TG&Y came into our town back in the 1960s and we welcomed it with open arms. It was a store that contained everything. It was our ”Walmart” of that era, so to speak.

Jack Lovely was the man who came along with the business to oversee the operation. It did not take long for him to establish a good relationship with the public. He also thrived on a reputation of contributing to those in need. This was especially true at Christmas time as he found ways to furnish small toys to underprivileged children. But he was also firm.

On several occasions, yegs attempted to steal from the store. But his surveillance kept theft losses at a minimum.

Jack often said he wanted to offer as much employment as possible to those from our area who needed work. And, he did just that. He maintained a full staff of employees.

Jack became close friends with Bill and Ann Staff. In fact, he found great enjoyment with Bill. Bill Jr. and grandson, Haden McGill (my grandson, too) fishing in the Gulf Waters off Orange Beach shores. They always brought in big “catches” and there was plenty of red snapper, grouper and other saltwater fish for all. Bill and his big fishing boat have always had the reputation of bringing in “boatloads” of fish.

Jack returned to his Oklahoma home several years ago. And, Bill has been out to visit with him a couple of times.

“I always liked Atmore and all it’s fine people,” Jack relayed to Bill. “I hope my health will allow me to go back there one more time.”

Yes, Jack, we will all remember you for the fine, congenial person you were.

I wonder if TG&Y is still in operation today. I have not seen any of their ads on TV or in newspapers. Perhaps it is another of those memorable firms that have passed on.

How many of you remember those TV carpet commercials? That little girl who first made those ads became somewhat famous with her slogan “open 8 to 8, so don’t be late.” These commercials were seen for several years. Now, I see her daughter on TV telling folks not to be coming for their carpet.

And, remember those Leon Atchison Furniture commercials on TV? Those two attractive sisters invited you to their store for great furniture buys. They were quite visible for several years, but are no longer seen on TV as the store went out of business.

That pretty little girl who did the Greer’s TV commercials back then is also now grown up. She looks very professional in her TV sales ads.

Now here is some news from 1966.

The Atmore post office underwent a complete renovation adding extra-wide service windows and 3,200 feet of additional space. H C Williams was postmaster back then.

Nell Hill, long time postmistress at Canoe post office, announced her retirement that year. I can still see her driving that little one-seater Nash Metropolitan about town. When her brother, Russell Stillings, traveled with her, it was a tight squeeze for both of them.

Mrs. J H Biggs, Atmore Advance Lottie Community correspondent, was recognized for her devotion reporting all the news from that community.

ECHS principal Travis Black was selected to head up the District One Secondary Principal’s Association.

Several from here went down to Mobile Municipal Auditorium to see the Lawrence Welk Show on tour. Welk had one of the leading network programs in 1966.

Also back in those days, James Norris, appliance salesman for Alabama Power Company, gave us our first look at the microwave.

I remember very well the morning he called me to come over to the power company office around noon time. He said do not eat anything before you come over. When we got there, a crowd had already assembled. Stacked on the table were piles of wieners, buns and various condiments. He then placed those wieners inside what was introduced as a microwave. All of us watched in amazement as the wieners were cooked in a jiffy. He passed them around to the crowd and told us to “eat up and make as many hot dogs as you like.” We could hardly believe how quick these dogs were ready to eat. And, they tasted great. A jar of extra hot mustard made them taste even better. He also heated hot water for powdered soup, which went very well the hotdogs.

He explained to us this new “invention” would become first nature to us in the future. And, that it did. I think we now use this appliance just about every meal.

I finally located a person who has “chinquapin” trees. But he told me not to reveal his location. He tells me this sweet tasting nut is rapidly becoming extinct. I believe him, too. I have written several times about those trees we had at Perdido, but are now gone. I also checked the Internet for prices on this little nut, and, boy, they are high. No wonder there is such an absence of chinquapins.

Next week, we will have more news of interest.

Contact Lowell at exam@frontiernet.net.