To the editor:
I was born in McLeansboro, but moved away when I was in the third grade. For the first three of my school years, I attended Anderson School.
I returned and attended McLeansboro High School for my junior and senior years, graduating in 1958. I attended my 50-year reunion in 2008 and saw a lot of “old” friends that I had not seen since graduation.
I don’t remember a lot of earlier years, but as we always came back to visit family, I would see changes in my “hometown.” There was Dr. Vickers’ hospital from way-early childhood; the skating rink near where Fred’s is today; two — yes, two — theaters on the square, the Lasswells’ on the east side and one on the north side of the square. Even had a drive-in (”passion pit”) in the 1950s and ’60s.
There was a drive-in diner where Fred’s is that always played “Hound Dog” and “Heartbreak Hotel” on the outside speakers — two of my favorites.
As a teen, I spent every Friday night at Teen Town that was held at the Elks or on the south side of the square. There were no stoplights then, so you could drive around till you got dizzy or found anyone you might be looking for.
After high school, I worked at the telephone office, which was located upstairs over Lockwood Drugs. It was at the back of the building overlooking the alley and Donelson Funeral Home; a scary place to be by yourself on the night shift.
The only way to reach the police or fire department was with a buzzer that we set off that alerted them if they were away from the phone. No two-way radios or cell phones back then. That required that you did not sleep on the job.
Glenda (Cluck) Holeman
Kalkaska, Mich.
Opinion
Letter: Woman recalls her teenage years in McLeansboro
- Opinion
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Justice requires retrial of Blagojevich
As the trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich enters a new chapter, I am struck by the claim that a retrial would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and the government’s resources.
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Letter: Maybe everyone has a little bit of ‘Blago’ in them
To the editor:
I wish to offer my congratulations to disgraced former Illinois Gov. Milorad “Rod” Blagojevich for mostly “beating the rap” in his recent trial. -
Letter: Join the Komen team to help fight cancer
To the editor:
As Fairfield Memorial Hospital and others begin fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, I would like to share some of my own personal experiences as to why this race is so important for this and other surrounding communities. -
Letter: Clear road in Dale area was a welcome sight
To the editor:
I want to express my appreciation to Twigg Township and especially to Randy Price for a job well done. -
Letter: Reunion trip brought back fond memories
To the editor,
I drove from Tennessee to McLeansboro to attend my 45th class reunion. The images along the way brought memories of my days growing up in this terrific small town with talented, hard-working and caring classmates. -
Supporting our nation’s veterans
Last week, we celebrated Independence Day, our nation's 234th birthday.
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Wasted oil? Look at plastic bottles
As I’ve remarked so many times, McLeansboro is a town possessing some beautiful homes and buildings; our McCoy Library and the old Peoples National Bank building would be the envy of any community.
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Cuts in new state budget significant
As the end of the fiscal year came to a close last week, the governor signed the new Illinois state budget into law.
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Letter: Policy issues are hurting kids
To the editor:
Mr. Mitchell, in reference to your answer in the Times-Leader (“Ham. Co. Schools to change policy,” Page 1A, June 10), you still just don’t get it. I thought you, as an administrator, would at least have a clue as to the facts at hand. -
Letter: McLeansboro 1958 frozen in time for former resident
To the editor:
Growing up in McLeansboro during the 1940s and ’50s imprinted upon me the value of friends and keeping alive the memories of times and places now a part of McLeansboro’s history. - More Opinion Headlines
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Justice requires retrial of Blagojevich
