My memory lane in the 1940s and 50s takes me to Moberly’s corner of Williams and Coates Streets, the intersection surrounded by the old U.S. Post Office with a poster in front that said “Uncle Sam Wants You,” the Southwestern Bell Building where many women worked as telephone operators, and Holman’s Laundry where my mother folded ironings for as little as fifty-five cents an hour and Blakeley’s Service Station where cars were constantly being washed and waxed. I don’t remember a time when the coffee can on Mr. Blakeley’s desk was not overflowing with coins left on the honor system by self-service purchasers of candy bars and soda pop. I think Dad always thought of Blakeley/Blakely/Blakley as a cousin but I don’t remember whether I knew just how Blakeley was related to my Gggg-aunt Hannah Hardin who married John William Blakeley, Jr. in 1812. Was the service station proprietor’s first name Alben? How was he related to other 20th Century relatives of Blakeleys? -- Ben Hardin --- Kathy Bowlin <kjbowlin@embarqmail.com> wrote: > Wow! This is fantastic. For someone who didn't > grow up in the area, this > is good stuff. Please, keep it rolling. I'm loving > hearing all of this, > including the stories. Those of you who knew some > of these shopkeepers > might be able to relate stories of that to the folks > who actually descended > from these folks. We may have our own memories of > our grandparents, but > they were from one perspective and we remember them > as family. Might be fun > to hear what other folks remember about dealing with > them as merchants or > just neighbors. Keep it coming! > > And I can't speak for the Historical Society, but if > any of you are able to > dig through some old photographs and find prints of > these businesses, I'd be > willing to bet the Historical Society would take > them. Copies if you don't > want to give up the originals. Sure wish we could > post photos on this list! > > Thanks, > Kathy Bowlin