Memories Cure The Heart

Thinking of Things In The Past.
When you think of things in the past, it gives you a boost of adrenalin.  It makes you remember what it was like and how it felt.  One of those long ago memories was the Springfield Speedway.  My dad loved that Speedway and fast cars.  Each Sunday night, we would make the trek to the speedway to watch those midgets or fender benders go round and round the track.  Dirt would fly up and over the protection fence and get in our hair.  Then, all at once, a car would come straight at us, hitting the fence and the wall right in front of us.  I grew to love those old races just like my dad did.  We didn't care that we had to go to school the next morning and would be dead tired because we got home late.  I always took a nap on Sunday afternoon so I could build up my sleep, or so I thought.  We weren't the only Greenview people there.....Harold Wilhelm, Sonny Deckard, and Bud Deckard are the ones I remember being there each night of racing.

The Speedway was a legend and drew crowds each night.  Even a young Jeff Gordon, the famous NASCAR driver drove on this track.  It was built in 1947 and lasted through 1988.  Joe Shaheen was the owner and when he died, the Speedway closed shortly thereafter.  It was sold and demolished to make room for a bank, a drug store, a coffee shop, a strip mall and a McDonalds.  Many people were saddened when it was torn down....but progress must be made I suppose.  But I still have my memories.

There are also fond memories of other things.  Do any of you remember when Arthur Murray Dance Studios, came to Greenview to give us kids dance lessons.  These lessons were in the old grade school gymnasium.  I remember all of us whirling and twirling and dancing the elegant ballroom dances.  I don't remember what year in the 1960's nor do I remember the cost.  I also remember taking ballet and gymnastic lessons from a dance school instructor,  who came from Springfield to give lessons at the old building where the CIA building now stands.  I think her name was Leticia Hoffman.

Then there was the shopping we went to do in Springfield downtown area because there were no malls or strip malls back then.  It was fun to go to Westenbergers. Myers Bros, Kresge's, Woolworth's (and eat the pie at the food counter), Rolands, Coe's, Allen's Shoes, S. A. Barkers, B. Z. Bakery, The Platter,  etc.  I think the stores were open late on Thursday evening....anyone remember this?? 

5th and Adams looking west....Kresge's

Adams between 5th and 6th

B Z Bakery, The Platter, Leath Furniture, Kresge's

6th and Adams - S.A. Barker

There are the ads too that I like to remember.  Being the history buff that I am, I save newspapers, but only for legendary type days.  I even have the newspaper for the moon walk.  Not long ago, we were reminiscing over the prices of yesteryear.  Wow some were so cheap!!

Ben Franklin ad 1970's

I loved to shop in Mason City at Ben Franklin

1961 ad

Look at those prices for a new car.

1960's ad

I remember a few of those cars in Greenview.

Luers Shoes

The memory stroll has been fun and we'll do it again in the near future, but today calls.  It's time to live in today's world and let the door shut on the precious memories of the olden days.  A time we will remember forever.

Note:  Some of the pictures you can click on to get a bigger view....some you can't.

Recipe

I always loved the Orange Julias at the mall.  When someone gave me a recipe, I jumped for joy.  It's not exactly the same, but close. At one time someone gave me a recipe with eggs and it was terrible!! I love to make these on Sunday morning.  And if you want to be brave you can add 1/2 of a banana, but I like them better without.  These definitely put a smile on your face!

Orange Julias

6 oz. can frozen orange juice

1 cup milk - can use low fat

1 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

6-8 ice cubes

Put the orange juice, milk, water, sugar and vanilla in a blender....then add the ice cubes one at a time until smooth.

Thought For The Day

Never Complain

And Never Explain

--Benjamin Disraeli

One time someone asked me if I invented a time machine, what era would I want to go.  I thought and thought about that before I answered.  Then it came to me.....the days of Al Capone.  He was a cool guy always running around getting shot at, robbing banks and gambling. 

 He bought his many women diamonds and furs and I could just see myself draped in a huge old mink coat, with big diamonds on my fingers, and in my ears, and huge diamond and emerald rings on my fingers.  I know I wouldn't have rode around with dear old Al in his car for fear of having to dodge bullets, but going out to eat and just having a fun old time wouldn't have been half bad.  Supposedly Al was worth about a hundred million back then.  Since he was in prison for seven or eight years for tax evasion, I could have had a grand old time in Chicago spending his money while he was locked up.  I would have had to be careful every step of the way, but I am a daredevil of sorts.  The Chicago crime world sure prospered with Al Capone at the helm.

Perhaps I would have even got to meet Bugsy Seigel, the Las Vegas crime lord.    But it's time to come back to reality.  From my dream of riches to my rags, as I sit here in my frog adorned pajamas, with my hair uncombed, and with one light on in order to save electricity.  See you another day Al Capone.

Every Farmer's Dream Chicken

Lots of Meals from this big one!

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