From Eric Huffstutler (Bethel HS - '75) of VA - 06/06/09 - Memories":

In response to   Lucy Southall Propst's ('63 - of VA) walk down memory lane, it sure was fun.  Though I am a youngster around here, I do remember many of the things she is recalling.  Though my childhood memories are mostly lost in a dense fog, I do  have a few that do emerge every now and then.

I have fond memories of   the Christmas lights across Washington Avenue.  And the parades to usher in Santa Claus who came in through the C&O train dock station.  I remember watching the newspapers to watch for the schedule advertised for his arrival and the short trip you could take to see him waving at you from a caboose on a spur track.  The train only went up the track a mile or so and then reversed but for a child it seemed like a cross country trip.  I also remember mother getting her 4 inch stiletto heel stuck between the planks at the dock and we almost didn't make the train!  The days of decorating streets and the hoopla associated with it are pretty much a thing of the past due to Political Correctness.

When I clicked on the photo it took me to other downtown sights and I also remember the days when animated lighted and neon signs were everywhere. 

I saw one that showed the coffee pot pouring into a cup (was the restaurant called The Coffee Pot?)

I enjoyed reading the familiar Typhoon names associated with their neighborhoods. North End was mine. The Riverside Apartments were better known as Shipyard Apartments, by location. They were built in 1918-19, and consisted of 4 identical buildings, each 4 stories tall. They each had 2 stores and 84 apartments, 1-3 bedrooms. They faced Washington Avenue, and offered a great view of the James River Bridge lights, and river sunsets. Mr. Byrd and Mr. Holloway had small markets, with hand scooped ice cream cones for only 5 cents. There was also a beauty salon. The greatest advantage was all the children available, so we did not go far from home. Halloween was fun. We filled a paper grocery bag at just one building, but usually got another bag, and another for the other buildings. Fall meant roller skating season to us. I wore a dog tag and a skate key for weeks in the Jackson School days. Just across the street was a sidewalk about 15 blocks long to skate on.  

Navy Seal clip art courtesy of http://www.onemileup.com/miniSeals.asp - 05/29/06