Well, have we learned yet to write a check without having to scratch out 2019 and insert 2020? Singing Auld Lang Syne is now a memory. By the way, just what is a “Lang Syne” and how Auld does one have to be to become one? By now, after sharing several with you recently, the remaining notes to myself that were scattered on the top of my desk have been collected into only one remaining pile, but I’m starting to accumulate a new one alongside it already.
First, though, I think it’s time to form a new social club to probably be named “ The Lewis County Old Timers’ Society.” Gaining membership will be quite simple: all you have to do is admit you can remember any one of the criteria that will be placed in this column from time to time.
I think I’ll number each item as they’re printed and we’ll see how many stack up. OK?
Here’s the first one. You can remember when Highway 99 was the main thoroughfare between Canada and California and the speed limit was 35 miles per hour during WWII. It went through the main streets in the Twin Cities, passing by Rectors, that had the best breakfasts around with real, homemade bread and real butter and huge platters of bacon as side orders.
And two, you bought a new Oldsmobile from Seip and Hanson at the corner of Locust and Main Streets, across from what was the Elks Lodge in those days.
Three, after that automotive building was torn down you ordered stuff from the Montgomery Ward location for catalog orders that took its place.
Four, you shopped in the original Montgomery Ward store when it occupied two floors filled with real merchandise across the street from the Fox Theatre.
Five, you remember when you could buy hamburger at the price of five pounds for a dollar.
And six, you once shopped at a meat market in Chehalis that sold horse meat even cheaper than that and, I’m sure, you could hardly taste the difference.
Seven, you ate lunch in the Greyhound bus terminal in Chehalis where buses would make a 20 minute stop for the “convenience” of passengers.
Eight, you went through the pain and embarrassment — or the pride — of listening to your child play the piano on the Music Teachers Program on KELA, broadcast on Saturday mornings from a large studio with a small grand piano. You probably winced when he or she played a wrong note and then went back to the beginning to start all over again.
Ten — are you still with me — you danced at Playquato Dance Hall.
Eleven, you once swam in Plummer Lake, entering the water from the beach on the west side. You drive on I-5 over that spot today.
And, finally 12, you also swam in the Chehalis River when there was still a beach sloping down into the water in what’s now known as Lintott Recreation Park.
Whew! Well, if you think of a couple, let me know and I’ll pass them on. Just remember that each one has to have a connection to Lewis County, anything in Lewis county that reminds you of something that makes you smile inside. Just send them to the email address at the end of this column and, if you want, I’ll gladly give credit for sharing a memory or two.
•••
Bill Moeller is a former entertainer, mayor, bookstore owner, city council member, paratrooper and pilot living in Centralia. He can be reached at bookmaven321@comcast.net.
