These globes appeared in front of the Norge Village Laundromats. I remember them from when I was a little girl. I always thought they were so 1960ish. This one is located on Benning Rd.
JUST ADDED TO WHERE ARE THEY NOW GREAT NOW AND THEN PHOTOS AND A BIO OF COLUMBUS DISC JOCKEY/ANNOUNCER VAL MCGINNESS!
WHERE ARE YOU NOW???
I AM STARTING A WHERE ARE YOU NOW SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. THIS WILL BE A PLACE WHERE YOU ALL WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LEAVE E MAIL ADDRESSES AND INFORMATION ON YOURSELVES. THIS CAN BE A GREAT WAY FOR RESIDENTS PAST AND PRESENT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH OLD FRIENDS OR MAKE NEW ONES!
SPECIAL UPDATED INFORMATION FROM JOE LUNN ON #66
These globes appeared in front of the Norge Village Laundromats. I remember them from when I was a little girl. I always thought they were so 1960ish. This one is located on Benning Rd.
DO YOU REMEMBER THESE SITES AROUND COLUMBUS?
1. Ollies' Trolley. This was behind Cross Country Plaza. It was a Hot dog vendor with a small shop shaped like an old street trolley car.
2. Giant Slide. There May have been more than one in town, the one I remember most was behind K mart on Macon Road. These slides were 2 0r 3 stories tall. probably taller.
3.Kirvens restaurant. There used to be a fake tree in the middle of the restaurant, it looke like the top was growing out through the ceiling. when my husband and I visited one of Raymond Rowe's downtown stores we saw the old tree it was not quite as big or grand as I remembered it, but it was good to see it anyway.
4. Skateland an old skating rink located on Broadway we went to Birthday parties here before the newer skating rink was built.
EDGEWOOD DRIVE IN
The white building to the left was the old projection tower and concession stand
5. The edgewood Drive In was located on Macon Road. It has been torn down and a garage now occupies what was once the back rows of the theater. If you look closely, you can see the raised places where the cars once parked. The indidual roads to each aisle are also barely visible. The other picture shows what was the main entrance to the drive in. The two very nice men at the Macon Road garage told us vandals set fire to the screen, and that the place looked like a war zone. How sad.
6. Spanos Restaurant. This restaurant was located in downtown Columbus. It dated back to the late 1800's. We would eat there every Sunday after Church for several years. The restaurant had very old marble top tables. One of the tables is now at Dinglewood Pharmacy along with other items from Spano's. What a great idea, you can eat a columbus legend (scrambled Dog) on top of a Columbus legend (Spano's table). Thanks Mr. Hurley for saving a part of old Columbus.
7. Magic Oven Bakery. Before every chain grocery store sold fresh baked goods there was such a thing known as a bakery. One of the most popular in town was the Magic Oven. There were several around town, the one's I can remember the most are Talbotton Rd, later moved to Hamilton Rd, St Mary's shopping center and Rosemont shopping Center. When the last Magic Oven closed several years ago, I was lucky enough to have one of the last Birthday cakes made. I even have verification by one of the employees that my cake came from the last batch baked. They also had great cheese straws.
8. Pritchett's Fish Camp. This was the place to go if you had large parties or small groups. It was a large building with partioned off dining rooms. Waiters came to each room and took and carried in orders. You could get their attention by turning on a light switch that would turn on a bulb outside your room. My family's favorite was the red Snapper. It was all you could eat, and if you walked away hungry it was always your own fault. One was located on Hamilton Rd and there was another on Buena Vista Rd.
9. Kirven's live mannequins. My mom was telling me when she was younger, every Christmas they would stand outside Kirven's department store to watch the motorized mannequins. They would be wrapping Christmas presents and putting them under the tree.
10. Dimensions. Dimensions, was a very hip store in the early Seventies it was located at Cross Country Plaza, it was on the end where Davidson's once was. Near and over Deorio's. You could buy almost all things seventie there. clothes and decorations.
11. Striplin Terrace pool. This was out Warm Springs RD. I believe the big apartment complex is where the old pool was. When I was a teenager in the seventies there were stories about razor blades on the slide, so I never got to go there. But, it was a very popular place. Many people have fond memories of the old pool.
12. The Varsity. This is not like the Varsity in Atlanta, but the food was just as good and greasy. Some of the best onion rings in the world could be found there. It was located on Macon rd. across from the old Columbus Square Mall site, soon to be our new library. The varsity had parking in the back for curb service.
13. Bowl-a-rama. Bowl-a-rama was located on Francis St off Wynnton rd. where the Bargain Town now sits. If you go in the store it slopes down funny, maybe because of the old bowling alley construction. I remember Bowl-a-rama did not have electronic score keeping, we had to figure our scores by hand.
14. Ice skating rink. Mom remembers going ice skating at a rink on Victory Drive in the Fifties. For a short time there was an ice skating rink on Bradley Park Drive in the Seventies. This was near Peach Bowl Lanes. There are no ice skating rinks in Columbus currently.
15. I need some help with this one please. There was a childrens clothing store on Wynnton Rd once in the middle or late sixtie's, it had a small gated area with a play area for the children. I barely remember this shop, just enough to drive me crazy. It faced Wynnton Rd and was near the old barber shop. Does anyone else remember? Wee Moderns is probably the one I am remembering.
16. The Dee Dee Shop. This was located in a shopping center near Lake Bottom Park. I believe it was Our first Shopping Center. We bought many outfits at the Dee Dee Shop. The boys dept. was called the Canterbury shop. The old shopping center once had a grocery store and I seem to remember it had a drug store and beauty shop at one time.
17 Melody Lakes. Way back in the 1960's My Aunt and Uncle bought a lot in Melody Lakes. It was going to be a retirement home for them, and also a weekend get away place. It is located in Waverly Hall, maybe 20 something miles up the road from Columbus. Through the years I often wondered what happened to Melody Lakes since my Aunt and Uncle's plans did not go through. I expected to find a deserted ghost town like place. Just the opposite is true. It is an active area full of residences. The community center looks to be in good shape and well used. Here are some pictures of what is and is not there today.
The Entrance
Cabanna
filled in Swimming Pool
Old Kiddie Pool?
Beautiful Scene
18. Cumbaa's Shoe Shop. Located once on the street that the side entrance to Kirven's was on. Where a young Sam Rawl's waited on you behind the counter.
19. Eileen's Dress Shop. Located on First Avenue, very swanky. It took Mom 6 weeks to pay out of lay away a $50.00 dress in 1958.
20. The Goo Goo. Across the street from Linwood cemetery. White table cloths inside, curb service outside.
21. Baker Music Company. This was where most local school bands bought their instruments.
22. The Plaza Theater. Behind Cross Country Plaza. Large round theater with a smaller round theater attached. The seats rocked. 23. Water Wiz. This was off Warm Springs Rd and East Lindsey dr. This was a built in the ground water slide. It was around in the mid to late seventies. 24. Dr. Jive. This was a record store . I seem to remember it being in Columbus square mall and Cross Country Plaza. Very hip place back then. We would love to go buy small plactic beads to be threaded on elastic string and worn as love beads. I just realized how old I am. UM.
25. Mrs. J McCrum wants to know if you remember Castleberry's at Five Points across from East Highland Church and their famous Spinning wheels, Choppy's scrambled dogs, Jumbo's , Stewart's root beer, and Well's dairies off 4th ave and their ice cream. well, if no one else does Mrs. McCrum, Mom does, she excitedly nodded at each place mentioned. On some she even elaborated.
26. Muffler Man. A muffler man is what people are now calling those 20 foot tall plastic men that stood in front ot tire and muffler shops in the sixties and seventies. Columbus had at least one. He was located on Fourth ave near the main entrance to the Municipal Auditorium or Civic Center as it is called today. I seem to remember the waffle house on Buena Vista Rd having their version of one too, he was dressed in white pants, shirt and cap. I think he held a hamburger.This is just an example of the one we had Downtown. 27. Miss Patsy's Playhouse. This was a local kids show that came on when I was growing up.Patsy Avery was the Host. I still find myself saying "cartoons, Cartoons here we gooooo" when I turn on the tv for my neice and nephew.
28. Sonic. Years ago, in the Seventies we had a sonic drive in on Buena Vista rd. It closed and years later they built the ones we have around today. The old one had these cute little plastic animals that fit on the side of your cup. Thanks D. Samra for reminding me.
29. Momma Goldburgs. Hope I am spelling this right. This was a sandwich shop or Deli on Cody rd which is now University Dr. right across the street from the College. Great roast beef sandwiches.
30. The Zodiac Lounge. The Zodiac was located in the Starmount Shopping Center. My first time ever in a nightclub was here. It was New Years Eve 1979, I was 18 (which was the legal age then). The band was called Anthem. They were the greatest guys. My boyfriend at the time had known them for a while so I got a chance to talk to them quite a bit. They were on local tv here once some sort of special, it was so exciting because I knew them. They might as well have been the Beatles to me. Does anyone else remember them?
31. The Rock of Columbus. There was a time in the Seventies mostly, when radio stations had contests. Not like the ones today where you just call in. These old contests were more like scavenger hunts. Each day you would be given a clue over the air, you would put the clues together and go out and try to find an object that was hidden by the radio station. The prizes were great, but it was also just plain fun. You would meet people while looking and it was great knowing you were smart enough to put the clues together and end up in the right place. The rock of Columbus was just one of these contests.
32. Shakey's Pizza. Located where the Speak Easy is now, off Macon Rd. It had a player piano, I want to say it had long tables with benches instead of individual tables. Loud fun place to go.
33. Colonial Grocery Store. Colonial Grocery store was at the front of Columbus Square Mall. We shopped there quite a bit when I was growing up. It's strange now to think of a grocery store as part of a mall.
34. The Lunch Counters at Woolworths and Walgreens. Before there were food courts, many stores had their own restaurants or lunch counters. Woolworths had a counter and small eating area. Walgreens had a counter and larger eating area. Sears had a small cafeteria near the mall entrance to the store. Gayfers (now Dillards) had a restaurant upstairs called the Copper Kettle, Montgomery Wards had in the rear of their store what they called the Buffeteria.
35. The Harvest House Cafeteria. Columbus Square Mall. Right next to Woolworths. Once you got inside and stood in line, there were large glass windows you could look into woolworths through. Very popular place for the after Church crowd on Sundays.
36. THRILL HILL. Thrill Hill is located off Wynnton Rd. Many a car has gone airborne on this one. I know I did. As bad as this hill is I think the one in Phenix City is even worse.
37. THE JESUS TREE. Several years ago a child was playing in the yard and looked up and saw the image of Jesus on this tree trunk. This gained media attention and many of us gathered to see this tree. The Image has now been painted over. 38. LOCAL COMMERCIALS. Just a few I can remember off the top of my head. Sam Rawls, A bank commercial"I knew that". The two men from Southern Maid Bacon "He'll never learn". Maloof Motor Co.(?) Cars with mouths over the grills, looked like the cars were talking. Joe Jones Mobile Homes. "Will There ever Be a Home For Me" Precious dog, Heart breaking commercial for the Humane Society or animal shelter. The old Cap'n britches commercials from Pant-a-rama. And probaly our all time favorite, "got a minute?" Who could forget Hussey's Tire
Jungle.
39. SCHWOBILT. Local mes's clothing store located on Broadway and later at Columbus Square Mall. Their saying was "Schwobilt Suits The South". K B Kannady remembers buying his Senior suit here in 1964.
40. JORDAN VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
I want to get around to covering all the High Schools on a seperate page maybe. But for now I'll start with this.
Today I took Mom on a trip down memory lane. We went to photograph the outside of Jordan, but were allowed to go in and take some inside shots too. I hope this brings back as many fond memories for others as it did for Mom.
41. CALLING ALL BAKER ALUMNI
Former Lion, Bill Land of Cleveland,Ga remembers The Brat Barracks, a hangout for Baker teens in the late sixties and early seventies, his band the Antique Zoo played there. He also remembers a band called the Bushmen that played at some of your school dances. They later became known as the Atlanta Rhythm Section! He also recalls skipping lunch to go to Burger Chef and going to Lum's and the Krystal on Victory Dr after football games. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER??? 42. OLD RACE TRACK
Behind the Family Dollar store on South Lumpkin rd, in the Oakland Park area, there is an old white building. Behind this building there was at one time a race car track. My Uncle ran a wrecker for the track on Friday nights in the 1950's. I was told the old track is still there behind all the trees and overgrowth. Not much else is left though. Many Thanks to Mr Major for his help with this one. He too remembers the track and going with his Dad on Friday nights. 43. BIG JOHNNY REB AND THE REBEL YELL
Leebo is from Oklahoma and one day asked me what a Rebel Yell was. The first thing that came to mind was the sound from the old WDAK radio station. That sound is too hard to try and write down. But here is a link that has that sound on it. http://www.theinternetfarm.com/goodtimer/audio_clip_index.htm Guess I was right in thinking that was what a Rebel Yell was! When I played that it brought back a flood of memories. I also remember the Big Johnny Reb billboards that were in town. For some reason he was always kind of creepy. So was the Rebel Yell.
Also, does any one remember how one of the stations announced important news? They would break in with this weird sound and people singing/chanting Bulletin Bulletin Bulletin. They would break in, in the middle of songs with this. Usually it meant some one had been shot(King,Kennedy, Wallace ETC) or it could mean a tornado warning. This little intro thing was so scary to me when I was young. I don't know if it was just the sound of it or if I knew it always meant bad or scary news.
44. HIP SQUARE
Located in Downtown Columbus, this was very much like Dimemsions. All things hippie could be found there.
45. THE ADDITION TO COLUMBUS SQUARE MALL
I thought I read somewhere that Columbus Square Mall was the second enclosed mall to be built in Georgia. I believe that was around 1964 or 1965. In the mid seventies an addition was built on that included local department store Kirven's. I remember going right after the addition was built and it was so crowded, everyone was saying it was just like being out of town.
46. PUTT PUTT GOLF COURSE
One of the most painful experiences of my life happened here. I was walking in and some one thought they were at the masters and hit a ball so hard it left the course and hit me right upside the head. This incident could account for some of my mental flaws, at least that's what I like to think. The course is still there. It is on Macon Rd, behind what was the old Shoney's and now Captain D's. UPDATE: THE PUTT PUTT COURSE IS NO MORE!!!IT IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING BULL DOZED RIGHT NOW, MAYBE I SHOULD MOVE THIS ONE TO GOING, GOING, GONE!
47. LIVE NATIVITY PAGEANT
Central Christian Church has been preforming the live Nativity Scene since the 1950's. These yearly events started when the Church was on the corner of Macon Road and Dixon Drive. The Church has moved and is located on Moon road They still have the Pageant every year. 48.SALISBURY FAIR
Before the days of River Fest and all the other yearly attractions we have at the Trade Center and River Walk, we had the Salisbury Fair. It was held in the Median on Broadway. In what is now the Historic District. There was no charge, people just parked and walked. There was food, crafts, exhibits and more. You always ran into everyone you ever knew.
49. BILL BOWICK
Bill Bowick was a local radio personality for many years here in town. His is one of the few names I actually have remembered through the years. He had been in radio here since 1955. He and his wife Cassie will be celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary next month. I wish them many more happy years!
50. FIELD AND FIRESIDE A swanky clothing store downtown.
51. UNITED OIL RECREATION FACILITY. This was a swimming pool and party facility located off Macon Road years ago. Thanks to Bill and Cassie Bowick for this one!
52. STOP AND TELL DRIVE IN. This was a drive in with carhops on roller skates and Robin Hood outfits. It was located on Victory Drive. This one was brought to my attention just today by Jim Davis, the Bowicks and Mom!
53. CUZZIN AL. Local radio personality who played country music. He drank orange Nehis on the air and read Snuffy Smith comics.
54. DICK WEISS. Another local radio personality who sometimes did live broadcasts from the Mezzanine in Kirven's around 1957 and 1958.
55. SNAK VU DRIVE IN. Near St Francis Hospital. They showed showed short subject features, Three Stoodges comedies and cartoons.
56. STEWARTS??? Bob wrote in several great suggestions that I have used above. He remembers a restaurant in the fifties that showed Gene Autrey movies among others. He thought it may have been Stewarts out Macon Road past Park Hill Cemetery. If anyone else remembers, please let us know!
57. MORE MEMORIES FROM BOB. These were sent in by Bob. Rather than break them up I am posting these great memories just as he sent them. People like Bob are invaluable to this site and I appreciate all the memories he has sent me! Now, put on YOUR thinking caps and let me hear from YOU too.
I also recall back in the fifties and early sixties enjoying a Buck's Strawberry.
drink...they also had the same flavors as Nehi: grape, orange, etc
but Buck's flavor seemed a little stronger to me.
In the early fifties I recall a drink called CHERRO COLA. It tasted like
Cherry Coke. The bottle was a beautiful swirl design.
If you got on the outskirts of Columbus you could find a DOUBLE COLA.
RC Cola, of course, ruled in Columbus....and you could never find a Pepsi
until (i'm guessing) the late fifties maybe.
We used to bring them back from Florida just to have a break from RC Cola.
I recall supermarkets called KWIK CHEK before they started calling them
Winn-Dixie. Did anyone remind you about the ELITE CAFE over in Phenix
City. In 1955 I watched the film crew film The Phenix City Story.
I got to watch the scene where Albert L. Patterson, played by John McIntire,
came out of the Elite and walks to his car in a nearby alley and gets shot.
The large crowd was asked by the director to PLEASE keep all noise down
and not to talk. If you watch that scene, in the background you can hear
the crowd mummering....it was supposed to be late at night with nobody
on the streets. The movie also starred Kathy Grant who had been married
to Bing Crosby.
Most young guys in the fifties can remember going to Metcalf's for a haircut. Many opted for a flattop.....fifty cents was the cost....several barberswere available and when they finished with one kid they would yell 'NEXT" OR "NEXT TIME".....It was in the rear of Metcalf's Sport Shop.
58. SOME RADIO MEMORIES FROM BOB. I thought of something else....in the late fifties all the teens listened to WGBA.....many teens liked the R&B sound of
WOKS with the great black deejays like Shelly The Playboy, Jack The Bellboy, The Hound Dog and the wonderful Rudy Rutherford "The Deuce". At night it was WDAK Big Johnny Reb...nighttime deejays like Tom Owens, Larry "LJ the DJ" James and the guys in the middle of the night like Wild Bill Rivers, Bob Carr and Ron Brown. BUT many of the Columbus teenagers listened a LOT to The BIg Bam in Montgomery WBAM. Their was a show in the afternoon about 5pm with Dan Brennan. Dan's Dusty Discs. He played 30 minutes of the "oldies". Don Edwards had the Night Train Show on WPNX for years.
59. SOME BENNING HILLS MEMORIES FROM GLORIA.I grew up on Bowman St. in Benning Hills in the mid to late 50's. One of my fondest memories is of stopping by the "Old Magnolia" tree up in Esquiline Heights near Benning Hills Elementary School. In 1964(?) there was an article in the Columbus Led. Enq. about it. I think they were planning to tear it down or something like that...do you have any info about this landmark ( pictures or the article from the paper) ?
Also, the Black Angus Rest. and the Traffic Circle Shopping Center...does anyone remember the ELF shoes in Mr Scott's Shoe Store...I wanted those shoes SO BAD!!!!!
60. SOME OLD MOVIE MEMORIES FRO BOB.I recall seeing Lash Larue and Tex Ritter at the old Royal Theatre. I saw Gene Autry at the Comer Auditroium
and Charles Starret, The Durango Kid, came to the Pastime but I didn't see him.
My parents didn't like me going to the pastime because of some of the stories they heard.....pranksters would put glue on the seats, stuff like that.
61. THIS MEMORY CAME FROM CAROL RUSSO.
we can see if anyone remembers Nolan and Son Furniture Store, where after the 1955 tornado that ripped through Columbus, my Dad's uncle opened up the store to all the folks who lost their home. We had so much fun in a desperate situation. Uncle Arthur set up all the beds and mattresses we served meals on the dinette sets.
62. SOME MEMORIES FROM D.
I got this post on the Forum that is located on Columbus Georgia On Line.
Hi Jan, Here are some other things that I remember from the late 60's from downtown Columbus. We would go to Kress's lunch counter to have a hot dog after seeing a movie at the Bradley Theater. Then we would go window shopping and look in Lane's and Busch's jewerly stores dreaming of all the diamonds we would have one day. Then we would go to Green's dimestore and get what we really could afford. Ha. I remember that behind Green's would be the YWCA-Young Womens Christian Association, where we would go to dance with the young men from FT. Benning on Saturday nights. Then on Sunday they would have a dinner and show a movie to them and we would be invited to join them for Sunday dinner and see the movie, too. They would also have planned bus trips to other places that would be fun, such as to Callaway Gardens or to the Atlanta football games. It was a lot of fun back in those days. Some other memories were driving through the eating drive-ins, such as the Streamliner Drive-In and a few others that I can't remember the names. We would go with a carload of people and drive slowly through all of the drive-ins on Victory Drive, up one side then down the other side, and when we got hungry we would pick one drive-in and stop to eat. A few other eating places were the ClearView Drive-In on 45th street which had the best BBQ and the very best BBQ Slaw. I have never found any place, besides them, that has served BBQ Slaw and the other places where I have asked have never heard of such a thing. Ha. Another place was the Hidden Cafe in PC, Al. which was known for there famous hot dogs where they would serve you half of a winnie in a hot dog bun. That was so unusual, but they were a big hit and I still slice my winnie in half today. Another BBQ place was Chicken Comer's in PC, Al. where they had the hottest chicken that I have ever had. I don't care for it that hot today. Ha. Well those are a few memories that were not mentioned on your site and I am sure others would be able to add to those. It has been wonderful to go down memory lane with you and I really think your site is great. Keep up the good work. D.
63. SOAP BOX DERBY MEMORIES.
This comes from former Columbus resident Bob Martin who now lives in Canon City, CO. You might ask if anyone remembers the young man who won the Nationals from Columbus, Georgia.
If memory serves me correct the year would have been 1955 or 56.
I raced against him.
64. GOLDEN DONUTS
Not Bob above, but our other Bob reminded me of something I shouldn't have had to be reminded of! He remembers the old Golden Donut shop on Hamilton Road. I remember going there as a little girl. He mentioned how the donuts had actual sugar flakes on them and how they melted in your mouth. THANKS SO MUCH BOB, I am about to fly out the door to Denny's for a boring bowl of vegetable soup, the last thing I need to be thinking about right now is hot, delicious donuts! He also mentioned some of the best hotdogs could be found at Henry's Hot dogs on Linwood Blvd. Before the days of preservatives!
65. ONE FROM MY FRIEND JERRY!
JAN, COULD YOU SEE IF YOU COULD FIND OUT ANY INFORMATION ON..........IDLE HOUR PARK...........CHRISTMAS
TIME........1950'S-1960'S...........WHEN I WAS A SMALL CHILD.........THE PARK GAVE A GIFT TOO EACH CHILD.........PLUS A BAG OF
APPLES AND ORANGES...........I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT
TIME!.........I HOPE YOU CAN FIND OUT ANY
INFORMATION!.............THANK YOU VERY
MUCH!.........JERRY......
66. MORE ON THE SOAP BOX DERBY FROM BOB IN COLORADO.
In 1952 Soap Box Derby was perhaps the most dramatic of them all. With a record 154 cars-four of them foreign-a little boy from Thomasville, Georgia captured the hearts of over 50,000 people and the race as well. Joey Lunn had built his car in his uncle's garage in Columbus, Georgia, raced there and won the local Derby. Little Joey, eleven, whose father had left for parts unknown three years before, quickly gained the crowd's sympathy when he won his first heat only to smash his car on the kick boards beyond the finish line.
Joey's car was extensively damaged. Fortunately Joey wasn't. He had scrapes, bruises and cuts but nothing broken. A nurse tended to him on a cot in the first aid tent. Meanwhile, a team of three men on Topside tried to figure out how to make his car well. The front axle was twisted, the axle tree splintered, the wheels were reined and the entire front third of the car was broken into many pieces. But they were able to straighten the axles, and to reinstall and readjust the steering cables, which had snapped loose in the crash. By using strips of tin from a donated lunch box, Goodrich mechanic Joe Chassagne directed his helpers in putting the nose back together with wood screws, nuts and bolts. The front third was then reattached to the rest of the car with the help of many feet of adhesive tape. The Topside crew was able to put new wheels on the car, and it was approved for another run down the track-a mere twenty-five minutes after the repairs had started!
Topside workers often help put damaged cars back together, but this was the worst wreck they had reassembled. They were happy, as they felt they had at least given little Joey one more ride down the hill. It didn't take long for the crowd to start cheering for "The Ramblin' Wreck From Georgia." And amazingly, the fast little car-which eventually posted the fastest time of the day despite its rather wobbly nose-took its second heat, then another, another and another-and won the championship, much to the delight of the crowd, and the astonishment of the Topside helpers!
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
These pictures were sent in by Judy in Texas! She was the Soap Box Derby Queen in 1952, the year Joe Lunn Won. Judy sent in these pictures from the Parade. They were taken by The Columbus Ledger Enquirer.
ANOTHER UPDATE STRAIGHT FROM JOE LUNN HIMSELF!
I have traveled around the world after Baker courtesy of the U. S. Navy. I retired in 1979 and live in Charleston, SC where most of my navy career was spent. I fell in love with Charleston when I received orders to Charleston Submarine Sqdn. 4 in 1960. I have spent some time at the Submarine base in New London Ct. and feel privileged to have spent 4 years teaching NROTC at the Univ. of Louisville Ky.(great duty for a "Sea Dog" with 12 years sea duty at the time)After Louisville I returned to my beloved Charleston and served the remainder of my Navy career aboard submarines.
After retiring I learned that a submarine that I had served aboard was coming to Charleston to be included in the naval museum, Patriots Point. I had to go see my old boat and while helping with the tour route aboard USS Clamagore (SS 343) I was offered a job at the museum and worked there as the submarine rep. and various other capacities until 1989 when Hugo came and put a lot of people out of work for quite some time. I enjoyed talking to people from around the world about the history of the ships at Patriots Point that also includes the aircraft Carrier Yorktown and I had been studying to be a registered tour guide for Historic Charleston, so I took the test (I had not studied this hard since Baker) I do tours of the city on a 25 passenger bus and still enjoy meeting people and telling them about Charleston. We have been judged the 3rd tourist destination in the country so we are kept pretty busy.
I met Linda 12 years ago and we will be celebrating our 10th in April. Linda is a Charleston native and is one of the treasures I have discovered in Charleston.
I have 2 daughters, Camelle and Jeannine from a previous marriage.
IF ANYONE WOLD LIKE TO CONTACT MR LUNN, JUST LET ME KNOW AND I WILL FORWARD ALL E MAIL!
67. SOME MEMORIES FROM DIANNE T.
Some of my memories growing up were going to Pritchett's Fishcamp on Saturday night with my parents friends and their children. Then they had juke boxes on the wall to play music. And occasionally a few people would go outside in the hallway and dance. It always seemed so late when we got home. I guess it was for a 5 or 6 year old. It was located on the old Whitesville Rd. Whenever we went "out" to eat it was to the fishcamp or a drive-in. When I was dating my husband he took me to the old Morrisons downtown. I had never been and thought it was for the rich. haha. My Daddy took us to Bucklelews for barbecue and brunswick stew. I wish I knew how they made that stew, or to Clearview drive-in where I got my cheeseburger with cheese melted just right. Does anyone remember Pat Patterson's across the corner from Clearview and down in the hole. They had "aristocrat hamburgers". I think that meant with catsup, I don't know.
I remember the only major grocery stores in town were Kroger which was down off lower Broad. We were shopping there when the big tornado hit in the 50's. Took a long time to get home. Also, there was an A&P a couple of streets over from north Broad. Every Sat. my aunt and grandmother went there.
How about the bakery off lower Broad. I never knew the name of it. But that's where my daddy always took us to get some goodies. Other than Golden Donut for just donnuts. I love the meringue cookies at that bakery.
Remember the dance parties at the Bradley theater on Saturdays. I saw Jerry Lee Lewis there with my friends. Everybody was screaming while I laughed from embarrassment. I think he was drunk.
Someone mentioned Kirvens restaurant. I worked for 5 years at V.V.Vick downtown and went there many times. And yes, I remember that tree. AND the cobbler pies that were so good. Speaking of downtown. Who remembers going downtown at Christmas and watching everybody shoot off firecrackers? They stopped that becasie some landed on awnings. And what excitement watching the Christmas parade go through town. They stopped that too.
A very plesant memory was walking to Bealwood school with my mother singing Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. Especially since she is has passed on.
One of my last visits home I tried to find out where I could go pick muscadines or wild plums, blackberries etc. What blank expressions I got. I remember doing that as a child and it was so much fun.
Jordan Vocational High looks exactly as it did when I went there. And I imagine it is the same as it was when my daddy went there in the 30's. What a school!
I could go on and on. Maybe more another time.
Thanks for this memory.
Dianne T.
68. SOME COLUMBUS MEMORIES FROM CHS 66
There were two Pritchett's organizations. Pritchett's Fish Camp was on
Whitesville Rd, on the way to Boy Scout Camp McKenzie, and was just before
the old Standing Boy Creek bridge on the left. Camp McKenzie Staff members
were known to go there on a weekend night after all the week's summer
campers had gone home.
The FOP Fraternal Order of Police bought it in the early 1970's for their
lodge. Some organizations later rented the Lodge for parties, etc.
The other Pritchett's organization was responsible for three locations:
Buena Vista Road, on right, past Floyd Rd turn: Hamilton Rd, (Its now
Hobbs Auto Parts) which was the last one to close (?1980's); and Phenix
City, on Old Opelika Rd, a block or two past Smokey Pig BBQ.
The two operations were very similar. The small dining rooms. All you can
eat catfish and "snappa" and chicken. The catfish were the little catfish
about or a little bigger than the size that Rose Hill Seafood serves today.
The so called "snappa" may have been Red Snapper at one time, but I
seriously doubt if they actually served Red Snapper in the last several
decades of operation.
Food was good to great (unless the cooks accidentally cooked some of the
fish in the chicken grease, or vice versa.) Usually locations would let you
brown bag beer. You could sit there and eat a lot of fish and drink a lot
of beer. (Burp!) There was a switch you pushed to turn on a red light on
the outside of the little dining room so the waiter would know to check with
you and see what food you were out of. Back in the 1960's all you could
eat, with french fries, hush puppies, cole slaw, and tea was no more than
$1.50 -$2.00 a person (adult). Of course the minimum wage in
1966 was only about$1.25 an hour, and lots of manufacturing workers made
under $2.00 an hour or $10,000 a year. So it took about around one or so
hours wages to buy all you could eat there (before taxes, and less the
tip.) Today the average Columbus wage is around $29,000 or average of
around $14.00 an hour and a catfish meal at Rose Hill Seafood, (NOT all you
can eat, just a plate of catfish, tea, hush puppies fries and a little slaw)
is around $9.00 (I think). So you can eat catfish for about 2/3 of an
hours's average pay. But its NOT ALL YOU CAN EAT! But would you like to
go back to making $1.50 or $2.00 an hour? I doubt it.
There were several other all you can eat places. One was the Lakeshore
Restaurant in Crystal Valley, behind what is/was the Crystal Valley Saloon
on Macon Rd.
There were several similar places on or near Lake Harding or on River Road
on the way to the lake. The old John Syfrrett's place was where the
Backwaters Condos are now. It had a fish camp restaurant, boat ramp, gas
dock, bait, and some little cabins for rent by the night. Also had a
boathouse which rented storage places for boats. There was a dance hall
/pavilion over the boathouse that had a nice dance floor and a jukebox.
And of course there was Cotton's Fish Camp, in Omaha. It had at least two
locations over the years, both in Omaha. If you dont know where Omaha is,
it's in Stewart County on GA 39 before you get to the bridge over the
Chattahoochee near Mead's paper plant. When I ate there in the late 1970's
it was still cranking out some pretty good catfish.
69. SOME SAD NEWS FROM BOB.
Columbus lost a legendary country talent this week. Curley Money died at 78.
He was a fixture at local clubs and radio since the fifties.
His "Gonna Rock" was a fair sized hit in the sixties. I wish I could say I remembered him, but I don't. Mom, on the other hand remembered him very well and was sorry to hear the news. Many Thanks to Bob for passing this along to me.
DEBI FROM MIDLAND/COLUMBUS ADDED THIS
I saw where you learned about Curley Money,,thought that you might be interested in the fact that he is listed in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame,,,if you put a search on Curley Money you will find a lot on him and his nephew Rick Wayne Money plays for Randy Travis and Porter Waggoner.
Curleys brother Comer is also mentioned in the Rockabilly Hall of fame,,
Just some tidbits that you might be interested in , Curleys son is Charles Money and he has some great old pictures of Curley that you might be interested in putting on the web site.
70. SOME 2ND AVENUE MEMORIES FROM CATHY IN ST LOUIS.
I now live in St. Louis, Missouri but grew up in Columbus, GA as did my mother, grandmother and her mother before her. We lived in Dothan, AL for a short time but my earliest recollections was a small "shot-gun" house located at 2205 2nd Avenue. It has long since been demolished. My cousins lived in Chase Apartments. I have many stories about growing up in and around the projects and on 2nd Avenue.
Up the street was McIlhenny Elementary School where my sisters and cousins attended school. We all frequented the Open Door Community Center that had JUST BEEN BUILT. I remember a small mattress company; Gautney, I believe, on the same side of the street as our home and a corner store just across the street where we bought snow cones in the summer.
Mrs. Green lived next door to the mattress company. Even in my youth I remember this tiny white haired lady who tolerated a pack of children knocking on her door just to visit. She was always sweet and never told us to go away. Mr. Gautney would sometimes give us nickels to get a treat at the store. I think he was trying to save Mrs. Green from us.
71. THESE MEMORIES ARE FROM JOHN IN LILBURN, GEORGIA.
I grew up in the Hidden Hills neighborhood adjacent to the old Moon settlement on
Ritch Haven Rd. which followed the eastern boundary of Shamrock Stables riding
trails property. The Moon-David cemetary was our favorite hangout, especially on
Halloween night, when we had to negotiate a half-mile or so walk through the woods
by flashlight. The finest moment was the night that Ronnie Westbrook and I led his
teenage sister and her very nervous friends to the "graveyard", and just as we entered
the clearing I blew a great blast on my dad's cowhorn -- they could scream but had
nowhere to run.
There were graves dating to the early 1800s, some Revolutionary War veterans.
I have always worried about the upkeep, but it looks very nice.
More as they come to me...
72. SOME KRYSTAL MEMORIES FROM CAROL.
Do you remember the cost of a Krystals hamburger in the early 1970's? My family moved to Columbus from California in 1969 and we never heard of Krystals. We bought a house at 3102 10th Ave, now apartments, and one day while we were doing some work on the house before moving in, my step-dad gave us $20 and told us to go to Krystals and get as many as that would buy. We went to the Krystals there at the point of River Road and the expressway. When we walked in and ordered $20 worth of Krystals, the people looked us with shock. I don't know how many bags we carried back. The cost was about .08 to .10 cents each. Luckily, we had plenty of people to eat them up.
And, do you know the chili chees fries the serve now? Well, I would go every Saturday when I got my $2 allowance and order me a bowl of chili and french fries. I would stick my fries into the chili and eat it up. So I guess you could say I invented the Chili Fries. ha ha ha
72. SOME 1953 TORNADO AND 2ND AVENUE MEMORIES FROM ROCKETBOB.
There was one thread about the "Big Tornado" in 1955. The biggest one was in April 1953. My family and myself were in the middle of it. My brother Clifford got his thumb knocked off by flying debris. His picture was in the Ledger-Enquirer , his thumb survived.
You may have this location in your thread. Maybe not. I remember a place on second ave at 32nd. St., called Sketter Flat. There was a movie house there, but the name escapes me.
On the corner south of Sketter Flat was an independent gas station. They had drawings for a new car, I believe one a month. Sandra and Jackie-----dang, what was their maiden, any way their dad won a green 1956 Chevy Biscayne.
73. SOME SOUTH LUMPKIN ROAD RACETRACK MEMORIES FROM ROCKETBOB!
Dumb teenage boys we were. Several of us used to run our old J Loppies around that track. All we got out of it were completely worn out tires on the inside tread. Of course it would make you silly dizzy too. And a sandwich and soda from Gus drive inn helped revive all that spent energy.
74. SOME DOWNTOWN MEMORIES FROM LISA K IN COLUMBUS.
As a child in the 60's, one of my favorite things was to go shopping in
downtown Columbus. Yes, it will always be DOWNtown--in spite of all efforts
to make it UPtown! Shopping downtown with my mother meant skipping along
busy sidewalks, gazing in windows at elegant manequins, and tossing pennies
into the fountains. (Who knows how many wishes came true thanks to those
fountains!)
If we were shopping for me, the Kiddie Shop was our first stop (remember
those itchy crenaline slips that looked just like tutus?) or maybe Poll
Parrot Shoes. If we were shopping for my mother, most likely it would be
Kirven's--that grand store where Mother once worked as Mr. Kirven's
secretary. How many times she told the story of being asked to represent
Kirven's in the Miss Columbus pageant and of having to decline because my
grandfather refused to let her stroll around in front of everyone dressed in
a swimsuit! Of course, he also didn't like her dancing the jitterbug, but
that never stopped her!
Shopping downtown could also mean stopping at the old Raymond Rowe furniture
store. I loved that place. To me, the store was a palace with the grand
staircase leading up to the second floor, and I was a princess or duchess
or some such wealthy person. I would wander through the furniture displays,
pretending each was a separate room, and that they all belonged to me.
While my mother looked at kitchen chairs, I gave imaginary tours to visiting
dignitaries or commanded servants to bring me my tea!
75. ROBBIE C. HAS SOME GREAT WOOFING MEMORIES!
Here's one for ya.
Do you remember the Coco Supper Club? I only went there once and I was very young. It seemed to be either near Rotary Park, or on Lumpkin Blvd. (the road that used to connect Lower Broadway to Victory Drive and the rear of the fairgrounds). I went to school with a boy who's parents owned the place.
It closed sometime in the late 70's I suppose.
I also recall the days when the Krystal (downtown on Veterans Pkwy) had a fried chicken take-out business in the back. And my Mama worked at a Krystal that was somewhere on Broadway, or 1st Avenue if I remember correctly.
In reference to Weiner King, do remember their second location? It was on Beallwood Connector where Hartz Chicken is now. They had the BEST hotdogs and you could get them served a million ways! It was a short-lived food franchise.
76. CHALLENGE TO REMEMBER YOUR FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITIES.
One of our Mr Bob's wrote in with a list of some of the radio personalities he remmebers from the '50's, '60's and '70's. Some of them are Tom Owens, Jim Carlisle, Larry James, Jimmy Deer and Bill Bowick. I remember Jumpin Jim Stepehens, Val Mcguiness and The Smoker. Now Mr Bob and I want to know who you remember!
THESE MEMORIES COME FROM DONNA WHO IS AN OLD TIMER TO COLUMBUS AND THIS SITE. SHE IS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE I HEARD FROM WHEN I STARTED THIS SITE ALMOST 1 1/2 YEARS AGO!
77. The Shamrock Drive-In was on Ft. Benning Rd. I think this was a hang-out in the late '50s. It was located on Ft. Benning Rd. across and near from where Youman St. meets Ft. Benning Rd. This would all be in the area of Muscogee Elem. School (which wasn't built until the early '60s) and Baker Plaza Apts. There was inside service or curb service. A juke box inside a small wooden house was in the very rear.
At one time - early '50s, a trampoline business was along this stretch of road. They didn't sell trampolines though. The lot was covered in small stones. About 6-9 pits were dug out and trampolines were set over each. For some fee, you could rent jumping time for some period - maybe 30 minutes or so. This was in the days when kids didn't have trampolines in their back yards, and this was a real treat.
78. This one was told to me by my mother, who was raised in Columbus. I'm not sure I remember this correctly. This is about Stripling's Terrace Pool on Warm Springs Rd. If you or Sandra remember Stripling's pool, when you turned in off Warm Springs Rd., you drove uphill to a dirt/gravel parking lot. The admission window was located at that level, then you went down some steps to the pool. The slide that is so "notorious" around Columbus was built to run down this hill. The pool was level with Warm Springs Rd. but the parking lot sat above and behind the pool on the hill.
My mother told me that at one time there was a dance pavilion or something similar up on the hill where the parking lot is/was. She said young people came out at night to dances. I don't know if it had the same name - Stripling Terrace - or not, nor if the swimming pool was there at that time. This would have been in about late 1930s or early/mid 1940s. Has anyone ever mentioned this? I doubt anyone of today would 'remember' this dance pavilion, but someone may have heard of it.
Also, I wonder if anyone has ever mentioned a place called 'Chickasaw Gardens'? This is another place my mother told me about. I think it was a supper club, but I have no idea where in Columbus it was located, but I know that it was out from town - not in downtown Columbus. She said the place had a black ceiling with stars, making it appeared you were dancing under a starlit night sky. People dressed up to go out there. Chickasaw Gardens is not to be confused with a couple of places I remember that were called 'Chickasaw' in the 1960s. One was downtown on Broadway (I don't know what this business was - it might have been some sort of private club) and about 1967 another business, a nightclub, was on Second Ave. @ about 12th St., and later moved to Macon Rd. These are not the places I'm speaking of and not within the same time frame.
*****UPDATE FOR CHICKASAW GARDENS*****
I just read over the memory website and found my way here. I had to smile when I read the section on Chickasaw Gardens. Since I lived across from the old place at the corner of Reese Road and Northgate Drive for many years, I often visited the site. I also witnessed it's destruction in a fire, probably in the late seventies, early eighties. Must have been a beautiful place in it's heyday but it was in ill repair as I knew it. I believe the Church of Latterday Saints now sits in it's place.
79. I wanted to mention that in the '50s, local dance revues were held at the Royal Theater. A dance revue was the yearly program put on by various dancing schools to showcase their efforts for the year. Lots of little girls (and a few boys) took dancing (tap, ballet and tumbling) from Ninette Rogers and others. Later, Gayle Humphries and Sherriann Lee had dancing schools, but I can only remember Ninette Rogers from the '50s. Ninette Rogers' Dance Studio was on First Avenue, next door to Kirven's. I don't remember what business was on the ground floor, but her studio was upstairs in this building. All this was directly across the street from Britton & Dobbs Funeral Home.
80. SOME MUSICAL MEMORIES FROM BILL!
Disc jockeys? What about ?the Super Fox?? Buddy Fox?s 8 ?til midnight show on WCLS. When I played with The Antique Zoo in the 60?s, we would go over to the tower where he broadcasted and get the new releases before they were played so we could learn them before they became hits.
You spoke of the passing of Curly Money, what about the Speck and Doyle Show? Speck and Doyle Wright had a local country TV show every Saturday on WRBL. Ben Parson?s Tomahawk Recording Studio on Hamilton Rd. where Ben would record you on his 4-track machine. Phil Jarrell and I recorded there a lot in the early 70?s. I got into the auto parts business, he co-wrote ?Torn Between Two Lovers? which was the number one hit song of 1976 (he was from Fort Benning). Skip McQuinn worked as a salesman for Herb?s Pawn Shop on Victory Drive when they sold Fender Guitars and played drums for the local group ? Johnny Barfield and the Men From SOUL?. Now he is Willie Nelson?s producer and one of the most respected engineers in country music.
Last but not least, what about the horrible radio commercial for Charlie Stein?s Huddle Shop where we bought our monogrammed jackets that was sung to the tune of Georgey Girl, ? Hey guys Charlie Steins, Huddle shop is open until 9, you can get the best in quality so stop in today, you?re welcome?. Unfortunately, I was a part of that.
81. SOME GREAT MEMORIES FROM JIM.
I recall when drive in theatres would have all night fright night. They would show
like five Frankenstein, Dracula, Weerewolf type movies all night.
I don't know how many of the teenagers got away with staying out that late.
Special admission: two dollars a carload...and kids would hide in the trunk.
I recall going into one of the dime stores on broadway and they would have
a huge slab of ice cream sandwiches between two pieces of square cone.
You could hardly get your mouth around it....only cost NINE cents!
Looked almost like a pint of ice cream....
Also, Wollworth's had a deal, from time to time, where you could pop a balloon
ad it would tell you what the price of a banana split would be. It could be a nickel,
a dime or the regular price of 35 cents.
I recall a lot of parents bought Christmas toys at Murphy's Sport Shop because
the prices seemed a lot lower....
I remember when Krystal took pride in their service, food and everything else.
Their waffles were unparralleled....and their pies...ummmmm....
And if you had fifty cents you could eat very well in that place.
I also remember when there was a show on local tv called Columbus Bandstand.
very similar to American Bandstand. The teenagers loved it.
Channel 9 I think.
I remember when Bill Bowick, Larry James, Jimmy Deer and Dick Weiss all
used to do their respective shows from the stage of the Bradley Theatre.
Those were the days. Each one was an awesome talent.
They gave us so much. I hope they are all still among us. I KNOW BILL BOWICK STILL IS!!!JP
81. LARRY JACKSON
Traditional Country music artist Larry Jackson is a former Columbus resident. He has released two CD's, The Blue Highway and Out Of The Blue. Larry lives in Nashville and is working on his third CD. He is working with another former resident Darlene Shadden! Larry has many fond memories of Columbus and would love to hear from some old friends. Since I am computer illiterate for the most part, and don't know how to make an active link, I have put the link to his website at the end of links on my site on the main page menu . Please give him a visit, and let him hear from you!
82. SOME DISC JOCKEY TIDBITS FROM JIM
I learned that Bill Bowick is very happily retired and still lives in Columbus.
He was one of my favorites when he was on WGBA in the fifties. Although he had
great success on other stations he was one of the smoothest voices on radio.
His character Philip Space was a riot.
Jimmy Deer worked with him at WGBA and also worked at other stations.
He passed away in 1998. He had been living in Pine Mountain for a number of
years. He was one of the most talented radio people Columbus had ever seen
and could impersonate dozens of celebrtities. A wonderful man.
Larry James, who was LJ the DJ on WDAK and WCLS in the sixties went on to
KPLX Dallas which is the number one station station out there, now called The Wolf.
Before that he was at 50,000 watt WBT Charlotte which was heard in 22 states
and Canada. In 1978 he was awarded the Country Music Association Deejay Of
The Year Award. Johnny Cash announced it on CBS TV and Richard Hyatt mentioned
the win in the Ledger. Lamar Lynn was also one of the smoothest voices in
Columbus radio and could have probably worked in any big city if he had wanted to.
He was quite successful in Jacksonville, Florida before settling in Savannah.
He, at one time, released a record called 'I'll Hold You In My Heart Until I Can
Hold You In My Arms".
Ken Carlile who was popular on WPNX and also was known as Rich Galore on
WCLS in the sixties is now doing great things at WTVY in Dothan, Alabama.
He was one of the most popular deejays with teenage girls when he was at WCLS
because of his movie star good looks. At least women told me that.
Scott Shannon was stationed at Ft Benning in the mid sixties and he and Ken
became good friends when Scott did weekends at WCLS. Scott later moved on to
WQXI Atlanta, Pirate Radio in Los Angeles ,worked in Tampa and Memphis and later
became one of the most popular deejays in New York City. He is currently doing
mornings there at WPLJ-FM.
Undoubtedly, Scott would qualify as the most successful Columbus radio alumni
Nobody has been able to track down anything on Rod Stacey who was enormously
popular on WCLS Radio along with people like Buddy Fox and Chris Brannon.
His real name is Frank Pittman.
83. MORE FROM MR BOB
I really enjoyed reading what Jim had to say about the disc jockies. I was so sorry
to hear that Jimmy Deer had passed away because he was one of the best I had
ever heard. I had forgotten about Rod Stacey. Also Jumpin Jim Stevens was
extremely popular on WCLS back in the days when Buddy Fox (The Super Fox)
was in his heydey. Another great deejay who I used to hear on WPNX was
Don Edwards. He had a big voice and was very friendly on the radio.
I know he is still in town because he did some sort of a broadcast from the downtown
Christmas parade. His show back in the sixties used to go head to head with
LJ the DJ on Big Johnny Reb radio. Both shined. Columbus radio has produced so many
wonderful talents. Let's take off our hats to those who have passed on, especially
Jimmy Deer, one of the true treasures of Columbus broadcasting.
Oh, and I also recall that Doc Holiday who was on WPNX and K-COUNTRY
was once one of the most popular deejays in Jacksonville, Florida at the same
time Lamar Lynn was tearing up the airwaves down there.
Doc retired from the radio business some time back.
I thought of another place I used to love to eat at downtown. The Orange Bowl.
Their little hamburgers had some type of relish that made them unique. And their
orange juice, which I suspect was a mixture of juice and water was always served
ice cold. I could go to The Rialto Theatre, watch a Rocky Lane western, a Tarzan
movie, a Popeye cartoon, a 3 Stooges Comedy, Chapter 7 of Captain Video,
previews of coming attractions and a newsreel for one thin dime....and the popcorn
and coke was also ten cents each.
And, after the show, if I was still hungry I could get a burger and orange juice
for just 25 cents....but who had THAT kind of money? 55 cents spent in just one day?
Of course I rounded up a lot of empty RC Cola bottles to raise money if I wanted to
go to the movies bad enough.
84. SOME RADIO, ICE CREAM AND BABECUE MEMORIES FROM ONE OF OUR REGULARS.
I recall that even though Columbus had some
great radio people, many people liked the fact that BIG BAM in Montgomery, who
came in clearly, didn't play many commercials. There was Paul Simpkins in the
morning, Dixie Hatfield, Bill J. Moody and a man named Chic.
At 5pm they had a half hour of oldies called Dan's Dusty Discs with Dan Brennan.
Many times they would not say anything in between songs, they would just
play a recording of that big cannon shot, their big BAM.
WBAM won't be forgotten by many who could hear it all the way down to Panama
City where many of the guys and gals would dance to what they called PC music
at The Hangout and other places. PC music was stuff like Jimmy Reed's "You Got
Me Dizzy", Lightnin' Hopkins "Mojo Hand" and "Boom Boom" by John Lee Hooker. I can recall the days, back in the fifties, that my friends and I would argue about
which ice cream was best: Foremost, Wells Dairies or Kinnett's.
I doubt if anyone could argue that going to Wells Dairies on Brown Avenue and
Wynnton Road was a treat not to be missed. Wow, a big giant banana split for just
35 cents. I don't know if our tastes change as we get older or what but it sure seems
that ice cream treats and chocolate milk tasted sooooo much better back then.
I think preservatives ruined a lot of treats.
Does anyone remember the fabulous plates of meat and veggies at Linwood
Lunchroom? Mrs. Weaver had some of the best hamburger steaks you ever tasted.
I think the closest thing to hers are the ones at JR's Steakhouse out in Smith
Station. They just melt in your mouth.
And the closest thing to Buck's Barbeque sauce from the fifties can be found at the
new Golden Rule Barbeque on the Phenix City Bypass just east of Walmart. Wow.
85. HOW MANY OF THESE RADIO AND TELEVISION PERSONALITIES DO YOU REMEMBER?
ROZELL FABIANA
DON NAHLEY
RIDLEY BELL (SPORTSMAN'S LODGE)
BEN PARSONS ( A PIONEER AT WRBL RADIO )
GEORGE THEERINGER (NEWS)
GEORGE GINGELL
COLONEL CHIC
TOM HIPPS (WTVM TV) (HE COULD REALLY PLAY THAT ORGAN)
JERRY YARBROUGH (WPNX SPORTSCASTER)
JERRY LAQUIRE (WRBL RADIO)
BERNIE BARKER WDAK RADIO
ALAN BOYD WDAK RADIO
HAL HOWARD WPNX
TOM O'NEAL WCLS AND WPNX PLUS WRBL TV
WESLEY B WPNX
PENNY LEIGH (WEATHER WTVM) IT WAS LEIGH WASN'T IT???PLEASE CHECK.
JIM CARLISLE WDAK RADIO AND WRBL TV WEATHER
BEN HARDEMAN WPNX
86. SOME NANKIPOO QUESTIONS.
Any chance anyone out there remembers taking piano with a Ms. Rogers in Nankipoo in the 50s? She used to tell stories about her childhood in Columbus to her piano students--anybody remember them? Also, she lived near the Nankipoo School, does anybody know why it was called that? Thanks, NC
87.CAN SOMEONE HELP DEBORAH WITH THIS ONE?
My mother and father were in Columbus in the 40s and Dad always talks about a place they went to eat... Chicken In the Rough...
Does anyone remember the place and where it was located in Columbus?
88. SOME COLA MEMORIES FROM ONE OF MY SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS:
Remember back in the fifties when nearly every grocery store that had a screen door had a Colonial Bread screen door?It had Colonial Bread is GOOD bread....
And people used to argue over who had the best ice cream: Wells Dairies, Kinnett's or Foremost
If you wanted a Double Cola in the fifties you had to go someplace like Hamilton...not sold in Columbus....because of the popularity of Nehi and RC Cola, Pepsi wasn't sold in Columbus in the fifties...
Art Linkletter was a stock holder in Royal Crown and made a few visits over the years.
89. MORE RADIO AND FOOD MEMORIES FROM J. HOREN
worked at WPNX (1460, Kickin' Country) during 1974-75, Friday and Saturday
nights from midnight to 6AM, using the name "John Warren", while stationed
at Fort Benning. The station was, IIRC, higher-powered back then, 5Kw days
and 1Kw nights.
I loved C&W (still do), and got my first exposure to "white" gospel music
while working there, because from 5AM-6AM on Sunday mornings I had to play
it. I remember the Oak Ridge Boys recording of "Nobody Wants to Play
Rhythym Guitar Behind Jesus (everybody wants to be the lead singer in the
band)".
But for the most part I played C&W top-40 "hotlist" and lots of listener
requests. I can't remember the last time I heard a C&W station play Jim Ed
Brown's "Pop-A-Top", or George Kent singing "Hello, I'm a Jukebox"... way
too much middle-of-the-road and "crossover" stuff (and artists) for my liking.
The part I disliked about working at WPNX was having to change the tapes for
the automated FM-radio station. I can't remember its call-letters... I
guess that describes how I felt about Kasey Kassum and his "American Top-40".
When did WPNX switch over to fulltime religious/gospel programming? Do they
still broadcast the Columbus Astros games from Idle Hour Park? I used to
come in on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to pop-in the 8-track carts when
the announcer would go to a commercial break.
I got to work with Don Edwards and Jim Bell, among others, which was an
education in-and-of itself.
MOVING ON TO FOOD: Pritchett's Kitchenette... none better'n that place (the
one on Buena Vista Road). I'd forgotten about the lightswitch waiter
signal. My favorite was the fried catfish and hush-puppies; those, together
with the plates of onion wedges and Mason jars of sweet iced tea were just a
little piece of Heaven.
I returned to Columbus after I got out of the Army, and attended Columbus
Tech, finishing their program in Electronics Technology. Went "up North",
to work in Norcross, living first there, and later in Alpharetta (before it
became 'gentrified' and expensive).
Phenix City was quite a wild town back then... at least, on the weekends...
and I remember watching more than one brawl over at the Juwan Knights (sp?)
club.
90. FORMER RADIO PERSOMALITY PHIL BECHMAN CHECKS IN
Here are some comments from a former Disc Jockey, Phil Beckman. He would love to know if anyone has been to the new Chicken Comers in Columbus and is the sauce as good as the old one! I know someone out there can help him out!
I worked at WNKS-FM (Kiss-FM) in 1985 and 1986 when they had their studios first in that old mansion on Wynnton Rd. and then later further east closer to Channel 9's building. Although I was there at a later time period than your website focuses on, I still really liked Columbus! I remember several of the places described and photographed, but my favorite part of life in Columbus was the teriffic selection of barbecue joints. My all time favorite is Chicken Comer's,and I see that it in its current version is in Columbus, not PC. Hope the sauce is the same.
91. NANKIPOOH, BARBECUE AND STIPLINS POOL
These local memories are from Dianne T
For the person on item #86 who asked about Nankipooh school.....I went to Nankipooh from the 2nd to the 6th grade. It's a indian word. I think the school was named for a Indian chief. I didn't take piano but remember the old school well. Mrs. Smith was the principal and had a tough attitude but was a softy I think.
I'll put in my two cents on the barbecue restaurants. I never liked it growing up. When I started dating I was taken to Smokey Pig. And that was it. I have loved it ever since. After moving away when I married I went back to Smokey Pig every year on vacation. I bought several pounds of "chipped" barbecue and sauce and froze it took it back with me on the plane as carry on luggage. Wouldn't be able to do that now I suppose. We do our best to copy it when we barbecue pork. We also brought back Brunswick Stew. I wish I knew how to make it. I also remember Stripling Swimming pool. It was always so cold. I think it was spring fed.
92. THE TINY TOT SHOW
This is from Allen Leroy Osborne who wants to know if you remember this show.
How many of you remember the Tiny Tot Show (sponsored by The Tiny Tot Shoppe located on Broadway across from the Bradley and Rialto theaters)? A weekly talent show for us youngsters. The winner would receive a Silver Dollar. Then there would be a monthly and then quarterly contest for winners of each category. I am happy to say that I was one of the quarterly winners. I did a comedy routine of a tramp being questioned by a policeman. I wrote the script. By winning the quarterly, I was a part of a group that went to Warm Springs to entertain the children who were being treated for Polio. We also went to Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning to entertain the soldiers who were patients. I am Allen Leroy Osborne, graduate of JVHS class of 1959.
93. A LOT OF GREAT MEMORIES FROM CHARLES MCHAN JR!
Just stumbled on one of your pages while searching for Patsy Avery. I was born at the Medical Center in 1948, went to Clubview, Richards, Columbus and Jordan High and graduated in 1966.
From 1946 until his death in August of 2004, my Dad was a Chiropractor there. I didn't follow in his footsteps. Instead, during grammar and early high school, I worked in and ran various radio and TV repair shops, including Electronic Service Company on the north end of the 1400 block of 4th Ave - my Dad's office was then at 1404, with the fire station and Miller Pontiac between them, and Winter's Pharmacy on the corner.
During my last three years at JVHS, under the auspices of Mr. Henry Weissinger of the JVHS Electronics Shop DET, I worked for WTVM as a studio engineer. Did Miss Patsy's Playhouse hundreds of times, the 6pm news with Bob Harper, Penny Leigh (married to Ted Short, Stn manager), Al Fleming, Chuck Bowen and dozens of others. Joe Windsor was GM at WTVM and Lynn Avery (Patsy's husband) sales manager.
I was also chief engineer at WCLS during the Action Radio era there, when Good Guys Buddy Fox, Richard Galore (Ken Carlisle), Rod Stacy (Frank Pittman, later a newsman at WRBL-TV), Bill Dean, Ted Taylor, Bill Holly, Johnny Dart, Tom O'neal, George Thieringer and, of course, Super Shan were there. This was 1964-1966.
In early 1967, at 18, I designed and built the technical facilities at Wynnwood on Buena Vista Rd, and moved WDAK out of the Martin Building one April night into this restored mansion. Cuzzin Al signed us on that morning at 5am, guzzled his Nehi Grape, and Alan Boyd, Ted Clark, Chris Brannon, Jerry Russell, and many other 'DAK Southern Gentleman. And, of course, Robyn... Larry James had gone to CLS in '64, switching it to Top 40, then back to 'DAK in 65. By the time I got to DAK, he was at PNX, where I finally worked with him, Johnny Dart, Tom O'neal, Billy OKay and Jerry Northington.
I left Columbus in '68 to build the Rowland Broadcasting stations in Macon, Tampa and Jacksonville.
Here are several things I remember that I don't believe anyone has mentioned...
1. The Formosa on Lumpkin Rd. Still the best Chicken Chow Mein and Moo Goo Gai Pan I have ever eaten. It burned, I believe, in the mid '70's.
2. Kelly's Drive In on Victory Drive. This was the WCLS Good Guys' hangout, because it was a straight shot back to the studios/transmitter on the bypass in PC.
3. The House of Ribs in Cross Country Plaza (circa '62)
4. Chathams (and later Dinglewood) Pharmacies, where John and Lieutenant perfected those world-famous scrambled dogs they still serve.
5. Stewart's Dining Room on Warm Springs Rd. I was standing in line there when Kennedy's body was unloaded back at Andrews that November night in 1963.
6. WBAM's huge shows at the Montgomery Coliseum.
7. Rockin' With The Deuce (star of WCLS, and later WOKS after WCLS went Top 40) live every Saturday morning on WTVM.
8. The United Oil Company fire in '55 or '56 (carried live by - then - WDAK-TV because their studios were two blocks north on 1st Ave.)
9. The Darling Shop(pe) fire.
10. Coach Dickie Butler at Columbus High (he'd retired before I got there, but he and his wife and daughter Patsy lived three doors east of us on Fuller St, beyond Cross Country, and their house was leveled in the April '53 tornado)
11. Seeing the Washington Redskins play Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers with Paul Hornung and Bart Starr in an exhibition game at Memorial Stadium in '61 or '62. (yes, it really happened...)
12. Eddie, the cook at the Buena Vista Rd Pritchetts, which always had the best fried chicken. Phx City had the best fries. All of them had great catfish. And the much later Hamilton Rd location did them in.
13. Standing in line to see the Sound of Music in eight-track stereo at The Beverly in newly-opened Columbus Square, 1965. Since I worked for WTVM, a Martin Theaters station, I had a pink pass to get me and "...a friend" in. Since I also did the audio and video work for the Martins in their homes, my pass was extended to say "...and party." If the line was too long and the movie about to start, it was fun to treat everyone ahead of me to a free movie.
14. Mayor B. Ed Johnson, who also was part owner of WESTAD, on 13th St.
15. The June '66 tornado that took the top off the old courthouse steeple.
16. The Second Baptist Church fire.
17. Jim and Jesse and The Virginia Boys, taped at WRBL and syndicated all over the south. I still see Jesse and the Boys everytime I go to the Opry when it's back at the Ryman.
18. Al Mendel (Dr. Jive - some refer to him as Ed Mendel) was on WDAK for years, and later discovered and produced Peggy Scott and JoJo Benson.
19. The Biff Burger on Victory at Lumpkin (north), in front of Gaylord's, where I had my first tater tot.
20. The Embassy Club above the Traffic Circle, just before Lums.
21 Chad's Rose Room in Phx City.
That's enough for now. Attached is a short audio clip, where Scott Shannon of WCLS calls Jimmy Boom Boom Cannon on WDAK in late '66 and dedicates a record.
My best to everyone in Columbus. It amazes me how little it has changed since Sam Donaldson was stationed there for ABC News in 1965-66, covering 'Nam from the last stop on the home front.
Charles McHan, Jr.
Jacksonville Beach, FL
94. SOME GREAT '50'S AND 60'S MEMORIES FROM LON GAMMAGE!
I ran a TV camera at WRBL for about 2 years in the mid fifties while I was in high school and this was the most fun job I ever had. I made either 50 cents or maybe a dollar an hour but would have done it for nothing.
The article about TV personalities left out a couple of the most popular ones. "Colonel Chic" (Chic Autry) replaced Bob Brandy who was a "cowboy" (sort of Columbus's Gene Autry) that sang and played the guitar, had a group of about 25 children seated on bleachers and cartoons were shown. The kids were given a hot dog with mustard and ketchup, a NEHI orange and a Kinnetts popsicle or ice cream sandwich. In addition to running the camera I had to fix and serve the hot dogs and pass out the drinks and ice cream. There was always a waiting list of kids wanting to be on the "BOB BRANDY SHOW". Fortunately I did not have to clean up the mess they left.
The most fun was the "SPEC and DOYLE SHOW" every Saturday at noon. Spec and Doyle played guitars, Hubert Davis played a banjo and was one of the best I ever heard. He was offered many chances to move to Nashville and play with OPRY stars for a lot more money but his wife would not leave Columbus. I can't remember the names of the other musicians except for the fiddler and his last name was Jackson. Their groupies always showed up for the live broadcast and there would be a big group of them. The best show was when Doyle got married live on the broadcast. When the show was over each week the band and all the groupies would head out for Ellaville, Buena Vista or wherever they were playing a square dance. Some of us from the station would go to the with them and it was usually a wild night.
Every Wednesday night was the Kaiser-Lilienthal fashion show.
Chic Autry was the producer of all the live shows, Chic Torbet, Fred Tomlinson and I were the "cameramen"
Pat Patterson, who owned a drive in restaurant on Victory Dr. had a lot of live commercials and whenever he came to the station he would bring a sack full of cheeseburgers for everybody. They still rate as the best cheeseburger I ever ate. We were never without plenty to eat from all the food and sample products that were brought in for commercials.
Several of my friends always liked to go to work with me to see all the goings on.
My best memories of the Wynnton Area are: Wells Dairy was across Wynnton Rd from Wynnton School before moving to Brown Ave and Buena Vista Rd. Later there was Jacob's Pharmacy and the Krystal. The best bakery in my opinion was Superior Bakery which was located about where the Wynnton Post Office is now. The best candy store ever was Alex Mitchells which was downtown, I think on 13th St around 2nd or 3rd ave.
Lon Gammage
95. SOME GREAT MEMORIES FROM MARTY.
Ray and I enjoyed reminiscing while reading your website since we both
grew up in Columbus. We've lived in the Atlanta area since 1971 which
is still close enough to allow us to drive to Columbus in a couple of
hours or through there on our way to our favorite beach in all the world
-- Panama City Beach. How many of us grew up going to PCB and how many
of us met the love of our life while there? Ray and I met in PCB in
1961 after I graduated from Jordan and we'll celebrate our 43rd wedding
anniversary this June. It's been a wonderful life!
I don't think you mentioned the Villa Nova and/or the Pizza Room at the
Black Angus where a lot of us went for pizza on dates years ago! Seems
the Black Angus was mentioned (Andrew Stratigos managed the Black Angus
-- Rick's dad) and they had good pizza but I think the Villa Nova was
more "the place to go" at that time so I thought you might want to
mention either or both in the restaurants section.
I think that more than the restaurants we love the memories. And what about Flat Rock Park and Idle Hour Park while we're talking about memories? And the stadium where all the football games were played when we were in high school -- unless it was a game against one of the Phenix City high schools! I remember going to those, too, when I was dating a boy from Central. Oh, my gosh! See . . . you've really got me started! What about the class trips to Callaway Gardens and fun Times at the Yuchi Reservation?
Marty
96. MORE LOCAL MEMORIES FROM LON GAMMAGE.THIS TIME ABOUT THE WELL KNOWN AND LOVED COCO SUPPER CLUB. I MIGHT SHOULD HAVE PUT THIS ONE ON THE WAY WE WOOFED LINK! IF I CAN GET A PICTURE OF WHERE IT ONCE STOOD, I WILL. ALSO CHECK OUT THE JUST PLAIN INTERESTING LINK FOR SOME PICTURES OF A WELL KNOWN COLUMBUS LANDMARK BUILT BY MR GAMMAGES'S DAD!
I haven't looked at every item on the website but while reading most of the memories I don't think I saw where anyone mentioned the COCO SUPPER CLUB. The COCO was located on Victory Drive about where Action Marine is now located. It was owned by "Heavy" Thornton and closed in the 70's, when their lease with the city expired.
Just before they closed the restaurant was sold to Bob Pinner who moved it to the old location of JILLY'S on Macon Road. It never did well after it moved and closed not too long after that.
The COCO, to me, was the best restaurant Columbus ever had. My family would go there almost every Sunday for lunch and the food was excellent, everything served was fresh. Later when I could drive and date I went to the COCO almost every Saturday night. The prices were very reasonable, they had waiters in white coats and gave excellent service. The head waiters name was Jasper and he was the most professional waiter I have ever known. After it closed he went to work for the Columbus Country Club
The thing it was really famous for was its steaks which were cut and aged by Mr. Thornton. I have never eaten a steak that good since. Their other signature item was the Roquefort cheese salad dressing. When the COCO closed for good I asked Bob Pinner for the recipe, he gave it to me and I still have it. A few years ago I gave the recipe to Bob and Phyllis Noland who own LUKE'S PUB and STEAKHOUSE in Ellerslie. They still make and serve the dressing and it has become their most requested salad dressing.
The COCO was really world famous because of all the military officers who ate there while stationed at Benning and they spread the word recommending it to all their friends.
Lon Gammage
97.SOME DONUT MEMORIES FROM LYNDA ROSE, ONE OF MY MYSTERY PICTURE "REPEAT OFFENDERS"(REGULARS). DO YOU REMEMBER THIS PLACE? I VAGUELY DO!
You know I have been meaning to ask you about this and keep forgetting. Do you remember Shipleys Donuts? The building where Dinglewood Package is, the part to the building that faces 13th and Wynnton was where the donut shop was. They were the best donuts. It was there in the 60?s and maybe the 70?s . I only came to Columbus in 63 so I don?t know how long it had been there. It would make a good mystery picture photo.
98. SOME GREAT LOCAL MEMORIES FROM PAT
I've lived in this city 52 years. I have generations before me and their stories. I probably have too much to share. As I looked through all the site links, I couldn't help but notice Hirsch's, Flossies Dress Shop, and Miss Gussie Pope's as missing nostalgic places. I loved to get those nickels from Hirsch's for my hard earned A's. I lived for the day I could reach a size 4 and get my first skirt from Flossie's in Bibb City. I wasn't sure what was happening to me when I got that first bra from Miss Gussie! Later in life it was "Captain Britches" and Twaddle and Balderdash.
Each summer my brothers dreaded their trip to Alexander Barber Shop in Bibb City. It was their annual GI haircut. When flat tops were popular they got a reprieve and some butch wax from my Uncle Buddy who was a barber there.
I noticed someone mentioned Skeeter Flats. My dad used to swim there. My grandmother and her father and brother played dance music there. It was full of "skeeters" cause it was frequently flooded and marshy close to the river, somewhere along second avenue?
My grandmother and her sister did the best Charleston at the Pastime theatre. I heard the name so often, sure wish I could see a picture of the place. Their last names were Whetstone, a family name that is also in Shiloh Cemetery on Double Churches Rd, along with clans of Cason's, Martin's, and Livingston's I came across in my lifetime.
My dad took money for John Gilbert's dad at the Rexview drive-in. Dad overlooked many teens hidden in trunks of cars, especially pretty girls and friends from his alma mater, Jordan. Dad and Mom would sneak across from Clearview Barbecue and into the Rexview Drive-In...that's why it was called Clearview..it was a Clearview of the Rexview... where you could get great barbecue...unlike Castleberry's Pit Cooked barbecue as shown on the Edgewood Drive-In screen. Just like John Gilbert's family, my Dad's family lost homes on Dozier and 42nd during the 53 Tornado. John and I are Gentian Elementary classmates and often speak of such nostalgia.
My mom has some great pictures of the beautiful waters of North Highlands passed to her on a post card from my Great Grandmother. There are also pictures of old mill baseball teams. My family clan of "Dunbar" was quite a group of competitors. My mom was playing softball in the 50's long before anyone dreamed it would happen between high school girls much less be an Olympic venue in Columbus. Mills were competitive in sports, it was rumored they often hired for sports ability as much as craft, often they were hand in hand. In 1971, I was on a team from Hardaway that played Columbus High at Lakebottom. I believe that may have been the first game between two high school girls softball teams.
My best piece of nostalgia is backed up with some Ledger photos and much like the story of the Titanic was passed to me from my grandmother in a song. After she died, I went to see if the song was true and found the story of the last hanging in Columbus, possibly the last hanging in Georgia. Like you, I spent hours at the Bradley Library looking through "Ledger" and "Enquirer" microfilm. Ironically it all really did happen, all within 100 feet of the TSYS South Center where I was working in 2003. The year was 1925 at the Muscogee County Jail. I heard my grandmother's song over 40 years and my father heard it probably 60. I emerged from the library with photo's and artists renderings. It took a few minutes before I could make the librarian understand my tears. I found it ironic when I looked at the sign to Jimmy Tarleton's Stockage Blues in front of the jail...it was written a year after these two young boys were hanged in an older part of the building there.
My favorite food hangouts while under the age of 10, Stratford's Cafe and F.W. Woolworth's...best banana split in town. The Orange Bowl was frequented as well.
99. SOME MORNIGSIDE MEMORIES FROM DAVID
I grew up in the Morningside area from 1960 to 1978. Its sad to me to see my childhood neighborhood completely gone. I went to Morningside School from kindergarten thru 6th grade. The neighborhood was really nice. I remember the M&M store on the corner of Miller and Moon Rd. There was a little restaurant named Skippy's on one side and a liquor store on the other side. That was our closest store until Sings Food Store opened just a couple blocks up Moon Rd. I remember "Dirty Mikes" on Warm Springs, and boy was it dirty. I played little league baseball at the old Northern Little League. I also remember just below the ballfield there was some type of old fertilizer or grain conveyor. I'm not quite sure what it was but we played on it a good bit. Never saw it running. During the summers we would cut through the woods across from the ballfields and go to Striplins Pool. I wish someone had some pictures of that place. That was the place to be. They had a giant slide, three diving boards, a spin top that floated and would spin with people on it, a jukebox that played tunes like Benny and the Jets, and all the Captain Crunch ice cream you could eat. We moved to the Lincoln Hills area in1978 when the airport bought our house. I sure miss that place.
100. MORE LOCAL MEMORIES FROM PAT!
I found out that the Pastime Theatre was at the corner of 38th Street and 2nd Avenue. I pass by it's former location everyday and until a few days ago didn't realize I was passing a place so important to my grandmother and grandfather's dating experience. I think John Gilbert has a picture of the place.
I also have one of those "famous" Christmas boxes in my closet with the Richardson and Dunaway information on the white top. When Bibb City sort of folded, we were still recycling Flossies and Richardson and Dunaway boxes at our annual family exchanges!
101. SOME GREAT LOCAL MEMORIES FROM MATT COLLINS!
I remember The Orange Bowl and their delicious little hamburgers. And who could ever resist that Clearview Barbeque. Yes, we did grow up in a wonderful area.
I remember a deejay named Johnny Dart that I thought really had a great voice. I can't remember whether it was WPNX or WCLS because I liked all kinds of music.
I remember many nights being up after midnight and hearing the disc jockeys like Barefoot Billy and Ron Brown. It seems like they were wide awake every time.
And if I dozed off and woke back up at 4am they were still sounding like they were wide awake.
Does anyone remember Cain's Grocery near Booth's Drug Store in Phenix City? You could take your old comic books in and he would give you one for your two.
I think Doc's Stop and Shop on 14th Street had the same deal.
Thanks again for the great memories of yesterday.
Keep them coming.
102. A WHOLE BUNCH OF GREAT MEMORIES FROM BONNIE LEE IN FLORIDA!
I just discovered your wonderful Columbus website and all I can say is wow. It really brought back
memories of my childhood. I can never forget the times I watched my favorite movie stars at the
Bradley Theatre. It was a showplace and we were so lucky to have it.
My favorite place to eat was Morrison's Cafeteria. I think it might have been on 10th Street but I
am not certain.
I remember many nights being out on a date with my then steady boyfriend. We would listen to Larry
James (LJ the DJ) on Big Johnny Reb WDAK. One time, as I was awaiting my very first kiss from
this special guy, this loud rebel yell came on and it startled us. Although I wanted to ring LJs neck,
my date and I laughed out loud for what seemed to be several minutes.
On many Friday nights my date and I would go to a drive in restaurant for burgers and shakes.
I preferred a thick chocolate malt and one of the best was served with great barbeque sandwiches
at Pat Patterson's out on Victory Drive. Cruising that strip was something every teenage in Columbus
did at one time or another. You always saw somebody you knew.
Some other disc jockeys I liked were Rod Stacy on WCLS and Ron Brown who came on at midnight on
WDAK. He would get wild sometimes but not as wild as Bill Rivers who actually screamed into the
microphone. On the quieter side there was a laid back guy named Barefoot Billy. Does anyone remember Bob White, Fred Kay, Chad Reynolds and Mike Morelock? These are a few of the disc jockeys I haven't read anything about on the website.
They werent the most famous but we enjoyed hearing them. I don't think there will ever again be any radio persoanlities
like Bill Bowick, LJ the DJ, Don Edwards or ones that truly tried to entertain and not just play records.
And, before I close, does anyone remember Circle 28 Theatre? The host wore a black suit like The Cisco Kid
and showed western movies like Wild Bill Elliott and Don Red Barry. I was a tom boy so I loved those cowboy
movies. I think my favorite tv western series was Wanted Dead Or Alive with Steve McQueen.
Thanks for the memories Columbus!
Bonnie Lee
Jacksonville, Florida
103. SOME GREAT MEMORIES FROM BILL DURYEA IN CALIFORNIA
I enjoyed reading all the great memories on your fabulous website. I enjoyed my time in Columbus before moving to San Diego. I believe the downtown theatre I really liked best was The Bradley Theatre. It not only showed the best movies but was elegant throughout.
I didnt think it was too different from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.
I remember I thought Columbus had some pretty good local television people. Miss Patsy was a show my little girls adored. I liked Penny Leigh on the weather but my wife though I enjoyed her a little too much.
Tom O'Neal was good on WRBL TV. I think it was channel 3 CBS. I recall a beautiful girl named Karen Kennedy who did the news on that channel and later I was surprised to see her on CNN or CNN Headline News. Checking around I learned that her sister, another
striking blond, Kathleen, is still on there. I wonder what happened to Karen?
I am not sure what year it was but I used to hear Jerry LaQuire on local radio. I always thought he was good. Ben Parsons, I was told, had been on WRBL Radio since the early fifties and is regarded as one of the best announcer voices in the history of the city.
I believe he had a recording studio in his home and produced some great records
These radio and tv people today just dont have that same flair as the ones in the past had. Charles Tapley, George Theeringer, George Gingell, Don Nahley, Jerry Yarbrough, Colonel Chick, Bill Wowick, Jimmy Deer, these people gave Columbus so much.
I wish I could recall the name of the man who did the news on WDAK for awhile. He was really professional and had a unique name but it has slipped my mind.
I met a lot of people at Fort Benning, people from all over the world, and I wouldnt take anything for those memories. I now have frends in Italy, Germany, New York, Texas and even Ottawa because of my time there.
I remember some of the car dealers back when. Bill Heard, Hardaway Ford, Rucker Oldsmobile,
Miller Pontiac, Jon A. Pope Motor Company and Cliff M. Averette. And the fair in Columbus back in those days was a wonderful family experience. We will never
forget the best chilli dogs in the world from The Columbus Exchange Club.
Thanks for the memories, as Bob Hope would say.
Bill Duryea
San Diego, CA
duryea92113@aol.com
104. SOME MEMORIES FROM FORMER COLUMBUS RESIDENT ROBERT STEPHENS
I came across your site last year while looking for some information. I really enjoyed looking and reading about the Columbus area. I was at Fort Benning four different times and learned to love much about the entire area. I left there the last time in 1966 and was never lucky enough to get stationed there again, going to Fort Gordon and Augusta instead, an area that can not hold a candle to Muscogee County. Last night I was looking for some more info and found the letters from Dorthy Barkley Free concerning the loss of her legs, and Miss Patsy's part in helping her and her family. I was at Fort Benning at the time (Oct '62 - Sept '64) and was in the 122nd Signal Battalion, the unit MS Free's father was asiigned to. I have been writing my memoirs of my Army years, finishing the rewrite of the 122nd Sig Bn period last year. I well recall the girl's trial, as well as the rest of the family's. Her father was a well liked man, known to almost all of us. The way the local charity drive treated them almost caused a mutiny in the 122nd, so much so that the battalion commander had to ask the commanding general to release his unit from taking a direct part in the fund drive at the end of Sept '64. I was watching Miss Patsy's Playhouse the day she took the charities to task on the air, watching as she started to cry and had to have the studio run a cartoon. Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful photos and writings. For example, the photo you had of the Bradley theater, one of the places I spend many peaceful hours. I well remember walking towards the theater with my buddy Bill Stutts the afternoon after LBJ had signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, seeing a black couple at the box office purchasing tickets without trouble. We knew a new era was starting, one that had been long overdue.
105. ALL YOU OLD COLUMBUS RADIO BUFFS READ THIS!!! I have been enjoying your wesbite. Your readers have brought back a flood of great memories and I appreciate every one. May they continue to send more in the future.
I have recently learned of the formation of The Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame. I see so much information on your site about the legendary disc jockeys that graced the airwaves over the Chattahoochee Valley throughout the decades. I was so sad to learn of the passing of one of the greats, Ben Parsons. His voiced boomed through the radio when I was a youngster. I'm sure he will be honored by the Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame.
I am asking everyone that had favorite deejays in Columbus to become a member of this fine organization. Go to www.grhof.com The $25 cost is for a lifetime membership. That means you get to nominate your favorites and vote. If your favorite deejay doesnt get into the hall of fame this year, nominate and vote til he does. They will have an induction dinner later this year and only members can attend. It is non profit and will help to
preserve the heritage of radio throughout the state. I have one fear. If they don't get
enough members from Columbus that could mean that all the honored personalities will be from the state's largest city, Atlanta...and that would be a shame.
Those radio personalities that did more than just spin records deserve the recognition. A radio persoanlity truly loved entertaining the listeners. Many of you have named the legends on this website like Ben Parsons, Cuzzin Al, Dr JIve, Bill Bowick, Jimmy Deer, Larry James, Don Edwards, Rudy "The Deuce" Rutherford, Shelly The Playboy Stewart, Art Angell, Jerry Laquire, Alan Boyd, Bernie Barker, Johnny Dart, Bob Carr, Country Boy, Hal
Howard, Lamar Lynn, Rod Stacey, Doc Holiday, Bear O'Brien, I could go on and on. Get involved and join today. Let's get some recognition for Columbus radio!
Mike Fields mike_georgia_boy@yahoo.com email
me folks
106. SOME GREAT MEMORIES FROM ANOTHER LION, ROY COOK!
I would like to share a few memories with you. I grew up in the Baker High area and attended Baker in the first and second grades and came back to graduate.
My first movie was Bambi, seen at the Baker Village Theatre on Benning Drive. Later, it became Baker Village Lanes, a small bowling center.
We also had Shamrock Cafe on Ft Benning Rd, which was located next to a miniature golf center, which later became a Trampoline Center where the trampolines were ground level (a big hole was dug and the trampolines were over them). There was also one on Brown Ave down the street from the first Church's Chicken. Jerry Entriken was the manager there.
I also remember the Tuesday movies at the Bradley for 6 RC bottle caps. We would ride the bus for 25 cents round trip. Another quarter would buy you a drink and popcorn.
Across from Baker was the Stop n Tell. Car hops wore outfits similar to those that Robin Hood would wear. My neighbor Ms. Barbro worked there. She was hot, (I was 12)
On Victory Drive, we had the go cart track located across from what is now Dolly Madison. Later, they rented mini bikes that you would ride on the same track.
I worked at the Camellia Motel on Benning Drive at the entrance to Ft Benning in the summer of 1967. Batjac productions filmed "The Green Berets" and the cast stayed there. Met John Wayne, Aldo Ray, Bruce Cabot (star of the original King Kong), Bruce Dern, Jim Hutton, David Jannsen (the Fugitive) and all the other cast members. My mom still has my autographs which were on the Post Cards for Camellia.
Thanks Again for the Memories,
Roy Cook , BHS, '68
107. SOME WONDERFUL MEMORIES FROM FRANK FOSTER
I have certainly enjoyed "roaming" thru your website. Many memories I recalled. My family lived in Columbus and Phenix City area from about 1952 until around 1956. I remember going out to Buses' Lake beyond the brickyard to go fishing. You could feel the heat from the furnaces as you passed by. We mostly lived across the river in the government projects in Phenix City. For some strange reason I still have dreams about a white fence located at the corner of the building we lived. I remember the troops coming across the bridge to get rid of the "mob" places. At the time I did not know why. I remember the drive-in at Phenix City. We went there a lot. My Dad worked for Gordon Potato chip company, Dolly Madison, Kinnett's on two occasions. My Dad loved going up to John's Fish Camp just off Whitesville Road on the back water. He loved the catfish. We moved from there to Chipley (Now Pine Mountain) and finally settling north of LaGrange. My mom's brother in law built a wooden john boat inside their home in the projects. I remember he almost did not get it out. I remember the tornado that touched down in Columbus but not PC while we were there. My Dad owned a 1946 grey Pontiac and a 1950 two door Ford coupe while we lived there. I have saved your website so I can come back later and check out the rest of it. Thanks for Sharing!!
108. JENNIFER BEATTY OF TALLAHASSEE, FL HAS A QUESTION ABOUT SYFRETT'S FISH CAMP OR RESTAURANT. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP???
Does anyone have any photographs of John Syfrett's? It was a boat landing,restaurant and fish camp on the Chattahoochee River. Our family used to go
there back in the 50s. I would love to have a picture.
Jennifer Bryan Beatty
109. MORE GREAT RADIO MEMORIES FROM VINCE CASTLE. AND AN OUTSTANDING RECOMENDATION FOR LOCAL HISTORY LOVERS.
I have been reminded of many of the fine disck jockeys from Columbus. This brought back many memories. Sure, many of them were extremely popular in their day but there were two great deejays on The Late Date Show before Larry James started
spinning the hits. I recall in 1959 I loved listening to the deep voice of Jim Carlisle. Who can forget his "Helllloooo Rebel"?
After Jim left WDAK, Tom Owens Jr. took over for awhile before he left to manage a bowling alley. He sometimes referred to himself as Jumpin' Little Johnny Reb Junior. I admired these two gentlemen and wanted to remind you all of their contributions ever how brief.
I am taking the suggestion of Mike Fields, another reader, and joining the Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame as a lifetime member so I can see our favorite radio personalities honored. We get to vote on those that have passed on like Ben Parsons,Jimmy Deer, Ed Mendel, Jim Carlisle, Rudy Rutherford and the great Cuzzin
Al (Hudie Brown) as well as those that are still living. I consider it a great investment for just $25.
Columbus Radio has a wonderful heritage. Visit www.grhof.com
Thanks to all the readers who contribute their memories to this wonderful website and please visit the CVS Pharmacy on Summerville Road for one of the most fabulous photo collections of old time
Columbus and Phenix City memories. You'll see downtown scenes like the lines around the block for Teen Time at The Bradley. There are photos of the old Goo Goo and Streamliner Diner and literally hundreds more covering an entire room. I see it as the best kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley!
MR CASTLE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! IF YOU LOVE LOCAL HISTORY THIS PLACE IS NOT TO BE MISSED!PICTURES OF IT AND OLD PHENIX CITY PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ON THE ODDS AND ENDS LINK ON THIS SITE.
110. SOME GREAT WOOFING MEMORIES FROM BEN MCINTYRE! I'M NOT SURE IF THIS SHOULD BE READ ON AN EMPTY OR FULL STOMACH! JUST MAKE SURE YOU READ IT.
Please allow me to thank each and every person who has had anything to do with bringing us so much great information about Columbus,Georgia's past. The website is fabulous from those in charge to the many that have contributed so generously.
Everytime I read one of the comments about a restaurant that I frequented in the good old days my stomach starts growling. I wanted to pose a question. Why hasn't some astute businessman in Columbus not tried to duplicate some of the fabulous foods we used to enjoy so much?
Can you image a new pizza restaurant that is equal to Villa Nova? What about trying to bring back barbeque with that unique taste from Clearview, Buck's, Bill & Neil's or Pat Patterson's?
I know that Cook's Hot Dogs now serves the closest thing to an honest to goodness 1950s scrambled dogs but what about other items we loved so much ? I often wonder why someone hasnt tried to re-introduce us to those delicious little hamburgers sold at The Orange Bowl on Broadway. They had a special sauce and diced onions and were just incredible.
And wouldn't it be wonderful to go to a new fish camp like the ones we grew up on back then? I loved the fact that we had our own private room and if we wanted more hushpuppies we just flipped the switch and someone would come running to give us more.
Thanks again for each one that wrote in and to the great webmasters for this site. Columbus was the best place to grow up in this world and nobody can take that away from us.
Ben McIntyre
111. FREEWAY AND ALABAMA WHOLESALE FURNITURE
Many of us remember the Alabama Wholesale Furniture commercials, they featured Freeway a precious black poodle that belonged to MR Collins, the owner of the store. Freeway was in many comercials in the 1980's and 1990's. Freeway passed away and now has a marker in front of the store in his memory. Mr. Collins also kepps a box full of the costumes Freeway wore in the commercials. Mr. Collins has another poodle named Sugar, but Sugar won't be following in Freeway's paw steps. Freeway was one of a kind!
112. LOTS OF MEMORIES FEOM PAT MILLER
You have a very interesting website and I commend you for all the work
in digging up so many wonderful memories. I especially like reading about
the old restaurants we used to eat at and the tv and radio shows we liked.
My favorite restaurant of all time was Villa Nova on Victory Drive. I honestly don't believe there is a pizza anywhere in the world today that could match
the Villa Nova pizza back in the good old days. Mr Nocera knew exacty how to make them and didn't skimp on quality. Why todays pizzarias dont even try to
offer what he offered I will never be able to comprehend. I know others have Mentioned this but I had to throw in my two cents worth.
My favorite movie theatre was The Bradley. It was so chic and always showed the cream of the crop in movies. We were so fortunate to have it.
On tv I loved Bob Brandy's Star 4 Corrall. He was so nice to the kids on the show and showed some great westerns.
On radio I had several favorites, many of whom have already been mentioned here. Tom Owens and LJ the DJ were both great on Big Johnny Reb's Late Date Show
but I also liked Lamar Lynn. Don Edwards also had a great personality on WPNX and on his remote broadcasts he was so friendly. I used to listen to Alan Boyd , Jimmy Deer and Bernie Barker on WDAK's morning show that followed Cuzzin Al and who can forget
when WCLS came screaming into Columbus in 1964 during the British Invasion? This was THE place to get the latest from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The
Dave Clark Five plus all the great Motown hits. Larry James had switched over to WCLS and had Johnny Dart, Rod Stacy and later on Rich Galore and Chris Brannon.
I remember when they brought Sonny and Cher to Columbus and WDAK brought us Bobby Vee, Herman's Hermits and Little Anthony and The IMperials.
Does anyone remember the show in 1968 with Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer and Boots Randolph? That show introduced everyone to Jerry Reed who went on to
become a great country star. It was one of the best shows I ever saw in Columbus.
Thank you for all the memories. I wish I could hear from some of the folks from the sixties that would like to correspond about the fun times. Sorry if I have
repeated things others have already brought up.
Pat Miller
patmiller66@live.com
113. LOTS OF STRIPLIN POOL MEMORIES FROM MACK WIGGINS ALONG WIITH A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! SOME GREAT PICTURES TOO.
I am not sure how much you know about Striplin's Pool. It was built by the
Striplin family who owned the property where The Lakes Apartment Complex is now
located. It was built around the time of WWII and had a dance hall(destroyed by
fire in the 50's) as well as a pool. The pool (all 210,000 gals) was originally
set to be filled with lake water from a lake above the pool, before city water
was available. The pool survived until it was demolished when the Woodruffs
bought the property around the late 70's. I worked there for the daughter of
the original owners, Emily "STRIPLIN" Freeman. It had a somewhat dubious
reputation for being rowdy. Along with 3 different size diving boards, there
were two unique pieces of equipment. A slide approximately 50 feet long which
was originally built with sheets of tin to cover it. The old rumors said that
someone had put razor blades at the end and cut those who used it. I have never
been able to confirm this as real or just rumor. My guess, the tin probably
became frayed and cut someone which caused the rumors. It was rebuilt by Mr.
Freeman and some of us who worked for him around 1968 and the tin was replaced
with fiberglass. No more cuts. The other was a top. It was mounted with a
universal joint fixed to the bottom and a top shaped cylinder with an wheel
mounted in the center. It was mounted on ball bearings and would tilt in all
directions. The object was to get as many people balanced on top of the TOP and
start running. It would spin and tilt in the water and the last person left
standing who did not fall off was the "hero" of the day. Needless to
say many bruises and cuts later it was finally removed around 1970 for insurance reasons.
It was probably one of the few privately owned, open to the public pools of the
time.
The reunion is for those of us from the flower power days of the late sixties
and early seventies. It was a very eventful time. I remember the DRAFT LOTTERY
numbers being drawn and we announced them over the PA system. We all held our
breath for fear of drawing a low number. And as luck would have it. One of our
life guards drew the dreaded Number 1. The first men on the moon were watched
on a small black and white TV right there in the concession stand. The reports
of Woodstock Festival made us all wish we were a little further north. Most of
us worked construction or factory jobs and drove the cars of the times. We had
no idea at the time that all those Corvettes, Mustangs, GTO's and 442's
in the parking lot would turn out to be worth so much. I'm sure more than one person
could kick themselves for letting these now VERY expensive cars go for little or
nothing back then. But most of all it was the experience and friendships that
made the place special. Some of us have lost touch, and some of us still
survive with these friends we made for life. What the reunion is for is to get
those groups back together to share memories and renew aquiantinaces. Most of
us are parents and grandparents these days, but we still remember when the draw
of a cool pool of water and the blaring beat of a jukebox with "Jerrimiah was a Bullfrog" brought a wave of pleasure to a young carefree adolescent.
Striplin's Swimming Pool Reunion
For all the people who remember and went to "OUR" place in the late 60's and early 70's Come share your memories and see old friends Help us celebrate the good times and happy memories of a place that will forever
exist in our lives.
DATE: Saturday May 10, 2008
TIME: 7 PM til ?
LOCATION: Northwoods Apartments Club House
Warm Springs Road Just up the hill and across from where "THE POOL" still exist in our memories
114. ARE YOU NAKED???? WERE YOU LISTENING TO HIM HIM PLAY THE HITS WHILE YOU SPRAYED YOUR PITS? WELL KNOWN AND LOVED DISC JOCKEY VAL MCGIINESS HAS SENT ME SOME NOW AND THEN PICTURES AND A BIO! THEY ARE ON THE WHERE ARE THEY NOW LINK. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
115. KIDDY SHOW MEMORIES FROM HOST JOE BYAR'S SON! I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM JOEL BOWERS. HIS DAD WAS THE HOST OF THE KIDDY SHOW. I AM SURE A LOT OF YOU WILL REMEBER THIS!
Jan thanks for your response-I will look for some pictures. In the early 50’s –WDAK was owned by Allan Woodall which I believed was still managed by his son during the Big Johnny Reb days.
The mornings were : 4:00-7:00 Cuzin Al –my dad would take over at 7:00 they had a routine where as he drove up the parking ramp of the inside parking garage at the station-Cuzin Al would talk about him coming in his big long Pontiac-my dad always got a new Pontiac each year as Williams Pontiac(not sure If this name is correct) was one of his sponsors. When he entered the station-Cuzin Al had a make believe donkey called Jenny-which my dad would always irritate and end up getting kicked through the wall. Cuzin Al had the country western (more hillbilly in those days) show geared toward the mill workers. My dad took over at 7:00 with middle of the road music-and then Dr. Jive had the afternoon slot with negro spiritual. They controlled the radio waves in Columbus in those days. My dad was featured as King of theKillocycles and at one time was featured on a billboard.
He did the Kiddy Show for over 5 years –and mabey 10 I forget. But this was a live talent show for kids-where they got silver dollars for being on the show and then once a month there was a final for the weekly winners. One the local stores donated bicycles etc. for the main prize. It was the place to be on Saturday as most people had no TV and fewer activities.
I can remember my dad going back to Columbus 25 years later and have some good looking lady come up and give him a big hug-she had been on the kiddy show.
Once I went to Hawaii which would have been 40 years after the kiddy show and met a man who was from Columbus –he had been on the Kiddy Show.
My dad also did the play by play for what would have been the Sally League Columbus Cardinals in the late 40’s early 50’s. I could go to any movie theater in Columbus and tell them my name and get in free.s
Things change and my dad left Columbus to go to Tucson Ariz when I was 16. He finished his radio career there . I moved them to Sranta Maria Ca at age 88-he and my mom –Virgi nia who was the bookkeeper for WDAD during his tenure both died 2 years ago. My memory of Columbus includes: Kiddy Show, Columbus Cardinal Baseball, Thrill Hill, The Goo Goo restaurant, The Varsity, High School games at the stadium when there was only Central High in Phenix City, Columbus High, Jordan High, and Baker High School-Sunday dinner at Spano’s restaurant (my godfather) Mass at Holy Family I went to Holy Family –short time at both Columbus High School and Central High School. Also remember the era The Phenix Story was about-Also got my haircuts at the sporting goods store you mentioned-my first crew cut-always got bubble gum.
My dad lost his leg at age 6 and his lifelong friend Pat Butrum of Green Acres, and Gene Autry fame carried him around on his back. I have photos of my dad with several old time movie stars that made appearances in Columbus-during the days of no tv.
I will try to forward you some pictures-reading your article sounds like my dads era was right before your article reflects-or I know you would remember him. If Sonny Woodall is -still around he will know of my dad –Thanks for the opportunity to reflect back
116. SOME GEORGIA RADIO HALL OF FAME INFO FROM JUDY HELMS! PLEASE READ, THESE NAMES ARE GOING TO BRING BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES!
The Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame has announced the final nominees for induction in the 2009 awards to outstanding broadcasters and I am thrilled to say that
six of them are from Columbus! Three radio station owners and three on the air personalities made the cut this year. Normally we just had two nominees per year in 2007 and 2008. Jim Woodruff Jr owned WRBL Radio and TV for many years and was so active in local civic affairs. Everyone who worked for him admired and respected him immensely. Chuck McClure owned WGBA, WHYD and WCGQ and along with his wife Dot worked very hard in the restoration of the Springer Opera House as well as many other civic projects. Greg Davis is the owner of Davis Broadcasting which has Foxie, Magic and WOKS. He also has stations in Atlanta and is involved with local civic affairs.
I'm excited about the on the air personalities that are on the list.
LJ The DJ Larry James, who was like the Dick Clark of the local airwaves
in the sixties on WDAK and later WCLS. Ask any teenager back then who
they listened to and most would say LJ. He emceed shows at The Civic Center
with stars like The Zombies, Searchers, Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison and many
others. You can see his impressive autograph collection at Cook's Diner on Moon Road.
Don Edwards was LJ's competition at WPNX on The Night Train Show.
He had started out at WGBA and was the young man who sat up all the
equipment at the very popular Teen Time At The Bradley with emcee Dick Weiss.
With Don's rich voice he finally got his own show and did quite well.
Bob Carr started out on the air at WGBA and then WDAK before moving on to
Tampa and then Atlanta where he played a character inspired by our local
ratings grabber Cuzzin Al. Bob called his character Willis The Guard Caswell
and played second banana to Gary McKee on WQXI, one of the top stations in
the southeast. Visit The Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame website at www.grhof.com
and read all the biographies and click "legendary stations" and then "Columbus"
and see all the Columbus radio memorabillia.
Good luck at the October 17th induction ceremonies to Jim, Chuck and Bob in
the Legacy Category (deceased) and Larry James, Greg Davis and Don Edwards in the Career Achievement Category. I won't tell you which ones I voted for but you can join now and nominate your favorites next year and have the right to vote.
I would like to hear from sixties radio fans at judyhelms@post.com
SCROLL DOWN TO 118 FOR AN UPDATE FROM JUDY!
<117>RADIO MEMORIES FROM ALAN O'BRIEN. I REMEMBER TWO OUT OF THE THREE NAMES! HOW MANY DO YOU REMEMBER? I remember back in the sixties on WDAK there was a newsman whose voice was so booming. Earl Newton not only delivered the news in an authoratative manner but when a deejay was on vacation Earl would fill in and just about outdo the deejay! There was J Edward Wilson and Craig Dupreist and others doing a great job the news but I always felt Earl Newton was the man with the booming voice..
Alan O'Brien
Columbus, GA
118. CONGRATULATIONS TO FORMER COLUMBUS DISC JOCKEY LARRY JAMES (LJ THE DJ)
Larry James, known as LJ the DJ, in the sixties on local stations
WDAK (Big Johnny Reb Radio), WCLS and WPNX was inducted
into the Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame Career Achievement Category at an awards ceremony held Saturday night in Atlanta. Details are at
www.grhof.com
Larry left Columbus and excelled in markets like Mobile, Jacksonvile, Dallas, Birmingham and In Charlotte where, in 1978, he was named Medium Market Air Persoanlity of the Year by the CMA, the Country
Music Association. Johnny Cash made the anouncement on CBS TV.
Also inducted in the Legacy Category were deceased individuals Chuck McClure who owned WGBA, WHYD and WCGQ locally and several stations outside Columbus.
Bob Carr who started his radio career in 1960 working for McClure's WGBA and later going to WDAK to work for Allen Woodall Sr. was also recognized. Bob later segued to Atlanta Top 40 giant WQXI where he played the role of Willis The Guard on the top rated Gary McKee Morning Show.
Details on how to join the organization and nominate your favorites are at www.grhof.com
EMAIL ME AT
page007655@att.net
<119>DO ANY OF YOU OLDER LIONS REMEMBER THESE GUYS?
The two photos below were sent to me by Mystery Picture repeat offender (weekly participant), Basil Woodard. The first is a ticket to Callaway Gardens or Ida Cason's as we used to call it. The best thing to me about that tickest is that,that was right before my Mom's 1957 graduation from Jordan! The second picture is of a group of guys from Baker called the Teen Tones that actually cut a record around 1958 or 1959. Many thanks to Mr. Basil Woodard, Baker class of 1958 for sending these in! Keep cleaning out them drawers or garage Mr. Woodard, I love what you find!
SOME OLD SPRINGER MEMORIES FROM QUATTROCCHI
In 1965 and 1966 I was stationed at Fort Benning... first at 428th Medical Battalion (on main post), and then at 4th Battalion 69th Armor (by Harmony Church).
I spent a good deal of time on the weekends in Columbus. As that I am Italian, and dearly missed my "cuisine", I remember going to "Spano's Restaurant" almost every Sunday for some marvelous dish from their menu. The place was quiet, and the food and service was excellent.
I can still, without even closing my eyes, picture the numerous stores up on Broadway too.
Accidentally (when I wandered through an open theatre door during a refurbishing of the Springer Opera House), I bumped into a lovely lady by the name of Emily Woodruff.
As a singer and musician of sorts, I also, subsequently, (by way of her kind urging) had the opportunity to sing in the Springer Opera House's production of St. Elmo. Even after all these years, I can still spontaneously sing a song or two from that very production. And I can also vividly recall the theatre itself... with the proscenium arch that encompassed the stage, and the box seats on either side: Very reminiscent of the old Metropolitan Opera House in New York City!
I can also recall the "choreographer" of that show... Jenna Davis (or David). Another sweetheart of a lady.
All my life, I've had some very interesting and amazing things happen to me at the oddest times. One day, at Jenna's "studio" (which was a large room divided by an accordion-type door) I heard a familiar and unmistakable voice coming from the other side. Although I couldn't see who it was, I knew very clearly who it indeed was.
Sure enough, a sweet, lovely face eventually made it's presence known though an opening with a big smile and an even bigger "hello".. It was, as I had properly guessed, none other than Butterfly McQueen (of "Gone With The Wind" fame).
All of the individuals that I encountered in Columbus were harm, down to earth people... with absolutely no pretense. Columbus... thank you for the memories of a time long gone!
Kindest Regards,
(Specialist 4th Class back in the 60's)
Ronnie Quattrocchi
SOME WONDERFUL OLD MEMORIES FROM ED MEADOWS
Hi, I hope you are still at this address. I believe I contacted you several years ago. I am Ed Meadows, raised in Lee County, AL and worked at the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer from 1955 until 1961. I've been meaning to write to you but, as we grow older,things are easier to put off. Columbus was downtown to us country folks. My Dad & Brother were veterinarians and had a little animal hospital (Meadows & Meadows) in Phenix City, right where the Alabama Power Co, sub station is now on the Opelika Highway just off of 14th Street.
I believe you mentioned Sam Rawls of Cumbaa's Shoe Repair. Sam and I became good friends while we attended school at the old U Of Georgia off campus center before the Junior College was opened. I've been away for over 50 years so he probably won't remember me. I'm quite familiar with most of the places you've featured. Being an Alabama boy many are unfamiliar. I believe you mentioned the old Hardaway Ford place just south of the old underpass which I believe, is no longer there. The used car manager was one of my advertising accounts. I wish I could recall his name.
Another good friend was Jack Rutledge who ran the used car lot for one of the new car agencies. I can't remember which one. That was before he was elected sheriff. Jamie Ogletree of Ogletree Edsel Motors was another advertiser and good friend.
I've attached a photograph of a GI and young woman walking by Shackelford's Drug store and Spano's Restaurant. I'm not sure of the year but it was after 1941 because there's a 1941 Plymouth parked there. I checked out a CD of WW2 music fron the Santa Clara, CA Library and was astonished to see this photo on the back cover.
I believe you mentioned one time that you went to JVHS. I had a good friend who attended there after he left my school, Smiths Station High. I expect he was there long before you were but his name was Ed Vardeman.
I left the South in 1963 and went to work for United Airlines at the San Francisco. I retired in 1991 and my wife and I moved to her hometown in Spokane, WA. I lost her in 1999 and moved back to California to spend my remaining years near my daughter in Vacaville.
I will be 84 in December and am beginning to miss all of my home towns.
I hope this reaches you and that you will let me know if it does.
Ed Meadows
OLD CLASS PICTURES
This section will have old class pictures that are sent by e mail to me. I will post them and Everyone can look and help with identifying the students. Talk about a trip down memory lane! Even if you don't send one in, keep checking you or someone you know may just show up in here! Please include the year and school name and class mate names if you can.
North Highlands School (Fox) 1923 John Land forwarded this to me. It was sent to him by Cynthia Nason
This one is of Rosemont School 1944. It was sent in from Max Smith
These next two photos were sent in from former Columbus resident Jim Phillips. He lived in Columbus and attended Jordan High until 1951. The first picture is of Rose Hill Elementary in 1944. The second is of 11th Street School 1946/1947.
COLUMBUS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 1952/1953
BIBB CITY SCHOOL PHOTO FROM 1930 FROM SANDRA BLANTON
This is a class picture of Miss McCallum's class in 1930.
The picture that was cut out..was my mother ..Jewell Mae Petty. If anyone has a copy of this picture please send it in.Have all names if wanted.
LINWOOD ELEMENTARY FROM BASIL WOODARD
These photos and info come from Basil Woodard, to whom I owe a great big apology! I meant to post this a long time ago. Mr Woodard was kind enough to send me several things which I posted, and I just dropped the ball on this one! I owe a big thnaks to Mr. Woodard, not just for the pictures, but it was he who turned me onto Face Book. I have come into contact with several people I never thought I would hear from again! Thanks so much Mr. Woodard!
I remember the principal was "Miss Jesse" and the teachers were as follows:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Ford
1st grade Mrs. Stripling
2nd grad Mrs. Morton
3rd grade Mrs. Palmer
4th grade Mrs. Reeves
5th grade Mrs Ivey
The lunchroom lady was Mrs. Saville (sp) and the janitor was named Josh. I don't remember the 6th grade teacher because we moved and I transferred to St. Elmo for the 6th grade.
Jan, I just remembered Miss Jessie's last name; it was Beard.
Basil Woodard
WHERE ARE YOU NOW???
THIS WILL BE A PLACE WHERE YOU ALL WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LEAVE E MAIL ADDRESSES AND INFORMATION ON YOURSELVES. THIS CAN BE A GREAT WAY FOR RESIDENTS PAST AND PRESENT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH OLD FRIENDS OR MAKE NEW ONES! JUST E MAIL ME THE INFO YOU WANT POSTED, NAME, HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE YOU ARE NOW, ETC. WE REALLY DO WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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