Days Gone By...

This week, I've been reading through the booklet that was published in 1971 in commemoration of Raymond's Centennial year. Raymond Stewart was mayor, Bert Martin was Village Clerk, and Raymond R. Hough was Village Treasurer. Board members included Carl Peger, Joe Martin, Pete Henderson, Verne Pinkston, Kenneth Wagahoff, and Glen Myers. Raymond's oldest citizen at the time was Mrs. Mary Peger, born August 28, 1974.

Back then, "Main Street" was busy and there were times when it was difficult to find a parking spot on either side of the railroad tracks. I was amazed to see how many businesses were open in Raymond in 1971, and reading through the following list brought back a lot of good memories. Enjoy!

Raymond Post Office
The Raymond News
Telephone Exchange
First National Bank
Irwin Electric
Spring Air Motel and Restaurant
Spring Air Texaco
Gino's Pool Room
Dr. T.L. Wagy
Jo's Standard Service Station
Nannie's Tavern
Local Propane Gas Company
Raymond Cafe
O.K. Grain Company
Raymond Handi-Wash
Walch Electric
Raymond Lumber and Hardware Company
Eckhoff Western Wear
S & S IGA Market
Mizera's P.A.G. Market
Cal's Service
Dr. Nicholas Dub
Held Sales & Service
Heid Drug Store
Hank's Sales & Service
Bandy Chevrolet Company
Raymond Variety Store
Ray's Jack Service
White Cottage Cafe
Poggenpohl Construction & Materials
Bud's Tavern
Raymond Implement Company
Raymond Super Service
Carl Routt - Standard Oil Agent
Herman's West End Grocery and Service Station
Ye Olde Barber Shop
Hough Plumbing & Heating
Angle Welding Shop
Home Oil Company
Raymond Ready Mix
Ralston-Purina Elevator
Johnson Builders' Supply
Montgomery Service Company
Raymond Food Market
Montgomery County Housing Authority (Raymond, Illinois Project)
Raymond Bowl
Darald Peters Ford
Benning Equipment Company
Mick's Auto Body Shop
W.H. House, Sr.
Sorrell's Farm Supply
Mosby's Garage - Raymond Tile Company
Lancer Den
Hough Funeral Home
Beauty Shop owners: Cheryl Herman, Bernice Keller, Mary Ann Durbin, Lucille Rossi, Jane Barry and Norma Bray. Operators: Kathy Vieregge, Elaine Walch, Marie Germman, Mary Brown, and Alice Marsch.