Another business for downtown

One business moves in, another moves out. The Country Loft on Burkesville Street has closed up shop, but another, Columbia Furniture & Home Decorating Center, owned by Loreta Ballou Adams, will take its place in the J.D. Harper Building, 104 Burkesville Street. The business is getting ready for a opening soon.

Institute makes Square a busy place

When Columbiana Institute is in session, the Square is a lively place. The school has over 225 students now, which is about half again as many as went to Lindsey Wilson in 1958, to put things in perspective. There is a bit more competition for parking since they came, but that seems to be being handled as well as could be expected. It is sure a lot more encouraging to see the town full of people now. Columbiana has done much to light up Columbia. All four levels of the proud old Russell Building are now occupied, with the Show & Tell Variety store on the Jamestown and Reed Street corner of the Building, the Institute on the Square Level and the level above; and the offices of Attorney David Rigney is on the top floor. Mr. Rigney is quick to give credit for whirlwind development to his wife, Eva, who just doesn't seem to have the word "can't" in her vocabulary.

Two Christian bookstores now a part of downtown scene

The Square now has two Christian bookstores. The Columbia Christian Bookstore and Art Supplies, owned by Ross Jones, is located in the building between Lainey's and Columbiana Institute.

And, Tammy and Glenn McInteer are opening Cornerstone Christian Variety & Book Store at 101-B Campbellsville Street-the building you may remember as the Jiffy Castle or, later, Angel's Cafe.

We're losing two quality stores which will be missed

Two closings on the Square will be badly missed. Vaughn's Gallery had become a favorite antiquing destination. And Adair Wholesale Outlet was loved by bargain hunters. No doubt about it, we'll miss Donna Vaughn, Jimmy and Phyllis and Guy and Margie Firquin.

Restaurants' cooperative buffet may have an encore

The success of the buffet for attendees of the presentation by the University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture students' development study on Wednesday, May 6, may result in an encore. The buffet was set up in front of La Loma Mexican Restaurant, with Moore's Poolroom and Lainey's Cafe bringing food. La Loma offered most of their favorite entrees. Charlotte Moore of Moore's sent huge quantities of fried chicken, baked beans, and her signature rolls; and Elaine Bennett of Lainey's brought a total of 17 cream pies-lemon, chocolate, lemon, and butterscotch-and took none of it back. Raymondo Solario and staff of La Loma hosted the event. The fountain served as part of the dining area. It had been made spic and span the night before, on Mayor Hardwick's orders, by Columbia Works Superintendent Donnie Rowe, Tiny Cowan and volunteer help.

La Loma had already proved a favorite with the UK students. They said a major reason they fell in love with Columbia was La Loma, "We can't get good Mexican food like this in Lexington," they said.

The presentation in the theater was free, but the sticker for the buffet was $7. No one was heard to say it wasn't worth the price. The buffet was coordinated by Heart of Adair's Jane Aaron and Margaret Arnold. Jane Aaron says that along with prospect of the downtown restaurants repeat performance, she'd like to see A Taste of Adair County event, with all the great restaurants of Adair County being invited to present their outstanding dishes in a food fair. Wherever we rank in other standings, no one can say that Adair Countians don't have great, economical places to eat.