Hi folks,

Most readers of Homefolks U.S.A are middle age or older, so my story this week should be remembered by everyone. 

I wonder how many remember when Highway 43 was a single lane. When the Frosty Inn was first built and root beer was served in a frosty mug. When the Hill Crest Drive Inn was the fun place to visit. 

The Franklin County Hospital was a state-of-the-art hospital. The Betty Wilson Hospital was located downtown, and Dr. Wilson and Dr. Underwood were the two doctors who cared for most all the patients. 

Kent’s Café with Lottie and Olan was serving the best chili, beef stew and hot dogs ever. Flemings Drive Inn was located on Jackson Avenue, serving the best hamburger steak and Brunswick stew that money could buy. 

Mae Streit gathered news for The Franklin County Times. A small concession stand was located inside the Franklin County Courthouse. Mr. Gault operated the Roxy Theater, and Mrs. Hovater was the lady who sold tickets for the theater. 

A lot of young people would borrow a car from Hayes Malone, who owned the Oldsmobile dealership, to take their driver’s test; I failed my first two attempts. 

Three large clothing stores were located downtown: Watson’s, James Department Store and Clark’s. Delmer Hale had a grocery store downtown, and there was also Evan Grocery. 

Western Auto owned by Frank Osborn was located on Jackson Avenue. A&P Grocery was located on Jackson Avenue, too, and Mr. Charlie Byrd was probably the manager. 

Remember when the monument of Andrew Jackson was located in the center of Jackson Avenue? 

For really good food, you could eat at the Iron Gate Restaurant on Jackson Avenue. For your furniture selections, you could visit  Russellville Furniture Company and Mr. O.B. Jackson, McCutcheon Furniture and Mr. Tommy McCutcheon or Barclift Furniture Company with Friendly Bill Barclift. 

For a game of pool you could visit Gary’s Pool Room, and just down the street, you could grab a hamburger from Kirkendall Café – later Kinard’s Café. 

Many telephone booths were located downtown. Parking meters were located downtown, and I remember seeing Mr. Son Weatherford checking the meters, trying to find a “sleeper.”

Remember any of these? If so, you have a few years under your belt.

Till next time,

Your friend, 

Bobby