Franklinton

The little market across from Bellows was owned by Mrs. Hill, an elderly widow.  Sadly , in the late fifties or early sixties, her store was robbed and they shot and killed her.  I remember my grandmother sending me the newspaper article.  She was a tough old bird, and I am sure she gave them a piece of her mind before she went down.  God bless her soul.  My sister and I used to collect soda bottles and turn them in for money so we could buy penny candy.  Mrs. Hill had the best candy case ever.  She was always very nice to us.

What years did your brothers and sisters attend Bellows?  I think I am about 4 years older than you (based on your graduation date from high school).  I have an older brother and sister.

I remember learning to play the piano at Sunshine Community Center.  We learned the keys and cords on a piece of cardboard.  Never touched a real piano until I was married and in my early twenties.  Don't remember swimming there, but did go sledding down the hills during the winter months.  I think my sister and I used to go downtown to the YWCA to go swimming.  We would spend our bus fare on candy and then walk home.

My friend Dena lived on Sullivant behind the cleaners and a nice two-story house with a big playroom upstairs.  We used to play "dress-up" and stand out in front of the clearners at the bus stop, and when the bus would pull over to pick us up we would scream and run into the side of her house.  It was fun until the bus driver made his second round and then stopped pulling over.  All fond memories.

Jo Ann

 I am a new member.  I don't live in Columbus any longer....moved when I was 8 years old to California.  I will never forget my young life there on my grandmother's farm and my other grandmother on Grubb Street.  I loved the summer carnival.  My house was directly across the street.  David Davies was our "entertainment" .....I am such an animal lover, I can't believe I went there and actually watched them slaughter the animals and listened to their screams!  We played outside every day and night.  I think my parents used to lock us out of the house, so we were out from daybreak to maybe 9:00 in the evening.  One time my cousins and I caught our garage on fire playing with matches.  We didn't own a car, so it wasn't that big of a deal, but it was scary.  I pounded on the door to alert my parents (to no avail)....at least my grandmother was responsible.  I really don't  remember why I was locked out of the house (probably a pain in the a....).  Can you imagine doing that in this day and age?  I could write a book about my life in Columbus.  I am a published author now, but only in a book about my first horse and riding experience at the age of 55.