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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Editor Advocate: Los Angeles, Cal., Jan. 6, '25. EAST MAIN STREET, SOUTH SIDE OF BLOCK I. Way back in 1870 Main street had sky-line not so impressive as the now be seen. Starting at the Square next to Adam Aulbach's place already mentioned being on the Square, came Miss Meier, sister of Dr. Meier, who lived on West Main street in the property now owned by Mr. Thebus, the retired butcher. She had showcase with small panesabout 4'x8'-in which was displayed muchly trimmed hat then in vogue, which did duty for the entire season. Wehrle, the jeweler, was next and his showcase stuck out past the building line about 18 inches and about foot off the sidewalk, much too high for inquisitive children to see much. In It was display of clocks and watches also an array of breast pins, earrings and finger rings, that far surpassed the sun brilliancy. Don't forget, at night, heavy folding shutter, with heavy iron bar and staple, to which snapped heavy padlock that defied the efforts of the most strenuous burglar of that day, but which the merest tiro, with 6-inch jimmy, would consider snap today. Inside was perfect bedlam of striking clocks and sweetly sounding chimes that always proved fascination for me. When allowed to enter, must have stood in open-mouthed wonder at the Arabian Nights, in fact. Next came the Belleville Savings Bank, one of the oldest and staunchest banking institutions in all Southern Illinois, that never had but one run on the bank, and that was couple of Gooding and Stookey's untamed Texas steers, that became frightened at the bustling activity of our Main street. Two of them left the bunch and started pell-mell through the bank, jumping small partition and out through the back way to liberty and green grass. Geo. Aberer's saloon came and many's the time have seen him play a bunch of ducks, enipe or quail, squirrels or rabbits for the spiendid "Hasenpfener" for which Mrs. Aberer was far-famed. One never forgot the piquant flavor she could impart in all of her dishes. The old stone house of Sam Chand ier was next at that time was used as an office I think. Harvey & Krill's bookstore and auction stand next. What an array of books that place held! Adam Keil's hardware and tinshop, with always a display of and tinware, came next. Mother bought Filley's patent hot-air flue, patented 1862, cooking stove there. remem. ber reading and spelling out the words time and again as a boy. It was my good fortune in later years to become better acquainted with his son, Chas. Keil, successor. Many happy days We hungered and thirsted together on hiking trips In the Okaw Bottoms in quest the ever illusive bass-grand days joyously spent. His son, Walter, whom have known from childhood, now the head of the firm, giving faithful service to ever increasing trade. Then came Deidesheimers' dry goods store. can see the yards of goods looped on rings hung to the beams under the old wooden awning. swaying in the wind like signal of distress. Next came Ellis, grocerles, dry goods, hardware, etc. Everything required in home some not so urgently wanted, he had on sale. There, too, was the row of salt barrels on the walk on the High street side, that formed a roosting place for undesireables. of which Geegawk and Limp Ferris were the initiating officers. Crouch, the photographer, had display case fastened to the corner, where displayed the first pictures of the death of Abe Lincoln. What furore they created; how we pressed and crowded one another as small school children endeavoring to get glimpse of them on our to and from school. never forgot them. At that corner was so completely lost on my second day to school, that the tears shed formed small pools of water, until Lizzie Ortleb, later Mrs. Frank Shimoni, came along and led me joyously away to home and mother. NORTH SIDE, BLOCK I. Next to Chandler and Abend's store on the Square already described, came Louis Fuchs, clothier and furs, who had the knack of making attractive shows in his window, such as stuffed birds and game, always lure to the hunter's eye, that always held me spellbound. Then came Henkemeyer and Willman cigar store, where rolled and packed cigar destined to make lasting reputation. which spread way confines of Belleville. beyond the