Diane K Allton

Diane and I reconnected when she moved to New York.  I was raising my family in Jersey, and she would come and stay the weekend.  I lived the summer of 1999 with her in Montclair, NJ, as my condo wasn't ready.  We had such fun, gallavanting around the county, having lunch out at the Shoebox or Pal's.  She was a very dear friend, and I will sorely miss her. Xoxo  Jeanne Nelson

Diana...I understand that all your hard work paid off. And the reunion was a success. Ireceived your c
Christmas card. Thank you. I made note of your Florida...and then came across an article about a husband wife team who have the restaurant called Big Johns near you in West Palm Beach that specializes in soul f[d. They have a bourbon banana coconut french toast meal with endless mimosas. You and your sister or friends may want to try it. You are only 14 minutes away. Again...thank you for the card.

Crystal This is Diane Allton from class of 70 and Ridgedale Dr. My mother passed some time ago. Your father built her hope chest. Was it delivered to you upon her passing. My telephone number is 618-365-0875. Please let me know. You can text me too. Many thanks.

Posted on: Apr 12, 2021 at 11:53 PM

Hi Patty. How are you? What are you doing? My cousins used to live in Chesterfield. Are you retired? Will you please post some pictures of your family someday? Hope all is well.

One other thought and that is it for me. Growing up we had the benefit of many quality private businesses owned by Alton residents. We were believed to be one of the richest cities in America per capita. We grew it.. milled it and baked it. We enjoyed a very high quality of life. Barry Wittels father owned one. There was. Vogue, Youngs, Snyder's, LeeAnns, Morriseys shoes, Paul's fabrics, Thriffty Drug stores, Leaders, Pearl Market, Tonys the list was endless. We enjoyed the day to day interaaction with each of them. Then the Alton mall arrived and brought in chain stores and put local businesses out of business. Allton's population is half now. So perhaps remind classmates to spend local. Keep the money here because it matters. Our decisions impact others. So if the guys get together for old times...remind them to shop local. Mike Schwegel took over from his parents who owned Pearl Market on the corner of Central and Diamond. How many of us shopped there? Remind them that Mike and Monica Schwegel now run Schwegels on the corner of Ninth and Alby. MississippI Mud Pottery was founded by Brenda Fowler and Ken Barnett. It was acquired by a young couple who are master potters. Luciannas French restaurant is excellent...Antique shops...and the list goes on and on. That's all. Best to you and all your work Diana.

Diana...I know that you have worked tirelessly on the reunion...and know it will be very successful because of you. I will not be attending...and would like to make one suggestion. I know that Bluff City Grill is a very good choice...and offers excellent menu choices. My suggestion is that for those who are going on the underground railroad tour...to suggest especially to them that there three new and innovative restaurants in Alton. My Just Desserts has a new owner...the former pastry chef f for that restaurant...Yvonne Campbell. She is quickly becoming the Ben and Jerry's of cheesecakes. Her cookies are being sold at a large chain of delicatessons...and most recently Schnucks is now carrying her bagged cookies. The pandemic has hit her hard...just when she took over. She had to bake 30,000 cookies for retailers to survive a rough patch. It paid off...with local retailers selling her cookies. Then of course is the Lovett family restaurant in upper Alton that has now developed their own sauce which will be bottled. Their specialty...soul food. Then there is CiCi's Vegan which is over near the Alton mall. She needs all the business she can handle. Like Yvonne...the Lovetts this is her dream...and she just moved to a larger space...and then the pandemic hit. Her vegan menu is supposed to be outstanding. Perhaps you could write something up and distribute to classmates who will be attending. Best to you and all your hard work.

I attended Garfield school and Earl was a classmate. He was one of the kindest in our class. So courteous and thoughtful. I always enjoyed his company...as did we all. I was sorry to learn of his passing at such a young age. I can only imagine how much his missed by his family.

Would you and Kathy please update your information. Mrs. Miller showed me pictures of you and your children. Very good looking! What are you all doing? Retired? I am very disabled and pretty much housebound. Rarely see anyone as a result. Hope all is well and you are happy and health6. It meant a lot to see you at the reun I on so long ago. Ed Hightowers daughter just named youngest judge on Madison county history...and heard he finally retired. Best...Diane a.

Read that you are now an Executive Assistant. Doing what and where and for whom? Would love to hear about it.

Jeanne - Thank you for your card regarding my mother. How are your girls, grandchildren and Tom?
My health is deteriorating rapidly and I now walk with a cane, walker and oxygen....but still persisting. Where do the girls live now?

Dear Ruth, Thank you for your constant input, and detailed information and photographs of our classmates. It is truly appreciated, but not surprised as you were an English teacher. I see Tammy Jarden from time to time, and she always speaks so highly of you and all that you do. Again, many thanks. Diane Allton

Hi Clyde. I don't stay updated on class information, but glad to know you have assumed the website's management. Tom Fay did a lovely job, but glad to know you are well. I will not attend the reunion. Ed Sholar committed suicide. Hope all is well with you and yours. Best, Diane Allton