Journal Topic: Describe walking down the main street of your hometown.

Alexandria, MN 56308

Broadway was the main street. There were lots of fun shops on this street. It wasn’t that often that I would walk along the street, unless I was specifically shopping for something. Here are a couple of memories from a couple of the stores. I have no idea if any of these shops are even still around.

From the Heart—this was a cute little gift shop. They sold all kinds of little trinkets. One year for my birthday, I received a little pail of fudge from my brother Corey that he had purchased there. It was signed, “With fudge, Corey.” I thought that was pretty neat! This store was fun to walk around and just look at all the little gift items.

Braun’s Bakery—I could be wrong about the name of this bakery, but it was on the corner of 5th & Broadway (I’m pretty sure). I loved when we could stop in for doughnuts! My favorite was a custard-filled Bismarck. One funny story:

Clarinda (about to eat Long John doughnut): I wonder if this doughnut has feeling.
Mom: I think you mean filling. I doubt your doughnut has feelings.
Clarinda(biting into said doughnut): Ouch! See it does have feeling.

Old Broadway—this was one of the fanciest restaurants in town (or at least on Broadway). When I was in high school, my friends and I would sometimes go out to eat here. I remember we would order fun drinks, like virgin strawberry daiquiris. It made us feel special to have dinner at such a fancy place.

Taco John’s—nothing too special about this fast food chain, but it was one of my favorites. I remember many a stop by Taco John’s. I think it’s far superior to Taco Bell! I know for sure that this Taco John’s is not in the same location as I remember. It’s about twice the size as before and moved several blocks down the street.

That’s about it for specific places I remember. An overall description would be a fairly typical, small town main street with storefronts lining both sides of the street.

Oh, I almost forgot about Ben Franklin, a little 5&Dime store. Behind it (not on Broadway) was the library, and kitty corner to that was the junior high. I remember many, many a stop by Ben Franklin after school for some Now & Laters or Laffy Taffy or Jolly Ranchers or any number of other little candies that we could buy by the piece. There were also lots of craft supplies. It was a great store to get lost in.

Of course, I can’t leave out Big Ole! He stands at one end of Broadway.