back many happy childhood memories of growing up in Alexandria. May we never forget the way it used to be! Andrea Densley I'm sitting here at work with some time on my hands, so I decided to do a search for one of my old bosses, Judy Karst, former owner of KRRV Radio in Alexandria. My search led me to this website. I started working for Judy as her News Director in October 1992, and wound up at KALB-TV as a reporter and fill-in anchor until October of 1995. When I first moved to Alexandria, I rented a small apartment in a home on Hill Street. The home was owned by Gil Rolack (I hope I spelled that correctly). Eventually, I bought a home on Oxford Street, just around the corner from Rugg Elementary. I made some great friends during my time in CENLA, many of them still live there. Unfortunately, it's been several years since I came up for a visit. My brother Stephen, who also worked at KALB, married a girl from Alexandria, Autumn Johnson, so we still have roots there. They do visit from time to time. I'm currently the Senior Executive Producer of News at WDSU-TV in New Orleans. My wife and I have a 15 month old daughter. This website brought back some very fond memories. Thanks, Scott Burke Scott Burke
Wow! I did a search for the potato chips I loved as a child and ran across this site. The photos are poignant and remind me of the smell of a more innocent time, when I could play outside for hours, eats pecans by the bag full, suck honeysuckles and just sit on my grandmother's front porch and wave a hello to all the people driving by. Home has deteriorated quite a bit. I wish I had millions because I would try to revitalize it. Another day will come for Alexandria, a town I named my son after. Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Jocelyn A Bessard/Green/Perkins/Glynn family
member
I was born in Fuqua Hospital located at Central State Hospital, then known as the Hospital for the Insane in 1933. My parents both worked there and everything was provided for them. When Huey Long took office, lots of people lost their jobs including my father. We moved to Kentucky where I lived until I was 13. After WW2 my mother who was from Lottie, La. could not stand the cold any longer and moved back to La. I went to Bolton High School, met my future husband, Pete Fairbanks, in the 9th grade.
Whenever my mom would let me we went to the drive in at the south traffic circle or the one on Highway 1 north or the one located where Pineville High stadium is now, what used to be called Sandy Canyon, a good parking place. We would also go to Irby's Derby and get a Grapette and a foot long hotdog, and watch the fist fights that went on in the parking lot later. The Joy Theater was on Murray Street, Paramount on Third, and the Rex next to the Paramount. We all had a good time. I could never live anywhere else. Gretchen Hingst Fairbanks WONDERFUL SITE!! Memories of Pep meetings before football games at City Hall are going through my mind along with Miss Cenla Pageants at City Park Pool, Graduation night in 1959 from Bolton High School, Friday night dances Bolton Avenue community center, Sock Hops, Banana Splits at Borden's on Bolton Avenue, and Church services at Homewood Baptist Church. Many of the "girls" I graduated with still live around Alexandria and we meet once a month and share our memories with each other. This site has really opened up more wonderful memories and I thank you. Alexandria is still a wonderful place to make more memories... Hi Jimmy Sandefer; Jim Mitchell; Ann; and other 1959 graduates. God Bless!! Remember to Pray for our troops. Does anyone remember the Rapides Avenue Skating Rink? We really thought that was something didn't we? Susie Barton (Leger) Watkins Thanks for the wonderful trip back in time. I remember walking these streets with my father on Sunday afternoons when I was a child. Surrender the future and relish the past for a moment.... Donald G. Edgerton, Jr. Great site! My dad was stationed at England AFB from 1984-1988. At the time I was in Elementary school, but I have nothing but fond memories of EAFB and Alexandria. Sadly I've lost contact with everyone that I knew there. Jose F. Rodriguez My original home town. Born 1952 at Cabrini. Home to my Grandparents, Mother, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. My Grandparents moved there in 1927 from Morgan City, and lived there until their deaths. My Mother married in Alexandria and both me and my older brother were born in Alexandria. We eventually (1955) moved to Houston. Wonderful memories of Rollo's coin shop, Fuzzies, RC matinees at the Paramount, Leo and the roller coaster at the zoo, going with my grandmother every afternoon to pick up my grandfather at Schwartzbergs, and my aunt at Wellans. Alexandria is still a part of my heart and soul. Joel Ruby The past i can never for get. In my heart and in my soul love and hope for the people in Alexandria for (GOD) TO BLESS, IT WAS WONDERFUL TO SEE ALEX. AS IT WAS WHEN I WAS A CHILD. I was born in 1956. Thanks, Rev. Earl J. Conway Jr. Rev. Earl Conway Jr.
I've enjoyed visiting this site often since stumbling onto it a couple of years ago. As a young airman stationed at England AFB, Alexandria was home away from home from '61 to '64. Though it was relatively brief, I still remember the time so very well. A lot was happening. The Cuban missile crisis, President Kennedy's assassination, and Vietnam started heating up. Our overseas rotations for the 401st TFW changed from Turkey to Southeast Asia. Favorite places in Alexandria were the drive-in near the traffic circle (was it The Palm?), the bowling alley near the other traffic circle, and a couple of watering holes--Elmer's and The Chalet. Visited Alexandria last year and The Chalet was still there! I remember Alexandria as a good town with some wonderful people. Doug Goodhue Lived in Alexandria LA from 1986 to 1989, on England AFB. Fond memories of people there on and off base. I wish so much to get in touch again with Debbie Corley Wiltse (and daughter Ana Claire - lived in Pineville) who used to be my daughter's teacher on base. Please, help ! Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!! Claudia Came to Alexandria AFB from Alaska in Sept 1954. Was assigned to POL ( Petroleum). Made TSGT there and spent two years. It was England AFB when I left. Transferred to Langley AFB, Va in 1956. Took some college courses at the college in Pineville. I liked it there and have some fond memories of that area. Retired from The USAF in 1971, after 24 years service. My last years were spent in the computer maintenance field, working on the IBM SAGE System. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers me. Bill Fowler I lived in Alexandria Louisiana on England Air Force Base from Oct 1986- Feb 1989. I attended Kindergarten on base with Mrs. Mary Hoge and my sister was in Ms Debbie Corley/Wiltse. I lived on Juniper Court. Michael "Aurelien" Carrigan Larry Beason (1929-2004) - In Memoriam. Forgive me for yet another addition. However, many of you may have known Larry. For further info, please contact me. Thomas A. Oliphant, Jr.
I've been revisiting your web site the last few days and boo-hooing all the way through--again! It's amazing how the mere mention of the Paramount Theatre, Reed and Bell, or Wellan's can evoke such emotion and make the tears flow. Someone brought up the Modern Appliance Store -- I remember when that was just about the only place in town to buy new 45rpm records. When Ray Charles died the other day, I flashed back to the day I hurried downtown to buy "I Can't Stop Loving you." --- Does anyone remember Miss Beasly, who taught at Rosenthal for about a hundred years? I was delighted to hear about Mrs. Inez Parker and also saddened to hear she had passed away. They were both very instrumental in my life. Mrs. Parker's English classes were absolutely the best. I think she began every class with, "The bell has RUNG." -- It seems as though almost nobody in my age group has a computer because I've only recognized 2 or 3 names. I lived in Alexandria until I left for the Marines in 1968 -- my family still lives there and I visit often. I loved it then and love it today. This web site makes me love it even more. I want to live there again. Thanks for your wonderful work. Roy Dunn
KEEP UP THE FANTASTIC WORK. GREAT SITE. THE ONLY DOWNFALL IS MY BEING VERY HOMESICK AFTER SEEING AND READING ABOUT ALEXANDRIA FROM THE 50'S UNTIL MENARD GRADUATION IN '65. VERY NICE TO SEE SOME OF MY "OLD " FRIENDS MAKING COMMENTS ON OUR GROWING UP YEARS. THANKS, AGAIN. PAT BELL Great memories! Some I see everyday....others are memories. Ruby Leigh Edgerton I work in the building of what is now 301 Jackson Street. Located at the corner of Jackson and 3rd. I was trying to do research about the use of this building in the late 1800s to the 1960s. I know that it used to be a hotel and at a point in time it had a bar in it. Any info will help. Justin My Auntie Ed (Winifred Barrett Redmond) grew up in the red brick house on Marye Street-- 2142 Marye Street holds countless memories of long summers spent with this witty, clever, eccentric and wonderful woman. I wear her college class ring from 1928 and have since she passed away when I was 14. I miss her so much, but in my dreams we often reunite at good ol' 2142 Marye Street. If anyone has a picture of the house or the land in the area, I would be SO GRATEFUL to see it again. Thank you. Kathryn Barrett I have been up and down this web site and trying to locate some pictures of the new golf course that replaced the old one at EAFB. Can anyone direct me to the proper title or give me a clue as to how to get to see this new course? Fiorello, Robert J. Thank you for the walk through the past. Many of my friends are visiting this address throughout the U. S. Flora Barton Ferguson It was great to see that someone took the time to carve out Alexandria, Louisiana. A city where I grew up for eighteen years and I departed 24 years ago. I have a very good memory of all the places you outlined here on this website.
My family always shopped at the A&P on Bolton Avenue and the one on Lee Street. I remember going to Rapides Bank, the Courthouse (post office), shopping at S&H Kress, Grants, JC Penneys, Wellans. But my favorite was the Walgreens', which later became Red Cross Drugstore, where you can sit at the luncheon counter and enjoy a huge hamburger. You didn't worry about the calories, back then, because you walked them off. As a child my mother, would make us walk from downtown Main Street to Bolton Avenue, especially during the summer months, and we would catch the city bus back to Main or Third Street for the bus, back to our local neighborhood. I grew up in Samtown, off Willow Glen Road. It is great to see how time has passed, and your old hometown is still standing. As a little child, I had always wanted to tour the Hotel Bentley, but they had closed it up for so many years, and now it is open for business, again. During my visit this fall, I will take a tour through the hotel and make a dream come true. Debra Hayes Graduate of Alexandria Senior High, Class of 1980 Debra A. Hayes-Sledge Hi everyone. I have visited this website before and think it is great. I was raised in Pineville-Alexandria and attended St Francis Xavier, Sacred Heart and Pineville High in Pineville. Does anyone recognize any of the following names and can give me any info about them? James George, Joseph George, Albert George (all from Pineville). Nita Gregory, Darlene or Wanda Choron (Vance Avenue in Alexandria) Bueren or James Hammond from Pineville. Any info will be appreciated. My e-mail is Sonny63 @ aol . com I knew these people in the mid-fifties. They were great friends and school chums. Silven Mayeux It's rainy & cool outside today so I was on computer and I stumbled onto this site. I joined the Air Force in 1986 & left two weeks after graduating from High School. I found myself in Alexandria in Dec. of '86 & was there until 1990. I have a lot of memories from those 4 years (some good & some bad). I made a lot of friends there & actually have a couple I'm still in touch with after 14 years. I know I would not recognize the area if I were able to visit again. So much has changed seeing the highway cut through but it was nice to see the pictures. They brought back some good memories. I was young at the time (17 when I arrived) but who could forget Mardi Gras !!!! Thanks for the memories ! Joe Burnside What a wonderful site. Thank you, Elizabeth Elizabeth Pickett My great-grand father, Leopold Erstein went to Alexandria, Louisiana, soon after he got off the boat in New York, from Alsace in what must have been 1864, when he was 16 years old. Could you help me find any information about his time there? Thank you for any hints, directions or suggestions. Lynn Erstein
Excellent Website! Looking at this site brings back many memories of the teen age years growing up in Alexandria....Brame Jr High and graduating from Bolton HS in 1975. Both parents are deceased and buried in the National Cemetery in Pineville. Always look forward to my visits back to "my hometown". Jerry Blanchard Served with the 1908 Communications Squadron at England AFB from 1967 to 1970. Beautiful base, great, friendly town. JIM D'ARCY I STUMBLED ON TO THIS SITE AND WAS REALLY SURPRISED. MY FATHER WAS STATIONED AT ENGLAND A.F.B. IN THE EARLY SIXTIES. WE LIVED ON SARAH ST. JUST BEHIND THE NEW, AT THAT TIME, DOMED COUNTY STADIUM ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF TOWN. I ATTENDED RAPIDS PARISH ELEM. FOR MY 5TH AND 6TH YEAR AND THEN WENT TO BRAME JR. HIGH FOR MY 7TH. I DIDN'T GET TO FINISH OUT THAT YEAR BECAUSE WE WERE TRANSFERED TO TORRAJON A.F.B. IN MADRID SPAIN. MY FRIEND AT THE TIME BILL GORGES WAS ALSO SENT TO SPAIN. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM HIM AND MANY OTHERS FROM THAT TIME. SORRY BUT I AM NOT ANY GOOD WITH REMEMBERING LAST NAMES, BUT FIRST NAMES FLOOD MY MEMORIES, LIKE WANDA, JUDY, BUTCH, CANDY, AND MOST IMPORTANT, A TEACHER FROM BRAME JR. HIGH, MRS. PARKER. DOES ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER HER AND OUR FIELD TRIP TO VICKSBURG MISS.? FRANK GEORGE My husband two children and I just spent a night at the Hotel Bentley...Wow! Cheryl Lutes This page, www.letusentertain.com contains the information on the events at the new Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. I would appreciate your putting a link on your website. I know all of the former residents of Central Louisiana would be delighted to see how downtown Alexandria is truly developing into an Arts and Entertainment District. Link to the new Arts Center at www.letusentertain.com Anne Saunders Maynard Lived in Alex from 5 years old through freshman year at Bolton High School. Attended Rosenthal Elementary school - lived at 1821 Monroe. Moved to 78 Essie and was the first class in Alexandria Jr. High. Learned to drive in the park in front of our house on Essie. Spent many, many hours playing, fishing, and having fun at the levee on Rapides Bayou.
Attended Calvary Baptist Church - Dr. Wheeler was the pastor. That is where I met Jackie Stevens, whose mother worked at Wellan's Dept. Store. Saw many movies at the Don Theater. Saw the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile in front of the Don Theater. Loved to go to air shows at England AFB and fishing in Kileen (?) lake with my dad. Loved to ride my bike to Dukes radio shop for speaker magnets, and to Carters Fried Pie shop, near the levee and ask for broken pies. Alex was a great place to grow up in! I remember attending Easter sunrise services at the 'Ole Fort' in Pineville. Joey Clyde and Jack Wall were my childhood buddies, along with Will Lamb, who I still see and reflect on the old days with. Gary Waits Lived in Alexandria from 1949 through 1954. Attended Brame, then Bolton. Worked as bag boy and stocker at Joe Testa's Grocery across from Bolton. Lived on Polk, Hill, Albert, and Madonna Drive. Member of Calvary Baptist Church. Many of my most fond memories are of this part of my life. Would appreciate hearing from any one that remembers me. Edward C. Lamb As a Bolton 54 grad I really enjoyed this site and all the comments. My father was band director at BHS from 1946-1956 Carolyn Reschar Patin Bill Ware: I knew you back when and encountered your brother, Edwin while at LSU Sam Gravel: My mother once worked with a Sam Gravel at Guaranty Bank. Your grandfather, maybe. Carmel Glorioso: I once knew a soprano by that name whom I accompanied in programs with Roger Johns. Dan Lemoine: I think you dated my older sister Virginia long ago. Your summary article about Alex was great. Joe Rivet and Bobby Smith: It was good seeing you both at some reunions. Rudy Cannon: I remember you and I have been in contact with Larry Beason off and on over the years. Eric McCarty: You and I had some fun playing marbles long ago. Say hello! Thomas Oliphant, Jr.
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