Swami doesn’t know how he developed a fan in Punta Gorda, Fla., which is just a 3-iron shot away from Fort Myers. But he has. So here’s a message for all area Fox Lakers who some day hope to discover warmer climates more to their liking.
Dear Swami,
A salute to "Mineola Pete" Circa '50's, from Al Lessman, Punta Gorda, FL.
It was vote for Ike, tie up that snazzy Cris or Century at the pier, salute the magnificent Mineola Hotel and go on in and have a drink with Pete & Emmy.
Maybe there were some slot machines (like at the Fox Lake barber shop, bakery, & the other 64 bars on the Chain-O-Lakes.)
And Ed Walters at Blarney Island would be pleased to serve you and the other dozen or so customers who showed up over the weekend if you made it through the lilly pads on Grass Lake.
And, oh yeah, the real Blues Brothers were in town. The police chief then, Louie Creck, kept one good eye on things.
Fast forward -- Mineola Hotel gets a major face lift and renovation & becomes an historical landmark -- A marina (with a dry stack-what's that)--Mineola tow boats to bring back the "ship out of luck" boaters from Chicago. AND, that one of a kind snow mobile retreval "boat" for all those who submarine.
The ongoing support for the Village of Fox Lake with the annual Fireworks dis lay in Mineola Bay -- only Elvis could draw that many Fox Lakers. The Fox Lake fireworks started in the 50's by the way, on Nippersink Lake.
Unfortunately some people were seated on the rail road tracks watching the display and missed the train. The following year all the fireworks blew up at once. Pete resumed the fireworks display on Mineola Bay in later years.
Knowing Pete helped me stay dedicated and determined in my pursuits. A salute to Pete, There's history there folks, (would probably make a good movie) Who would play Pete?
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