CONFLICTED

Today's post was going to be about a small town hometown. And how we in America have lost that loving feeling. Then it was going to be about first kisses. And how I'm glad we haven't lost that feeling. So, I'll combine them and see what kind of missive is created.

MTV downtown used to be dominated by the John B. Rogers Building. All six floors complete with one of only two elevators that I used, both located downtown. We never referred to it as uptown no matter where we lived. Who John B. was is unknown to me, but my first dentist had an office there, so I frequented it way too much. Dots and Bomono's taffy were two reasons. If dentists didn't have stock in those two candy companies, they should have.

In the basement of the building was The Sub, "the swingin' est place in SoIL," or so we thought. It was where teens went to see or be seen. Nearly every Friday or Saturday night, at some time most put in an obligatory appearance there or at least a nominal drive-by.

Next door was a Sporting Goods store whose name escapes me, but where I purchased a Trap-EZ, six fingered baseball mitt that I used after my catching career ended or was put on hiatus for a few years. All I remember was the store was green and smelled like the oil that you used to break in the baseball glove.

There was a tavern called The Blue Goose. Maybe it was a restaurant that served alcohol, I just know we never frequented it until it was resurrected into the best Greek restaurant I've been to, counting Greece. It's still the Blue Goose, but only cabbage rolls, gyros, stew, pistachio, baklava and the best French fries anywhere are served.

Next to it was Grigg's Market, owned and operated family store that made deliveries and allowed credit. They were known for the best deli-ham sandwich ever. The best ham sammy ever was made at The Broadway Drive-In, where layers of the 3/4 pound sandwich would fall over the bun like a big belly over a belt.

The Police Station was next adjoined by the Fire Department, City Hall, and the county jail, housing inmates in the basement. Then came a bakery that offered freshly baked bread for a quarter a loaf. Served hot out of the ovens at about 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturday nights, they had quite a business from Sub-goers on their way home or just out for a ride, hollowing out the middle with eager fingers. Before, of course, chewing up the tasty crust.

And as you see, my conflicted topic not only didn't get to first kisses, it left downtown with 3 blocks or so to go. You'll just have to wait, and think of or dream about that hot bread and the Griggs sandwiches. Don't forget the fries from the Greek restaurant and the ham from the Drive-In. Man, it must be time to eat.