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Post by David Sechrest on Nov 16, 2004 8:40:58 GMT -5
I remember the Columbus of my youth. The 1960's were a wonderful time to be apart of this city. Sears Toyland around Christmas time, G C Murphy any time of the year, Cummins Bookstore, the Crump Theatre, the Columbus Drive In, Frisch's Big Boy and other places from the 1960's continue to haunt my memories of this town.
I am curious to know what Columbus was like in the 1940's. Lucas Brothers was downtown on 4th Street (I believe), and the places you enjoyed from this time period may be very different from the Columbus of my youth.
This folder is set up primarily for you to share your memories of the places you frequented in the 1940's. Where they were located, the people that worked there, where you lived, and what it was like to live in Columbus in the 1940's would be great to read about. Also, any memories of what radio stations you listened to (including WCSI), and what radio programs you were fond of deserve a special place in this thread.
If this goes over well, let's consider setting up threads for each decade, and I do hope there are people out there that can share their personal memories of the 1930's and 1920's (am I pushing it a little going back that far? I sure do hope not!).
Thanks, and hopefully this thread will be enjoyable to all...
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Post by Garfield School on Mar 10, 2005 19:45:14 GMT -5
Okay, one has to start somewhere!!!! I only discovered this wonderful website yesterday, and I surely do not want anyone knowing just how many hours I've poked around in it in the last 36!!! Hi, my name is Nancy Stevens, daughter of Charlie and Rosanna Smith Stevens. Was born in Columbus in 1938, moving to California in 1952. You won't find any photo in the 1955 Log, as I did graduate from high school in Fullerton, CA. However, my roots are in Columbus, just ask Joey Cook Conner or Donna Hollenbeck Burbrink! Have always considered CHS to be "my high school" and the class of '55 has always included me in the reunions. AND I am so sorry, but will miss the 50th in August, as I had made other plans for that date. Where would I start with memories----my cup runneth over with ideas, but will settle with when I first met Donna Hollenbeck. Two shy first graders at Garfield School in Miss Hazel's (Fodera) class. Now Miss Hazel lived right next door to me in the front apartment in my Grandmother Stevens home near the SE corner of 7th and Cottage, just a few blocks from Garfield. Such a few blocks was it to school, that I always walked home for lunch, never ever took a sack lunch, but I surely do recall the smell of apples in those cloak rooms! Donna and I walked to school together every single day through all of elementary school. And Miss Hazel rode a bike to school with a huge front basket to carry all the "stuff" that teachers seem to work on at home. As an adult, I did pursue a career as an elementary teacher, and many is the time that I realized that Miss Hazel was way ahead of her time, or perhaps the field of education just finally caught on that she had a lot of grand ideas. Okay---Garfield people-----Do you remember this? The many first grade plays that we put on. The one that really stands out in my mind was something to do with spring flowers, and our moms made all the costumes out of crepe paper, sewn on a treadle sewing machine, at least by my mom. We had milk every day for a snack. To keep it cold I recall that it was set outside on the window ledge. And we sold TB stamps door to door with never a thought that perhaps we ought not be out and about in the neighborhood unaccompanied by an adult. Each week you could by savings stamps at school, red were maybe a dime, and green a quarter and when you filled a book you got a, was it called a war bond to support the effort? When I get better acquainted with this site and how it works, I might be able to post a photo of Donna and me "advertizing" our school's success in the bond drive. Ah, Valentine's Day in first grade, complete with a post office set up several days prior. And you could post your cards and as I recall it was "operated" like a real post office where you had turns at sorting the mail, and delivering these cards at the Valentine's Day party. Inclement weather days? ? Well, the snow never kept us inside, and remember big circles in the snow so we could play, was it, "Fox and Geese?" Or make snow angels. On a rainy day, Miss Hazel would draw "chalk rivers" around the classroom and we skipped, hopped, and jumped around the room avoiding getting "wet" in those imaginary streams. And what a special day it was, indeed, when your mom came to visit your class. She would sit in the back and just watch----how proud you were to have her there. And if you were sick and out of school, in order to return you had to go to the office and have your temperature checked. Sometime after I was out of Miss Hazel's class, she approached my dad and other Columbus Saddle Club members to help her make a movie about a boy and a girl on a ranch from a first grade book. She walked her class to our house, the last house on the south side of 7th Street near Hawcreek, to film the story. We were close to Garfield, had the barn, the white fenced corrals and the horses. It surely must have taken place on either Wednesday or Thursday afternoons when the stores were closed, remember that??? And all these "cowboy business men" were ready to help act out the story. There was a scene when a "cowboy" had to rope a horse, and Westy Westermier (spelling on the name is close) of the hardware store, made the catch on the first throw. No retakes on that one. And all of this long before a video camera existed, I almost think that Mike Bova, Sr. might have been the photographer of the day. Have often wondered if a copy of that film lies deep in some closet somewhere. Remember the big white rock on the SW corner (Central side), I think, of the Garfield playground. For recess entertainment we would play "King on the Mountain," filling the rock with kids until someone fell off. Other recess activities include softball using trees as the bases. And how one loved to be out after a nice rain when the ground was "just right" to draw out a hopscotch game. Then came marbles----do you think that would be allowed today, probably not, certainly not if you were playing for keeps, which we did! And then come spring the Yo-Yo man came to town, and you just had to have a special yo-yo, and you practiced and practiced to have the string just right to do all the tricks that he demonstrated. And jump rope with all the different little sayings that we jumped to. There is a book out there that does include many that we used to do----Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear; Down in the Valley; Red Hot Peppers. And "sand lot" basketball. Oh, how those 6th grade boys did practice on the dirt court. Then came the tournaments down in the Pearl Street gym pitting one elementary school against another. The gym would be packed. And not to overlook the girls' part in this. We had to try out for cheer leaders. Remember some teacher telling my mom that I got chosen because I yelled the loudest, and probably right, as I wasn't really very good at that, was a much better horseback rider. Sure was fun, tho'! Will have to continue this "memory" another day. Hope that my "ramblings" trigger thoughts for others, and they could share as well. Would love to hear from others. Nanc Stevens
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 11, 2005 11:15:23 GMT -5
While I am thinking about Miss Hazel, a couple of other thoughts cross my mind, that are sort of related.
Within the neighborhood, Miss Hazel never, ever made friends with you until AFTER you had had her in first grade. Being one of the younger neighborhood kids, seems like I had to wait forever to become a part of "Miss Hazel's summer field trips" around town.
On one occasion we walked downtown to the Court House, and climbed clear to the top where the clock was, the pigeons and their nests, too!!!! There was straw and feathers all over, and we were a long ways up! I knew a little about the clock, in that my dad, Charlie Stevens, who worked, beginning at age 14, for Jack O'Bryan (J. W. O'Bryan Jewelry Store on Washington, 425 probably, next to Gause's Cafe) as the mail boy, and later on as a watchmaker, other related skills (until we moved to CA in '52, and my folks opened their own jewelry store.) It was my dad's responsibility for many years to keep the Court House clock running.
On another one of those field trips, Miss Hazel took us through the funeral home, probably on Franklin. Can remember going into a huge room full of caskets from which people would make a choice for their loved ones to be laid to rest in.
And does anyone else remember the evening funeral home visitations that we had to go to with our parents for some dear departed soul? Often I would be allowed to remain in the car while my folks went inside, and I'd soon be joined by other kids whose parents were also putting in an "appearance." We'd sit in the car, looking at all the bushes that were lighted up, and casting all kinds of spooky shadows----and then the older ones would start telling ghost stories. Seemed the more scared that I got, the longer that my parents stayed inside.
Somehow today, our kids lack so much in "creative activities" and I just wonder, will they ever have the neat memories that my generation has? We did things that didn't cost money, and used our imaginations to entertain ourselves.
Another memory, and another day. I shall return. I sincerely hope that others will share some of these fun memories.
Nanc Stevens ;-)
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Post by My neighborhood on Mar 12, 2005 10:49:27 GMT -5
Good morning, and am still "at it!" Decided today to reflect on the neighborhood where I grew up. That would basically be the area around 7th and Cottage. That has all changed over time, and it would be really difficult now, to picture how it was back in the 40s and my youth. I lived in a small home that my folks built on the south side of 7th, the last house before you crossed Hawcreek bridge. Our property ran behind 3 homes on Cottage, the middle one being my Grandmother Stevens' place that had been converted into 3 apartments. With the exception of the front one, where Miss Hazel (and I spelled her last name incorrectly in another post should have been Fodrea) lived, during the war years through probably 1950, the other two apartments were rented to military families stationed at Camp Atterbury (sp ?) Our property had a barn on it, old, had been there for years, and the stall area for the horses was below ground level, rather like a basement, if you will. People told my folks that they were crazy to build a house so close to the creek, as they would surely have water in the basement during flood season. My dad disagreed, saying that the barn had never, ever had water in it. He was right!!!! In all the years we lived there we were never flooded, altho' folks two blocks or so away from the creek would have water in their basements. Hawcreek would flood the pasture, and come up to the rock wall, and you could have fished out my folks' bedroom window, but never any inside water. My folks, along with the Ralph Talkington family, and the Atkins family rented the 7 acre pasture field next to our house that Hawcreek ran through. So there was always plenty of room to ride the horses, and many were the "hideouts" that all the neighborhood kids would create along the creek banks. My play house was never for dolls, it was the sheriff's office, as the "game" was always "the cowboys vs the rustlers/outlaws." Seems to me that the pasture field was actually owned by the Doty family, whose big two story house faced onto Cottage. Down at the end of 6th and Cottage was "the mill," and I think that feed was actually milled there, and on beyond that to the south, along the creek, was "the dump!" Not sure if it was actually in use in my youth, but it was a great place to play. If you have ever read the kids' book series, The Boxcar Children you would come close to what it was like. There was a trail through the dump that we used as a short cut to get over to 2nd Street, where other "cowboy and cowgirl" friends lived! Actually, it was kind of a spooky place, and as the afternoon would dwindle away, I always rode the horse like the wind to get out of there. "The mill" attracted undesirable critters, like RATS! With the creek near by these varmits made paths across the far end of the pasture field to get drinks. Can recall the time that my dad, Ralph Talkington, and Mr. Atkins decided to "reduce" the rat population in the area. My dad was NOT a hunter, so he drove the car, with the other two out on the fenders and with their handy guns, in the lights of the car, would shoot the rats! It was gross, and this girl would NOT ride the horse down to that end until all the dead rats vanished!!!!! If one went north from my house, sort of along the creek, altho' in reality we would cut across the back of the Kiel property, you could get to the Saddle Club grounds. Am not certain just "how" the Saddle Club had use of that area. It would have been at the end of 8th St. It had a large arena that all of us used to "train our horses" for the horse shows that were put on during the summer months by the Saddle Club, and the youth group, The Junior Trail Blazers. (Think these memories actually belong in a spot of their own.) The area right along the creek always grew huge, huge, what we called "Horse Weeds." And whoa, what a giant "hideout" the kids created! We made trails through the weeds, that grew higher than a horse with rider, and each one of us had a designated "barn, if you will" to hide out in. I guess that I felt the need to describe this area, within the town, but "not quite," as it has changed so vastly over time. After we moved, our house was taken over by Cummins and used as a little "urgent care type medical place" and later the house was moved over onto McKinley in East Columbus. For newcomers to Columbus, you would never be able to envision the area as it once was before all the redevelopment there, the new road and all. It is like it never existed, at least my thinking. Have a grand day, one and all. Nanc Stevens
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 13, 2005 10:28:36 GMT -5
Yesterday I went to my mom's to search and hopefully retrieve Vol. I of the Bartholomew Co. history, which I was sure she had, found it! And yes, the order for Vol. II goes out today!!! Previously, I have mentioned that my dad was responsible for many years to keep the court house clock running, and in good repair. Bless my mom, she had gone through Vol. I of the history and made notes here and there. (And I wish that I had paid more attention way back when to all her knowledge of Columbus!) Referencing p. 25, the court house clock, is my mom's notation that on Halloween, my dad's "fun job" was to make the clock "strike and strike." Knowing my dad and his sense of humor, I can just picture how much fun he had doing that. While thinking about holidays----and in case you had not noticed, I must be getting old, as recounting all the memories is just a heck of a lot of fun. With St. Patrick's Day approaching------that was one big day for J. W. O'Bryan, Jeweler!!! If his son, Dr. Dick O'Bryan (local pediatrican a number of years ago, have seen him in that last 30 years) is still around, am sure he would agree. Jack O'Bryan, Uncle Jack to me, and my dad's boss, was known about town as "The Irishman." St. Pat's Day for him was "a-wearing' of the green time" and seen all over town on "his day." Uncle Jack was a lot of fun and loved playing jokes, and always had the greatest time! Think he even dyed his beautiful white hair, green. Know that on St. Pat's Day he spent little time in the jewelry store, he was out on Washington St. being the happy St. Pat elf greeting everyone he passed! AND GREEN HAIR!!!!! Anybody remember the movie, "The Boy with the Green Hair?" Had to be in the 40s, and the local "show" (theater) offered free admission to the movie to anyone with green hair. The only taker that I can recall was Sonny (Eugene) Main from Garfield, who colored his blonde hair, and got in free!!!!! Halloween in Columbus in the 40s did NOT "resemble trick or treat" today when it is costumes and candy. We had organized costume parties at somebody's house and "big dress-up-in costumes" at school on Halloween----but prior, like several days, we "tricked," once you were old enough, in my case, to join the other neighborhood kids, and I recall NO adult going along with us, as I am sure they would not have "approved." The innocent thing that we did, was throw "feed corn" onto people's porches to make scary sounds, and then we would hide in the bushes to see the occupant's reaction to our mischief. While you were out and about "tricking" you hoped that others would "trick" at your house, thus accumulating enough corn for the next night's outing. The nasty trick that we did, and I hate to admit, was to "soap" car windows, and being really bad, soaping window screens. Guess we were not too, too rotten, as I recall my dad telling about upsetting outdoor privies as their form of Halloween pranks! Others have mentioned the Sears Christmas Toyland, and for the life of me, that I cannot recall. I do remember the Santa that walked Washington St. during the holiday season, greeting all the kids and giving out a lollipop to each one. Window shopping downtown was a huge deal when I was a kid. You and your folks would try and get a good parking spot between 4th and 5th, so that you could visit with everyone else strolling Washington St. I have often referred to the jewelry store, just because I was "closer" to that-----Somehow, from some company, my dad rented an animated display for the jewelry store window decoration which would change each month. There would always be a huge crowd around the store, particularly when a new display went in. Know that one depicted Santa's workshop. Window shopping in the 40s was such a big deal, that expensive items, diamond rings and the like, would remain on display in the window, long after the store had closed, til around 9:00 PM and my dad would go back to the store and remove these items and put them in the safe. Ah, a simplier life style then. It seems that I am about the only one putting in recollections here, and I hope that is okay-----in a way I rather feel that I am "journaling" my youth for my own kids, and hopefully my efforts will spur memories for others and that they will eventually share. In this past week I have shared my "find of this site" with others that once called Columbus home, and in at least one case, they didn't know the site existed. We somehow need to spread the word----at our age now, we can be contributing parts to Columbus history, in a way. I am so loving it here. Thanks to those responsible. Nanc Stevens
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 14, 2005 0:07:02 GMT -5
Nanc–thank YOU for all the sharing!
This is the main reason I included this message board as part of the website's offerings, and I also wish more people would take advantage of it and share their memories as well.
After all, while there are pictures of "forgotten" buildings and such on the site, it's really about all of us who grew up here.
To be very honest here, I truly miss those days. But, I don't want to get off track here.
The last time I noticed, 35 people had registered as users of this message board.
P L E A S E ... share you own personal memories!
And Nanc--keep up the wonderful stories...
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 16, 2005 9:49:05 GMT -5
;D I'm back! And Dave, a couple of your memories in the '50s triggered some things that I remembered. It was such a much slower pace when we were growing up in the 40s and 50s. But perhaps with some of the same kinds of problems out there today. You mentioned a J. C. over in your neighborhood, well, 7th St. by Hawcreek had a couple of "characters." For some, I am sure it would be difficult to visualize, but two "garbage pickers" would come across the bridge into town, to do just that, pick through the garbage in the alleys. I have no clue where they lived. As a child, I gave them names----"Alley Opp," and altho' quite ragged and dirty in appearance, pushing his two wheeled cart, I was not afraid of him. On the other hand, there was the "Old Buzzard," equally as ragged looking with his cart, and scared me! If I was out playing in the yard and saw "The Old Buzzard" approaching, I dashed into the house, and hid in a corner where I was sure he would never find me. It was many years later that "The Old Buzzard," and apparently my folks could attach a name to him, was arrested for bothering little kids. He never, ever bothered me, nor anyone that I knew, but my mom has always said that I must have been a good judge of character and had sense enough to fear him at a tender age. "Alley Opp" was actually a fairly decent person, and on a Saturday you would see him, dressed in much cleaner clothing, escorting his blind sister into town. It was not unusual to see her making her way into town alone during the week. Had to giggle when you mentioned "Patrol Boys" and what an honor it was to be one. At Garfield, patrol boys were 6th graders. I surely don't recall what mischief the boys got in to, BUT they were no longer allowed to serve in that capacity due to their "bad" behavior. Thus, the duty was assigned to the girls. One situated at each of the corners of Garfield, proudly wearing the patrol garb, a canvas type harness, if you will. Now remember, hormones in 6th graders really run amuck!!!! I can recall that you so wanted to have "the assignment" for the corner from which your "then boyfriend" would be arriving to school!!! Ah, youth!!!! Another day, and another memory or six!!!! Still hoping for some others to join this fun. Nanc Stevens
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BobLane
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 109
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Post by BobLane on Mar 19, 2005 16:08:39 GMT -5
I have really enjoyed Nancy Stevens comments about our "youth times." With the pushing of my children I have started a journal of my life last year. It has been a lot of fun. As I write about some memories, others come rushing back and I'm up to 17 pages now. My wife asked me, Who do you think will read it?" I think I will have my attorney read it at my will reading. That'll teach that younger generation. I may get courage enough to share some of it on this website someday. Nancy, keep writting. I love it. Bob Lane "class of 52" '
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 19, 2005 21:38:03 GMT -5
Hi Bob, and am glad to have input from someone. BE BRAVE. Put in some of your memories. This is what it is all about! Surely, in your seventeen pages of memories there are things you can share. One thing leads to another, and...........! How richly blessed will be our kids to know about our "growing up!" Have my girls convinced to check this website regularly to see what new thing their mom has come up with to share. The more that we share, the richer is the history that we build. Think that my kids (California natives, I might add) have enjoyed the Log (yearbook) "part" as much as I have----looking for grandparents, great aunts and uncles, as well as friends of mine that they know. This site is awesome. Make the most of it-----and SHARE your memories! I say the same to everyone. It is FUN! And my thanks to David Sechrest for providing this "vehicle" of communication. Thanks, Dave, you are awesome in your efforts. Have a grand day. Nanc Stevens
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BobLane
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 109
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Post by BobLane on Mar 19, 2005 22:07:10 GMT -5
Nancy, thanks for your comments. This all started after I started doing family history research, and the kids wanted me to expand on my personel history,(must be boring) but I am enjoying it. Lots of Kentucky research, my dads state. I think soon I will copy a part once a awhile just for the fun in it. Bob Lane
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 19, 2005 22:22:31 GMT -5
Hi to all and Bob, in particular, and prior, way prior, to discovering this site, my girls gave me a small book, organized for one year's worth of work, some 365 "prompts to record one's youth," perhaps the size of a 3x5 card, and one was "expected" to record memories. Will admit it took me a good deal longer than a year to do the writing, but I did. And a couple of years ago basically finished the "small memory book" and gave copies of it to my girls and my mom as a Christmas gift. I guess I share this, as it was a great way to start documenting my past for my kids.
Am finding that here, on this site, I am perhaps going into greater detail. Just know that it is fun, and I wholeheartedly recommend this effort to others. For the benefit and enjoyment of many. Give it a try.
Nanc Stevens ;-)
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 20, 2005 10:26:45 GMT -5
Hi, and what I share today, involves some "unanswered questions" in my mind. AND a search of the internet has not provided me with answers, altho' when I get Vol. II of Bartholomew History, well, maybe........for some of them regarding local radio. Just for the record----and yes, some gray hairs, but....used to be that there was no TV. For a few, but not for my family, but that is getting ahead on the memories. When I was home sick from elementary school, I was allowed to curl up in my folks' bed and listen to the radio that was in their room. Listened to "soap operas," that, as I recall, ran in 15 minute segments, with lots of ads for various soaps and cleaning agents. For the life of me I could not give a title to them, but know it was the plus to being home, and feeling punk. Seems to me that these programs came via WLW out of Cincinnati. On Saturdays (inclement weather only, for me) I listened to a variety of western type serial programs with an ongoing story. I need help here. Also the Buster Brown show----"Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy"---is that where I heard that? And Buster Brown lived in the shoe, with his dog, was it "Tide?" And on Sundays, you could tune in and someone would read the Sunday comics. On Saturday nights: bath time, hair washing, etc. to ready for church the next morning, we listened to the Hit Parade to catch the top songs of the week. Radio reception was IFY, particularly during a thunder and lightning storm. The static was worse than any thunder! Long before Breyer "plastic" horses existed, I had a couple of cermanic horses to put into my play barn when I had to stay indoors. It was indeed one sad evening when I was carrying my horses to the living room to play----Static on the radio was so extreme, it startled me, and I dropped my play horses, broke off ears, legs and tails, and I was heartbroken. Out came the glue, was it called "mulseage" with the little rubber top? And Mom dried the tears and made the repairs. Later on, Columbus got its own FM station. Really need help as to the call letters. Anyone remember? My dad made friends with the newscaster, who came to Columbus from Portsmouth, Ohio, I think. Often my folks would play Canasta with this newscaster (Art, as a first name) and his wife. At some point, probably around 8:00 PM, an "intermission" in the card game was called, as Art had to go and do the 9:00 PM newscast. My "reward" came with the chance to accompany Art and my dad to the radio station. Art would look through the news coming off a teletype machine on yellow paper, select the items that he would report, and off we would go into the sound proof studio. We could chat until the "witching" moment on the clock, and the red light came on in the studio----------then one said not a single word until the broadcast was finished! Additionally, come county fair time, Art would have a booth in the corner of the exhibit building for 4-H food items. He would broadcast from there. Think it must have been first year food prep, as I prepared a lemon custard as my entry. Being a good kid, I took him a sample of my efforts. Back home I went. As the judging progressed, my custard won a purple ribbon, whatever championship that represented, know it was "good" for a first year effort. The phone at home started ringing, as Art had announced my "win" on the air. Know I was thrilled, not only the coveted award, but radio recognition as well! At some point Art left Columbus to pursue a newscasting career in Washington, DC. I think he used the name Arthur McArthur. And he vanished from my memories. Does anyone remember when the FM station in Columbus had a late show on the weekend, and you could call in song requests and dedications? Was great entertainment for a slumber/sleep over party for the girls. Make the call, and the request, and give a coded name to you and your friends, and then listen for it to come out over the air. Won't reveal my "partners in fun" on this, but we often made requests using the code name, "The Three Js." Would love to hear "radio memories" from others. There are gaps on specifics in my recollections, particularly AM shows. Have a great day. Nanc Stevens
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BobLane
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 109
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Post by BobLane on Mar 21, 2005 21:51:42 GMT -5
Growing up in Columbus part 1. Mar. 21, 2005
What can I say about growing up in Columbus? The memories would be different if you were from a better-educated family or a typical factory worker family like ours at that time. I was raised in a poor family although I don’t remember thinking about that, or even being conscious of it.
Where I start to remember was at 1015 5th St. three houses from Cummins Engine Co. It was a small rental that we could afford on wages made at Golden Foundry before the start of WWll. I think for now I’ll try to remember some of the places and events of that day. Some times I would go down to the big doors at Cummins and watch them build engines. I think they only made 3 or 4 a day then. I thought it was great.
Who could ever forget Mart Nintrup’s meat market on California and 7th St. No one had as good a choice of good meat as Mr. Nintrup. His baked and sliced hams were the best. It was a low sell market, honest and friendly.
I think on 7th and & Wilson was Harry Horns grocery. It seemed so large to a little kid, before the big box stores. I could get a really cold orange soda there for a nickel.
Do you remember going to Donner Park in the summer to hear the small bands play in the evening. We would get there early so my brother and I could get in some playground time before the music started, then eat sandwiches and drink soda while the music was going on.
I do remember going to the Rio Theater of Friday nights with the western serial movies. Most of us kids lived vicariously through Cisco Kid, Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson and many others.
Carmichaels fish stand was a must before shopping downtown. Harry Horn later bought it out. Don’t know what ever happened to Mr. Horn of the fish stand. Is it still in operation, I wonder? I think probably Mr. Horn has passed away.
Summers, in my part of town, was an adventure to say the least. Most of the guys around 4Th and 5 th Street would try to build crazy soap box racers or funny scooters. Usually by salvaging junk form dad or down at the Cummins dump below the forth street hill. That hill off forth street was our raceway.
I think what I regret most about my youth was my extreme shyness. It was a terrible thing to have. I know my life would have been a lot different had I known how to deal with it. People I really wanted to know just slipped through my life without even slowing down.
Well, that’s enough ramblin for now. It remains to be seen if other parts of this journal will show up on the web site. God bless all of you. Bob Lane
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 22, 2005 2:09:41 GMT -5
Many Thanks to Bob and Nanc for all their wonderful stories. And Bob? Please...keep up all your great memories!
Regarding Carmichael's Fish Shop, I had no idea that it was bought out by Horn. I distinctly remember Horn's as one of my favorite childhood places.
There is a fish place that is located on 17th Street which serves a fish sandwich very close to the ones you could buy at Horn's. When I have some spare cash (which is almost non-existent these days), I'll stop in and grab one of those mouth watering sandwiches and a can of orange soda.
If you've never bought a fish sandwich from this place, you don't know what you're missing. And, for those of you who live out of town, when you visit, be sure to stop by there and grab one.
I'm not sure what time they open up, but I think they close around 3 each day, and I can't remember if they are open on Saturdays or not, so you might want to keep that in mind.
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 22, 2005 9:57:56 GMT -5
Hi to all, and Bob and David, I loved reading your memories!. They are great, keep writing and sharing! You jarred my memory---and off I go. Re: Ninturp/Nentrup little market. For some reason, it seems to me that my mom would stop there after church and pick up wonderful "lunch meat," and it well may have been ham. I remember having to wait in line, as so many people would be there. Seems that parking was at a premium, as well. On down toward my house on 7th St., just past Reeves-Pulley Co. and the RR tracks, there was a little market----Hoosier Market and there was a number on it----don't know what that meant, anyone know? Perhaps one of a chain by the same name? That was where you went to get a ice cold soda in a bottle with your friends on a hot summer day, and you coveted finding a glass soda bottle as the 2 cent refund went toward the next purchase. Mom would send me up to the Hoosier market with a list of what she needed, often a loaf of Wonder bread was on the list. Remember getting myself in big-time trouble as I nibbled right down through the middle of the loaf en route home!!!! Anyone else recall a nearby home with a garden at the rear just filled with beautiful big flowers, perhaps at the corner of 7th and Maple? Know that a family could charge their purchases at the Hoosier Market and make the payment when the weekly paycheck arrived. They kept tally in a receipt book with the family's name on it. I do have to add here----and it is really hard to believe, especially in CA, there was a local independent market that had that practice in effect until about 10-15 years ago. Nearer my house, and mentioned in the Fire Dept. section by Fred Owens, was Habig's Market. In my time, mostly fresh vegetables were sold there, as I recall, and certain days of the week there would be better choices. Additionally, there were large cardboard boxes filled with candy that you could purchase bulk style. It all looked so good. Remembering that this was the time when polio was a huge threat, I was NEVER EVER allowed to purchase candy there UNLESS we were there when the box was first opened, and had not been "exposed to the elements." Gumdrop style orange slices were the best! Habig's holds some other memories as well. On Saturdays, Mr. Habig would bring in crates of live chickens to be sold for Sunday meals. Not quite sure how my mom made the "arrangement," but I would be sent on my bike to pick up the chicken. Upon my arrival, Mr. Habig would kill it on the spot, out along side the market, flop, flop, flutter----then he would tear off a corner of a big paper bag, thrust the chicken into the sack, neck first and out the hole, gather the sack up around the legs, and send me on my way!!!! And I wonder now, how in the world did I ever manage that one!!! As I rode home with Sunday dinner in hand, the blood would spatter all over my legs!!!!! Upon my arrival home, Mom would meet me at the back door with a teakettle of boiling water in hand, and out we would go to the garbage bin----real sanitary, huh? We'd, no, Mom would pour the boiling water over the hen and we'd pluck out the feathers, and yes, it smelled, like wet hen!!!! As I continue, I may cancel tonight's chicken meal, at the mere thought!!!! Mom would remove the innards, and there was some itty bitty part you had to be really careful with, or you would ruin the whole chicken. No clue on the anatomy of a chicken to relate specific IDs! It was a great day when one found a number of "yet to develop eggs" inside, as they were quite tasty come Sunday. Cleaning out the gizzard was another "treat," and pretty gross. I suppose for country kids this would not be a big thing to recall, BUT.........!!! Come Sunday, I guess I forgot about the Saturday ordeal, and loved fried chicken! Some days Mr. Habig would have so much produce available that not only would there be bushel baskets of fresh veggies on the steps, but out onto the sidewalk, as well. The blind lady (mentioned in another post) was tapping her way home, probably from the bus stop, and tripped over a bushel basket on the sidewalk. Down she fell, up went her dress, only to reveal that she wore no undergarments!!! Made a huge impression on me!!! 'Nuf said! And that's that for today. Keep sharing, Bob and David, and others, too. Have a grand day. Nanc Stevens
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BobLane
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 109
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Post by BobLane on Mar 22, 2005 16:00:28 GMT -5
David, to the best of my memory which is questionable at my age, the fish sandwich shop you mention was "Lois" and it is one of those eating places that cater to the factory trade, thus it is just across from the Arvin plant on 17th. They have really great tenderloin sandwichs also. When I get to Columbus I like to stop there.
Nancy, I remember the Habig store. They used one of those balance scales to weigh the potatoes and such. I remember dad buying ten pounds of potetoes and the fellow who waited on us just dumped the potatoes in the container until the balance arm just banged against the top. He said that looks good. (must have been 3 or 4 pounds extra in the box.) Thats the way of the neighborhood shops then. And about the meat market, yes he did make really good lunch meats. I seem to remember he went out in the spring to hunt mushrooms and sold them. Thanks D & N for the input. Bob Lane
And Nancy, it would help with Davids records if you login when you write, I think. BL
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 23, 2005 0:31:28 GMT -5
Nanc--in an earlier message, you mentioned a place of business with a number on it. By any chance, was it "21?"
I ran across an old ad for a business with this name. I think it might have been a dairy place, but without dragging out my books, I can't remember...
It's funny you mentioned the old radio shows in one of your messages.
When I was in the army back in the early 70's, I was stationed in Landstuhl, West Germany. I lived off post in a very poor, small town located close to the hospital where I worked (for those of you who might be interested, it was the 2nd General Hospital, the largest in Europe. It's the hospital you hear or read about today when injured soldiers from Iraq are flown to Germany).
Landstuhl was located close to Ramstein Air Force Base. Bann, the city where I lived, was about halfway between the two cities, and the surrounding country was the most beautiful I've ever seen in my life.
If I remember correctly, my rent was 300 deutch marks a month, which at that time fluctuated between 125-150 dollars a month. The house was heated with oil, and the tank had to be filled each day. It would run out during the night, and I always woke up to a very chilly morning (now, I can't stand to sleep with the heat on at night!). I had a big feather comforter and it did it's job keeping me warm throughout those cold nights. After a while, I got to the point to where I turned off the heater before I went to bed, and slept with the windows open, even throughout the winter months.
But back to the radio:
I had no tv set, and it wouldn't have done me any good if I would have had one, since Bann was located in a deep valley and AFRN tv couldn't be picked up. But, I did have a radio and that was my major form of entertainment.
The Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRN) played the old radio shows every night, and I got my first taste as to what it was like to "watch" a program through my mind's eye.
Some of the programs they ran were Fibber McGee and Molly, and the Life Of Riley, played by the same William Bendix that did the tv show came on Tuesday nights. Gunsmoke came on Friday nights, and that's what I looked forward to the most. Matt Dillon was played by William Conrad, the guy who starred in Cannon, and after watching James Arness for so many years as Matt, it took a little time to get used to hearing that different voice.
Lights Out, Suspense Theater, and some others I've forgotten also aired on specific nights during the week.
Another thing about the house I lived in: there was no running hot water. If you wanted to take a bath, you had to heat the water, and the same if you wanted to do the dishes.
A farmer lived across the street from me, and his barn was attached to their house. His farmland was located outside of the city limits, and every morning, he'd gather together his cows, walk them through town, and out to graze in the pasture. In the evening, he'd turn back around and walk them back through town and put them back in the barn. Sundays were always special days there. Everyone went for walks, and I recall on several occasions seeing an old man plowing his field with a horse and plow.
Coming from the US, it was like I had stepped back in time when I moved into that house in Bann. The streets and sidewalks were hand swept every morning, and all the specialty shops were a wonderful treat. Fresh breads, meats, milk, and vegetables required trips to different places, and it was fun to shop.
I was there when the gas crisis hit back around 1974, and Germany's answer to the problem was NO DRIVING on Sundays. For about a month, driving on Sunday was banned, and it was so strange not seeing any traffic whatsoever on the streets.
But those memories of listening to those old radio shows gave me a taste of what things were like before television.
This way of life also gave me a greater appreciation for reading, and that's when I really started "hitting the books" for fun and enjoyment. Besides reading novels, I once again became a big fan of comic books, and followed the monthly adventures of the Fantastic Four and Spiderman as another way of escapism.
When I got back to the States and graduated from college, I took a job as a salesman and spent most of my days behind the wheel of my car. I always searched the AM dial for old radio shows, and would listen to them during my daily trips. I even found a few stations that played them at night, and continued listening to them.
There is such a big difference between listening to those old radio shows and watching tv. To "watch" those radio shows in my mind was a great thrill, and only added to the excitment of each program. I remember one Halloween when they broadcast the old Orson Welles War Of The Worlds radio program. What a treat that was! And, I can understand how many people who tuned into that first broadcast back in 1938 or 39(?) thought it was really happening.
In all, I'm glad I was given this opporunity. It gave me a very much appreciated view of life from another time. If I had been stationed in the US, I never would have experienced this "journey back through time." And I'm so thankful I had the opportunity...
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nanc
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 73
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Post by nanc on Mar 23, 2005 9:29:33 GMT -5
Hi, And for goodness sake, Bob, I "thought" I was "logged in," perhaps not, when I just checked!!!! Duh! Will give it a try this way! Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated. David, re: number on a store----in reference to the Hoosier Market, and it well might have been 21, as I was thinking, but did not say, # 25. Absolutely loved your account of time spent in Germany. And particularly about "radio." I really think that kids today don't begin to use their imaginations like we did. Even tho' education circles so push "reading" the kids are so used to "being entertained visually" that their minds just aren't "trained," so to speak. Think our generation has had the best of it all. Bob, had forgotten all about those balance scales, and absolutely on how they did the weighing. Was reading my new copy of "Country" yesterday, and mention was made of how they used to tally up how much one owed for groceries on the paper bag when at a small, independent store. And they sure did that at the Hoosier Market, and probably Habig's, as well. Glory be, now when the electricity goes out, the whole store shuts down!!!!!! One wonders if they can add, let alone make change. Off my soapbox. And David, take care of yourself and don't overdo! Have a grand day. Thanks again, Bob, for the heads up. Nanc Stevens
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BobLane
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 109
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Post by BobLane on Mar 25, 2005 16:17:09 GMT -5
Growing up in Columbus, part 2. posted 3/25/05
Nancy’s comments about the two-cent deposit sent my memories down another path. I started thinking about the opportunities we faced as growing kids, and how we responded to them. The way our parents saw those opportunities and responsibilities was a lot different than we find today. I too, rode my bike or pulled my coaster wagon up and down the alleys and wherever those soda and beer bottles seemed to collect. Twenty bottles would get you 40 cents. That was a lot of money to me. I remember the first job I ever had (that paid money) was when I was about 8 or 9 years old. A neighbor gentleman across the street from us came over to talk to dad about hiring me to fire his coal furnace. He said he had been noticing me and felt he could trust me. I would have to go every day before school and before nightfall to fill his coal hopper. That’s seven days a week. For my valuable services I would get 25 cents a day, $1.75 per week. Dad asked me if I wanted to do it reminding me that he would take no excuses or forgetfulness about it if I took the job. (Believe me he wouldn’t have.) I said I would do it. I was rich. A widow lady up the street would come down to my house and ask if I would take my bike to the A&P store in about a half hour and bring back her groceries? I would do it, getting back several minutes before she did and waiting on the steps for her to walk back. Then I would help take the sacks in and she would give me a quarter and sometimes a glass of lemonade. I really thought I had done something special. Once when we went on vacation to an uncles farm in southern Indiana we got there right at wheat harvest time. Well my dad offered to help and what was a 10 year old boy going to do except volunteer also. Was I surprised when Uncle Russ paid me at the end of the week? Again, I was rich. At 16 years of age my neighbor helped get a job at Harrison Ford Garage on Jackson Street. (Now we are in the 50"s). I washed cars, delivered customers to their work and picked up parts for the mechanics. For that I got 50 cents an hour. I got to drive all those new Fords and other cars. I might have done it for free if they had asked me. Isn’t it interesting that the only times in my 70 years I felt rich was when I was a kid with a quarter burning a hole in my jeans. I know this is trivia you can live without, but I enjoyed thinking back to those less worrying times. God is good, thanks for reading it. I can't believe anyone is interested in reading this stuff, but here it is. "HE IS RISEN" Bob Lane
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 27, 2005 23:15:13 GMT -5
Bob--although I come from a different time, you put it best by saying that "felt rich when I was a kid."
I look back now at my days and feel the same way. A quarter was something to behold, and a dollar! Well...
But the thing that got to me the most regarding your post was the work for the money received. We moved from Center Street out to Rosstown when I was 12, and baling hay was a job that all country kids are probably familiar with. I never got to drive the tractor. I was too young. But I walked behind it and grabbed those big bales of hay and threw them onto the wagon, sneezing and nose running like a dripping faucet, as I was terribly allergic to the stuff.
I helped Charlie McKinney and Buttercup (to this day, I don't know what Buttercup's real name was) put up hay, and if we were lucky, we made $5 for the day's work. I liked working for Buttercup, because at noon time, his wife always prepared "lunch" for us. Lunch to her was like a featured Sunday dinner to me. All the food was made from scratch, and those were the best lunches I've ever had in my entire life.
In July, I'd pick blackberries. If the season was good, I knew where some pretty mean blackberry bushes were, and loaded my pail with the purple and black berries. I'd usually "load" myself with scratches and chiggers as well. Dad knew people in town who'd buy the berries from me, and I'd load them into those old quart wooden baskets and he'd drive me to town. If I remember correctly, I think they'd sell for about $2.75 a quart, which took most of the itching away from the day's work.
In the summer of 1965, by baling hay, picking strawberries for Greathouse (I got paid 25 cents a quart), and blackberries, I had accumulated over $20. I thought I was rollin' in the dough...
But the work also gave me a sense of pride and an appreciation for the adult world as well. Although the money felt good inside my left front pants pocket, it was the work I remember now. If you were to ask me what I bought with the money, I couldn't tell you, but I sure remember those days out in the fields, sneezing, and getting all scratched up and mom putting that pink stuff on my chigger bites.
And I'd do it all over again...
I'll save pop bottle hunting, the railroad tracks, and the old Fruit Market on State Street for another day.
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