My fondest memory growing up in Frankfort is when I was a kid, every Friday when my parents got paid we would head downtown. We would park somewhere on the square then my dad would go into the Central to have a beer while me and my mom would make our rounds downtown on foot. Every week it was the same routine. Run down to the Gas Co. and pay the gas bill, go to the city building and pay the light bill (not every week but once a month). We would then stop in at the stores like Alden's then over to J.C. Penny to check out what they had in cloths. My mother liked going into the Diana Shop also but I was bored with it. Just waiting patiently until it was time to go. Afterwards, me and her would go get something to eat which was my favorite part of the trip. Most of the time we would go into the Star Cafeteria which was located on the west side of the square where Main Street Pub is now. I can still remember the smell of the food as we walked into that place and the ladies standing behind the counter all wearing white aprons and hairnets. I always ordered a cheese burger with fries and a coke. When it was time to go, my mother would head onto the car and it was my job to go get my dad at the Central. I remember the Central having a screen door on the front. I would go up to the screen door and cup my hands around my eyes so I could see into the place. I would look for a moment until I spotted my dad setting there with a few of his buddies. I would then yell "Hey Dad! Mom's ready to go!". He would then finish off whatever beer he had left and say goodbye and then head out the door and back to the car with me.
Afterwards we would go to get groceries. There were three places that we would go to. Standard grocery on N. Main St. where the Eagles is located. Krogers which is where Family Dollar is now, or Marsh Supermarket when it was located out where the license branch is now. Seems like only yesterday!
I grew up in Frankfort in the 60's and 70's. I had an Aunt and Uncle that I was very close to and spent a lot of time with. They both worked at The coke plant. I loved to go down there and visit. Every trip we would tour the plant, get a coke, talk to there co-workers, and watch the bottling process. It was like everyone knew me down there and this was a really cool memory as a kid.
First, let me say "Thanks" to Steve for putting this together. The whole site gets better all of the time and I appreciate your hard work. I did not grow up in Frankfort but my Mother, Marjorie Ann Fowler spent her first years there and talked about it her whole life. She loved Frankfort and that love has drawn me to this lovely city. I try to go each summer and do genealogical research. I think my Mothers fondest memories are going to the Frankfort Times office to visit her grandmother, Christina Kramer Fowler and her Uncle Max Fowler, whom she adored and who became like a second father, when her own father passed away when she was six. Christina was the widow of G.Y. Fowler, who started the Frankfort (Morning) Times and my mother loved to go visit her little apartment at the Times and watch Uncle Max work. My mother wanted to visit Frankfort one more time before she died but it was not to be. I now visit for her and enjoy visitiing all the places she loved so much about Frankfort. It is truly a wonderful place and I see why she loved it so much every time that I visit.
I didn't know they had torn down Riley Elementary or the Frankfor Cinema. I just saw the videos. I went to Kyger Elementary as a kid; but, have fond memories of Riley and Stott Field. (later known as Rohrbaugh Field). The Cinema was an entirely different story. I was in 5th grade when they built it. I will never forget because my school bus (I lived in National Homes on the east side and attended Kyger in the west central part of town) drove past the empty field where we watch construction everyday on the "new" Grant's Plaza which included the Jerry Lewis Theater in the back corner of the shopping center. Wilshire Dr. and Hoke Ave had not been completed and both were dead ends into an empty field which I believe was owned by the owners of the Betty Lou flower shop which was located in their home at the corner of Hoke and Wabash. I remember when the Jerry Lewis chain sold the theater and the different owners that took over and tried to run it. I used to make tapes for one of the owners (can't remember his name) to play prior to the showings. I would record music and then commercials for the cinema and other local businesses. I installed a Dokorder reel-to-reel in cinema #1. I remember when I helped build a stage in front of the screen as well. Later on, I helped manage the theater as an assistant to Don Rogowski (local radio personality on WILO). Way to go, Steve. You certainly stirred up lots of memories. Any photos of the Papparazzi Pizza Parlor on this site?
By the way, yes I do have some photos of the Paparazzi. Actually, I have a couple of Greek's Pizzeria before opening day in 1979. I will eventually get them on here.
I feel your pain about the Frankfort Cinema. I have a lot of video footage of them tearing the place down. I use to manage that place back in 87 and 88. They tore it down exactly one year ago this past April. I remember I would occasionally drive by that place to see if it was opening back up again. Then one day I drove by to see it all fenced off. Brian Rydenour of Rydenour excavating was there. I stopped and asked him what the deal was. He replied they were going to tear it down. My heart dropped to my stomach. Although the place wasn't historic, it was the only one we had. For me it was a lot of memories while growing up. At least me and my brother were able to get the projection equipment. We have the stuff in storage.
Riley and Kyger followed that fall. Although many people in town were for keeping the buildings, the school board and our super duper school superintendant wouldn't listen to reason and insisted they go. Very sad! As a matter of fact, this is one of the major reasons I started this site. Last year after seeing all of these places disappear, it really hit me. Frankfort is loosing it's history and identity. It is not what it was ten years ago. So sturring up memories is my mission and I have so much more yet to be put on here.
One of my earliest memories of Frankfort, was going with my Mom & Dad to the Farmer's Bank, on Friday evenings. They put my brother, my 2 sisters, & me on one of the 2 leather benches that sat in the middle of the lobby. (This had to be in the middle 50's - early 60's.) We just sat their while they did their banking, and watched the people and the pictures being displayed on the wall. But there are so many memories, getting to go to the Roxy, the swimming pool, the park, etc. Everyone I've talked to about this website is excited about it. But they should all see the excitement on Steve's face when he talks about the pictures, the videos, the postcards. Steve--- you're doing a GREAT job!!!! WE thank you!!!!
Steve - This is the same Jon Coombs you knew. I've been moving around a lot. A few years in Melbourne, Florida; 10 years in Atlanta, Georgia and I have been living in Houston, Texas since 2005. My wife, Kathy (not from Frankfort - she's from Marion, Indiana) is holding the fort down in Texas while I am working a contract in Raleigh, North Carolina. I get around.
Sorry to hear about Kyger. I wondered since that was my alma mater. I still remember the school song! I used to have a ton of pictures; but, I am sure they got lost along the way. I have all of my Cauldrons 1975 - 1979 so let me know if you need any of those.
I can't say this is my fondest memory, but I'll never forget the South Side Cigar Store. Ernie Lowden, George Lowden, "Buckwheat" Morrison, Frankie Cole, "Big Jim" McKinney and others. Brain sandwiches, the stock ticker by the front counter, the commodities board, tip boards, cigar cutter and cigar lighter. George Warren going thru the trash for something to eat. Framers, bankers, teachers, lawyers, business men and once in a while a brave wonam. Fond memories indeed!
Going to Coins market on Caterlin street for a can of soup. Spending every waking moment in the pool at the park. Riding my new Sting Ray bike to the park up the hill beside the ball diamonds. Now there is a concrete path!! Sticking my finger over the water fountain in the park to spray a friend on the other side.
Riding up and down the strip from Art's Drive-in to the Marsh parking lot on 30 cent/gal gas...
Art's Drive Inn, Georgi Porgi's, Milky Way, Cullen's, Dog N Suds. No, I do not weight 500 pounds, but I bet I have eaten 500 pounds of hot dogs from these places. I was really little when Cullen's was still there, but I remember my Dad holding me up and seeing the mugs down in a huge cooler of ice. I know what real Root Beer tastes like and I haven't been able to drink it since. I really miss the pool too. PJ
Art's Drive Inn, Georgi Porgi's, Milky Way, Cullen's, Dog N Suds. No, I do not weight 500 pounds, but I bet I have eaten 500 pounds of hot dogs from these places. I was really little when Cullen's was still there, but I remember my Dad holding me up and seeing the mugs down in a huge cooler of ice. I know what real Root Beer tastes like and I haven't been able to drink it since. I really miss the pool too. PJ
Thanks Steve! If your goal is to stir up memories, you are doing it. And for some reason, a strange growling noise from my stomach...What can I say, food never tastes as good as you remember it from a special place in your youth. I wish that I could convey to my daughter what it meant to grow up in Frankfort at the time that I did, she never experienced anything like it in her life and she is poorer for it. She's just sick of me making it sound magical, but it was. There is a lot to be said about a place that when you took off for a week vacation, that you hunted for the one house key, never found it, but left anyway. You knew everyone was looking out for you. PJ
Gee, and I thought I was the only one that knew I was having a good time frequenting those places. I still have some A&W Root Beer in my refrigerator to this day. An ice cold root beer and a hot dawg still tastes good on a hot Texas afternoon. Something about my upbringin' I reckon.
Once a Hot Dog, always a Hot Dog! I'm still trying to forget being called a "Fighting Fido" however. As we have moved around the country, my daughter has complained about some of her school mascots, as being less than fierce. I just tell her she should try being a Poet or a Hot Dog. Shuts her right up. PJ
I remember my Uncle Estill Rule (Washington Barber Shop) telling about Buckwheat at the South Side Cigar Store. He said Buckwheat used to take raw hamburger put it under his arm and squish it flat against his body to make it flat so he could fry it for his customer. then he said you should see how he makes doughnuts!
So many fond memories, probably too many to name a hands down "favorite." Eating at the Georgie Porgie Drive-In would rank near the top. And I do have a distinct memory of being in Howard Hall with someone -a tall, dark haired fellow who shall remain nameless- who jumped in a staircase and hit his head, causing it to bleed profusley. Not a "favorite" memory, but let's see if that one jogs any memories out of anyone.
So many fond memories, probably too many to name a hands down "favorite." Eating at the Georgie Porgie Drive-In would rank near the top. And I do have a distinct memory of being in Howard Hall with someone -a tall, dark haired fellow who shall remain nameless- who jumped in a staircase and hit his head, causing it to bleed profusley. Not a "favorite" memory, but let's see if that one jogs any memories out of anyone.
That memory was pounded into my head and I haven't been right since then. Can't believe you still remember that day. As I recall this was the beginning of our 7th grade. Me, you and Benny Smith registered for school and went over to check out Howard Hall. Benny made the jump successfully down the stairs and I thought I could also. I just forgot to calculate my height when doing so. Concrete is hard! I remember you guys taken me to the nurses office. She still had the cabinets taped shut from the summer vacation. She said I was the first casualty of the school year.
How about the time we blew a fuse in Mrs. Horner's third grade class at Woodside while working on a clock?
Great to hear from you too, Steve. And I do still recall that day in Mrs Horner's class! I gained an enormous respect for electricity that day (I can still "see" in my mind the sparks!!).
I am so glad you began this forum. Thanks for your commitment to it. Please do let me know if I may be of any assistance. Warmest regards, -RS
To me, the experiences of my youth with my friends are really what matters most, as my friends and their families enabled me to have a great childhood. Bob & Dot Sanders, Marvin & Dorothy Coffman, Lloyd & Hanna Greeno, they were all like second parents, add Rhetta (Nanny) Pickering, and I'd say it doesn't get any better. All the kids hung at my house, as I was raised by my Grandparents as an only child, so mom & dad (John & Irma Hulett) opened our house to all, and in doing so really set a sound foundation for growing up in the late '50's, early '60's. They made movies about kids like us, Stand By Me really hit home, as Darryl & Robert Sanders, Tom Coffman, Bill Bozworth, Steve Donoho, Danny Randolph, Bill Fair, Bob Greeno, and me, Dick Wallsmith hung out everyday & even though now we barely see each other, there's still a bond of brotherhood between us all. I often tell people that aren't from Frankfort that growing up here was the best thing I could've done. I got a good education in school, and in life too, from the best friends anyone could ask for! All the social changes of the '60's were easier to adjust to with the people I've named above, and even though some of us took different paths through those times, we all came together in the end, as the '70's dawned we were young men with great expectations for our futures, and I will say we all have done fine.
You know Steve, I remember when you were born, and knowing how Bob was so happy to have a baby brother, wow, look at you now! Thanks for this wonderful window to our past! One last thing, I have to mention one other character that will always make me smile, and it's Iro (sp?) Greeno. A man with a story for every occasion, and a smile too!
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Darryl & Robert, Tom, Bill, Danny, Steve, Bob & Dick ... Stand By Me!
My fondest memories of Franfort are the A&W Rootbeer stand North Frankfort in the 50's.Roxy theater Sat.matinee'.Swimming at the TPA park all summer free!Band with Adrian Long(music,band teacher).Watching a Big Broadcast at Howard Hall.Watching 4th of July fireworks on the roof of my house across the street from the fairgrounds.Getting into the fairgrounds free to ride the rides.(crawled under the fence on the west side).Going to the "dime"stores on Sat.to spend my allowance money($1.00).Taking my lunch hour in 8th grade at the Moose lodge near Coulter Hotel.A bowel of soup,crackers,and a glass of water.$.50 cents.Walking home from Kyger School in the winter by way of frozen Prairie Creek.If Mom&Dad ever found out they would have killed me!I miss being chased home by Bob Lane but don't miss being beat up!
BillStoops--Estill Rule's sister Gladys(Rule) Clidence was my Aunt.A real nice lady.She and her Husband(Lloyd)liked to fish in Minnisota quite a bit.Estill own the barber shop on E.Washington St.?He cut my hair a few times when I was a kid also a very nice person.Good to make the connection!
Going to the Clinton Co.fair every year.We would get in free by crawling under the fence on the west side nxt to S.Jackson St.Also watching the 4th fireworks from the porch roof at our house at 1652 S.Jackson
I thought I was the only one who snuck in the fair that way! Another trick was to wait until they turned out the lights for the national anthem at Stout Field and climb the fence..;)
YeahChris ,Frankfort was a swell town of the 50,s.It was a good place to go up as a kid.Things now aren't what they used to be.At the Tpa park they used to have what we called the park matron,one of them reminded me of Ma Kettle of the movies.I was afraid of her!She sure looked mean to a 4or5yr.old but she seemed to keep order in the park by chasing of the bullies and trouble makers away.
Okay, I thought I made up the park matron in my memories, some kind of scary lady that always yelled when we were having fun...Ma Kettle she was, but I remember her into the early 60's. Haven't thought about her in decades! PJ
Remember the skating rink out at the north end of TPA park.Good times there,eh?I collect 40's music on CD and out of pure curiousity(sp) I bought one of Fats Waller playing the organ.It sounded just like the organ music they played at the rink back in the 50's.Can anybody help me here?Was the music on LP or did they have an organ in house?And was it Fats Waller on LP.Also,anybody older than I(63)out there that worked at the skating rink and can remember their experiences at the rink?What's in the building there now?
