01-24-19 Tri-City Area History Page

Fabulous Florida food …And the places where we ate it. There are so many to choose from. You could pick a different restaurant every day in the Bikini State and never repeat yourself in a year! We never had that much time, but we tried. In fact, a friend once said, “With all the eateries you talk about, it’s a wonder you don’t bust your britches!” Well we have come close. I don’t claim to be a gourmet (a friend said a gourmet is a glutton in a tuxedo), but when we get to Florida one of my first very favorite meals is crispy fried grouper sandwich, fries and coleslaw. And that is only the beginning! We found a nice eatery on the south side of Fort Myers called Sweet Tomatoes. Enter the place and there are two long lines of salad bars. Nothing wrong with pushing two trays along as you go down either one. It ends at cash registers where you pay for your meal, everybody one price. After that find a table and stake out your claim. Now you go for the rest of your food… homemade chicken soup, chili, pizza, rolls, pasta salad, to take back. Notice also for future reference there is an ice cream bar, soft serve, and all the toppings. At this point you probably will be loaded with all you can eat and maybe more! Our Aunt Hope wintered in Florida, and we always made it a point to visit her. She showed us more eating places. She was particularly anxious for us to try a certain one. I knew there must be something unusual about it. The place was huge, circular, with a large salad bar in the center, and was called “Pete Reynard’s”. It was located in the St. Pete area but is probably not there anymore. We picked out a table and off to the salad bar. Lots to sample, then the kids, Aunt Hope, Marion and I, all with full plates, turned to go to our table… it was gone!!! The whole thing was on a turn table, and our spot had slid around so it was off to the right. Of course Aunt Hope got a big kick out of it. And the food was very good. Another restaurant we tried with her was Guy Lombardo’s Port o’ Call. This was a really tony place. It was owned by Guy Lombardo & his royal Canadians… a big band for special occasions. He came to Crystal Palace for New Year’s Eve in the past. The food, of course, was excellent, but unfortunately Guy was not in residence at the time. But the coute le vec of eateries in that area was a place called The Kapok Tree Inn. Now closed, it was magnificent. We had to have a reservation, and when we arrived I could see it was going to be something special. The grounds were landscaped with marble statues, and a formal dressed maître d’ led us to our table. White linen, glistening silverware, crystal chandeliers; and the diners were all well-dressed. I was glad we knew ahead of time, so we looked presentable. Our youngest, Laurie, was a teenager and had gotten a bee sting at the campground. She leaned over to me and said, “Dad, I just don’t feel the best.” Our server was taking drink orders, so I ordered one of those tall fruity mixed drinks. It came with a little parasol stuck in the top. Now I hope the statute of limitations has kicked in, because Laurie had not reached legal age. I slid the magnificent looking drink over in front of her and said, “Here, try this and see if it helps.” After a few minutes she whispered to me again that she was feeling better! That was a magnificent place. In the men’s and ladies, the sinks were huge sea shells. After dinner we toured the grounds. Admittedly I have never seen any restaurant quite like it. And the food was marvelous too. Too bad it is no longer there, because it would be a must-see place! Over the years good restaurants come and go. Many of our favorites have been in the St. Petersburg area. That city is also known for its green benches. Green benches? You would find them at any bus stop. It was supposed to be a place where retired gentlemen could rest and find single retired ladies of a like mind. Often friendships would thus flourish! There was a story of one such encounter… he was wealthy and widowed. She was attractive and single. And they hit it off famously. Romance flourished to the point of discussion of marriage. She said she had enough of living from hand to mouth and wanted a real home. He offered to buy her one if she would marry him. She said home first, then the wedding. They found a beautiful château. She loved it, so he bought it and paid cash. Next day he came to collect her and go to City Hall. She didn’t answer the doorbell, and the manager of the condo said, “Oh, you mean the real estate lady who lived here? She moved out last night and left no forwarding address!!!!!” True story? I have no idea… but it does illustrate a point. P.T. Barnum said there is a sucker born every minute, I say it just shows surprising things come in attractive packages. Even sometimes as we are weaving golden threads into the great tapestry of life in the storybook towns wherever we vacation!

Byers School 1909North Berrien Historical Museum is always interested in photos, stories or information sharing. The museum can be contacted at 269-468-3330 or by email to info@northberrienhistory.org. From the photo collection at the North Berrien Historical Museum 300 Coloma Avenue, Coloma

Coloma Library News Pajama Storytime On Thursday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. the Coloma Public Library will host a pajama time story hour for families. Join Miss Ellen for a craft, story and activities. Kids (and their caregivers!) are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas and to bring their favorite stuffed friend. Registration is requested for this event. Call 468-3431 to register or if you have any questions. Read with Spirit Spirit, a certified therapy dog will be at the library on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Children may sign up for a 15-minute slot by stopping in at the front desk or calling the library at 468-3431. Reading to therapy dogs is a fun way for children to build reading confidence and fluency. Book Club The Coloma Library Book Club is meeting on Thursday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. The title to read before the discussion is “Everything Here is Beautiful” by Mira T. Lee. Generally, depending on demand there are titles available for check-out at the front desk. The book club is always looking for new members. Stop into the library or call 468-3431 for more information.

Watervliet District Library News Adult Reading Program Three prize levels; 5 books per level. First place: Fuzzy Socks; 2nd: Mug & Cocoa; 3rd: Eye Mask; Grand Prize: $50 Gift Card to Oasis Hot Tubs. Program ends Feb. 23. Beginning Genealogy Jan. 24, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Ever wonder about ancestors’ lives or if family lore about Great Uncle George is really true? Here’s the place to get started! Join long-time genealogy & local history enthusiast Carole Kiernan, as she guides participants through the basics of family research. Refreshments will be served. Pinteresting Jan. 28, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Arts & crafts for grown-ups held the last Monday of the month. This month: Arm-knit scarf. Story Hours Wed. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. & Thurs. 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Picture books, crafts and fun designed to inspire the love of reading for ages 3 – 5. Book a Social Work Intern Thanks to an LSTA grant through the Niles Library, Watervliet Library will have a shared intern on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Need help with on-line applications, unemployment or housing? She can help with questions or problems. Call 463-6382 with questions on any Watervliet Library activity.

NEWS FROM THE COLOMA COURIER

100 years ago – 1919 The Courier proposes erecting a suitable memorial for the hundred or more boys that took an active part in the great war. This publisher thinks a “Community Memorial Building” is a fitting tribute to our boys. Henry Mast has decided to quit farming. A public auction sale at the Christian Becht farm, south and west of Coloma, will be held. The Coloma Theatre – Jewel Carman in “Fallen Angel,” a Fox feature. Admission 15 cents. 60 years ago – 1959 Sandra Babcock, high school senior, was named “Homemaker of Tomorrow.” She scored highest on the test prepared by General Mills. It is advised to cease driving vehicles over frozen lakes. The moving vehicle produces a traveling wave of ice. Peter DeGroot received a loving cup from the Knights of Columbus. Chairman Charles Harrell made the presentation. Mr. DeGroot was born in Holland, Netherlands. 30 years ago – 1989 The annual Miss Coloma Queens Fashion Show will be held at the high school auditorium. Fashions come from Piwacki, J.I. Forester and Honeybee. Tickets are $2.00. 1988 Miss Coloma, Kristina Nord will be a featured model along with all thirty queen candidates. The formal signing of Partnerships for Education agreement took place between Coloma Community Schools and Menasha Corporation. Those signing were: Jean Chandler, BOE President; Clifford Tallman, Superintendent; Gordon Noack, Administrative Manager and Jim Hale, General Manager of Menasha. Over 125 dancers from the Vi Shafer School of the Dance studios will take part in a dance-a-thon. The money will go toward a European trip. The Coloma Comet wrestlers continue their winning streak. They defeated River Valley, 46-23 and Berrien Springs, 49-24. Submitted by volunteer Sandi Musick Munchow at Coloma Public Library from the Coloma Courier newspapers donated by the Tri-City Record. Hours: Mon & Fri, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tue, Wed & Thu, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Sat, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Phone: 269-468-3431

NEWS FROM THE HARTFORD DAY SPRING

100 years ago – 1919 Miss Hattie Kingman of the Hartford House gave a birthday dinner Sunday evening in honor of Mrs. Roy Hinckley. E.M. Johns is the first to report the presence of a robin, having discovered the feathered harbinger of spring singing merrily in a tree at his residence on Maple Street. Hammers and oysters were enjoyably blended by the stockholders of the Hartford Fruit Growers’ and Farmers’ Exchange when they met and laid the second floor in the new addition to their packing house in the northwest part of the village. C.J. Floate served the par-excellence of oysters. 75 years ago – 1943 The Hartford Garden Club held its first meeting of the year at the home of Mrs. Warren Clark with Mrs. Dorothea Day presiding. Mrs. Belle Mortimer read a very interesting paper on “Trees and Flowers of the Bible”. Mrs. Ethel Weed sang the song “Trees”. Miss Mildred Smith read from an old book entitled, “Hunting Adventures in the North Woods”. At the close of the program the new president of the club, Mrs. Amanda Bowman was inducted into office. The Southwest Hartford Thursday Club met at the home of Jennie Carmody. The subject for discussion was “Our Islands”. Two illustrated papers were given: Hawaiian Islands, by Ruth McCray and “Philippine Islands” by Ella Conklin. 50 years ago – 1969 Ronald Wilcoxson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilcoxson, escaped injury in the explosion and fire on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise on which he is serving in the navy. Wilcoxson called his parents last week from Pearl Harbor to assure then that he was safe. The Van Buren County Saddle Club will hold its annual horse show at the club show grounds two miles west of Hartford on Red Arrow Highway. According to Miss Elinor Muhlbradt, the program of 30 events will include halter classes for registered and non-registered horses and a variety of performance classes. Submitted by Librarian Stephanie Daniels at Hartford Public Library from microfilm copies of the Hartford Day Spring. Hours: Mon, Tue & Wed, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thu & Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: 269-621-3408

NEWS FROM THE WATERVLIET RECORD

90 years ago – 1929 A surprise party was given at the home of Mr. A. Sonnenberg, the occasion being his 70th birthday. The children presented their father with a purse containing 70 dollars in gold. Frank C. Smith of Smith Ice Cream expects to complete the work of filling their ice house at Forest Beach. He has 600 tons of excellent quality 11-inch ice stored for use next summer. Manager C.E. Jordan of the Paramount Theatre, Watervliet, announces a special attraction: Jimmie Culvey and his Hawaiian Troubadours, entertainers from stations KYW, WLS, WSBC and WJKS. 60 years ago – 1959 Senior honor students elected Kay Hupp to be their class speaker at the 1959 Commencement Exercises. They also chose James Ishmael to give the class greeting and Dale Emerson, the class response. Rev. Horace B. Loomis of the First Congregational Church has been named the 1959 Commencement speaker. The Invocation and Benediction will be given by Rev. Peter Kobe. Announcement has been made by the Watervliet Paper Company that Glynda Carolene Sanders, Dale Malcolm Emerson, and James Ray Ishmael all of Watervliet, have just been awarded college scholarships for the 1959-60 school year. The Watervliet Public Library opened its door in its new quarters on South Main Street on May 15, 1959. The move has been made possible through the efforts of many people who gave their time, labor and money. Mrs. Roger Spencer, Librarian, Mrs. Lawrence Strouse and others have been working all week. 30 years ago – 1989 The new Miss Watervliet for 1989 is Shannon Dorstewitz, a senior at Lake Michigan Catholic High School. She is enrolled in honor classes and plans on attending Arizona State University or the University of Miami to study zoology or marine biology. Judy Matthews, Director of Environmental Services, Community Hospital, was granted membership to the National Executive Housekeepers Assoc. on Jan. 5, 1989. Matthews has fulfilled her formal education requirements in social sciences, departmental organization, budgets, records and purchasing, personnel management, communication, basic interior design and environmental sanitation. Submitted by Sally Q. Gonzalez from files at Watervliet District Library of the Watervliet Record newspapers donated by the Tri-City Record. Hours: Mon & Wed, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tue, Thu & Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Phone: 269-463-6382