darla1976

Hi! I'm new to this forum/website and I've got to tell you, I've enjoyed reading all of your posts. I've read several posts on several topics over the last couple of days. It sure brings back a lot of memories. I graduated from high school in 1976... yes, the bicentennial year. Remember when everything, including garden/water hoses, were red, white and blue?! I'm not a Houstonian. I've lived in Galveston County most of my life. But a lot of the things that are discussed here are familiar to me, as well. We had several UtoteM's in my area, too. But we also had a couple that weren't mentioned by any of you... I'm wondering if they were privately owned or maybe a smaller chain. They were called "Plantation" and another called "Little Chief". They were mini marts/convienence stores just like the ones you've named (7-11, Stop-n-Go, UtoteM, Ranger Mart, etc). Anyone recall either of those? I remember when Almeda Mall was THE place to shop. Although the Galvez Mall was closer to me, we thought the one in "Houston" was better... afterall, you had to drive 40 minutes just to get there! Whew! In the days when my mother sewed all of my dresses, it was a real treat for her to "buy" a dress for me. Since I graduated in 1976, I was a follower of the Disco Era. I loved it! We'd frequent lots of clubs in the Houston area. I can't remember all of them, but a few come to mind, like Cooters (Edgebrook and IH45, I think), Uncle Sams (Pasa-"get down"-dena, I think), & Bentley's. I know there were more, I just can't recall the names right now. Maybe some of you can jar my memory. Boy, those were fun days. Legal drinking age was just 18 then. When in Galveston, we'd go to "The Islander" dance club on the Seawall. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you all that I'm so happy to have found this site! Thanks for bringing back some great memories.