Gone but not forgotten: Knoxville area restaurants and retailers we miss.

[Vjcvette]

Iirc, it was pretty simple. One person had a tennis ball and everybody lined up along a wall, bent over with their butts pointed at the thrower. Whoever got nailed with the tennis ball was the one throwing at the butts in the next round.

Oh ok, I had never heard of it, I guess its a guy thing lol

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I meant Pontiac Lemans

The Pontiac Lemans was different. It might be the same car as the Buick Century. I think that the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Gran Prix, Buick Regal, and Chevy Monte Carlo were all the same GM platform. Chevy might have had a version of the Lemans. I think that Olds appropriated the 442 badge for their version. I can't remember, but the Lemans might not have survived all the way to 1977. I remember somebody that had a 1973 Pontiac Lemans. 442 stood for 4-speed, 4 barrel carb, and dual exhaust. The 1976/77ish Olds 442 didn't have all of those features... might have had a 4 barrel. But it was choked with anti pollution devices. Catalytic Converters/unleaded fuel were mandated with 1975 models (California possibly earlier). Early 1970s 442s are bad ass mofos. I think that before 1974 the Buick Century and the Olds Cutlass were the same.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Oh ok, I had never heard of it, I guess its a guy thing lol

Yea, I don't remember girls in the lineups. If any were, than they were pretty cool.

 

[Vjcvette]

Yea, I don't remember girls in the lineups. If any were, than they were pretty cool.

lol

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

There was some kind of special edition Cutlass that had stripes on it

442s most likely. I remember at least one 1972 or 1973 orange convertible with white. The blue or green ones might have been black instead of white. Then the 442 reappeared in 1976 or 1977. More of a fast back rear end with square headlights (that came along in 1976). I don't remember 442s in 1975. I think that the Hurst option was in 1973 and possibly 1974 in that generation.

 

[Vjcvette]

The Pontiac Lemans was different. It might be the same car as the Buick Century. I think that the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Gran Prix, Buick Regal, and Chevy Monte Carlo were all the same GM platform. Chevy might have had a version of the Lemans. I think that Olds appropriated the 442 badge for their version. I can't remember, but the Lemans might not have survived all the way to 1977. I remember somebody that had a 1973 Pontiac Lemans. 442 stood for 4-speed, 4 barrel carb, and dual exhaust. The 1976/77ish Olds 442 didn't have all of those features... might have had a 4 barrel. But it was choked with anti pollution devices. Catalytic Converters/unleaded fuel were mandated with 1975 models (California possibly earlier). Early 1970s 442s are bad ass mofos. I think that before 1974 the Buick Century and the Olds Cutlass were the same.

Yes I had a friend that would actually go race their Lemans with people back then

 

[Vjcvette]

442s most likely. I remember at least one 1972 or 1973 orange convertible with white. The blue or green ones might have been black instead of white. Then the 442 reappeared in 1976 or 1977. More of a fast back rear end with square headlights (that came along in 1976). I don't remember 442s in 1975. I think that the Hurst option was in 1973 and possibly 1974 in that generation.

I worked with someone around 77 that had a gold Cutlass hard top with white stripes on it

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Dealers that fit the original topic (but not necessarily all "missed"):

Howard Pontiac
Grayson Pontiac
Delmar Haynes
Dean Stalling Ford
Rice Oldsmobile (still around in name as Buick-GMC)
Rodgers Cadillac
Allen-Russell Ford (before it became Ted Russell Ford)
Leggitt Buick
John Banks Buick
Patty Brothers Datsun
West Knox Datsun/Nissan
Cooper's Corvette
Clayton Lincoln-Mercury

A bunch on the Airport Motor Mile that I've forgotten. Probably missing a few on Clinton Highway also (Burgin Dodge). Neil Sandler Ford had a different name. Beaty Chevrolet had a showroom near downtown on Broadway next to I-40 before the showroom became the Salvation Army Thrift Store when Beaty moved to Parkside. Reeder Chevrolet might still be next to Sandler... but I haven't noticed a TV commercial lately. Sandler either for that matter.

There's a lot of history downtown and on the strip with early dealerships. The building at Cumberland and Henley might have been an early Rodgers... before my time. Mercedes of Knoxville was near Homberg until about 20 years ago. I can't remember where Toyota used to be... the one in Alcoa has been there for a long time. The British Leyland/Triumph/MG dealership (Lakeland Motors?) was just north of downtown near East 5th. There was a VW dealership around the corner from the British dealership.

Law's Kawasaki
Valley Honda
Honda of Alcoa

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Vinyl roofs used to be a must have option. A half vinyl roof on the 1973-77 Cutlasses, MCs, GPs, and Regals. They looked really odd without them. Even the full vinyl roof on the Cutlass didn't look right.The fake convertible roofs looked ridiculous (mainly Cadillacs iirc).

 

[Wireless1]

Dealers that fit the original topic (but not necessarily all "missed"):

Howard Pontiac
Grayson Pontiac
Delmar Haynes
Dean Stalling Ford
Rice Oldsmobile (still around in name as Buick-GMC)
Rodgers Cadillac
Allen-Russell Ford (before it became Ted Russell Ford)
Leggitt Buick
John Banks Buick
Patty Brothers Datsun
West Knox Datsun/Nissan
Cooper's Corvette
Clayton Lincoln-Mercury

A bunch on the Airport Motor Mile that I've forgotten. Probably missing a few on Clinton Highway also (Burgin Dodge). Neil Sandler Ford had a different name. Beaty Chevrolet had a showroom near downtown on Broadway next to I-40 before the showroom became the Salvation Army Thrift Store when Beaty moved to Parkside. Reeder Chevrolet might still be next to Sandler... but I haven't noticed a TV commercial lately. Sandler either for that matter.

There's a lot of history downtown and on the strip with early dealerships. The building at Cumberland and Henley might have been an early Rodgers... before my time. Mercedes of Knoxville was near Homberg until about 20 years ago. I can't remember where Toyota used to be... the one in Alcoa has been there for a long time. The British Leyland/Triumph/MG dealership (Lakeland Motors?) was just north of downtown near East 5th. There was a VW dealership around the corner from the British dealership.

Law's Kawasaki
Valley Honda
Honda of Alcoa

Cliff Chrysler/ Plymouth
Snyder Motors - VW
Can’t remember the Honda Dealer on central near the underpass

 

[Vjcvette]

Dealers that fit the original topic (but not necessarily all "missed"):

Howard Pontiac
Grayson Pontiac
Delmar Haynes
Dean Stalling Ford
Rice Oldsmobile (still around in name as Buick-GMC)
Rodgers Cadillac
Allen-Russell Ford (before it became Ted Russell Ford)
Leggitt Buick
John Banks Buick
Patty Brothers Datsun
West Knox Datsun/Nissan
Cooper's Corvette
Clayton Lincoln-Mercury

A bunch on the Airport Motor Mile that I've forgotten. Probably missing a few on Clinton Highway also (Burgin Dodge). Neil Sandler Ford had a different name. Beaty Chevrolet had a showroom near downtown on Broadway next to I-40 before the showroom became the Salvation Army Thrift Store when Beaty moved to Parkside. Reeder Chevrolet might still be next to Sandler... but I haven't noticed a TV commercial lately. Sandler either for that matter.

There's a lot of history downtown and on the strip with early dealerships. The building at Cumberland and Henley might have been an early Rodgers... before my time. Mercedes of Knoxville was near Homberg until about 20 years ago. I can't remember where Toyota used to be... the one in Alcoa has been there for a long time. The British Leyland/Triumph/MG dealership (Lakeland Motors?) was just north of downtown near East 5th. There was a VW dealership around the corner from the British dealership.

Law's Kawasaki
Valley Honda
Honda of Alcoa

yes I remember seeing I believe it was an old cheverolet commercial where they ran the car through the glass window of the showroom

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Cliff Chrysler/ Plymouth
Snyder Motors - VW
Can’t remember the Honda Dealer on central near the underpass

A lot of those 70s motorcycle dealerships just had the city in the name. Central might have been Honda of Knoxville and was diagonally across from Yamaha (Yamaha of Knoxville). Yamaha also sold Norton iirc. There was a Kawasaki dealership on Clinton Highway in front of Kmart in a converted house. I don't remember if they moved or just closed. Then Harley and Honda were farther out Clinton Highway. Still there last I looked... with additional brands.

The Katch One strip club off of Lovell/Dutchtown was a Suzuki dealership first (Suzuki of Knoxville). They were there in 1975. I lusted for an RM-125. Innovative bike with the angle and upper connecting point of the rear shocks and amazing travel. There was briefly a Yamaha/Husqvarna dealership on Sutherland Avenue before it burned. Now I remember a later Kawasaki dealer on Lovell Road across from what's now CostCo. I don't remember the dealer's name, but I actually bought a GPZ from him. Mike something maybe. Albert Haynesworth owned the Suzuki dealership near Lovell on Kingston Pike. It had some brands that came from the small European brand dealership right at the Kingston Pike/Dixie Lee Junction split.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

yes I remember seeing I believe it was an old cheverolet commercial where they ran the car through the glass window of the showroom

Reeder Chevrolet probably advertised on TV as much as any dealership in the late 60s and 70s. I think they're still operating, just not spending a ton on commercials. Last Sunday's classified section would most likely confirm that they're still open.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Cliff Chrysler/ Plymouth
Snyder Motors - VW
Can’t remember the Honda Dealer on central near the underpass

I wouldn't have ever come up with Snyder. We actually had a Cliff (Clift?) Chrylser-Plymouth-Dodge or two. That reminds me of Cliff Pettit or Pettit Motors (used cars) on Chapman Highway.

 

[Vjcvette]

Reeder Chevrolet probably advertised on TV as much as any dealership in the late 60s and 70s. I think they're still operating, just not spending a ton on commercials. Last Sunday's classified section would most likely confirm that they're still open.

I had an interview in the 70's at Allen Russell and I was going to work there, but my Dad said I would get eaten alive out there at that time. I used to have my volkswagen worked on at a place called Merle's bug shop, it might
have been on North Shore some where.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I had an interview in the 70's at Allen Russell and I was going to work there, but my Dad said I would get eaten alive out there at that time. I used to have my volkswagen worked on at a place called Merle's bug shop, it might
have been on North Shore some where.

I never had a VW, but Merle's was kind of legendary. Iconic might be a better description. Just east of Morrell and Wright's Ferry Roads, south side of Northshore.

I think that Allen and (Ted) Russell were originally partners and then Ted Russell became the dealership name. Don't know what "Allen's" first name was. Ole Ben Franklin Motors is/was part of the Ted Russell dealerships, although they don't promote it.

 

[Vjcvette]

I had two different VW's in a four year period. Merle worked on both of them. The second one he had it for a while working on it, the engine I believe was torn down and finally my Dad went there
and told him to load the parts in the trunk and I think that my Dad took it to someone that he knew, but other than that, Merle always did good work on my VW's.

 

[Vjcvette]

Ok I have some storms that I have to keep an eye on, I have some tall trees, have a good evening.

 

[MAD]

Vinyl roofs used to be a must have option. A half vinyl roof on the 1973-77 Cutlasses, MCs, GPs, and Regals. They looked really odd without them. Even the full vinyl roof on the Cutlass didn't look right.The fake convertible roofs looked ridiculous (mainly Cadillacs iirc).

My sister and I in front of my dads brand new 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

The Hyatt House / Hotel Knoxviile was bought at auction 2 months ago by a New York firm. I sure hope that they renovate it. I love that place. $8 million plus the cost to demolish it for the land doesn't seem to make sense... I hope they make it really nice again.

Hotel Knoxville foreclosed, sold in auction

The US Pavillion at the 1982 World's Fair was called the "Box that the Hyatt came in".

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

My sister and I in front of my dads brand new 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
View attachment 280744

Y'all need to move over. I can't see...it almost looks like a Buick. That reminds me... the early 70s Buick version of the Cutlass might have been called the Skylark rather than Century. A friend bought a used Buick like that with a 455 and it was possibly the fastest accelerating car that I had ever been in. I think that he bought it from an old lady that had no idea how powerful her car was.

The early 1970s Chevy version of the Cutlass is blury. The Malibu and the Monte Carlo both resemble the Cutlass. I'm gonna have to Wikipedia those cars. There were 2 door, 4 door, and station wagon Cutlasses in the pre-1978 versions. The Gran Prix and Monte Carlo were always 2 doors. My boss had a brand new 1984 Monte Carlo SS. Sister car with the Buick Grand National iirc (minus the turbo charged V-6). Her MC was sweet.

 

[GreveHaller]

The Hyatt House / Hotel Knoxviile was bought at auction 2 months ago by a New York firm. I sure hope that they renovate it. I love that place. $8 million plus the cost to demolish it for the land doesn't seem to make sense... I hope they make it really nice again.

Hotel Knoxville foreclosed, sold in auction

The US Pavillion at the 1982 World's Fair was called the "Box that the Hyatt came in".

I have some great memories of Hyatt House. In the early 80s, the POTSB would take a pep band over on game day and do a pep rally before the game. They'd bus us over via police escort and we'd play about 20-30 min then take a break. The payment: they would feed us. Being a poor azz college kid at the time, this was the more than enough payment. Meat, veggie, salad, iced tea. A great way to start a game day. Good times.

 

[Ted]

John Patty moved his car dealership from Tazewell to Wilbanks Rd. in Knoxville in the late 70's. The name changed to Patty Bros., and I think it was a Ford dealership. Great visibility from the interstate! The building sat up on the hill on Wilbanks just after turning off Callahan. The dealership closed in the early 90's (I think) and it sat vacant and open for a long time. If you walked inside, there were a number of cars still there, including a fairly nice 60's Mustang.

After the Patty Bros. building was torn down, there was a liquor store which didn't last long, then that building was torn down, and it's now the location of North Knox Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

 

[utvolpj]

Iirc, it was pretty simple. One person had a tennis ball and everybody lined up along a wall, bent over with their butts pointed at the thrower. Whoever got nailed with the tennis ball was the one throwing at the butts in the next round.

That's not how it was played. You throw the ball against the wall and others catch it. If they drop it they must touch the wall before someone retrieves the ball and hits the wall with it. If that happens then the person who dropped the ball puts their hands on the wall (and likely holds their privates) and takes one throw at the butt from the person who beat them with the throw. Keep playing until recess is over

Taught my boys a couple weeks ago. Guy walking by stopped and started dying laughing once he realized what we were playing.

 

[MAD]

That's not how it was played. You throw the ball against the wall and others catch it. If they drop it they must touch the wall before someone retrieves the ball and hits the wall with it. If that happens then the person who dropped the ball puts their hands on the wall (and likely holds their privates) and takes one throw at the butt from the person who beat them with the throw. Keep playing until recess is over

Taught my boys a couple weeks ago. Guy walking by stopped and started dying laughing once he realized what we were playing.

Yep, this is how I remember it.