Rambling through central Illinois, marveling that we are 25 years into the 21st century.
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Between basketball games last weekend, I wandered through Princeville’s Stevens Square Park and was impressed by the collection of Christmas trees there. More than that, I was moved by several memorial trees decorated in honor of deceased family members. The creative decorations and personal touches that make each tree different are truly wonderful expressions of love that are a needed contrast to the crass commercialism of the season. Next year, I’m making a point to visit Stevens Square before Christmas on a snowy day when the lights are shining bright.
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Speaking of basketball, it was gratifying seeing Princeville girls coach John Gross pick up his 900th win last week, even though it came at Elmwood’s expense. As is always the case for a team Gross is coaching, this edition of the Lady Princes has improved dramatically since the start of the season. Unlike post-dominated Princeville teams of recent years, Gross switched to a pressure defense because that’s what his players are better suited to run. Adaptability is the sign of a good coach and helps explain why Gross has been able to win so many games. So does his explanation of why, at age 75, he is still barking out instructions. “There were some years in there I didn’t get to coach,” he said. “And I knew when I was sitting out I wanted to come back. I just love coaching. I just love the game. It’s been a lot of fun.”
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Earlier this year, several of you were kind enough to reply to a query for stories about Elmwood Bowl, which operated from the early 1930s through the late 1990s at 201 S. Magnolia St. What I expected were stories of 300 games and league championships. Mostly what I heard, though, were nostalgic recollections of “hanging out” and even fond memories from people who worked there setting pins. Similar reverence is accorded the bowling alley that once operated in Toulon. The general consensus in both towns is that it’s too bad there’s not someplace similar today where kids could hang out or work. I mention this because a week off from publishing allowed us time to install my new desk in TWP headquarters. The desktop was once an alley at Elmwood Bowl and your memories make working on the old wooden surface even better. Thanks.
Contact Jeff Lampe at (309) 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
