To the Editor:

I spent my formative years (’50s and ’60s) tearing up and down Schoharie Plank and Euclid (Avenue) roads on my bike with many stops in Black Creek for dam-building and crayfish-herding. My bike took me upstreet to Crupe’s, the Deli, and the A&P at Main and Maple.

Almost fearless, I sped down the “hill” on Main, tooled around Park, Lark, Grand, Lincoln, and tackled the Brandle-Altamont Boulevard when conditions allowed. A paper route put pennies in the pocket and provided the Freihofer bakers extra money when I blew it all on their chocolate chips.

I left for college and life and have spent the last 40-plus years in Arizona, Michigan, and visited the ’hood for many summer-long visits with more stable family members. I look forward to visiting the burg again and checking out St. John’s, the Reformed and Catholic church buildings, my Altamont Elementary School (pre-addition), and of course the fairgrounds. High Point and Buttermilk were the perfect playgrounds.

Orsini’s garage was handy for candy and illicit smokes. I get The Enterprise and follow the news and look for names and faces. Stewart’s came into the village and it was a convenience. Don’t give Stewart’s too much grief. It’s a business and is still handy for the hill folks and villagers.

Lighten up and grab your bike and tool around. Say hi to everyone. I’ll say hello when I see you next.

Warren L. Jones III

Surprise, Arizona