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What do you remember about growing up here in the '80s?

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Thursday, Oct 25, 2007 - 12:13:47 am CDT

You may have seen the e-mail.

The one with pictures of slap bracelets, Alf the alien, friendship bracelets and the computer game “The Oregon Trail.”

The one that starts out, “You Know You Grew Up In the ’80s if: 

Story Photo
Remember the sorta-creepy mechanical band from Showbiz Pizza? Then you must've grown up around here in the '80s. (Journal Star file photo)

- You’ve ever ended a sentence with the word “psych!”

- You can sing the rap to the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and do the Carlton.

And features such gems as:

- You tight-rolled your jeans.

- You know all the words to Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

- You just sang those words to yourself.

But what about all the things you would only remember if you grew up here in the 1980s?

Here’s a list we made up. By all means, add your own thoughts in the comments area below.

You were growing up in the Lincoln area in the 1980s if:

- You remember bawling when the Huskers lost the Orange Bowl.

- You can remember when Gap and Banana Republic were exotic brands from far-away places. 

- You loved Big Ben the bear at the Folsom Children’s Zoo.

- You remember when our governor, Bob Kerrey, was dating a movie star!

- You recall “awesome” family outings to Peony Park in Omaha.

- You saw movies at The Cooper at 54th and O streets.

- You had your birthday party at Showbiz Pizza.

- The East Park Plaza food court was The Place to see and be seen.

- You faced off against the mighty alligator at Cool Crest mini golf.

- You can remember how long it used to take to drive anywhere, because the interstate speed limit was 55 mph.

- You can remember the photo booth at Kresge’s at Gateway Mall (and when Gateway was an outdoor mall, like SouthPointe).

- You scrambled to the top of the blue elephant slide in the indoor playground at Richman Gordman.

- You watched “Romper Room,” and if you weren’t on the show at least once, you were really, really jealous of friends who were.

- You can remember scary Halloween events set up inside The Centrum and lines around the block to get inside.

- You were young enough to get a little scared by all the creepy Halloween stuff at Thingsville.

— Kendra Waltke


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rr wrote on October 25, 2007 9:17 am:
" I remember the 1/2 Price Store also and Chi Chi's. "

 c wrote on October 25, 2007 9:46 am:
" - you wore anything from Bennetton that had more than 2 uses. - you have actually used a floppy disc for an Apple computer AND you learned how to write programming code in elementary school! - you still have a small collection of garbage pail kids trading cards! - there were only a few houses South of Old Cheney road and Pine Lake was still gravel "

 Jason wrote on October 25, 2007 10:09 am:
" You remember when there used to be a racetrack (Midwest Speedway) where the 27th & Superior Wal-Mart stands. "

 I remember wrote on October 25, 2007 10:39 am:
" a place called Chartroose Caboose, I think, that had the best phillies. Wasn't there a Treasure City at 27th and Highway 2? Chesterfields in the Gunnies building was a great spot for drinks (food was ok). Lucky Lady in the Gold's building was a great dance place. "

 L wrote on October 25, 2007 10:45 am:
" The "Strip" bars (as in strip like the malls not the other)known as Little Bo's were where Super Saver is on 27th and Cornhusker. Doing the Drive In Movie Theatre at 84th and O' St where Kohls is now. Movies at not only the Cooper theatre, but also the State Theatre on O st. Rick Springfield, REO Speedwagon, and Boston concerts. skinny dipping in branched oak lake at night then driving home with no headlights on. "

 70's/80's child wrote on October 25, 2007 10:53 am:
" How about the drive in's? I remember camping out in a sleeping bag on top of my parent's station wagon while watching movies at the drive in on 84th and 0 street where Kohl's/Russwood currently sits. There was also one in the middle of town but not exactly sure where. I am guessing just east of 48th and R where Doane and Office Depot currently are but I may be off a few blocks. I also remember endless summers where we would leave the house in the morning to go play with friends and would not return until sundown and parents would not worry a bit, back in the day when mom's could stay at home with the kids. "

 yoshiki wrote on October 25, 2007 10:57 am:
" Hinky Dinkys, Jack & Jills, and the local IGAs were convenient stores to pick up a quick bight of something (pre U-Stops). "

 AG wrote on October 25, 2007 11:07 am:
" You couldn't wait to be old enough to go to the really cool shows at the Drumstick! You remember when East Park Plaza had a bar (Chelsea's). You played video games at Yellow Submarine on Cotner. Or had lunch and played video games at Tommy's on R street. Or at the Gunney's building when they moved there (or heck, remember the Gunney's AS the Gunney's building at all!) You remember where South 27th turned to gravel (for those that don't, it was at the intersection of Old Cheney. North of Old Cheney was paved, south was still gravel). "

 Amie wrote on October 25, 2007 11:08 am:
" You remember shopping downtown in the Centrum and Atrium and at Miller and Paine "

 Deb from Columbus wrote on October 25, 2007 11:16 am:
" I remember all the big department stores downtown in Lincoln. "

 GrewUpThere wrote on October 25, 2007 12:44 pm:
" - You won a Viewmaster Projector -- the coolest toy ever -- for winning the Guess Who I Am game on Kalamity Kate's Show Wagon on channel 10/11. "

 child of the 80's wrote on October 25, 2007 12:51 pm:
" Those were the good old days, when times were simpler and just fun. "

 srv wrote on October 25, 2007 1:20 pm:
" Coddington wooden bridge, canoe rentals at Holmes Lake, Parkers Restaurant in Denton, Organ lady @ Lees Chicken, Little Bo's and the Drumstick, Springsteen @ Devaney, Bob Devaney and Husker Bob, The triplets, Dirt Cheap Records, It's too depressing to go on..... "

 Andrea wrote on October 25, 2007 1:21 pm:
" I remember when the Runza @ 33rd and Highway atphd2 was on a gravel Road, and those streets didn't even intersect. Everyone after the games would go up to DQ with everyone from the ENTIRE school. "

 Julie wrote on October 25, 2007 2:38 pm:
" I'll never forget going to Sam's All-American restaurant - where Dairy Queen is on North 48th now and my family splitting the family-sized fries and getting burgers. I also remember Super Sub, I think it was on 13th Street between E & F, where they had awesome arcade games and absolutely delicious cheesesteaks. A couple more things: McDonald's downtown on SE corner of 14th & O & Twisters record store where Brothers Bar is now. And the good old arcade at East Park - may have lasted into the 90's but it's sure not there now. "

 80's in high school wrote on October 25, 2007 2:42 pm:
" Going to Taco Inn for lunch and then to SLUGO's to play video games. "

 Annie wrote on October 25, 2007 3:06 pm:
" You remember when Amigos was a new restaurant. "

 chickadee wrote on October 25, 2007 3:34 pm:
" wow, where to begin..chesterfields,the drumstick, hanging out after class at the centrum/atrium, tommys near the old un-l bookstore,dirt cheap, the original pickles in the basement of the sewing machine shop on 9th or 10th street, the blind and kindly organ lady at lees, chartreuse caboose, drive in theatres at 48th and vine and 84th and o,my old fraternity house(now a grassy strip next to the health center parking lot), all-campus greek/dormie snowball fights, stormies at the brickyard for greasy post-bar food, yards of guinness at the rose on 70th and o, ....ahh, the good old days "

 yoshiki wrote on October 25, 2007 3:58 pm:
" 70's/80's child, that drive in theatre was a few block away from my house, on Vine between the UHAUL store & Culler Middle School (where the apartments are now). It was destroyed by a brief tornado touchdown sometime around the summer of '84/'85. I remember going there several times... how I miss it :( ..... "

 Matt wrote on October 25, 2007 4:03 pm:
" You remember watching trains run down what are now bike paths. "

 BarbinABQ wrote on October 25, 2007 4:11 pm:
" How about these: -You ate at the Runza in the Glass Onion on Q Street. -You bought records, tapes and CDs at Dirt Cheap and Pickles. "

 Jennifer Schizas wrote on October 25, 2007 4:14 pm:
" Don't forget, eating at Chelsea's Pub in Eastpark! "

 T wrote on October 25, 2007 4:38 pm:
" Apple fritters at Alice's Restaurant "

 80s radio wrote on October 25, 2007 5:07 pm:
" Great thread !! I can remember getting out of school,hopping in my Moms car for the ride home...listening to KFMQ /Q-102 FM. All the great music from the previous decade and the new one ahead. What an exciting time to grow up listening to the radio . "

 Dave wrote on October 25, 2007 5:49 pm:
" Burger Chef (and Jeff). Also, Cool Crest! "

 Missing You wrote on October 25, 2007 6:03 pm:
" What a great thing to reminisce and see that I am not the only one who misses the days when Lincoln was not such a mess. I remember Golds and Miller and Paine, Kalamity Kate Muscular Dystrophy Carnivals, Waiting in long lines at Valentino's and of course always knowing someone who lived at the Lincoln School of Commerce Dorms where you could crash!!! "

 Word wrote on October 25, 2007 6:07 pm:
" The Oak Room on South Street. Red Rooster by Leon's. "

 DF wrote on October 25, 2007 7:30 pm:
" The 80's were just the best years. I practically lived at Sluggo's at East Park Plaza in the mid 80's. Hanging out downtown at Dirt Cheap & World Radio. I still have a free game ticket to Cool Crest. So many great memories. "

 Fred wrote on October 25, 2007 7:55 pm:
" I remember the block downtown where Embassy Suites now sits. On 11th you had the original Arturo's, the 1st Dirt Cheap where you could buy records (remember those?) and other supplies. That building then became the Glass Onion when Dirt Cheap moved across the ally. There was Macguffy's with Metro the manager on the corner. On P St., you had that old antique/junk store that had neat things in the windows but was never open, You had the Green Frog, which was always good for a fight a night and visit from LPD's finest. And the buffalo meat place on the corner. On 10th there was a taxidermy store, Reliable Sewing machine store, where Pickles started in the basement. And O G Kelly's bar where OG and Jeck continued the tradition and food(chili and beef, brick and onion sandwiches) of Lebsack's Tavern. I was working there and remember Open Stage on Monday nights and Comedy night once a month, the great bands ie Charlie Burton. Plus it was the closest bar to Memorial Stadium, so you could run over at half time and resupply and get back in time for the second half. That was a great block. "

 scott wrote on October 25, 2007 9:22 pm:
" You have not listed two Lincoln favorites - Kings at 48th and "O" (where that pet store is now) and getting to order on thase telephone-walkie talkie things. The fiberglass animals at richman gordman (got my first kiss in the hippo). Going to the Knolls for sunday lunch, and asking if we could take a snack because it was such a long drive to get there. And later in life, the "dirty" embassy movie theater at about 18th & "O" and never getting up the courage to try and go in and see what that was all about! Glad I did kings, richman gordman, and the Knolls. glad I didnt do the theater "

 Anne wrote on October 25, 2007 9:39 pm:
" Thanks for the memories. Haven't thought about Red Rooster on South Street for ages. We loved their chicken. Then the old wooden bridge on West O. I Think Folsom drive replaced it. There was a drive in out there also. We would take the old bridge home after seeing a movie. It would wake the kids up! and of course the peaceful evening was done for the parents. "

 CS wrote on October 25, 2007 9:53 pm:
" I remember being an arrogant little fart. (Now I'm a big one! Heehee.) The times were a lot slower then, I know that. "

 Ken wrote on October 26, 2007 1:32 am:
" Others have covered the restaurants/stores, etc. so here's some media related ones: "You used to deliver the Lincoln Journal in the afternoon, and actually had to collect payment from your customers yourself-you used to listen to dedications on Sunday evening on KFRX-you remember when 107.3 used to play elevator music-you remember when 10/11 was Lincoln only TV station and everybody knew who Mel Mains was-you used to stay up late to watch the Bob Devaney Prediction show on Friday night and the Tom Osborne Show on Sunday night. "

 Bishop's wrote on October 26, 2007 5:28 am:
" Used to love to come to Lincoln and go to Bishop's Cafeteria. "

 Erika wrote on October 26, 2007 9:37 am:
" Having baked macaroni and cheese at the Miller and Paine restaurant with my mom and sister, the Hello Kitty stand at either Brandeis or M&Paine, the weather guy on channel 10/11 (and by the way, who ever really understood what the "11" was for when you were a kid??) used a big wipe-off map of the United States and Nebraska and used a marker to write the temps every day, the dinosaur skeleton fountain and the trash-eating lion at the zoo, got Roger Craig's autograph at the La Fonda restaurant at the Centrum. Also getting KFC with two or three other families and going down to watch whatever musical was playing at the Pioneer's Park outdoor theatre that summer (every year). Good times! "

 Lisa wrote on October 26, 2007 9:53 am:
" Sunday night dedications, trapper keepers, popples, pound puppies, daisy dukes, cabage patch dolls, The Breakfast Club, Knots Landing and Dallas, tetherball, Jem and the Holograms, and How On Earth is NINTENDO not mentioned? Duck Hunt??? Saving the princess?? Hyper colored shirts, TMNT, Tone Loc, jean jackets... And that hair???? :) "

 D wrote on October 26, 2007 10:42 am:
" You spent quarter after quarter at the Game Gallery (I think, that's what it was called) "

 Lindsay wrote on October 26, 2007 11:09 am:
" The elephant slide at Richman Gordman! And the yellow kangaroo thing....wow that just brought back a flood of memories. Other things I remember - the city pretty much ending at Old Cheney Rd, Kay Orr vs. Helen Boosalis, when Gateway was actually Gateway, the Re-Union building on the UNL campus (or was that the early 90's...I don't quite remember), the McD's on O Street, and of course Pickles...I always wanted to go in there but I was a bit too young to go in by myself. "

 Rick wrote on October 26, 2007 11:25 am:
" When disputes were settled with a knuckle, not a gun or a knife. The 80's hair bands, and cruising "O" street as it was legal. "

 Jason wrote on October 26, 2007 11:40 am:
" I remember hearing all the NU fans coming up with nothing BUT excuses as to why they lost the big game in January. "

 Remembering When wrote on October 26, 2007 12:11 pm:
" How about dancing the night away to the Rip Cords at the Drumstick? And don't forget the Royal Gorge...actually had some good music out there! "

 Tom Heeren wrote on October 26, 2007 12:34 pm:
" Oh, I remember the 1980s when I was at Nebraska Wesleyan University during the 1980s (1984-89). I went to Ben Franklin on 48th Street near the drugstore (I don't know the real name) to buy some things there. I know Dean Rick Artman, now President of Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin and he used to be Vice President for Student Affairs but I still call him "Dean" from time to time. Dean Artman, Mrs. Betty Grassmeyer, Dr. Harold Hall, Curtis Reimer, Mark Hedberg and some college friends are my "college family" and I love them very much. The 1980s were simple and innocent than the crazy 2000s and I wish I could go back to that decade because I wanted innocence. Unfortunately, we NWU graduates from 1985-92 have to grow up a lot! The 1980s will always be a special moment for me! "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on October 26, 2007 12:49 pm:
" I remember laughing at guys who rolled their pant cuffs up. "

 Jean wrote on October 26, 2007 12:51 pm:
" Kings Resturants--all of them. No real hangup, people relaxed more; trees in Pioneers Park; putt putt golf; Little Bo's; original Runza Hut(not Runza Inn as now) by the animal shelter;McD's on O street; "Gateway" had parking; dang reading all this and the only thing the same is Tastee's on 48th & Holdrege; Old Cheney seemed like another town so far away; kids playing more outside; families being able to have family time and not 2-3 jobs. "

 80s Lincolnite wrote on October 26, 2007 2:01 pm:
" I remember most all of the places mentioned....how about Pontillo's (where the Van Brunt Visitor Center is on Campus)....when Nebraska Bookstore was where Lied is now. How about a beverage--does anybody remember Malt Duck? Is it even made anymore? Anybody remember Kazoo's Kabob....Rocky Rococo's Pizza...... "

 Atari wrote on October 26, 2007 2:52 pm:
" Playing Atari with your brother and sister, VCR's and Beta's were the new hot item, when you went to your friends house to watch cable, and the ambrosia pie at Bishops! We were always the youngest by 50 years! "

 1980's Kid wrote on October 26, 2007 4:48 pm:
" -friendship pins -Michael Jackson's album with the leapord -Strawberry Shortcake -Holly Hobby -Icee's at K-Mart -Skating at the rink on 1st and Cornhusker -The moving christmas decorations at the stores downtown -Going to Millar and Paine to buy stuff for your Girl Scout uniform -Banana Seats on your bicycle and who ever wore a helmet? -Having a car that didn't even have seatbelts -Reading Rainbow -Moon Boots -Brass Buckle at East Park - before it changed to The Buckle and moved to Gateway -Comadore 64 computers -MC Hammer pants -Feathered hair -Getting your ears double pierced -4 square and jumping rope at recess -Best Friend necklaces that came in two pieces, one part for each of you -New Kids on the Block concert @ Pershing "

 Born and Raised in Lincoln wrote on October 26, 2007 8:28 pm:
" I love reading all these memories! How the times felt safe and you didn't worry about being out at night, no matter what neighborhood you were in. Arcades just about in every neighborhood, where a roll of quarters lasted all day. Pin Ball machines at the Rec center on 20th and Van Dorn where you had to sign up and take turns by switching every 20 minutes. Punk Rock, Thriller, the moon walk, Going skating at 1 of 3 of the skating rinks (Skate Land was the newest on Cornhusker Hwy.) or going to one of 3 drive through theaters on Saturday nights. What Happened to the safe easy life of the 80's any way? Why did we let them escape? I think we should bring it all back so our kids and grandkids can enjoy it all again! What do you think? "

 reminicing wrote on October 26, 2007 9:32 pm:
" I got stuck in the elephant in Richman Gordman's. My brother and I were "just a little too big" but we wanted to play on it anyway and I got stuck inside at the top in the turn. Also I remember Pontello's (sp) on 13th & P. They had great food there too. We use to go to The Topper Popper. During the summer months we would ride our bike there. There was also a drive-in theater out on west "O" until it was hit by a tornado. (I think that is what happened to it anyway). We use to go there for my b-day during the summer. We also went to the one on 84th. We would sit down and watch the movie from the old metal playground equipment with our "boom box" so we could here the movie. We also use to eat the King's restaurant on cornhusker. My mom loved the cheese frencies. Oh the good ol days :o) "

 georgie wrote on October 26, 2007 9:37 pm:
" joust at the game gallery, some donut place across the street south of love library or biz college, can't remember it's all changed so much. the old nebraska bookstore with wood floors upstairs. miller and paine green stamps. dirt cheap. chesterfields. barrymores. being able to go through the alley from 13th past barrymores and ending up at the mill just to the left of the alley. do-biz. some "french"bakery with lincoln's early cappucinos that was on 13th. pontillo's definitely! a vibrant downtown that is starting to come back some...just need an anchor dept. store again? that's when you could do most everything downtown without a car available to you. the haymarket was hardly active except for the tubbery or something. lots more...that was "my lincoln! that i loved and remember in my mind's eye. "

 Kevin wrote on October 26, 2007 11:00 pm:
" What about Robber's Cave? "

 C wrote on October 27, 2007 4:35 am:
" How about getting fitted for shoes at Brady Shoes downtown? I call the white horse! "

 Devin James wrote on October 27, 2007 11:59 am:
" How about getting fried marshmallow fritters in the alley down by Jink Jensens used nostalgia shop? Or purchasing tiffle taffle for a quarter and going for a walk thru Marple Park? Who could forget crusing the interzone, wearing sweatshirts with who knows what written in Serb on the front, rolling my hair back, and laughing at girls who wore candies shoes and listening to the dulcet tones of Flash and The Pan. How about buying records down at Tragic Vinyl, located under the bridge and across the alley from Woodsmoke? Remember the 35 cent (35 cents!!!) for a 12 oz glass of the Woodsmoke's trademark drink, the Coconut Headbutt? Those were the days, if only Raygun was back in office, it would make the nightmare circular. "

 Nikki wrote on October 27, 2007 12:25 pm:
" Someone mentioned the Runza on a gravel road at 33rd & Hwy. 2. Anyone remember the table-style PacMan arcade game there?? "

 bob wrote on October 27, 2007 4:33 pm:
" Mix-in's at Ted & Wally's, Val's buffet was a special event, M&P crumb cookies "

 Lots of Memories wrote on October 27, 2007 11:45 pm:
" Wow this really got me thinking... Let's see... When the McDonald's on 14th street by the grain elevator built their drive thru window. Pinball Pete's behind the McDonald's. The old Indian Village post office. WC Frank by Wendy's downtown (and a stamp collecting store before that). Sunday morning cartoons on FCO with "Mr. Dale". Mel Mains. Actually walking to elementary school. Scratch and sniff stickers from Stephenson school supplies. That asian store at east park that had no qualms about selling ninja throwing stars to unaccompanied 9 year olds. The cafeteria at Miller & Paine. The Computer Swap Shop. PAMIDA. When the rock island and mo pac trains actually came through town and there were railroad tracks where the bike trails are now. Wondering why your parents were so worried about you during the John Joubert days. When they imploded the old Cornhusker Hotel. Listening to Otis Twelve and Diver Dan Doomie on Z92. THE KFRX RAP! That huge mural on the side of DISCO TREK (wasn't it called STOOGES after? Then the Fizz?). Gateway Bank, Lincoln Bank East (my very first savings account), Lincoln Bank South. BANK IN THE BOX. Ron Kurtenbach's public access call in show. Halloween Hulabaloo at the zoo. YMCA youth soccer at woods park with those clever reversible red/blue jerseys. The embassy theater (well, I never went in there as a kid but one couldn't help but wonder why we never went to >that< movie theater...) When they shot Terms of Endearment at Leon's food mart. When they would throw oranges onto the field at Husker games. "Mad Mike" and his drum at the games. The F-4 Phantoms at the air base. Well there's a lot more, but that's enough rant for one night... "

 Will wrote on October 28, 2007 7:36 pm:
" Wow . this is great. Its like I love the 80s: Lincoln Edition. Thanks for the article and even more so, the comments. Those were great times and I miss them "

 Christi wrote on October 29, 2007 3:15 pm:
" I miss Rax's and their alligator shaped drink bottles. "

 The original wrote on October 29, 2007 10:02 pm:
" Godfather's Pizza downtown when it was upstairs and dimly lit and felt like a real gangster hideout! The Atrium, Centrum, Millers and all the little shops downtown. The Chartreuse Caboose, yummy sandwiches at that place!! Bus service!! Drive-in's, cruising O street, Pioneers Park, Frisco Freeze on south street...Everett Junior High,....Treasure City, THE HUMP BRIDGE!! "

 Ginger wrote on October 29, 2007 11:05 pm:
" Cindy Wanek of Wanek's of Crete! "

 Mr. Bill wrote on October 30, 2007 9:57 am:
" A morning and an afternoon newspaper. Crazy Benny, Dangerous Dan & Dancin Dave at S T O O G E S. FFMQ rock nite at the Starship. The Green Frog. Three bands for one cover at Little Bo's. Dr. JBZ the Hypnotist at Little Bo's. Miller & Paine molassis cookies. However, nothing has changed about the lincoln traffic lights, you still stop at every intersection! "

 ALW wrote on October 30, 2007 10:41 am:
" I remember when city parks were fun. They had gravel, not padding and tornado slides...the good kind not the ones made of plastic that give a kid a static charge. I remember ice skating at Holmes Lake, Holmes lake flooding and us walking through it, Safeway grocery store at 48th and Pioneers, amd Dallman's IGA at Edgewood(It's Party America now and I think it was a Lawlor's before that) "service" stations-not self serve, the bouncy wooden bridge at Antelope park playground, going off the towers at Woods pool, Gateway Mall when it was an outdoor mall with a fountain in the middle and when they used to decorate the indoor part of the mall for Christmas. Does anyone else remember that store there next to the vaccuum store...I think they sold meat and cheese. It always smelled weird to me, but I always wanted to go in there. B Dalton was a candy store not a book store. Was it Russell Stovers? My cousins worked at Flaky Jakes (where Olive Garden is now). The "old" entrance to the Lincoln Children's Zoo, and the pony ride went around in a circle-not on a path and the police and fire stations there were much neater than today. Chet Ager Zoo aka. Stinky Zoo (now Ager play center). 4th of July at Holmes Park. "

 TS wrote on October 30, 2007 11:49 am:
" I remember all those great things, Miller & Paine and King's food (the best ever). The Drive In's, Richman Gordman - blue elephant ( broke my arm there), going downtown on Saturday's and being able to stay all day shopping. Also there was a "teen" club out on Van Dorn ( can't remember the name) "

 Dave wrote on October 30, 2007 12:28 pm:
" I'm glad someone remembered Bishop's Buffet! My favorite part was the Chocolate Creme Pie with the Chocolate shavings on top, and especially the balloons with feet that were in their own "cage" available upon departure! "

 A.C.G.D wrote on October 30, 2007 3:03 pm:
" Seeing Jody Foster's Army at the Brickyard, seeing Red Hot Chili Peppers at Chesterfields (before they were famous), The underground fanzine Capital Punishment, seeing local bands at El Ranchito, and many other bands at the Drumstick. "

 Hiccup wrote on October 30, 2007 4:47 pm:
" I loved Herm's at 17th and P. "

 DF wrote on October 30, 2007 9:30 pm:
" I can't remember the name of the "teen club" either, but it was where the bingo hall is now and I used to go there almost every weekend around '82-'83 - wearing my black & white checkered slipon VANS of course! "

 Tammy wrote on October 31, 2007 10:38 am:
" Great stuff everyone!!! How about sneaking into "Hobbitsville" on Sheridan? I remember the Yellow Submarine on Cotner, Pep club, marching band. Eating at Sams every day cause it cost 2 bucks. Tommy,s, the old Bookstore, Pontillos, all the great stuff that used to be downtown. My...how times have changed. Not for the better either, in my opinion. We used to have neighborhoods, now we have subdivisions. I was at Midwest the night the guy got clobbered in the head by a flying wing. Remnber real concerts at Pershing? Kiss, Def Leppord, Van Halen, ZZ Top, LOVERBOY??? LOL. Great times!!! I wonder what our kids will remember? "

 Dave wrote on October 31, 2007 10:59 am:
" I remember "Lums" on "O" street and "Kreske's" at Gateway Mall. "

 JW wrote on October 31, 2007 11:05 am:
" When Valentino's on Holdrege was an old school sit down resturant, no Buffet. Mini burgers at burger king. Slime out of the quarter machines at the grocery store. Burple and styrofoam containers at mc donalds. "

 kim wrote on October 31, 2007 1:24 pm:
" Ginny's Candy Jar at East Park??? "

 Stephanie wrote on October 31, 2007 7:37 pm:
" I think it was the late 70's but was there not an A&W in Belmont? I still have my little miniature glass mug from A&W. I think there was a little putt putt golf course too. Wasn't there a Treasure City on 48 & Leighton where Hy-Vee is now? I think that is where I got my first hula hoop! I remember mall bangs in the late 80's and boy do I have some embarssing pictures of that. K-mart on 48th & Vine street. The original Runza that was some where out by Pioneers park. The little parking lot carnivals that would pop up everywhere. There was a drug store on the corner of 48h & St. Paul in Uni Place-- there was soda fountian in there and we would sometimes have our Girl Scout meetings there. "

 Steph wrote on October 31, 2007 8:10 pm:
" I was thinking about this a little more-- I remember when you could tell what part of town someone lived in by the prefix of their phone number. 466, 464, etc. I remember our field trip (walk across the alley) to Dominos pizza to make a personal pizza. I think we did that in 4th or 5th grade at Huntington. Sledding on Tanker Hill in Air Park-- that might have been early 90's! "

 Jim wrote on November 1, 2007 12:26 am:
" I remember Mel Mains and Charlie Dougdale at KOLN TV. The graphics on TV then consisted of someone flopping pictures taken by a camera down in front of the TV camera. I remember Mains reporting the Starkweather murders in the Belmont area before they even knew who did it. Those were the days. "

 Shawn Smith wrote on November 1, 2007 2:34 am:
" With as many times as I find myself hating Lincoln these days, I keep remembering all of these memories and more. Thanks to everyone for these - here's some of mine: Lincoln East Jr-Sr High (six years, buddy!), Sluggos, then WC Franks East at East Park. Asian Treasures was the store in East Park that sold throwing stars - and "Nam" (the owner?) wouldn't sell them to anyone she didn't trust. Dirt Cheap - God rest the soul of Terry Moore, who taught me all about rock and roll. Q102- the ORIGINAL Rock n' roll legend. Sunday night requests on KFRX, "Live from Holmes Lake Hilltop Plaza!" Little Bo's and Drumstick, The Centrum, the Atrium. Cosmic Comics at East Park! Little Chiefs and Babe Ruth baseball. Arturos - DAMN, I could SO go for a tacha right now. In either the 70th & Pioneers or downtown locations. And yes, it WAS Stooges downtown - where my sister met her now husband, and where Old Chicago is now. Classic Food Mart in Clocktower, and DQ where the Amigos is (also at Clocktower, 70th &A) Jack & Jill at Meadowlane, and Mr. Pizza too. When your folks went to the Neb. State Fair, and actually FOUND something you hadn't ever seen - before infomercials - and sometimes bought it and brought it home. LOGO - the computer program with the green triangle as a a "turtle", being taught by LPS teacher Jerry Shedlosky (who also invented it, if I remember right). Once again, Q102, KFMQ, and the cool promos they had before the movies at ANY Douglas theatre. The Cooper theatre on O Street. Waldo burgers. 92.9 The Eagle? Aren't they the ones with the ambulance for a station vehicle, and that Barker guy dressed up as Batman? Cruising O Street. The Lighthouse. Hinky Dinky. The drive-ins. Winters that really WERE winter. So many more... thanks to all of you for reminding me why I've stayed as long as I have. "

 Lifetime Lincolnite wrote on November 1, 2007 7:45 am:
" The "old" Gateway Mall with no where near the current enclosure. I used to buy cellophane "stacks" of baseball cards at J.J. Kresge (probably pre 1980s). Miller and Paine (now Dillard's) had this wonderful ice cream pie with chocolate topping. That was always a treat. There was also a restaurant named Flakey Jakes (where Olive Garden now stands). It had great burgers and bronwies, and always had great coupons in the newspaper that we would clip and use! While in college I worked part-time right across the street from there at Ben Simon's! "

 Nostradamus wrote on November 1, 2007 8:21 am:
" A friend and I would ride the bus downtown to see movies, usually at the State Theater. There would be line around the block on "O" street for the newest Disney movie. We would also go across the street to Chick Bartlett's Hobby Shop to check out the HO scale war tanks and trucks. One time my brother and I went downtown and saw the movie "The Conqueror Worm" with Vincent Price at the Varsity. We thought it was about a big worm. It was actually about witch trials and was very "inappropriate" for us to see at our age. Also recall my brother and I cruising "O" street, buying a Valentino's Pizza and driving around listening to Queen, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, etc.. lol. "

 Memories wrote on November 1, 2007 9:05 am:
" The Copper Kettle restaurant down at about 13th and "N" street. You would do to a basement which smelled kind of dank because they had a little fountain or waterfall. My parents used to buy me a BB Bat sucker on the way out (banana). It tasted terrible, but it was candy which was a treat to me in those days! "

 Dee in colorado wrote on November 1, 2007 10:23 am:
" Remember Tony and Luigi's lasagna? How about the jewerly store where you made your own necklace under the douglas theatre? Anyone remember the rockett slide at Belmont park? Brandeis? Racing to the indian at pioneers park and climbing on it, it seemed so much bigger back then. I mostly remember just hangin out downtown. "

 JT Hutt wrote on November 1, 2007 11:03 am:
" Checking out bands like Manequin Beach at the Culture Center behind Wendy's downtown. Parties at Cherry Hut. Being able to smoke clove cigarettes from Cliffs in the food court at the Atrium. Sneaking into the Hippy Cliffs out by Pioneers park. Exploring the "Bum City" tunnels by Lincoln General Hospital. Loved Hobbitsville, was sure that the cops would bust us any second. Thanks Abel family. We all miss Dirt Cheap, but don't forget about Spiderman on the window of Trade-a-Tape. "

 Eric S. wrote on November 1, 2007 11:19 am:
" I had a sweet mullet and a Whitesnake jacket. The chicks loved me. By the way, they still do. Acid washed jeans forever, homies. "

 tim wrote on November 1, 2007 11:20 am:
" 80's and earlier Der Loaf, Waterhole , Russian Inn ,Sweep Left, the old Sandy's "

 Jodi wrote on November 1, 2007 12:43 pm:
" Stooges was the place to have upside down margaritas. Anyone remember that? "

 Digger wrote on November 1, 2007 1:04 pm:
" Valentino's before they had buffets. Roller skating parties at 56th & Hwy 2 (where the Fort is now). Kalamity Kate and Mel Mains on Channel 10. Alices Restaurant. Cool Crest mini golf. The bird cages at the old A street entrance to the zoo. Corn field at 56th & Pioneers where we walked to watch the fireworks at Holmes Lake. "

 Eric S. wrote on November 1, 2007 2:48 pm:
" New Kids on the Block still rule. "

 Bob wrote on November 1, 2007 2:52 pm:
" Sluggo's, Rax, Z's (steak sandwich place in Edgewood), The original house of Hunan (50th & O), East Park/Gateway, B104....ah, the 80's "

 KIM wrote on November 1, 2007 2:59 pm:
" Great thread. When did the Greenwich Cafe (O street at about 20th) close? It served fish and chips on Fridays. Ymmmm. Prior to being called Pontillos, that store at 13th and Q was called Hong Kong Pizza King (in the 1970s). A Chinese family ran it, and they made pizza. Remember when Taco Inn was at the corner of 13th and R? And does anyone remember when the ONLY place in Lincoln to get Chinese food was Congress Inn out on West O? "

 I remember... wrote on November 1, 2007 3:05 pm:
" WALDO'S!!! That place was awesome! "

 Aguila wrote on November 1, 2007 3:09 pm:
" I was more of a 90's kid but I completely agree with the comments about Lincoln's downfall. I remember when Lincoln felt totally safe and life was pretty carefree. Now it's starting to get that bigger city feel and just thinking about how much it has changed is really sad. I wish we could go back. I would love to raise my children in the Lincoln that was here 20 years ago! "

 A wrote on November 1, 2007 3:27 pm:
" What no one remembers the The Happy Chef out by the airport?? Its know Dr. John's. The best things about goin there was the big statute of Happy Chef himself and you could push the button and it would talk. "

 SE and Irving 77-84 wrote on November 1, 2007 5:16 pm:
" Taking the bus downtown, hanging out at the Atrium and spending $1 on lunch at the McDonald's at 13th and O (is that Walgreen's now?). Saving babysitting money to by barrettes and monogrammed sweaters from The Limited (when it was brand new)! Going to the Irving activity center after school when it was brand new and playing LOTS of air hockey. Football games at the East stadium and then crowding WAY too many people in the station wagon and heading to Valentinos. Summers at The Knolls pool. How about that "chinese" place out at the old hotel on East O? Was that the Congress Inn!? I'd forgotten about Dirt Cheap. Remember how they used to actually sells bongs and pipes right out there in the open! "Head shops"! Attending midnight movies! Children's Theatre at the Community Playhouse. Wow. It's fun to remember. "

 Dan Duffy wrote on November 1, 2007 6:39 pm:
" Someone mention KFMQ ? KFMQ without a doubt was one of the best rock stations in the Midwest .Awesome air talent,great playlist. As a long haired teenager in the late 70's -early 80's ,I remember listening to KFMQ wanting to be a wacky rock n roll disc jockey . Careful what you wish for lol! "

 jb wrote on November 1, 2007 10:02 pm:
" How about the huge skateboarding competitions they used to put on, like at the trade center parking lot. Huge ramps and all. I loved watching those. Riding to the candy store Marions that was on S 48th by Old Cheney. Seeing the cochroaches as I ate buffet at Bonanza on 48th. Remembering when the old Hyvee at 4oth and Old Cheney was new. Aqua net hairspray. Driving place in the back of the truck (had topper) in our bean bags or in back of the station wagon with no seat belts in sight. And yes...I do remember the rocket ship at Belmont park. That was the best! "

 1980's Kid wrote on November 2, 2007 12:29 am:
" Do you remember the "New" Coke and Crystal Pepsi? Was that in the 80's? It only cost 20 cents for a stamp and gas was only around a dollar a gallon. Molly Ringwald movies!! "

 J Lueders wrote on November 2, 2007 3:57 am:
" Ahhh the 80's Sluggos @ EastPark, long hair, moccasion boots, jean jackets with the sleeves torn off, tight rolled jeans, stupid pranks pulled at Irving jr. high that people STILL remember...lol Beastie Boys @ Pershing, hanging out downtown...sigh...sucks getting old "

 80's Girl wrote on November 2, 2007 12:31 pm:
" How about....Tony & Luigi's, Brittany's Resturant, Sluggos (and being a "Sluggos Rat"), Starview Drive-In on Vine Street & the West 'O' Drive In, Sams Restuarant(s) (had the BEST Strawberry shakes & onion rings - worked there for years), cruisin' 'O' Street, Lucky Lady & Celebration for "teeny bop nights", Haunted House on 'O' Street that was PACKED every night, Kings, Chevettes, Citations, Hot Rods, feathered hair, "freaks", "jocks", but all in all everyone got along with each other, Holmes Lake, "psych, jades, hote", playing hackey in front of NBC bank downtown. Oh those WERE they days... "

 What about... wrote on November 2, 2007 12:46 pm:
" Pontillo's? Anyone remember them? I know Da Vinci's is supposed to be the same place, but it's really not as far as I'm concerned! Pontillo's was the BEST! "

 Meme wrote on November 2, 2007 1:05 pm:
" Ahhhh, and what about Mr. Steak? Cruising 'O', and not being able to fathom anything past Old Cheney. THE mall, was the only one! "

 barbinabq wrote on November 2, 2007 2:50 pm:
" Loved Pontillo's. If I'm not mistaken, it was actually owned by the same people who started daVinci's. They had the best pasta and pizza. And I worked at Nebraska Bookstore before it became the soulless corporation it now seems to be. One of the best jobs I've ever had. "

 nualum wrote on November 2, 2007 4:46 pm:
" Ditto to lots of the previous posts...here are some others I haven't seen. Shopping at Ben Simons downtown, the old Broyhill Fountain at UNL, and for late night snack runs...TCBY and Do Biz! "

 Dina Floro wrote on November 2, 2007 5:32 pm:
" Who were those naughty kids taking "tickets" at the top of Richman Gordman's elephant slide??? "

 Dina Floro wrote on November 2, 2007 5:33 pm:
" Anyone up for riding the bus downtown to do a little Atrium/Centrum shopping?? I love Thingsville!!! "

 Nostradamus wrote on November 3, 2007 8:42 am:
" The "Where It's At Shop" at Gateway and Downtown which was part of Magee's Clothing Store!! "

 Rita wrote on November 3, 2007 9:39 am:
" I remember, chi chi mexcian resturant, old eastpark shopping mall, old playgrounds at the parks, tastee inn, old style vans slip on shoes, life was simple in 80s... topper popper, yummy runza sandwiches.... "

 Jim wrote on November 4, 2007 8:36 am:
" How about runza hamburgers before they were just frozen slabs of meat they are now. Remember when they advertised "hand pattied" that is when they were good "

 g wrote on November 6, 2007 11:34 am:
" The slide at Treasure City (48th and Leighton) you took a ride on a gunny sack. Kresge in Gateway Mall where you would pop a balloon and that would be the price of your float. Luckily there is still Topper Popper a small snoball was $.15, and a Med was $.25. Pamida at 66th and Holdredge. Bethany School (now Cotner Center) The laundry mat and bakery at 66th and Holdredge. "

 Rhonda wrote on November 6, 2007 11:45 am:
" What was the name of that hot dog stand where BW3's is now?? they had the BEST hotdogs!!!!! "

 Lynn wrote on November 6, 2007 5:41 pm:
" Treasure city at north 48 & Lexington Where Hy-Vee is now, OK now that is aging me! "

 those were the days wrote on November 7, 2007 10:16 am:
" Oh man...love this thread! First lived at 27th & O (never a dull or QUIET moment). Remember the roller rink at 56th & Hwy2? Waaayyy out in the country at the time. Reece & Sybil and Hong Kong Pizza King @ 13th & Q, Treasure City and Mr B's in Bishop Hts. Baskin-Robbins in Country Club Plaza. East Hills on 70th, Reuben's (where Olive Garden is now), the one and only original Misty's on Havelock, Alice's Restaurant in College View, Sunday @ Stan's on 84th, Little Bo's (my first bar experience...so exciting). Der Loaf und Stein was home away from home. Drumstick had the best fried chicken livers @ 3 a.m. The bigger than life buffalo at the Buffalo Motel on 48th. Great meals at Tony & Luigi's, breakfast at Johnson's Cafe, 14th/Hwy 2.Great memories. "

 those were the days wrote on November 7, 2007 10:22 am:
" Gee, almost forgot the beautiful window designs at Miller and Paine at Christmas. Didn't see a mention of Pershing Cafe, either. well, enough for now...getting homesick for Lincoln *sigh* "

 LNE CLASS OF 1991 wrote on November 7, 2007 4:28 pm:
" Ben Simons at Gateway (got my cub scout and boy scout stuff there). The old Gateway fountain outside. Lemon days Gateway center (how many people have that jingle in thier head now!!!) East Park competed with Lime Days. When you cruised O street you drove through Gateway, and turned around at McDonalds, and finally, I can not believe no one mentioned Officer Pitts at 54th and ) street Amigos!!! "

 Mr. Nostalgia wrote on November 9, 2007 8:44 am:
" There used to be a McDonalds at about 53rd and "O" Street, where Flowerama is now. You should have seen that place on a Friday or Saturday night!!! I went there for my first "off campus" lunch while at SE HS. Now I dated myself. Long time ago. But great memory. "

 Hometown Lincolnite wrote