I have been trying to come up with an idea that will allow me to pass on memories, including those of former and present businesses, about the small area known as Edgewood. My family lived on Madison Avenue during my first 10 years of school. Our house is now the Long Acre Bar & Grill. My sister, Kathy, and I attended Edgewood Grade School.
My first newspaper route covered part of the area. I have so many memories of the drug store that was at Epler and Madison avenues. Mrs. Hurrle operated that soda fountain, and her grandson, David, was often there with her. Several of us paperboys would slide onto a stool and enjoy a treat before starting our afternoon routes.
During my junior high years my dad opened his Sunoco service station on Madison. I began working there the day it opened.
The idea is beginning to take shape, especially since I have been doing some research. I have cast my idea out to people who might have an interest in it.
Last week I met with a couple of guys who are well-known in the Edgewood area. Steve Harnedy worked hard several years ago trying to stop the demolition of Edgewood School. We are all sorry that the main building on the property was destroyed, but it is wonderful that the James Whitcomb Riley building is once again a school.
Ted Lobdell joined Steve and me at Kim’s Kakery, Bakery & Cafe, which is at the corner of Epler and Madison. Ted has coordinated some amazing Edgewood School reunions. While we were there a friend of Steve’s, Mark Alvis, stopped in to see him. Mark told me that years ago I drove his school bus to Edgewood School. He lived in Rosedale Hills at the time.
This is the second time in recent years that I have reconnected with a rider on my Rosedale Hills/Edgewood route. Kathleen Hash and I connected on Facebook, and I have visited with her at a couple of the reunions.
I have also talked with Donise Kautsky-White, whose family owned Kautsky’s Grocery Store at Epler and Madison.
One of my favorite Edgewood School memories is of Principal Paul L. “Pete” Bailey. Years ago my sister and I stopped to visit him at his home. After a nice visit he went out to his garage and returned with a gift for Kathy and myself. He had carved ducks from old bleacher seats that used to be at Southport High School’s football field.
I’m having a blast helping to put this project together. Stay tuned.