This series of articles about downtown Saguache businesses back in the early days, probably isn’t very interesting to today’s young folks. But we who are getting a little long in the tooth enjoy trying to remember things from our past, and some of the stories we have been told. I find that if I ask enough questions eventually someone will come up with some names to help fill in the blank spaces.

The little frame building directly south of the “Crescent’ has a long history as a place to put on the feed bag. Many years ago Larry Dye operated “Larry’s Lunch” here. One of the attractions of this business was “Mr. Dog”, a trained black Pomeranian who did tricks for the customers.

By the time I was old enough to remember, Bill Kimberlin was serving hamburgers and chili at what was known as “Willy’s Chili Parlor”.  I am not sure if Bill really served the world’s, best hamburger or if what I remember is part of being a kid. Many things that I recall from the days of my youth were “bigger and better.” Possibly that is why we think. of them as the “good olde days.”

(A recent visit with Marge Gross Clare - she remembers when, George Sherman was the owner of this eating establishment before Bill Kimberlin took over). I believe this little cafe was closed, for several years after Mr. Kimberlin’s time.

Before I went into the army in the Spring of 1943, Pearl Stratton Nehls opened a short order cafe at the same location. This small eating place was always what I describe as a “hole in the wall’”.  Not very big - but real good food!

I am going to sign off for this week - suddenly I have developed a big hunger, thinking about all that food.