Miles remembers the El Dorado she knew
Iam reminiscing today. I am remembering the El Dorado I knew and loved while I lived there in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. Downtown was not closed to oneway traffic then – one could travel either way around its beautiful “Square.” I loved to go downtown and shop at stores which are no longer there. Such as the El Dorado House… mainly thought of as the upscale store for special purchases and Samples, a two-story store on the corner across from the bank.
I also shopped at The New York Store, bought my maternity needs at Gathwrights, and bought a dress to chaperone the senior prom at The Rollow Store. The Treasure House, with all its offerings, was the source of many of my wedding presents. There was West’s on the north corner and on the other side was McCrory’s, with its lunch counter.
This same block housed Elliott’s Jewelers and Cliff’s Men’s Store and along with Dad and Lad’s, they were the places to shop for the men in your life. Next to it was a drugstore that served limeades; there were other drugstores scattered around and many other familiar places on the square whose names I am failing to mention.
I miss my old high school where I taught during these years. Actually, it was then known as the “new” high school–located out west on Timberlane Drive. I LOVED this school. It was laid out almost like a college campus with its different subject schools located around outside courtyards. It also featured a gorgeous arboretum that delighted us with its beauty year round.
Now, at the Class of ‘69 reunion, I was able to take a tour of the NEW high school. My! What innovations. But, I miss the one where I taught and came to love so many students who passed through my classroom from year to year.
I miss the football stadium and Friday night games under the lights, where our Wildcats took the field with honor and the cheerleaders threw tiny white and purple footballs into the crowd. Our 3-year-old actually caught one and she still has it today. The Pep-Ettes (“Grape-Ettes”) performed their whitegloved hand jive. Pep rallies in the gym were held during home room on Friday.
Mr. Hooper was on the floor directing the Wildcat band in our Arkansas Fight Song while the cheerleaders danced with their pom-poms as each class took its places, led by teachers who sat at the end of the row taking roll. By the way, I always picture Mr. Hooper grabbing the one rocking chair in the teachers’ lounge during breaks! After the band presentation, Coach Horton and, later, Mr. Smith, took the microphone. I miss the TAC House, run as a tight ship by Mrs. Smith – the scene of so
many dances and the All Night Party.
I miss all the wonderful food I knew in the old El Dorado… way before all the new trendy restaurants opened on the square. Catfish Cove was on the Magnolia highway. The Minute Man had hot “radar” (we didn’t know about microwaves then) strawberry pies.
There was a peach stand on the Smackover Highway
that served fresh peach ice cream. The delicious pies from Townhouse Motel Restaurant. Barbecue? How about the Old Hickory (they served their beans in little crocks) and Massey’s? Mouth-watering! The Spudnut’s original location. I will never, ever taste anything as delicious as a warm spudnut.
Woody’s Grill had any type of food one wanted it was served 24 hours a day either around the “horseshoe” counter or in the side booths. Hamburgers and fried
chicken were served at the Old Fashioned. Mmmmmm!
I miss Barton Library, Carter’s Book Store and the tall blue-lighted Christmas tree that could be seen from blocks away. I miss my old neighbors on Claremont and Lilac Drives. I miss my friends from Westside Baptist and my junior high and senior high girls Sunday School classes.
I miss my teaching days. Several of us “younger” teachers would get together on weekends to eat
out – the Williams, the Ralstons, the Hughes, the Woods and us. We would go to the Holiday Inn on Friday nights for the only Mexican food in town. Remember the “steaks for two” at Mary’s Cozy Kitchen? Sometimes, we went to the Rose Haven for “Shrimp Night.” Oh, how we laughed and joked and talked.
On other occasions we met at one of our houses – usually at Jean and Bobby Williams’ for outdoor grilling or out at the cabin for potluck. Later, we would push
back the furniture in the living room and dance. “BobbyBaby,” remember how I always wanted to dance with you to “The Horse” by Chris Nobles ??
I remember a cold night when we four couples stood in line for an hour (it seemed) in front of the Rialto to see the latest James Bond movie. I still enjoy visiting El Dorado today. BUT, I admit I miss the “old town.”
As I sit here writing and reminiscing, different lyrics cross my mind. Ray Price sang
of the “Good Times.” Elvis sang, “Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind… quiet nights and gentle days” of a simpler and happier time. But, like Jim Croce sang, one can’t “save time in a bottle.” If I could, I would… Old El Dorado with its places and people would be captured and held with love.
Brenda Miles is an award-winning columnist and author who lives in Host Springs Village. She responds to all e-mail at brenstar@att.net.