A TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE CAN BE TIME-CONSUMING

Every once in a while, I like to include a photo journey for the benefit of the many former Roystonians who enjoy a nostalgic stroll around town. For non-natives, join us, or, if you'd rather, just go have another cup of coffee.

When I go to the post office to pick up the mail around nine in the morning (a trip of about four blocks), my wife always asks if I will be home for lunch. (There is a lot of visiting to do in a small town.) Come along, and I will try to bring you up to date. Not a lot goes on around here short term, but thirty or forty years of being away makes a big difference.

The post office was completed a while back, and I happened to be here for the dedication. Burt Barnes was Mayor, if that tells you anything about how long it's been.

Our PO-lice station is new, only about four or five years old. Arrestees are not the only criminals who congregate here. The city council meets every second Tuesday.

Ed Eason's hardware store has everything....in fact, so much that the overflow spills onto the sidewalk. It has a down-home flavor that gets even better in the Spring when the tomato and pepper plants appear out front. This was first Gaines Hardware, and then the Western store before Ed moved over from the Carter Hardware building.

This was originally the old bank building. Southern Gardenia is a scrapbook and gift store. Often, on Friday nights, you can find Karen Smith and the ladies holding forth and scrapbooking, among other things. (They have munchies.)

In normal times, this place gets more business from me than I would like. Then, when the grandkids come, they have to come up for the best ice cream in town, and to take a spin on the antique stools attached to the glass-topped tables. When you come, don't miss the old, original soda fountain.

Where, but in front of Phillips Variety Store, will you find overalls and vintage ladies clothing swinging in the breeze? Upstairs, sixty years ago, Miz Clara Jones operated the telephone switchboard from her command center overlooking main street.

The newest kid on the block is Pam Campbell, who has some neat antiques. Most recently, this was a hot dog and sandwich shop. Before that, for a time, a rabbit hunters magazine occupied the space.

My favorite bench. Nelson Ballenger (in the white socks) and friend were holding our spot, but we didn't have time to stop.

Joe T's place has been around since1905. Joe T played sandlot ball with Ty Cobb. Margie Moore, Mr. Cunningham's granddaughter, keeps the family tradition alive.

Where Teddy Blumenthal once sold clothing, Diana Hegger now sells antiques. In the window, you can see the reflection of "gasoline alley", located across the tracks on Lee Street. A neat place to browse, this is our favorite haunt. We became such a fixture during remodeling that Miz Hegger reserved a chair just for us. (Not kidding. Come in and see "Dave's chair"---NOT FOR SALE)

Just what we're waiting....and waiting...and waiting...for. A top notch downtown restaurant. Bob Adamson, Miz Hegger's partner, is working feverishly to get the restaurant open. Interruptions from visitors and gawkers got so bad that Bob had to put a "Stay Away!" sign on the door. To see what it said, read on:

Bob had to revise and "tone down" the notice when a lady came by, read the sign, and stalked off, either in an angry huff or in fear of the witchdoctor.

So there you have it. Hope you enjoyed the walk. I gotta get home. My feet are killing me.