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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!
Eleanorae (Bootsie) Bagley Robison Comments: Sure brought back memories....Thanks for the ride! Jim Bob Gandy (jimbobgandy@bellsouth.net) Comments: Wondering about Milburn Guillory. Did you attend Louisiana Tech during 1956-1959? Let me know if you did. Thanks Ceuppens Reinilda (reinildaceuppens@scarlet.be) Comments: Descendants of a member of my family are living in central Louisiana. They are Catholic. Is there still a cemetery with graves of older people? Can I have contact with a priest of the Catholic Church? Nice greetings, Gracie (Blackmon) Hargraves Comments: So many memories. One in particular was the city park and the merry go round. I also loved riding my bike in the many fields that now are housing areas. A favorite past time was to make the loop through the fast food places, particularly Hoppers. And who could forget Leroy's when one became of age! It's also where my best friend Linda still resides. She keeps me posted on all the happenings there and how much has changed.
Milly Barlow Comments: You did a fantastic job on your website and brought back a lot of memories. I was born in Alexandria, attended elementary and Bolton High School. I worked at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk after graduating from high school. I typed the news and also proofread while I worked there. I married and moved to Tulsa, OK. Have lived here since 1962. Clara Claud Gantt (bcgantt@bellsouth.net) Comments: My husband, Bruce S. Gantt, was stationed at EAFB in 1959-1962. He was in the 622nd Air Refueling Squd. Does anyone remember him? If so, please email us. Emily Comments: I am currently living in Alexandria...or "Alex" for short. I'm from a big city, so moving here was quite a change. A good change though. I enjoy the quietness, and how people are much more friendlier than in a big city. Everyone knows everyone! I also enjoy the scenery. I am about 30 minutes from Kisatchie Forest. My best friend lives about half a mile into the forest. It's beautiful! I love all of the little lakes, bayous and creeks! Peggy (Couvillion) Watts (peggywtts@yahoo.com) Comments: What a wonderful site. It captures not only the visions I remember in the pictures, but the postings tell the story of the life we all lived growing up (Bolton, '66). I have lived in Charlotte, NC for the last 21 years. It has its own charm, but it still isn't Alex with all the memories. My sister Norma (now Riley) graduated from Menard and lives in Pittsburgh. Our brother Chuck Couvillion still lives in Alexandria with many of his same friends still there too, hunting and fishing together each season. He followed in our parents' footsteps with Ace Hardware stores in Pineville and Avoyelles Parish. Dad's business (H.L. Couvillion Building Materials and Ace) was near the HWY 1 North circle. I am sure it must be gone now. A lot of his customers were from EAFB. You all have covered so much. It is fun to see that our clearist memories are about the same things. A few I might add are the Christmas lights on the old water tower. Hot Shipley donuts not far from Hokus Pokus. A bakery further down (name?) that had the best sand tarts and cream puffs a kid ever ate. All special occasion cakes had to come from that bakery. The beautiful old homes and plantations not far out of town we drove past regularly and took for granted. Sugar Cane and cotton growing in the fields just outside the city. Kiddie Land with the little train, boats and the planes where Chuck, Norma, and I would shoot each other with toy guns that buzzed while we "flew". The summers all the boys would go to the Pack of Fun Club and come back as Zorro with towels around their necks, sword fighting in the backyards. Kids played outside then and made up on going stories we would pick up and continue the next day. Swimming in the cold water at Fishville near a skating rink close to our very rustic camp on Little River. The view at Red Dirt which was the closest to a mountain we had near Alex. Art lessons from Mrs. Foto at the Community Center, drawing a huge oak out front! The azaleas, camellias, bridal wreaths, daffodils, flowering crabapples, magnolias and the riot of other flowers that colored the city and perfumed the air during the spring. Walking barefoot in St. Augustine grass. City Park and those stinky alligators we would watch at the zoo while standing right over them on a little rock bridge. High School dances at the Bentley and later at the new Convention Center where we would dress up and listen to Ike and Tina Turner and other musicians that later made it big. Trips on the train to New Orleans to see cousins. Hurricanes blowing into town with wires down and the streets flooded. Front porches with swings and rockers and neighbors dropping by in the evenings. So many things keep coming back. Thank you for all the reminders. Surely I need to go back home for a visit now. Butch Crenshaw (lvc@cox.net) Comments: JUST A REMINDER: 50th Bolton High reunion coming up on July 18 and 19. Contact Butch Crenshaw for information at lvc@bellsouth.net Kitty Soden Baumgartner Comments: Loved the Retrospective. Grew up in Alexandria on Stanford Street. Went to Rugg, AJH and Bolton. Moved away in 1980 and miss Alexandria all the time. Msgt. C. A. Bergeron Jr. (btiger67@bellsouth.net) Comments: My father Msgt. C. A. "Clem" Bergeron has passed on but we had fond memories of England AFB. I was there from the second grade to 1st year high school. Swimming in the base pool, the theater and Saturday matinees, the air shows and going to the link trainer outfit and pretending to fly.What a wonderful place to grow up. Barry Bergeron Dagmar Batts Comments: I traveled on business to Alexandria, and have always loved this city, the people and the many friends I made. Hope to move back after traveling the globe - this has always felt like home to me. Clara Claud Gantt (bcgantt@bellsouth.net) Comments: I lived in Alexandria from 1958-1962. I went to Bolton High and met and married my husband, Bruce, who was at England Air Force Base. We left there in 1963. Does anyone remember me? I would like to contact Betty Lacombe Miller and Theresa Vereen and Sue McCoy.
John Ingersoll Comments: Enjoyed it. Hope the Hotel Bentley is still standing. Frank Scalfano, Jr. M.D. Comments: I found this site by searching for the name Tendercrust, which was the bakery founded by my great aunt Ida and great uncle Phillip Scalfano. I have not lived in Alex since the '60's.
Marilyn Burnum Rico (rico1111@bellsouth.net) Comments: I have posted before, but still check daily for new entries. I love this site. Have posted my new email in case anyone remembers me and wants to get in touch. Elizabeth (Liz) Phillips Turner
When I was growing up, I lived on Olive Street on the block with Our Lady of Prompt Succor School. I graduated from Providence Central High School in 1966. Then I went to LA Tech in Ruston where I met my husband. We got married in ST Francis Cathedral. Thanks for taking us down the road of memories. Oh how I would love to get a Po-Boy from Lazarone's (or one as good as those) now. Too bad we can not go back to the times when you didn't have to lock your doors, and garages didn't have doors because no one would bother anything. We have called Texas our home for 34 years now. Irene Barrett (irenenim@eircom.net) Comments: I am working on a family tree for Barretts originating in Ireland. If you are a direct descendant of Edward James Barrett (born 1842) and/or Stephen Barrett (born 1849) who emigrated from Ireland to Louisiana (and lived in Pineville and later Alexandria) and would like to connect up the family tree, please e-mail me. Emma L. Gray (Jones) Comments: While looking at the beautiful memories it brought tears to my eyes. I remember walking downtown from "Lower Third" to many of these places. I must admit that some of the sites I could not relate to because they were not in my part of town or a part of my culture (Afro-American) during a certain era. However, I remember such mom and pops spots as: Prop Isle's Cool Spot, Winnfield and Progressive Funeral Homes, the black historical churches like Rose of Sharon, Mt Triumph, True Vine Baptist Church, etc. I left for Los Angeles, CA over 35 yrs ago but would return at least every three years even today. I am looking forward to attending my 40th Class Reunion of Peabody H.S. Class of 1968 (talking about a year that was). Thank you so much for taking me back down memory lane. Although this was a troublesome time, I must say that I was very proud of my hometown in the way that we dealt with change. I was fortunate to be a recipient of that change by becoming (I believe) the first black female to work in the Criminal Investigation Department/Records Division of the Sheriff's Dept. Emma L. Gray Robbyn (rkrk@epix.net) Comments: Just looking for information pertaining to my great-grandfather. I understand he built a house on Louisiana Avenue at the turn of the last century. T.J. Fitts (tjfitts.airborne@verizon.net)
Comments: Saw the post from Fred Richards about the Alex. High School. It was West End Elementary in the 40's. Mr Peters was the principal. If you got in trouble, you had to stand under the clock, in the front hall. It was at the head of the stairs, and everyone passed by you. The front walk divided the play-ground, boys on one side girls on the other. Steps in back where you when to beat out the erasers, a much sought after privilege and honor. We had movies in the auditorium (John Wayne in "Fight Seabees" sticks in my mind. Two teachers I remember were Mr. Roy Boone and Mrs. Hochendal ... will remember more later. We didn't have a food court, so we went to "Sam's" for burgers and to the cafe "Johnies" (I believe) across the street for soup, or sandwiches. Sam's had a Bud print of Custer's Last Stand on the wall. A delight for us bloodthirsty boys. I later spent way to much for my own original copy. West End was a fine school, mighty big for we little ones. Almost as bad as Bolton in 1955 as a 12 year old 8th grader. Pineville High had been built by then. Thanks again for this site and the memories. Lisa King Comments: I just recently went to Alexandria to meet my daughters grandmother, on her fathers side. Her Grandfather passed away recently...Sadly Chantay never got a chance to meet him...It is such a beautiful place,and I have never felt more at home anywhere...The days spent were so peaceful, quiet and relaxing...The first place we went to was to the graveyard, the one just as you enter town. How overwhelmingly beautiful, and old this city is...From the moment I arrived I knew I'd never want to leave...I felt like how it was when I was a child growing up...you could still play outside and not worry so much about a stranger coming to snatch you up. The people waved and smiled as if they had known us all their lives...We went there to see Mr.Jackson in his beautiful place of rest, and peace..and in turn because of him i was given back my hope in humanity..There is so much more that i could say about this wonderful city, I am seriously considering leaving all that I have ever known behind to raise my child in a place where people are warm and kind still...My daughter and I have been home for a week, and "still" we are so very sad to not be there...The community and the church that Mrs.Jackson attends is just so accepting and loving...how could I not want to go there to live? Alexandria is a place where a child can be a child, a place where God, family and community are still important...Someday...if it's God's will we will be there to live, and Mr.Jackson can know that his granddaughter is right where she belongs, near him and his beautiful loving wife...
Elivia Davis Comments: The narration feels as though my dad is taking me on a tour himself. I enjoyed this so much. My father is from Alexandria, who grew up on Chicago St. close to the railroad tracks and Peabody Magnet. He also worked at Herbie K's years ago. I often looked at some of the same buildings that you have and wondered what were their purpose! thanks...I enjoyed it a lot. Richard Smith Comments: Seeing these photos brought back a lot of good memories! Thanks!!!! Jess Morrison (jmt@yahoo.com) Comments: Hello Richard, I remember you from Alex. I was stationed at England Air Force Base. you where a 2LT. did you retire a full bird? I retired after 23 years and now live in LA. I will email you. Take care Lieutenant. Butch Crenshaw (lvc@bellsouth.net) Comments: The site continues to be very enjoyable. Just a note to pass on the word of the 50th reunion of the Bolton class of '58. Contact me (lvc@bellsouth.net) for more info. Thanks for the great effort on this site. Butch Crenshaw Mariana Titus (Bayoutoes@aol.com) Comments: I am searching for someone who used to live in Alexandria. She was one of my mother's best friends but I can not find her. Sylvia Doherty Duncan - all I know is that she is living in Houston with her son, Boots. Does anyone know her? I want to get in touch with her & need her address, or pass the word to her. Thank you.
Stephen Hammock Comments: I have fond memories of Alexandria. Born, Baptist Hospital, 1946. Judith Knight (jesse764@comcast.net) Comments: Judith "Judy" Knight, Pineville 54-58,Alexandria 58-1/1/63 mid Jr. year at Bolton class of 64,76-80. Like so many on this site, does anyone remember me? I see names I know, Shirley and Joyce Honeycutt; Wayne Kool; Mike Young, how are Diane and Reba, the Brashers?; Joy Jacobs; Miss Chalett my first P E teacher; Randy Evans, saw you an Phil Donahue Show a long time ago, what windows you had; Mr. Jesse Doyle, do you remember when I told you in Civics class the South was Republican, they just didn't know it yet? I also helped your mom at Pineville Grammar, sent down by my 6th grade teacher Miss Smith. I see a lot of "you" on this site, even Laurna Campbell, living in Idaho, with whom I'm still in touch. Mr. Doyle do you remember she and Gretchen Miller? They must have driven you crazy, because they really never prepared for their debates. Paul Jamison I saw your posting. You don't know me but you know my brother-in-law, Sam Piranio Jr., Leesville '58 and my sister Cynthia Knight Piranio, Pineville,'59, his wife. I remember you both before and after your stint in Laos. I remember the ants you suffered playing dead. What a crush I had on you. You were a real hero. Sam and Cynthia live in Allen, TX. Sam's e-mail is spiranio@gmail.com. Any one who may remember me, my e-mail is jesse764@comcast.net If you knew my dad Sgt. Jesse Knight 401st this is his address too. Fred "Radome" Rouse (radome_00@yahoo.com) Comments: I was stationed at England from 1972-76 and 80-81. Of my 22 years in the Air Force, Alexandria and the Air Force Base was my favorite place. I was in the 76th, Red Section with the A-7's and A-10's.
If anyone here was in Red Section during those years, please e-mail me! Andy Bissinger Comments: I was at England AFB 1967 for a few months prior to a tour of Nam. LOVED THE PLACE! 604TH acs A-37. Love em! Also remember Bentley Hotel, a magic show, City Park and wrestling shows. Donald and Patricia Buchanan Andries Comments: Moved from Alexandria about 36 years ago. May move back in near future. Eddie Brown (Brown727@gmail.com)
Comments: I returned today for another visit to my old home. Lived in Alexandria from 1944 through 1951, when moved to North Carolina. Graduated from Bolton High in 1948, and last few years have been in contact with some classmates. Also in contact with a first cousin, who now lives in California. All of this through Alexandria Retrospective. Live in Richmond, Va. since 1970. Married, with three children, three grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. This truly is a wonderful site! Flo Thibeaux (floarise3@aol.com) Comments: I was wondering if any of Alexandria's older citizens would remember Club 20 from the 1940's and where it was located on North Bolton, Highway 1. My cousin was killed there. Any info appreciated. Linda Morris (lamorris@erols.com) Comments: Evelyn, I just read your email about your Brumlow connection. Were your Brumlows connected to Willis and Lydia Brumlow? If so, I would love to hear from you. Willis and Lydia were closest friends to my mother and father, Virgie and Aubrey Henry. In fact they had a history of working at the telephone company together. Lydia taught me to sew. Willis Brumlow was one of my dad's fishing buddies. I hope to hear from you. Linda Henry Morris Linda Comments: since moving to alex in 1964 to england air force base i have seen many changes. In all my travels, this is the greatest place of all.
Francine Vanderhoeven Butler Comments: I remember the old fire station on that triangular-shaped piece of land on Rapides Avenue. Many a time I walked from my maternal grandmother's house on Monroe St. over to my paternal grandfather's feed store, which is that faded red brick building in the current picture. The small white building next to it, I think, was my Uncle Jesse Vanderhoeven's drug store. He was a pharmacist & his son, Jimmy, too. I used to help my grandpa Edmond Vanderhoeven, check on the baby chicks in the incubator with the lights. I made him bury a chick we found dead & he never let me go back again. He always made an excuse or kept me away from that area.
I also remember the Glorioso's grocery store on Rapides Ave. What a wonderful memory! David Coco (d_coco@hphood.com)
State: Virginia Comments: Hi to all - born in 1951 at Cabrini, graduated Bolton in 1969, moved away in 1989. Family owned Red River Cotton Products, cotton gin and cattle feed business. Lots of great memories, and seeing description and pictures make them flood back. Po boys, was it Fuzzy's or Lazerone's, or both? The picture of Bert's Garage brings back memories, I fooled with old cars, and would go over to his garage just to see the cars and tools he was working on/with. Across the street, the Colonial Cafe.
Anyone who recognizes name please contact and say hi! Go bears! (I still have a Bolton Bear license plate in a box somewhere!) And is the Grizzly still in the auditorium there? (it was shot and donated by Otis Edgerton; it was stored in an office at my Dad's place, I did not know it, turned on the light and......) David Coco Judith Knight (jesse764@comcast.net) Comments: I lived and attended school in Pineville and Alexandria from 1954 to 1963 when we moved. I continue to return, but have not been back for about 10 years. I was saddened by the changes even though I'd seen them unfold. The new north/south highway seems to have had a negative effect. I will be back this May. Any one who remembers me from Pineville Grammar School 1954-55 3rd grade Mrs. Luttrell, 55-56 4th grade Mrs. Oneal, 56-57 5th grade Mr. Guillory and 57-58 6th grade Miss Smith. Left to more onto England Air Force Base that summer. Friends included Oliveann Stewart, Martha Jane "Judy" Jones, Jill Hegler, Paula Jo Leatherman, Diane Brasher Young and Peggy McCoy. I lived in Alexandria from 1958 to 1963. Attended AJH 7th 58-59 and 8th 59-60 grades. Then S. M. Brame 9th grade 60-61, first class in school. Bolton High for 10th grade 61-62, 11th grade 62-63. We Left January 1, 1963. I moved to an inner city school in Newark, NJ. I didn't graduate with people I knew. I would have been in the class of 64. Laurna Campbell was my best friend and remains so, Gretchen miller was another friend along with Peggy McCoy who moved with me to the Alexandria schools. I returned to Alexandria yearly and more until 1976 when I returned to earn my MS in Home Economics Education at Northwestern. I remain in LA for four more years. I worked briefly with John Campbell Designs and later with LSU Extension in Avoyelles Parish. I left again to return to my previous teaching position At Belleville High School in 1980. I continued to return to Alexandria until about 10 years ago when my friends and family left. My sister is Cynthia Knight Piranio class of 59 Pineville High. If you remember me I'm in the Bruin year book until our senior year. My e-mail address is jesse764@comcast.net -- I'd love to hear from you. T.J. Fitts (tjfitts.airborne@verizon.net) Comments: Left Alec in 1959 after finishing Bolton. Joined the Army and never really got to there anymore. Have been back a lot and it's just as wonderful as it was growing up out on Lee St Ext. Heck, we didn't even have a street name till 50 or 51.
Remember riding our freedom machines (bikes) to the pool in the summer. The smell of chorine, the foot pool to disinfect you feet. First time off the high dive, trying to impress "that girl". The Zoo, the rock garden, the miniature. golf nearby. Played Little League on the street that went by Bringhurst Park. Chasing foul balls in the parking lot? And wonder of wonders - getting to see real Major League ball player in games, when they didn't beat Aces by too much. Could fill up pages, lived in 5 states and three countries and if I could would come back home. Too bad - parents gone, kids scattered, and a wife from Texas. Oh well, more memories later. Just scratched the surface. Judith Knight (jesse764@comcast.net) Comments: I lived and attended school in Pineville and Alexandria from 1954 to 1963 when we moved. I continue to return, but have not been back for about 10 years. I was saddened by the changes even though I'd seen them unfold. The new north/south highway seems to have had a negative effect. I will be back this May. Any one who remembers me from Pineville Grammar School 1954-55 3rd grade Mrs. Luttrell, 55-56 4th grade Mrs. Oneal, 56-57 5th grade Mr. Guillory and 57-58 6th grade Miss Smith. Left to more onto England Air Force Base that summer. Friends included Oliveann Stewart, Martha Jane "Judy" Jones, Jill Hegler, Paula Jo Leatherman, Diane Brasher Young and Peggy McCoy. I lived in Alexandria from 1958 to 1963. Attended AJH 7th 58-59 and 8th 59-60 grades. Then S. M. Brame 9th grade 60-61, first class in school. Bolton High for 10th grade 61-62, 11th grade 62-63. We Left January 1, 1963. I moved to an inner city school in Newark, NJ. I didn't graduate with people I knew. I would have been in the class of 64. Laurna Campbell was my best friend and remains so, Gretchen miller was another friend along with Peggy McCoy who moved with me to the Alexandria schools. I returned to Alexandria yearly and more until 1976 when I returned to earn my MS in Home Economics Education at Northwestern. I remain in LA for four more years. I worked briefly with John Campbell Designs and later with LSU Extension in Avoyelles Parish. I left again to return to my previous teaching position At Belleville High School in 1980. I continued to return to Alexandria until about 10 years ago when my friends and family left. My sister is Cynthia Knight Piranio class of 59 Pineville High. If you remember me I'm in the Bruin year book until our senior year. My e-mail address is jesse764@comcast.net - I'd love to hear from you. Marguerite (Gifford) Capilli Comments: I was an Air Force "brat" and lived in Alexandria for most of my young years. My special memories include Crazy Lake where my my dad broke his neck, Base Housing was what's now housing for La. state Hospital, Joy Twin Drive In, Fuzzys, the old Sears where my mom worked for 33 years, Dr. Bordelon pulling my first tooth, Hotel Bentley and graduating Bolton high School in 1964. Don Duke (Don@DonDuke.com) Comments: I went to Pineville High School in 1968, 69, &70 then went to Arkansas. Now I am a Professional Photographer at Pensacola Beach & Gulf Breeze. I would sure like to get in touch with some of my old friends like... Albert Gallent, Gary Crow, Gordon Daniels, Rusty Murray, Jenny Adams, Debbie Boyce, Betty Williams & Mary Wells. I'm on the Web so you can Google Don Duke anytime to find me listed. I think about you all often. Have a "Picture Perfect Day" Marvin McDonald (marvinm@realvisionsoftware.com) Comments: Moved back from Colorado about a year ago. There is beauty here that no other place can have. The Bolton Class of '68 had a reunion
Easter weekend: Thanks for keeping us informed. john melady (thehideion@yahoo.com) on Comments: thank you for your site. i just discovered it. i lived (was born in) alex. as soon as some pictures came up of my old church, the song "wildfire" came on and the tears came out. do you have photos of the old auction barn? joe's store right up the road? that was my neighborhood in the 60s (first st.). once again thank you. Evelyn Comments: My father (Heber Dodson) went to Bolton High School; he graduated in 1943. He joined the Army Air Corp, served for a few years then came home and married my mom (Esther Brumlow, she went to St Frances). My grandmother (Evelyn Brumlow) worked for Albert Lehmann who owned the TV store on Lee Street. He was like family to us, my brothers and I called him Uncle Albert. The pictures here bring back so many fond memories of my visits to my grandmother's - thanks! Perrie Dell Killingsworth Floyd Comments: I am the granddaughter of John Speilman and Ordell Speilman, owners of the Rosalie Dairy Plantation that was in operation in the early 1920's. I remember being told by my mother, Shara Dell Speilman Killingsworth, how they had the contract for the VA Hospital before refrigeration. I also have pictures of the barn with the name Rosalie Dairy painted on the barn along with family pictures of my relatives whom I never knew. I was born 20 years after my parents marriage in 1936 and I'm 50+. My mother graduated from Bolton High in 1928. I would me glad to share my old pictures with ya'll. It would be a honor to share my old pictures with your organization. The last time I went thru Alexandria, her home was still there and there was a arch on the property with the name "Rosalie Dairy Plantation" on the site. Please let me know if you would be interested in having me email some of them to you. I really enjoyed my visit to your website. Raymond L Orth (raymondorth@hotmail.com) Comments: I served at England in the 427 SOTS from Nov 1969 to Feb 1972 as as Sgt. They were some of the best years of my wife's and my life. It was a great experience. William Carroll Comments: I have made many trips to Alexandria, and enjoy what is left of its wonderful past. T.J. Fitts (tjfitts.airborne@verizon.net) Comments: I read Johnny Blakes memories, could have been mine, as he named ever place we all went to. I knew Johnny, and ever thing he says is true. All he left out was the pushing and shoving "fights" across the street from Lazarones. We lived in a different part of town than he did, so I remember walking to the Dairy Queen on Lee St. for a malt. Can't remember the name of the drugstore on Lee St. not far from the DQ, but that's where I got my first 10 cent novel and love of reading. Does anyone remember the library on Bolton St.? What a wonderful place! Tears! leonard ford, jr Comments: I am just looking to get some information about early Alexandria. Patti Stroup Comments: I was stationed at England AFB for a bit and lived off base.
James E. Halcomb (SCSJEH@Juno.com) Comments: My parents lived on Horseshoe Dr. and I was in the AF at Alexandria AFB. A great place to live in those days. brian carter (brian21471@msn.com) Comments: my dad was stationed at england afb. I lost touch with everyone. I am really interested in finding an old friend. His name is Dennis Stokes. We lived next door between 1985 and 1988. His mom received orders to Australia and I haven't spoke with him since. Can anyone help? Myra Crittle State: California Comments: I was born in Pineville in 1964. I moved away at the age of 7. I was surprised by the flood of memories from places I thought I had long ago forgotten. Melinda Anderson (melinda.anderson@cityofalex.com) Comments: I am trying to find out any information on the Armour Meats Building located at 1901 Third Street. If anyone has ANY information I would greatly appreciate it. We are trying to avert demolition but I need history of the building itself and the importance of it to the community. Thanks in advance for your help!! Helen Finkel (helcfin@sbcglobal.net) Comments: I believe that Schwartzberg's Dept. Store was owned by relatives of mine. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with any info. Thank you! susie (minimalchic@aol.com) Comments: I loved the trip thru memory lane, I do feel like there were a lot of pretty streets passed up, and a lot of old buildings shown that should be torn down not high lighted. Why not show some of the beautiful homes on Georges Lane? or show the zoo, and park? what ever happened to the rock garden is it still there? And with the river cleaned up why isn't down town being renovated? those old mid rise buildings would make great working condos. I am a decorator in AZ. and was raised in Alex, I would love to work on a project with a builder or contractor who would want to work on a project like that. There are so many wonderful buildings right on the river, I think it could become the place for people from Minnesota, or Chicago or other cold climates to spend there winters, Put in a great Golf course and its in the bag.If Little Rock can do it so can Alex. I think fondly of Alex it has great weather and wonderful landscape. A little planning and it could be a real tourist destination .I lived on Vance Ave , went to LS Rugg, AJH, and bolton, go bears!I married a man from AZ. and moved to AZ. in the 70's , I do miss home , and as I get older reflect back on my childhood , I'm glad it was in Alex. Keep cool Alex, you may be a small town but ya got a lot of heart. Norman Jay Few Comments: I was born & spent part of my young life in Alexandria and Pineville. Good memories of family and friends who I haven't seen in ages. My mother just passed this last year was also born and breed there. Thanks for the memories Lynn Rowe (laor7@earthlink.net) Comments: I was an AF nurse stationed at EAFB from 1976-1980. I loved it and the base. Wonder if there is anyone out there that served during that time and/or if anyone has pictures of the ATH Squadron or the hospital from the time. The only pictures I had were lost in a house fire. Good to go back and think about the time I spent in Alexandria and Pineville. Jim Hale Comments: While most of the images in the Retrospective are from times before I lived in Alexandria, some of the images did bring back memories while I did live there. Having graduated Bolton High School in 1984, and then moving to Tulsa and to the town I live now, there are many times that I long to return 'home', but based on what many people have said, the changes caused by I-49 make it not so much the home it was before. Maybe one day I'll make it down there to my old stomping grounds and say hello to some of the folks that I knew way back when - we'll just have to see what time brings... Nelloice Gatson (vernon36@dslextreme.com) Comments: I would like to rediscover a time since 1943 when I graduated from Peabody High School and thereafter relocated. Any photos would be appreciated. Thank you. Daniel M Banks (dan mb@sbcglobal.net) Comments: Response to Claudia Ube Kellogg. Yes, we knew Herb and Jean. The 622nd has a website, also a reunion coming up in late April 2008 in Lawton, OK. Sorry, I didn't see your entry until after you had changed your e-mail address. Joe Sleeper (joust@yahoo.com) Comments: I was raised near Alec in the early 60's. Attended Buckeye school, lived in Deville. Parents met when my father was stationed there during WW2.
Fond memories of shopping with my Mom on Wednesdays, always topped off with a sandwich and curlyQ's from Fuzzy's. Was my Mom's favorite. Would love the recipe for the sandwich, want to make some for the wife and kids. When did Fuzzy's close? Great site!! Jim Slocum (jcs62395@earthlink.net)
Comments: Thanks for all the hard work that went into this wonderful collection of pictures, people and memories. I really didn't appreciate what Alexandria gave to me until I viewed your website. It was a wonderful place to grow up. I now live in Dallas which is quite a contrast to those simpler times. I lived on Bryn Mawr close to the park and attended Rugg, AJH, and Bolton (1964). I could hear the zoo animals, the pool juke box, and the Bolton band from my bedroom window. I met many friends playing summer baseball on the Optimist, Fair, and Herbie K teams. My introduction to golf was at Bringhurst Park, tangling with the likes of Frank Brame before graduating to the full-length courses. My dad was Superintendent of Schools in the 50's. I would love to hear from some of the folks that I grew up with. Jack Frost
Comments: I came upon your site by accident and was pleasantly surprised. I was born in Alexandria just about three blocks from where I retired from KALB-TV after a long career in television news. I remember Alex so vividly as a youth. My Dad worked for the Oldsmobile dealership most of his life. It was located where the Holiday Inn now sits, sharing half a city block with the bus station. They moved to the present location on MacArthur Drive in the 1950's. At one time in the 1930's Dad worked at a service station which was on the northwest corner of the Hotel Bentley. In my youth vibrant downtown Alex was THE place to go. On hot summer days it was a pleasure to spend an afternoon in movie theatres or just stand by the doors of air conditioned department stores to feel the cool breeze as people entered and exited. There are so many more memories I could share, but let these few suffice. Again, I enjoy the site and plan to visit more often. Jack Frost Editor's Note: read more about Jack Frost, a sampling of his short stories, and excerpts from his new fictional novel set in Louisiana Steve Nasello (snasello@gmail.com) Comments: Just a note to say what a great website you have here. Keep up the good work! Any old friends that would like contact me please do. Menard grad of '76 Jimmie Davis Comments: what happened to the Masonic Children's Home? Becky Buckner Kraft Comments: I found this site by accident...what a great site. I went to Rugg, AJH, Brame and Bolton...graduated in 67...then to NSU. The older I get, the more homesick I am for the past. Went back to Alexandria last summer for my 40th class reunion. Alexandria has really grown since I last lived there. All my family lived in Alexandria but are now deceased...my dad had an Insurance Agency...grew up on Cherokee Lane...have many great memories...thank you for this site. Evelyn Ann Dodson Comments: I recently visited Alexandria to put flowers on my grandmother's grave. My father went to Bolton High (Heber Dodson) and graduated around 1943 or 1944. He joined the Army Air Corps and went on to graduate from LSU in pet eng. My mom went to the Catholic High there (Providence). On our visit there my daughter insisted we stop by Bolton High and take pictures of the Bruins. Diana Dinnat Comments: Thank you !
Amanda Baillio Dixon (sistamoonpie8481@yahoo.com) Comments: I am the fifth great grand daughter of Pierre Baillio, the first owner of the Kent House in Alexandria. My grandparents were Ralph and Katherine Baillio. My new husband is from England and we are traveling to France soon, to the town that Pierre originated from. Have you been there? John W. (Bill) Rice Comments: This was a very good visit! As a child growing up I remember all these places, and my Mother used to get on the Tioga Bus and come to town and shop in a lot of these places. I worked for the City for almost 24 years. A very good job you did. Bill Rice Bob and Jackie Jennings
Comments: I met some of the most friendly people anywhere I have ever been in these United States in Alex. Bob was stationed at England AFB when we were married in 1953 and made our 1st home in Pineville and later into Alex. Our first child was born there in 1954. I learned to drive and received my first drivers license in Alex. I still have dear friends in Alex and surrounding towns and love to come back there as often as we can. I hope that the people there never change as it has in so many places where we have lived in the past 54 years, reaching from Louisiana to Alaska and in between. Every state has its own beauty but none has more than any other and I think the Alex area can compare and hold its own with any place in the U.S. and I have seen it all from north to south and east to west. I had dreamed of living in Louisiana from the time I was a child and it was the first state I lived in by choice after I was old enough to decide for myself where I would live. I live in Oklahoma now, but my heart is still in Louisiana. Mark Hinds Comments: I was stationed at England AFB 1976 - 1978 Dale Newkirk Comments: I was stationed at England Air Force Base in 1953. Richard Mollette (fdx203@yahoo.com) Comments: I was born and raised in Alexandria. Most of my family is still there. If anyone remembers me, please email me. I live in San Francisco now. Carolyn Rials Wooten
Comments: Absolutely wonderful site!! I grew up in the Garden District living on Polk St and then on Jackson St. Finished studies at Bolton High and then was off to USL in 1972. Afterwards, a 1978 vacation trip to North Carolina lasted much longer than expected. I am still here. One of my fondest memories is of when I was fortunate enough to have spent the night in the old Bentley Hotel. A bowtied gentleman architect with white wavy hair named Eugene Glankler introduced me to prose and the beauty of good art and design. I also have the fondest memories of the dapperly dressed little man who helped me select the first of many pairs of fashionable eyewear in his downtown office, Dr. Lacy G. Bordelon. His office was just as aesthetically pleasing in its modern decor as the clothing he wore or the glass frames he personally selected to "enhance the shape of your face and eyes". I have given much thought to moving back to Alex in recent years as early retirement looms. My profession is historic preservation and adaptive reuse development of historic properties. Though many places that were familiar to us all have been demolished, it seems there are still places to preserve in Alex for the use of future generations. Thanks to Mr Freeman and all who have contributed the wonderful memories to this site. |
