~See Norfolk Library Archives~ ~See Historic OV
Postcards!~
~ OV Tour MAIL ~
OV Mail Archives: 2003
& 2002 & 2001 & 1998-2000
Click thumbnail images to enlarge!
|
THANKS to all OV Tour contributors.
We no longer post E-mails at Tour 6;
since each year the volumes grew so that we couldn't keep up...
BUT, we encourage all to continue sharing stories
& comments at our Bullboard
--Thanks, RK |
Wed 12/15/2004 12:37 AM From: Abcdcoop@aol.com Subject: Nickel Tour
History
It was great to see the old places of Norfolk. We run the old Venice, now Veneziano (still the same family in
Riverview, for close to 60 years), but in review, the memories'd take a
lifetime. My family's been in the restaurant business since my grandparents came to the US,
through the generations of Loiercios: I'll name the restaurants starting 1940 'til
today-- The Italian Kitchen on Main St; Napoli's on Colley in
the 40's;The Venice (40's - 70's) and then Mama's
Italian Kitchen (OV), Genoa's (Hampton Blvd), Nino's (Five
Points), Little Venice (& eventually the Venice in VaB), the 22nd
St Italian Cafe (VaB), Two Lions Italian Kitchen (VaB), Mama Lina's (Little
Creek Rd-- owned by my aunt Lina Gould), and now my husband and I run The
Veneziano (which was changed from The Venice in the late 70's, when my Uncle
sold the business to my mom and dad; enlarging Little Venice at the Beach). Now the
only restaurant still owned by my family is the Veneziano. We still have the "V"
up from the original sign --pretty ironic, since in Italian, Veneziano is
translated "Person of Venice" :-) --Don't worry Roberta, I don't
expect to see this in any history about Norfolk, but it feels good to tell it. My
mom [Angelina] would be an excellent source. Take care and I'm sure we will be in
touch again... Angela Loiercio Cooper Norfolk
Thu 10/14/2004 4:46 PM From: divey@accd.edu Subject: Nickel Tour
 (<==Click img)
Roberta-- I could get lost in your web site for days. Just came across it today, searching
for Alumni of Suburban Park Elementary. Most graduated Granby
with me in 68, but some didn't go the Northside/Granby route. I was raised around Ward's Corner 'til 13, then moved to Willoughby, East
Ocean View, 36th St and Lakewood. Anyone remember how the Rose's
connected to Center Shops? We'd play chase (no running--walking) all throughout the
stores --loved it. Remember the little pharmacy next to Suburban Theater? They'd
make popcorn Saturday mornings and sell it in long bags for a dime. The Suburban had free
kiddie shows for the longest time-- your mom could pick up tickets at Hofheimer's.
The theater owner, Mr. Williams (I believe) was the greatest guy--
really nice to kids. Always in a clean, sharp suit. They had popcorn box contest, numbers
on the box in ink, and call several out before the show. You won a whole dollar. It was a
great place to grow up. The store managers and owners were patient, kind and seemed to
love kids. I remember a day in the early 60's when Duncan Yo-Yo held two contests the same day-- at Ben Franklin's
and at Rose's --talk about a big event: I won the one at Ben Franklin's, and my
friend Michael O' Toole won the one at Rose's. He had a loop-de-loop play of with Johnny
Esposito. Gary Sharp was the contest proctor. If the Woolworth's on the Bowling
Alley side had held one it'd have been a perfect day. Remember Sam's and Ruth's
across the street from GHS? Ruth's became really big (due to Motown sound), but Sam's had
its regulars. Nice to do life-review. Thanks so much for this excellent web site. The
memories are great. I don't have any token's of my childhood --your site is precious to
me.
Again thanks-- Don Ivey San Antonio, TX
  Paul H. Rose was the founder of both
stores-- he's mentioned on Tour 20-- do you recall the
oil portrait of him, so visible on the down escalator of Center Shops? Well-- it
might have more clearly visible if slackers weren't constantly spitting on it
midway through the ride back downstairs. Click on the CS logo at left and you'll see the
initials PHR, for Paul Rose.
Thanks much for writing Don! --RK
 Thu 9/16/2004 7:58 PM From: SeadogNomad@webtv.net Subject: Thank
You
In '78 was stationed on a ship ported in Norfolk. I then fell in love with OV. It is my
"home away from home". Thanks for the memories, planning to eventually relocate
to Willoughby. I love the duality there, Quiet during the week but then-- FRIDAY!
Doug Phipps, Richmond
Sat 8/28/2004 7:14 PM From: sullynavy@msn.com Subject: Sub
  Hey, Roberta -- We believe you'll be very interested in
this from a friend in Virginia Beach; we've both been doing research. See the Torpedo Boat Stringham of WWI--
The mail (<== click left for letter, right for image) was found at the Naval
Museum in Norfolk at Nauticus, so we believe it to be very reliable. At least
we have a possible explanation. ...See "sub". Perhaps
this mystery is solved! We'll keep digging and see what else we can find.
Justine Sullivan, Norfolk
Note: Justine's email of 8/10/04 on this topic is also
published below. See our Bullboard for more. --RK
Sat 8/14/2004 12:18 AM From: susanwoolford@msn.com Subject: E-Mail
on your Willoughby Site
 Just wanted to respond
to the angry email from nameless lady who really needs to
get off of her high horse. (click==>) We'd be considered the people she
would like seen thrown out of Willoughby, but not without a fight. I live in a
rented house, drive an old car, but love it here. Must be nice to live in her beautiful
house looking down on the "lowlife" who drive past. My fiance is a hard worker
and I enjoy raising my daughter on the beach. Don't we also have the right to live here?
Nothing wrong with missing old days. If nameless truly loves Willoughby, she'd want to see
old landmarks stay. It pains me --all these "cookie cutter" houses being built.
Drive down the street and see blue signs of one realtor-- neighborhoods should be based on
what ALL residents want, not just the vision of one powerful realtor. I may not have been
born here, but I love it all the same. Thank you, and keep up the good work-- I'll be
visiting often.
Susan Woolford, Willoughby Spit
Reply: Hello Susan-- For nearly a decade all we've gotten
is great email of contributors and folks who love the Tour; the email you refer to was the
first angry (or nasty) email we ever received until early 2003, when we got
another anonymous email To RKPuma
which we posted on our Bullboard and thought you might wanna' see. Since it wasn't in CAPS
we assume it was from another irate OV Tourist. Coincidentally-- we got a third whiner this week, from a competitor of sorts. We can't
say how much the 99.9% U-Mail is appreciated. Thanks YOU! --RK
Tue 8/10/2004 11:22 AM From: sullynavy@msn.com Subject: Sub at the
tip of Willoughby Spit
With all the GREAT info you have on here, there MUST be something about the sub wreckage
that was at the tip of Willoughby Spit. I can't find the site. It was there in the 60's
because I saw it from the HRBT. I've heard various stories about what it really was but
would like to have the lowdown from you. Please direct me to this site. Thanks!! Justine Sullivan, Norfolk
 Reply:
Hello Justine-- Yep, apparently the wreckage either eroded or was removed by our (cough)
well-meaning city fathers (much as they are about to remove those
"dangerous" OV Oaks)-- seemed it was
there one day and gone the next, several years back, as mentioned on Tour
1. <== click! to see "3 Chef's Inn" in 1968 (&
the "3 chef's hats" back when it was a Quality Court before
King Neptune was on the roof?) -- The sub was behind
the restaurant, known today as "The Pointe" recently reopened by the Sandbar's
own Mike Bond. The sub also came up on our Bullboard. Recall it best in the 50s & 60s
--before the HRBT arrived. Good clamming down there --we kids'd crack our clams against
the sea wall near the sub and eat 'em raw to impress our summer Ohio family visitors.
They'd gag until they tried it. Yummy! Long before Kepone days, but
we'd just say we'd Kepone eatin' em! Thanks for writing. --RK
Mon 7/26/2004 3:31 PM From: Bgduganwms@wmconnect.com Subject: OV
Nickel Tour
What a great web site I stumbled on while looking up something for my mom in VA Beach.
I grew up in Ocean View and went to OV Elementary, Northside and GHS ('61). Super job. I was a friend of your sister Cecelia-- at your
house many times. I lived on 1st View and you all lived across Granby St. I
came across a picture of an old friend & her sister on the Tour - Madeline Tenney (Jordan) & Harriet. Also, saw one of Rip Walters and many on the GHS wrestling team. I have
much more touring to do. What a treat-- going to try to come up with some
"stuff" for the Tour. Thanks for all your effort.
Linda Hills Ballance Williams - Summerfield,
FL
Reply: Hello Linda-- We look forward to your
"stuff"! --RK
7/20/2004 10:21 AM From: bdjohnston@williamewood.com Subject:
Davenports
Did you know that there were two Davenport barbers in Ocean View? There was Hubert and also, my father Dennis.
Daddy started out in Mr. Gray's shop across from the old ABC Store. He later
had a shop where Doug's Hot Dogs is now; with a
"horse head" chair for small children. He then bought First View Market
putting a shop in the back; when he sold it he went next door to Ferguson's Florist. He's 83 now --still cutting hair in
Portsmouth. I was born & raised in Ocean View there's nothing better!
Brenda Davenport Johnson, Norfolk
 Reply:
Hello Brenda-- Yes, we were aware of your father
--Hubert mentioned him & we cite him under "Red
Rooster's"
Downtown OV/First View print--
Thanks for writing! --RK (==>click!)
 Sat 7/17/2004 10:18 PM
From: oceanviewpark@cox.net Subject:
OV Memories
Hi Roberta- Just wanted to pass along a few great shots of long gone OV landmarks.
The first is of Dr. Ben Tucker in 1970, standing outside his store located on West
Ocean View & First View, across from Florence's Drug Store. . .
Joe Leatherman, Norfolk
 Great Joe-- natch you now have another page on top of all you've generously provided to
the Tour (<==click on Ben!) and we should let everyone know also, we got
an email in last May and gracious Nancy Singleton came to the rescue by sharing
some vintage Willoughby images in response to
the mail. It just went up today, so now you enjoy!
--RK (==>click!)
 Tue 6/29/2004 8:42 PM
From: ethibea@blazenetme.net Subject:
Ocean View Park
RK, thought you should know I found the picture I was looking for, right on this site, on the Tom Kennedy page, so I emailed him and
asked for a copy. He was so nice --sent four different sizes. Don't let anyone tell you
there aren't nice people in this world --they come from or have lived in OCEAN VIEW!
I wanted to thank him for what a nice person he is... thank you for your site. Evelyn Richardson Thibeault Maine
Reply: Hello Evelyn-- thanks for writing! Your mail now
appears... So nice of you to share your appreciation. I guess you already know you can put
a face with the name, at the bottom Tom's first page. --RK
Wed 6/9/2004 2:50 PM From: susanwoolford@msn.com Subject: OV
Nickel Tour
I wanted to say thank you for the Ocean View Nickel Tour. I grew up in Ward's Corner & moved to Willoughby in 2001. We
love it here & never want to leave. I really enjoyed reading history on this awesome
area. I went to Norfolk Christian
High (born in '77) & have lived here all of my life. I lived on Balview
in 1998. We have a little house on Chela Ave. I enjoy everyday I get to live here.
Sincerely, Susan Woolford, Willoughby Spit
Sun 5/23/2004 1:13 AM From: ccorbyjr@hargray.com Subject: Water
Tower
 Roberta, I saw that old water tower
at the intersection of Tidewater Dr & Granby, and I remember one summer (<==click)
when Cappy and I were
about fifteen or sixteen (about 1958) we took a job for a week with this man to replace
these rods that went down inside the tank. We got to liking it so well after the job we
went to sneaking up there at night until the cops found out and put a stop to us. Carl Corby, Beaufort, SC
Sat 5/22/2004 9:52 AM From: rk@rkpuma.com Subject:
Mr. Davenport
Mr. Hubert Davenport and his barber shop are warmly remembered by OV
Tourists in our e-mails. He has generously provided vintage images of the Amusement Park, Granby North & more. Enjoy some
of his remarkable images in convenient thumbnail format.--RK
 Wed 5/12/2004 10:04 AM
From: ritadusty@adelphia.net Subject:
OV Day
I check your site often & there's always something new! Our gang loves it-- you're
amazing! There was a wonderful event recently at Ocean View Elementary-- six
classmates visited the school together for the first time since 1957! Yes, we're
that old. We established a new group: OV Elementary School Alumni Association or OVESAA!
Roberta, thank you for all your hard work. You're a talented computer whiz!
Thank you, Rita Brown Rhodes Statesville,
NC
Reply: Hello Rita-- Thanks for your hard work on this
article about your visit!
See Rita's page and download her article with
wonderful images--RK
Tues Mon 5/10/2004 3:47 PM From: Michelle Wood Subject: OV Nickel Tour
 Thanks for one of the best
websites ever-- I found your Tour by accident, looking up Harrison's
Pier. As kids, we used the pier as a playground running up and down a million
times. I went to Holy Trinity & Norfolk Catholic --my brothers went to Granby.
I am Eleanor (Honey/Deanna) Flora & Jerry Carmody's daughter & you
lived near her off Old Ocean View Road --she was a
member of the "Lost Class of "59". My father coached many at Holy Trinity
& Norfolk Catholic as well as for NAS
Little League. There aren't many who grew up in OV (60's, 70's & 80's) that
didn't play for him in one sport or another. He was a fireman at Station 13 on Maple Avenue & on retiring, worked
at the Iron Duke --when Steve & Cathy Casey owned it-- the best Hot
Pastramis. I can't believe it's just a shell now. I also remember High's
Ice Cream. I lived on W. Gilpin when you only had to cross one street to
get there. I loved Gordon's Drugstore --& we always got our fresh turkeys for
holidays from Matthew's Grocery. I remember when Mr.
Davenport was behind Iron Duke. My son is 10 and won't let anyone but Mr.
"D" give him his flattop, no matter how long the wait & we're never
first on Saturday mornings. I attended Camp Apasus
--been looking for their cookie recipe & was shocked to find it here on the Tour. That
was the coolest-- my kids made them this weekend and they tasted just the same-- what a
treat. Growing up in OV was unique --outsiders can't understand and we can't explain it to
them. My children attend Ocean View Elem & Northside Middle now. They're
really proud of where they live. OV is changing but let's hope it keeps some of its
uniqueness. There is so much pride. My mother calls it "Gods Country". Everybody
knows everybody. I love the Parade because everyone
comes home & are found at Knights of Columbus --pretty much in the same spot
every year. Your website is the greatest. I told my parents about it --they've been
exploring it for days now. Thanks. Michelle Wood Ocean
View
Reply: Hi Michelle-- Thanks for such kind words-- & note
we've added some recent images, until you can find those you want to send in. Click on the
OV Water Tower & photo of Red Rooster's fence
to enlarge. --RK
Tues 4/27/2004 5:17 PM From: lisaf@mris.com Subject: Nickel Tour
I'm Margaret Friedmann's "little sister". Though I go by Lisa now,
I'm remembered as Betty. Do you have any old photos of Mercury Roller Rink?
I skated there from 1963-1967. The owners were Mr. Mason and Mr. Scott (they
had a floor guard named Mr. Smith, who used to skate couples with all the girls who
didn't have partners). The skating pro was Rikki Klanden, who is still teaching in
FL; the prior pro was Dana Hafke, retired, also in FL. Sometime after I quit
skating, the rink was bought by Irma Dennis. She turned it into Olympic Skateway,
but by then the golden age had passed --so, it was closed for good. Irma's pairs skating
partner was Gareth Mayo. I remember the Turtle at
Granby & Taussig, too. When removed, it bothered me. Still does-- such a
landmark. Ward's Corner is almost unrecognizable now. You mentioned Burroughs--
I've tried recall of that name for years! They served "Chicken in the Rough"
--delicious. It seems there are some places in MD that serve it. Thank you for
maintaining such a wonderful site to visit. Lisa (Betty)
Friedmann Washington, DC
Reply: Hi Lisa-- see roller rink pix of students taken nearly 25 yrs ago!
PS: Now, at Richard Barnett's "Ward's Corner" you can now see an
aerial including Mercury Roller Rink! --RK
 Wed 4/7/2004 6:28 PM From: mfriedmann@Riddellwilliams.com Subject:
Lafayette Park
Lafayette Park ("City Park") is where [we went] on Sundays when we were
children. There was a large fenced area with farmyard animals, and a large pond where we
used to feed popcorn to the ducks. There were also a couple of swans, too...
Margaret Friedmann Riddell Williams Seattle,
WA
Reply: Hi Margaret-- see your Lafayette
Park memories now, with our images. On Apr 21 we got more memories from Margaret
and more from her sis, Lisa --of the Waltonian Club,
which prompted another page. Thanks! --RK
 Mon 4/5/2004 5:24
PM From: jlapetina@cox.net Subject:
OV Nickel Tour
WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS PRICELESS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. THE LAPETINA WITH THE
JETTYS WAS MY FATHER. I AM NOW ALMOST 80 AND I TOOK OVER DR. BURCHERS DENTAL PRACTICE IN
1956 AT THE OLD SOUTHERN BANK BUILDING... JOHN
LAPETINA, SR., Ocean View
See Dr. Lapetina's page, with
images. Thanks so much for your priceless memories. --RK
Tue 3/30/2004 3:17 PM From: rbphoto@mindspring.com Subject: Nickel
Tour Notes
A little gem: one of the old Willoughby
ferries (see Ship's Log) is still afloat and used as a seafood restaurant,
anchored in Portland Maine's Old Port. Imagine the surprise when I turned to
friends after reading [the vessel's plaque] and declaring-- "guess what, I used to
ride this as a kid!"
 While Melvin's
was a great deli, comparable to anything in New York City, it replaced an earlier
operation owned by Max Schlane --though young, I remember a garrulous guy &
each visit was a real treat. There was a used car dealership at the current location of McDonald's,
Norfolk Motor Company, operated by Buddy Knighton. Eckerd's parking
occupies where the Edelblute family ran their Texaco. The Eckerd's
building itself occupies where my father opened his hardware store in 1946, Barnett
Hardware. Other original tenants included Reed's Cycle Shop, Coronet Beauty
Salon, and a drug store [Murden's, Richard? --there
were several], whose name I can't recall. It later became Herbert's Florist, Liebman's
jewelry (where the bike shop was, Leed's) until the late 80's. Maynard West
had a drug store on Granby & Burleigh, next door to High's Ice Cream;
when it opened, every kid for blocks, in ectasy. There was a diner next to Hofheimer's,
which [originally Tegg's Log Cabin] became The Towne
House Inn, having a brief heyday in the late 70's as a popular bar. There was a small
building next to the Savings & Loan [BB&T] --originally a barber shop, and Zephyr
Miniatures, more commonly known as "Ward's Corner Hobby Shop". The Pancake
House originated in the 50's as Buzzy's, a burger and soda shop-- a rite of
passage for any Granby student-- still owned/operated by Jerry
Renesis, the snappiest dresser at the Corner, to this day. Norfolk Academy
occupied the site of the present-day JCC on North Shore Rd from it's rebirth
in the early 1950's until moving in 1967.
Richard Barnett, Charlotte, NC
Reply: Hello Richard, click your left thumbnail image to read the
enlarged plaque dedicating part of the "Corner" (where the Eckerd's is today) to
your family. And OViewers-- please see more of Richard
Barnett's Wards Corner memories & images. Thanks so much for writing! --RK
Sat 3/27/2004 7:12 AM From: swsunbeach@yahoo.com Subject: Thank
You
 Your site is excellent & I've spent
many hours reading the stories & crying over the pictures. Memories you've captured
are precious to me. Norview High, 1966 --teen years, spent in Azalea Acres
but summers in OV --mostly Lewters Beach. My father
proposed to my mother at the Amusement Park - isn't that wonderful? They lived in Nansemond
on the Bay & now my sister lives there. We attend the music fests. I don't like
the changes, but it can't remain the same. I miss the 60's! Thanks again for your hard
work - even though I know it must be fun!
<==click image
Sharron Warren, Chesapeake, VA
Reply: Hello Sharron & thanks for your kind words-- old
Norview
closes June 04, but there'll be a tour/auction Sat, April 3, 10am-3pm --with memorabilia
available; celebrating alumni-- a lunch 12-1. There'll be t-shirts, yearbooks, more on
sale. That must mean new Norview opens for summer skool, all you slackers! --RK
Fri 3/26/2004 7:50 AM From: donald.p.thompson@us.army.mil Subject:
The Air
 I sometimes could smell the scent of the live oaks mixed
with the wet sand at the end of Little Bay, and wake up hearing the gulls squawking
--nothing like early morning when it's calm as glass. After we first moved there in 1990,
we took our coffee over to the Captain's Quarters and sat on a bench. I hadn't seen
porpoise there since I was a teenager. As we sat there drinking our coffee, with me fading
back to when I was 15, about five porpoise broke the water right in front of us --and one
even jumped completely out of the water! I knew they were there just for me, welcoming me
home --true story.
Don "Bunky" Thompson, Kaiserslautern,
Germany
 Fri
3/19/2004 12:08 AM From: fushisushi@earthlink.net
Subject: Ken's
St. Pat '04
I had a great time again --You can take the boy out of Ocean View --but you can"t
take Ocean View out of the boy!
Ken Fucci Kill Devil Hills, NC
(formerly of 413 E. Randall Ave) ==>click Khedives to see!
Thanks again for sharing with
OViewers Ken, --RK
 Mon 3/14/2004
1:20 AM From: rk@rkpuma Subject:
St. Pat's 2004
Gonna' Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letta'
(bup-bya-bump-ai-dup)! Remember that song (uh, been to the jukebox lately)? We writing this because --we know lotsa' ya' bypass
CONTENTS & shortcut here at Tour 6 for the latest,
when really all pages are update all now & then, and new ones have
surely been added since you've checked. S'okay, we know you're busy & you'e
forgiven 8^) but would hate for you to miss this year's parade --if you
weren't there, or the pix even if you were: hey,
they're hot off the Sony™! Enjoy! --Roberta Ocean View
PS: --thanks Joe (immediately below) we needed that!
Mon 2/16/2004 9:23 PM From: JosephCollins@cox.net Subject: Web
Development
Roberta, This is Joe Collins, one of your Marine buddies up here at ODU... I am
currently in my final year of college --enrolled in my Internet Applications class. I just
wanted to say that your web pages are awesome, we are learning a lot this semester but it
will not even get me close to where you are. I stand in awe of your abilities and it made
me smile when I went to Doumar's webpage --saw
they allowed you to give it your own personal flare.
Joe Norfolk
Thu 2/12/2004 10:22 PM From: ethibea@blazenetme.net Subject: Information
RK, when I was in norfolk two years ago, my brother took me to Waterside (I'd never
been) & we went to a gift shop. They had a beautiful picture of the roller coaster
& the entrance to OV Park --at that time cost around 185.00. Because you keep
so up to date about OV-- you might know. Keep up the great work on the OV site --I check
it all the time --also like hearing from prople of Norfolk & found I went to school
with Carl Corby's brother Bill --it was fun hearing from him. PS [2/14]: I
found the picture at the store you said I might. The place has such great memories for me
of my younger days with my family during the 50's when we lived in Ocean Air.
Thanks for all your help.
Evelyn Richardson Thibeault Maine
Reply: Hello Evelyn-- Virginia All About (757) 623-4551
333 Waterside Dr # 605 Norfolk, VA
Unfortunately Evelyn-- the only listing for them is a fax number-- or at least the # above
"answered" today as if it were. Good luck & keep me posted & thanks for
your kind words. PS [2/21]: I believe the "photographer" selling that
particular image (if you're referring to the one I think you are) credits himself but
didn't take the photo, & am certain it is public domain-- available at the Norfolk Public
Library (which reproduces images for a nominal fee) so you may also want to check
with Peggy Haile-McPhillips the city historian on that. --RK
 Wed
2/11/2004 5:10 PM From: lesliebyrne1@aol.com Subject:
I love your website
“The Wanderer” that is featured on your website
is owned by my father Clyde Batts [click image ==>]. He also is an OV ICON. When
I saw his boat I screamed out at work & almost cried. He still has the boat --docked
at Rebel Marine in Willoughby --it will never leave
OV. The Wanderer was the 1st & only head boat
featured out of the Ocean View fishing pier. It was
originally at Harrison’s Pier. She was replaced
by the Wanderer II (her daughter) when my dad purchased it. To this day, you can
still find her cruising OV on beautiful summer days. Now is she is painted black-- she's
beautiful & there is not another one like her. PS [2/12]: I'll drill dad for some
details & history on the Wanderer. My dad was probably in his glory when you took the
picture – old salt that he is. He now has a cool little business called “OV
Etchings”.
Leslie Batts Born & raised in OV
Reply: ...known Clyde
probably since working at the Camel back when Barry
Johns owned it-- tell him Tony's sister Roberta. In fact, he was recently at Lance's & we were supposed touch base. Details on
the Wanderer & its history are welcome-- its a memorable vessel. I have more shots of it --remember them well, because one of the best
photos I ever took was of your dad in a foul weather (yellow) hat at the helm-- and his
expression, with the colors were outstanding. I have no real system for keeping these old
shots so it takes time. Thanks so much for writing. --RK
 Mon 2/2/2004 12:09 PM
From: mordway@adelphia.net Subject: Northeastern
NC
Your site is really amazing --Wow! I'd be thrilled to have you include my site --Can't believe how much info
you've amassed & have really enjoyed it all. My grandmother & several generations
of her people were from Hertford & Bertie Counties NC --She died at Sentara
Leigh in Norfolk back in 1911. Her name was Mary Joe Willoughby [click photo at
left to enlarge] & I've hoped to someday prove a genealogical link to Capt. Thomas Willoughby of Willoughby Spit. That
would really be neat, but I haven't gotten past Mary Joe's grandfather - John
Willoughby & his brothers William & Henry who settled that area
of NC in the 17th century-- hope to find they were in fact children of the
Capt. T.W. You've inspired me to get busy working on that family line again for which I
thank you! :o)
Best Regards, Marianne Nichols Ordway Jefferson,
MD
 Mon
2/2/2004 10:01 AM From: grifffdog@yahoo.com
Subject: Willoughby
Dixie's Grocery was owned/named for my father, Dixie
M. Griffin in the mid 60s when he bought it. It was owned by a lady named Whitlock,
for as long as I can recall-- I was born in 1950. My mother ran 'the Dixie' after my
father's death. It was then sold & turned over several times, I am told. As a kid, I
worked --cleaning & stocking as did several kids in the neighborhood. Once, we owned
five houses in the 1000 block of Willoughby & the store. My brother delivered papers
and I mowed lawns. Real entrepreneurs. My father managed the Greyhound
Terminal in Norfolk, when I was 6 or so. My brother and I were allowed to get a
dish of ice cream in the (then segregated) resturant, read the comic books off the rack--
Hog Heaven. Jim Griffin San Antonio,TX
Sat 1/31/2004 1:16 PM From: jeantom@accucomm.net Subject: Nickel
Tour
  I really enjoy the "Nickel Tour" --We
moved to Hampton when I was ten. I worked for years at Fort Monroe --usually
ate lunch in Phoebus & frequently at Fuller's.
I hadn't been through there in years --was shocked to see a parking lot, where it had
been. (<== click images ==> ) Who could forget the [STOP] sign? --I had to
download the ferry wallpaper --we ferried back & forth
every weekend to visit relatives --the fastest, until the tunnel opened. The last time I
paid a toll ($1.25) was to attend my mother's funeral in April 1976. Shortly afterward the
tolls were removed. I was born in Norfolk (at Leigh Memorial). We moved to Hampton
in 1956. My daughter is still in Yorktown, so we visit. You know there were two
ferries that ran from the peninsula to Norfolk - one from Newport News --the other
from Old Point Comfort.
Jean Schroeder Eatonton, GA
Thanks Jean, you inspired us to digitize our old T-Shirts to add
to your text! Also, please thank your friend, "Marianne" [see 2/2/04 neNC
mail above] for emailing you our "...link for you to take, the R.K. Puma's Ocean
View Nickel Tour, which is priceless. This is an excellent opportunity to read and see
something's that most of us would miss totally otherwise..."
--very much appreciated! We also appreciate Jim Pearce who forwarded mails to us: roberta ~ you have a great
site ~ i have looked at it a number of times ~ and find something new and interesting
every time ~ my dad's family ~ six boys and a girl ~ moved to Phoebus in 1890 from
northeast NC ~ my dad was the only one to return to NC ~ he came back in 1907 ~ but
norfolk was always our "Big Apple" ~ all our relatives were there ~ and ocean
view was something else ~ cheers ~ jim
And Jean, who could forget Fuller's HUGE Crabcake & BBQ sandwiches?--RK
 Sat 1/31/2004
10:44 AM From: RHEPUCK@aol.com Subject:
Hurricane Isabel
RK --Here's some pictures from [hurricane] Isabel
in Ocean View my son had taken.
Rick Edwards Virginia Beach, VA
Thanks Rick, and thank your son for us-- he does good work!
--RK
Tue 1/27/2004 3:53 PM From: mfriedmann@Riddellwilliams.com Subject:
Granby, Ocean View, etc.
Great website!! I grew up in Norfolk-- lived there from my birth in DePaul Hospital, in Talbot Park, later on Elvin
Road blocks from Granby High. Went to Granby
Elementary, Northside and graduated Granby in 1964. My mother's brother Ben
Tucker owned and operated Tucker Drug on Ocean View Ave with his wife Libby.
I don't know when it closed its doors, but my grandfather used to take us to the beach
behind it. My sisters and I also went to OV beach as children. I remember the crummy
bathhouse and long walk on the hot sand, digging holes and putting inner tubes over them
so all you could see were our heads --fond memories. This year is our 40th
Granby reunion, on Oct. 9th. I left Norfolk in 1968 and moved to New York with Susan
Linden (who also went to Granby). Since, I have also lived in the Bay Area and Los
Angeles --moving to Seattle in 1992. My sister Marsha (now Liebl)
graduated in '62, I think-- & sister Betty (Elizabeth '71?) also went to
Granby. They both live in the DC area. I am a legal secretary. Uncle Ben
(Tucker) died many years ago & his wife died just a few years ago at 88 or 90. We
all got together for her funeral; it was the first time I had seen my first cousins and
both of my sisters in about 20 years! Cousin Nancy (his daughter) knows all about
the store. I did saw pictures of Tucker Drug on Mama's
page-- it was next door to Mama's. Another uncle had two children, Harriet & Buddy
(Nathan) Tucker --she married Richard Siff, a Granby graduate, which is how
we got in touch --she saw my name in the book about Granby graduates! We've close since
--thanks to email & visits to the area. I will look for my old pictures to send with
help from my daughter, Michelle. Do you have any pages on Chesapeake (old South
Norfolk)? My father had a welding shop on Seaboard Avenue (M. Friedmann Welding),
& used to take us there on Saturdays. We'd go in to the Giant Open Air Market.
And what about Blackie the Bear at the Norfolk Zoo? We'd feed him waffles-- &
donkeys, sheep, goats and peacocks. I'll send what I dig up....
Margaret Friedmann Riddell Williams Seattle,
WA
 Sun 1/25/2004 10:42
AM From: Xsoberduckx@aol.com Subject:
"Down at Ocean View"
Hey RK-- Ever heard of a song called Down At Ocean
View? It was written in 1913.
Richard J. Moylan, Jr. Gloucester, VA
Thanks Richard-- your OV Fest posters will remind folks of when
the fests were fun and "we" (OViewers) were the
attraction-- down at A&P (City) Beach, --before
taking on today's "strip mall fest" atmosphere. --R K
 Wed 1/21/2004 11:14 AM 10:26 PM
From: JEvansWELD@aol.com Subject:
OV Rememberances
I remember when... There was a boxing arena on OV
Avenue that operated for many years to sellout crowds. Some local boxers are still
around, Cliff Williford --and I think "Bingo" Stant...
[stories and OV lore by] Jim Evans/Evans Garage Norfolk
Thanks Jim for sharing with OViewers.
It's a MUST SEE folks, and we hope you like the images we've added! --RK
 Mon
1/19/2004 10:26 PM From: ritadusty@adelphia.net Subject:
Contributing Photos
This site has been particularly enjoyable to me and my friends, as we try to remember our
early days at Ocean View School and the surrounding area. The Ocean View Nickel
Tour is a wonderful way to preserve everyone's memories in a site that can be visited over
and over... (more from Rita)
Thank you, Rita Brown Rhodes Statesville,
NC
Thanks Rita, for these wonderful images--
from all us OV Tourists! --R K
Mon Wed 1/7/2004 7:21 PM From: oceanviewpark@cox.net Subject: OV
Postcard
Hi Roberta- Came across this [click image, right]... and thought it was pretty cool....Joe Norfolk
Thanks Joe for yet again, thinking of us! See more Joe Leatherman
contributions:
Joe's memories & more-- fast-loading
OV Beach & Park pages in a convenient thumbnail format. --R K
 Mon 1/5/2004 10:40 AM
From: blc6102@yahoo.com Subject: Colonial
Stores
Dear Roberta: Just thought you might like to see the enclosed. I found this sewing kit at
an antique store in Thomasville,NC last week. I grew up in Ocean View &
remember Colonial Store with parking on the roof and recently moved closer to
home. I really enjoy your site very much. I've sent you a few pictures
in the past which you've used. Thanks so much. I was recently in Salisbury,NC
visiting family and lo & behold "Death of
Ocean View Park" was on a local station-- only got to see the last 30 minutes
of it. Last week I went to take photos of where the park was, to show my nephews what the
area looks like now. Why doesn't Norfolk use historical markers for landmarks of
the city in Ocean View?
Thanks-- Brian Coughenour Currituck,NC
  Hi Bri! Thanks
for your kind words-- nicest way I can think of to start 2004! Click CS
image above to enlarge; and see and other cool stuff, too.
So-o-o nostalgic to see the reference to Sav-A-Stamps (good old trading stamps). If
memory serves, Colonial Stores
had S&H Green Stamps and A&P
used Top Value Stamps, also of Sperry & Hutchinson (but green & Gold Bond
stamps were more prevalent in these parts). S&H began offering stamps to retailers
back in 1896.   Stores bought the stamps from and gave 'em out with every purchase, based
on amount. You saved 'em and licked 'em, and put 'em in a book, also found at stores
--then turned 'em in at a redemption center, swapping 'em in for merchandise --toasters,
irons, wall clocks & blah, blah. Positively, Belo's had green stamps and if you
have any laying around, you can still redeem
'em! Also, on the markers? Refer to Sarah Constant --the
only ones in OV I can think of. Unfortunately, the OV Museum is practically run by the
same OV developers who are demolishing everything for the plastic vinyl so don't expect
them to advocate for us (we know spin & public
relations when we see it). --R K
Wed 12/17/2003 7:30 AM From: b-r@saintmail.net Subject: Re: 2004 Balls
Thanks for the photo. Living in New Mexico it's always nice to hear and see of news in the
OV area where I grew up. I'll be spending Christmas and New Years there this year with my
folks who are still there. Thanks again for your emails and updates over the years. I
really appreciate it.
Thanks, Rob Culpepper Albuquerque, NM
 Rob again Jan 3rd: We just got back so I'm just now getting to your
email. Always a crying shame to see the changes taking place there every time I go back. I
see where the old Post Office now has a house being built on it. I suspect Seaview
will be undergoing some major changes before long too. I met a lady [who] said she
gets Thrifty Nickel emails from you. She used to be a crossing guard at Government
& Mason Creek for OV Elementary. We had a good time talking about Mr. Hughes
of Hughes Hardware, the old store and the Colonial store
and many other people and places in OV.
Hey Rob-- (click image above to enlarge) Special scan
for ya'! Thanks again. --R K
OV Mail Archives: 2003 & 2002 & 2001 & 1998-2000
Apologies for not printing all mails, & for edits due to
space constraints.
You may want to consider using our bulletin board,
for comments not only of the Tour and/or rkpuma.com but on anything.
About the Nickel Tour  rk@rkpuma.com |
