Living in the Past, Springfield Style, Part II

A good portion of my first post was spent walking through memories of the Professional Building. During the youth of my life, I spent much of my time there, and I enjoyed it so much. People aren’t always the nicest to kids, but I got lucky – they were to me.

Anyone remember Knight’s Coins & Stamps on South Street? It’s where the camera shop is now. Bill Knight was the owner, a bigger man with glasses, slicked back hair and a booming voice. Always had a fun time in that store because he just had so much stuff that was so interesting!

Still can’t remember the name of that restaurant in the Plaza Towers. That’s going to vex what good brain cells I’ve got left.

Just across the street from that in the Plaza Shopping center was Freeman’s Men’s Wear. Dad always went there to get his suits, ties, and cologne. I think everyone was shocked when Jim Freeman decided to shut the doors almost 10 years ago. I still see him from time to time, and it brings back the memories of how that shop smelled and looked.

Ok, here’s a big one for me. Let me qualify this with the statement that I am physically in shape. Round, good friends, is a shape! *laughs* Ok. Calvert’s Cafeteria used to be at the corner of Chestnut and Kimbrough streets, where Municipal Court is. They used to have this wonderful Fruit Cocktail cake that was out of this world! That was the best treat when I was young. Smothered in Cool Whip or served up plain, I loved it. If anyone runs across the recipe for that – pass it along if you don’t mind.

Back on the square, the Fox Theatre occupied the space where the evangelical church is now. Its ticket booth is still preserved outside. Last movie I saw there was the original “Herbie” flick.

I never have liked Pizza House on Glenstone. I got sick there once as a kid and had to run to the john so I could call “Ralph” on the big white phone. Lots of people swear by it and it’s goodness. Thank you; go eat your pizza I’ll just have a PB&J.

Godfather’s Pizza used to be in the Southern Hill’s Shopping Center where Clary’s is now. Always a great atmosphere and pizza too. Mom still has a glass pitcher from Coke that you could buy from there for “endless drinks.”

Wow…I ALMOST forgot about Shakey’s Pizza! You can’t miss the old location – there on Glenstone, which was until just recently, the home to the Pink Cadillac Strip Club. There was always this good smell that came from Shakey’s – when it was Shakey’s of course. I guess there are still a few left around the country. By far, that was the coolest place around to have a birthday party.

Three pizza places in a row…no wonder I’m fat! Let me switch gears here…

Some wonderful nightspots have gone into the cobwebs of my memory as well, including:

The Shady Inn – Bass Pro finally turned that into a parking lot, save for the great tree that had been the signature of the establishment. I was very sad…partied my butt off in the piano bar and feasted on Prime Rib (their specialty) before going across the pond to England in December, 2001. When I came home, the Shady was no more.

Culley’s – A great spot to go downtown to drink piss warm beer and listen to Alan Ross sing bawdy Jimmy Buffetesque style songs. Chinga te, Alan, you and Ken ruined a good thing.

Mostly, I miss my drunken days at the Yucatan Beach Club (a.k.a. The Meat Market) the most. There was one wild New Year’s Eve where I was so blasted; I couldn’t find my rear end with both hands and a road map. Across the room saw this HOT girl, and her ass was just calling my name…wanting me to come over and grab it. Within’ inches of the targeted goal, she turns, and I find out it’s the wife of my best friend! Buh…what a mood killer. Turns out, it wouldn’t have bothered her if I had gone through with it - she was lusting after our OTHER mutual friend, and that marriage died a violent death.

I think that’s enough memories for a little while. Stupid people are surrounding me with questions here at work, so I’ve got to go club them away. Think I’ll send them down the hall to one of the other bosses…