Friday, April 09, 2021

Jim Mizener Died, November 2020

A Ko-Op connection died from complications of Covid19. Jim Mizener, Larry's younger brother, lived upstairs with us at the Ko-Op, and he worked at Walt's. His obituary:

James William Mizener
Born: October 8, 1942
Died: November 14, 2020

Jim Mizener, District 99's biggest fan, went home to Jesus on November 14. At 78 years young, he died of complications from internal bleeding, after battling COVID-19 for 14 days at Good Samaritan Hospital, fighting to the last and even making a "comeback" from double pneumonia the day before his homegoing. Jim was born on October 8, 1942 in a little farmhouse in Lisle and lived his entire life in the Downers Grove area. He was born to William and Thelma Mizener and was the 2nd youngest of seven siblings: Floyd, Larry, Loretta, (who also died from COVID-19 along with her beloved husband Stan), Carol, and Verna, and Judi, the youngest.

Jim attended Downers Grove North (DGN) for one year before moving to the newly constructed Lisle High School, graduating in 1960. He was thrilled to attend Eastern Illinois University where his older brother had attended, and he was extremely involved in the sports scene in Charleston.

He married his wife Diane Goddard, also a teacher at Downers Grove South High School (DGS), in 1967. They were happily married over 53 years. As an architect, Jim designed the house they lived in for 52 years on Dunham Road. He was the proud father of daughters Becky and Laurie and loved spending time with his granddaughters, who are athletes, artists and musicians in North Carolina and Colorado.

He dedicated his entire career to DGS and later to DGN as well. He began as the drafting/architecture teacher at DGS in 1965 and also served as the head of the Industrial Technology Department. Immediately upon retirement, he went back to work at DGS as an aide. He also taught architecture classes at the College of DuPage and worked as a freelance architect together with dear friend and fellow DGS teacher Dave Claus.

Jim worked at DGS for fifty-five years as a teacher, department chair, and public address announcer for hundreds of sporting events. His influence and guidance led many of his students to become architects throughout the Midwest. He is remembered by alumni and current students of the school as the "Voice of the Mustangs," his voice as much a part of football games at DGS as the fall air and the sound of the marching band. He announced every event possible in District 99 and even beyond. Always wanting to help on his "days off," he also served as a volunteer at First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove where he was often seen helping in the parking lot and greeting worshippers.

Jim was a beloved figure in Downers Grove. He possessed a unique ability to make one feel like he was a lifelong friend within minutes of meeting him. He was instrumental in founding the DGS Athletic Hall of Fame to which he was inducted in 2005. This was an honor he cherished and one he bestowed upon dozens of former DGS athletes and coaches. He was also inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Jim helped secure sponsorship for a new electronic scoreboard for the baseball team and diligently maintained the sports display cases at school. Jim loved sports and loved getting to know students even more. He took a genuine interest in people and lovingly mentored generations of students, as noted by one family impacted by him: "he was the definition of the best in humanity. He represented a true gentleman with impeccable character, integrity, work ethic, strong faith, love for family, and sincere care and dedication to helping students and athletes succeed in every aspect of life." Jim is remembered by friends, family, former students, and community members as genuine, caring, kind, honest, and passionate.

One former student called him an "absolute gentleman," a sentiment echoed by dozens of friends and colleagues. His friends at the scorer?s table at DGS basketball games promise to remember him at every tip off, and in the press box with every kickoff on the football field; it's impossible for them to imagine watching a game without Jim, as he only missed one home football game in the last 15 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane, his siblings Carrol Mizener Paranto, Verna Mizener Burleigh, and Judith Mizener Calhoun, his beloved children Laura Mizener and Rebecca Mizener Burnett, and his cherished grandchildren Kathleen Burnett, Anissa Burnett, Sophia Burnett, Anneli Burnett, and Aleah Edwards.

A memorial service will sadly not be held at this time because of restrictions, and Jim's wish to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. The simplest way to honor Jim is to wear your mask and avoid gatherings large and small, even with extended family unless precautions are carefully taken--- no one can be too careful. He knew how many were praying for him, he was so very thankful, and the doctors were amazed how hard his body was fighting to defeat the virus and the severe double pneumonia. He remained positive, determined, and cheerful to the very end, when he quite unexpectedly began to bleed internally. Even going into the ICU Jim had a good grip and a positive attitude. Plans will be announced for a memorial service at a later date, which can allow those who wish to honor his impact on his friends and community to do so.

Jim's ashes will be interred at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the Jim Mizener Scholarship Fund, care of Community High School District 99, South High School, 1436 Norfolk Street, Downers Grove, IL 60516.

Additional information from local media:
https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/11165/bf837fc0-1ca3-11e6-b537-22000bd8490f/2186531/51c99320-2b46-11eb-bc80-128dac9d5513/file/111920%20Jim%20-%20SL.pdf

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Sunday, June 10, 2018

New Ko-Op Cafe Opens - September 17, 1961


Coe, Nancy (Sept. 27, 1961). “Walt Warmoth Opens New Restaurant; Enters 21st Year of Business in the City.” Daily Eastern News, p.10.

A cigarette and a cup of coffee are the trademarks of a man who can usually be seen leaning against the cash register at Walt’s Cafe - Walt Warmoth.

Walt had been in business for some 20 years at two locations near the campus. His restaurants have been favorite gathering places for students and faculty alike.

Warmoth’s latest venture, the Ko-Op Cafe, opened Sept. 17, on the location previously occupied by the original Ko-Op.

The old Ko-Op, Walt’s first restaurant, was erected on Lincoln St., just east of Seventh, in March, 1940. It served students until 1959, when construction of Route 17 (State Hwy 16) resulted in the condemnation of the building.

Warmoth then started Walt’s Cafe, often called the “Open,” on the corner of Fourth and Lincoln. The new Ko-Op was open for business only six weeks after his August decision to re-build the cafe.

Things have started off real well at the Ko-Op,” said Walt. ”It’s a good traffic corner.”


Under the direction of Larry Mizener, who has been with Walt as manager since 1952, the Ko-Op will operate much the same as Walt’s. Both restaurants function entirely with student help consisting of some 30 men.

“Many of the guys who have worked for me in the past have tremendously good jobs now?, Walt said. “Some have even opened their own restaurants.”

Howard Skidmore, flight-service commander to the carrier that picked up astronaut Alan Shepard after his space flight, worked for Warmoth during his college career. “Skidmore is a good man,” Walt said. “Recently, he sent me pictures of the pick-up. It was really something.”

Walt commented that he never seemed to have many big problems with his businesses. “I suppose I could find some if I really looked, but I just enjoy the work,” he said.

A sports enthusiast and Panther fan, Walt attends most of Eastern’s games, as he said “according to season.”

Walt attended Eastern in 1935 and 1937. He then entered the University of Illinois medical school. When asked just why he left the university, he replied, “I decided that hamburgers smelled better than formaldehyde.”

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Sunday, March 25, 2018

Walt Warmoth's Story - Part 2


This article contains some of the same or similar information with others posted before; however it also covers a little new ground.

(February 21, 1964). “Walt’s Boys Succeed . . . Eastern State News, p. 3.

As far as college “hangouts” Eastern takes a backseat to none. Many students find that Walt’s, the Ko-Op and Little Campus provide good places to while away their their leisure hours before, between and after classes. Evenings are no different. Many a coke date has been spent at one of these “hangouts.”

A history of Walt’s, the Ko-Op and Little Campus also consists of a history of Walter Warmoth, better known to Eastern students as Walt.

Walt came to Charleston 1935 on an inventory trip for Walgreen’s Drug Store. He returned in 1937 and opened the Little Campus where he had worked during his school days at Eastern. With increased enrollment, he soon found it necessary to build and additional room to accommodate his patrons.

In 1939, Walt further expand his business by buying the Ko-Op. The Ko-Op had been a grocery store, but it was not long before it was converted into a popular Eastern “hangout” serving sandwiches, fountain goods and hot meals.

When Lincoln and Douglas halls were built, Walt recognized the need for another “hangout.” In 1953 Walt’s expanded. For the 1st year the additional room in Walt’s was used for dancing, but the following year tables were placed in the room to accommodate more students.

Ivan “Ike” Kennard became the proprietor of Little Campus in 1948. “Ike” had worked for Walt in 1940 at the Ko-Op.

In 1952, Larry Mizener, an Eastern graduate became the proprietor of he Ko-Op. He had also worked for Walt at the Ko-Op during his college years.

According to Walt, students were most interested in buying complete meals that would “fill them up” when Little Campus first opened, instead of buying odds and ends as they do today. Complete meals then cost 25 to 30 cents.

Little Campus received its best competition from another Eastern “hangout,” when the Panther Lair, then located on the corner where Lincoln Hall now stands, opened.


Walt recalled that the Panther Lair, then directed by Hobart F. Heller, present vice president of instruction, always seemed to undersell him. The present Panther Lair in the University Union is operated by Tim Mitchell, also a former employee of Walt.

Other former employees of Walt manage and own restaurants, snack-bars and cafeterias. At the present time, Walt knows of seven former employees who are connected with university snack-bars and cafeterias.

Walt has a great interest in Eastern students and enjoys working with them. “They’ve always been easy to deal with,” he said.

Walt also said the he’s “in the most pleasant business. My greatest appreciation is that I am able to associate with Eastern students and faculty.”

Walt feels that students today are “smarter” than when he went to school. “Whether it’s due to television or what, I don’t know but I think they’ve learned much since my school days,” he said.

Eastern “hangouts” are always busy, but busiest hours seem to be noon, late evenings and float periods. Sunday evenings, especially in the winter, tend to bring additional business, according to Walt.

The “hangouts” used to be busy during the entire evening, but now it seems that students don’t begin to come in until later. Walt attributes this change to the increase in activities for couples in the evening and to the availability of transportation to other places.

“The total traffic count for a night is not very different though,” he said.

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Saturday, February 24, 2018

Walt Warmoth's Story - Part 1


To work at the Ko-Op for Larry Mizener made one a part of Walt Warmoth's business too. Walt's, The Ko-op, Ike's Little Campus and later the Short Stop were all connected. I first met Walt at a joint Walt's and Ko-Op Christmas party held at Walt's in Dec. 1964.

It was a great holiday bash with Walt's manager Mike Frazier leading and members of his crew delivering a huge feast with unlimited beverages. Walt was the center of attention. Learned that if you knew how to conduct oneself, you were welcome to visit Walt after closing hours. He held 'court' standing behind the counter with a lit cigarette, a drink in hand, and commanded everyone's attention. At that time, Walt's crew included Jim Mizener (Larry's younger brother), Alan York, Dick Wutche, Bob Bonarigo (Those are the one's that I remember).

Everyone kicked in to help; we had roast turkey, baked ham, and all the trimmings (Way more food than we could eat), and one of Walt's crew moved an organ into the back room to lead us in singing carols (The musical instrument may have been from Donna and Walt's family residence upstairs).

The following year was the Ko-Op's turn to host, but none ever equalled this first one. 
Party lasted into the wee morning hours - and was the best ever!




Left side: Alan York at the grill, unknown beside him, Jim Mizener in glasses,
and possibly Mike Frazier on the far end.
This article in the campus newspaper focused on Walt and his history in Charleston:
Howard, Juanita (Mar. 9, 1955). Walt’s Business Success Tags Title of ‘Mayor of South Charleston’. Eastern State News, p. 3.

Would you like to own a business? What is your chance in it? Well, listen to Walter Warmoth’s story.

A history of the Ko-Op, Little Campus, and the Open consists also of the history of Walter Warmoth, originally a Wabash County resident (Correction: Browns, IL in Edwards County) and former Eastern student.

‘Walt’ as the majority of Eastern students know him, started school here in the fall of 1935. The selection of Eastern to be his alma mater came after viewing the campus while visiting Charleston with the Walgreen’s Drugstore Exchange of Chicago, by whom he was then employed.

“The improvements which have been made in the college since that time are incomparable,” said ‘Walt’, as he thoughtfully lit another cigarette.

He bought the Little Campus in 1937, after having worked there during his school days. With his ready smile, plenty of hard work and ambition, ‘Walt’ soon had to add an additional room to accommodate its student patrons.

The converting of a grocery store to establish the Ko-Op soon followed, serving sandwiches, fountain goods and hot meals.

When Lincoln and Douglas halls were erected, ‘Walt’ saw the need for one more “hangout” for the Eastern students, so, in 1953, he built the Open which has since became another favorite spot for the coke crowd to assemble.

‘Walt’ has been in the restaurant business here for 18 years, with the exception of (Unreadable number) years spent in the armed services and studying medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

When asked about his intentions in this field, ‘Walt’ replied “Although my chief interest was in business, I liked to study.”

‘Walt’ is an active member of the Masons, Elks, American legion and numerous other organizations. He is also an honorary member of the Sigma Tau Gamma social fraternity.

He was married in 1944 to Donna Smith, also a former Eastern grad and has a boy (William) six years old and a girl (Linda) four years old.



Photo of Wallace Walter 'Cy' Warmoth, Walt Warmoth's Uncle.
Professional baseball player 1916-1923.
Pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Senators.
Click on Comments (Below right side) to read more . . .


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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Sport Light of the Week: Larry Mizener 1950


Another Daily Eastern News article that focused on Larry Mizener:
Mayan, Jack (Oct. 4, 1950). "Sport Light of the Week." Daily Eastern News. Eastern Illinois University. p.6.

Although the Air Force and the Navy receive a great deal of credit for winning wars, it is generally conceded that it is the ground forces which actually turn the tide of battles by going in and conquering enemy lands.

Sophomore Class Officers (1949 Warbler)
This axiom can be compared to the wars of the gridiron where passing is certainly a highly important weapon, but even so the real power of a team is measured by the yardage gained from the line of scrimmage.

1949 Warbler
Eastern’s rushing power was exemplified in the Ball State game by hard-charging Larry Mizener of Lisle, Illinois. All Larry did in the game was to pick up 95 yards in only 13 ball carrying attempts. Almost any fourth grader can tell you that “Mize” averaged better than seven yards per carry which is something to be proud of. Larry must have been proud of his performance as he rated it his biggest sport thrill, along with getting revenge from the Ball Staters for their 47 to 13 rout of Eastern in “49.”

Junior Class Officers (Warbler 1950)
Larry is trying for his third varsity football letter this season, besides his activities in the Varsity club and in Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. Now in his senior year, Larry hasn’t let any grass grow under his feet while at Eastern. He was elected class president in both is sophomore and junior years.

Physical Education majors are not uncommon on Eastern’s athletic squads, but PE majors with speech correction minors are not to frequent. Larry picked this curriculum with an eye towards coaching with a speech correction sideline.

Phi Sigma Epsilon (Warbler 1950)
Larry attended Downers Grove high school where he lettered three times in both football and track. In the latter, “Mize” was a high hurdler.

Most of Larry’s spare time is taken up by his job at the Ko-op, but he likes to play golf occasionally. Although “Mize” has been called in for his Army physical, he is ranked in the upper half of his class so he is hoping for a deferment.
Ad in Eastern State News (Oct. 08, 1947)

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Saturday, November 25, 2017

Larry Mizener: EIU '47-1951

Another article and photos from the EIU archives - The Keep:

Howard, Juanita (Mar. 30, 1955) “Larry Prefers Selling Food to Teaching.” Eastern State News, p. 3

Warbler 1951: Larry Mizener "Who's Who"

Larry Mizener, manager of the “Ko-Op” and former graduate of Eastern, took time out between coke orders to give us a tunnel view of his past history.

"Mize" 1951

Larry is originally from Lisle, a township located 22 miles southwest of Chicago. A pep talk from his high school football coach was in part responsible for his enrollment at Eastern in 1947.

 Senior Class President

He majored in P.E. and played halfback on the football team. After working at the “Ko-Op” during his four years in school, Larry side tracked his ambition to become a high school coach and continued his work here.

1951 Class Officers

Perhaps his sincere interest in people, which is shown by his work in the Moose club, is responsible for his decision to stay in Charleston. Larry employs college students who are from ‘Mooseheart’, a city where the children of deceased Moose club members are provided for by other members of the club.

Phi Sigma Epsilon (Mize, top right)

He is an alumnus of Phi Sigma Epsilon social fraternity, and is married to the former Mildred Jean Carr, also an Eastern graduate. They have one daughter who is 20 months old.



During the summer months, Larry runs “Walt’s” which is kept open for the benefit of the summer school students.

1951 Warbler photo

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Tuesday, November 14, 2017

EIU Campus Hangouts

I have been searching Eastern's online archives, The Keep, for information related to the Ko-Op. This posting is my first installment - an article written by Jack Ryan in October of 1957 in the Daily Eastern News. Note that I have not made any corrections, especially in punctuation - have tried to leave the article exactly as published. In the coming months, I will share other articles from the archives.


Ryan, Jack (Oct. 2, 1957). "Eastern’s Campus Hangouts". Daily Eastern News; p4.

In the everlasting tradition of college campus hangouts Eastern takes a backseat to no one. From sitting on the benches watching all the girls go by to jiving it up at a little campus jam session the student clientele spends its carefree hours of relaxation.

On three sides of the campus proper the students are accommodated by the Little Campus, Ko-Op, and Walts (commonly called the Open).


A history of the Ko-Op, Little Campus, and the Open consists also of the history of Walter Warmoth.

“Walt” bought the Little Campus in 1937, after having worked there during his school days. With the increase in enrollment, Walt soon had to build an additional room to accommodate its student patrons.


The converting of a grocery store to establish the Ko-Op soon followed, serving sandwiches, fountain goods, and hot meals.

When Lincoln and Douglas halls were erected, ‘Walt’ saw the need for one more “hangout” for the Eastern students, so, in 1953, he built the Open which has since become another favorite spot for the coke crowd to assemble.


Under the proprietorship of Ivan “Ike” Kennard, the “Little Campus” has become one of the most popular meeting places on campus. ‘Ike’ a navy pilot in the second world war, took over the “Little Campus” in 1948.

Also under the proprietorship of an Eastern graduate Larry Mizener, the Ko-Op is growing in popularity among Eastern students. Larry received his B.S. at Eastern and took over the Ko-Op in 1952.


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Monday, December 19, 2011

John Dively

   In my years at the Ko-Op, John Dively the principal of Charleston Junior High was a frequent customer. He knew all of us student workers by name, would drop by for a quick cup of coffee or a late lunch, shoot the breeze with us guys, and chat with Larry Mizener. John was one of Mize's close friends. His recent death brought an outpouring of tributes, thanks, and memories from friends and former students. The following obituary was published in the Journal Gazette and Times Courier on Dec. 13, 2011.

CHARLESTON - John Arthur Dively, Sr., age 83 of Charleston, and a respected school administrator and community leader, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at his home and in the loving presence of his family. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday (December 16) from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 411 Jackson Avenue in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held Saturday (December 17) at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church with Pastor Mike Southards officiating. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the EIU Foundation for the John and Joyce Dively Scholarship Fund. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to the EIU Foundation at 860 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920.
   John was born on September 24, 1928 in Paris, Illinois a son of the late James B. and Esther (Gleckler) Dively. He attended Paris public schools and, at age seventeen, joined the World War II efforts by enlisting in the United States Army. Following his service to his country, John enrolled at Eastern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor, master's and specialist degrees. EIU is also where he met and fell in love with Joyce Elizabeth Reynolds, his wife of fifty-six years. John and Joyce made Charleston their home and were actively involved in the community, where they raised their four children.
   John became a respected public school educator and civic leader, serving in many roles and earning numerous awards. Most notably, he was principal of the Charleston Jr. High School for thirty-four years, and the school's gymnasium honorably bears his name. He served on numerous state visitation committees for the North Central Association, and his own school was one of the first junior highs in Illinois to receive accreditation. Beyond service to the public school community, John served as President of the EIU Alumni Association, was a charter member of the Coles County Historical Society, a long-time member of the Coles County Fair Board, Chairman of the Charleston Sesquicentennial Committee, President of the Charleston Civic Association and the only President of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce to serve two terms. He also served on the Board of Directors of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust. John was a member of First Christian Church and the Charleston Masonic Lodge 35 A.F. & A.M. Among his many awards, John received the Charleston Outstanding Citizen Award, was honored with the EIU Distinguished Alumnus Award and was selected as a member of the EIU Centennial 100 for his significant contributions to the university in its first one hundred years.
   John is survived by his loving wife Joyce; his son John and his wife, Ronda, of Effingham; his son Joe and his wife, Sheila, of Charleston, and their children, Jake and Emma; his daughter Laura Arney and her husband, Larry, of Effingham, and their children, Landon and Logan; his daughter Amy Wiesenmayer and her husband, Tom, of Elmhurst, and their children Jack, Anna and Grace; sister Helen Carpenter and husband, Bill, of Champaign; sister Margaret Davis of Washington; and sister Kathryn Seaman and her husband, Bob, of New York; brother Steve Dively and his wife, Pam, of California; brother Mike Dively of Champaign; and brother Tim Dively and his wife, Brenda, of Savoy. In addition to John's parents, two brothers, Jim and Paul Dively preceded him in death.

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706 Lincoln Evolves

   In Feb. 2011 the former Ko-op Restaurant, located on the SE corner of Lincoln Ave. and Seventh St. in Charleston, IL, was for a short time “Georgie Boy’s.” Georgie Boy's was owned by a Mattoon family and served breakfast, lunch and dinner fare.
   From the late 40s through the 70s, the two-story red-brick building directly east of Old Main had housed a restaurant and been a place of employment for many EIU students. The second story that originally was housing for a number of students and student workers was later converted to apartments.
   The building was originally owned by Walt Warmoth, who also owned the famous eatery Walt’s (across the street from McAfee Gym, now called Marty’s) and later sold to Larry Mizener, a Phi Sig who had worked for Walt. Except for Old Main and the northeast corner of campus, for a few decades Larry Mizener controlled that area around Lincoln and Seventh. 
[Above excerpted from an article in the Spring 2011 Phi Sigma Epsilon Newsletter]


   By July of 2011 Georgie Boy's was closed and a 'For Lease' sign was placed out front. The Aug. 22, 2011 issue of the Eastern News printed the following: "While the abrupt closing of local diner Georgie Boy's surprised many Charleston residents, they can take comfort knowing the restaurant will soon reopen under new ownership as a sports bar." 
   An article in an early Oct. issue of the Eastern News announced plans for the new restaurant, Dirty's Bar & Grill:
   Eastern News followed up with the announcement that Dirty's Bar and Grill opened for business (Oct 30, 2011)

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Thursday, August 18, 2005

Ko-Op Konnections (706 Lincoln, Charleston)

     Welcome to a blogsite for posting information about the Ko-Op Cafe and Short-Stop Drive-In; both located on or near corners of 7th and Lincoln in Charleston, Illinois.
     The Ko-Op was a cafeteria-style establishment that catered mainly to students, faculty, and staff of Eastern Illinois University. The Short-Stop was built and opened in the mid Sixties and was a faster-food establishment that also served EIU students and the larger Charleston community. Both businesses were operated by the Larry and Jean Mizener family.
      Today the Ko-Op building is used for activites of a neighboring church, and the Short-Stop is now a Domino's Pizza business. The former Mizener residence (located on the third corner of the intersection) is a Christian bookstore.
      I invite former workers and customers of both establishments to re-introduce themselves, post their memories here, and reconnect to friends and co-workers from their EIU days.
     Myself, I worked at both the Ko-Op and Short-Stop from November 1964 until graduating from EIU in August 1968. You can visit my profile section here to learn more . . .
Larry Johnson
larrjoh@gmail.com
http://eduscapes.com

Updated information (Fall 2011): Son, Benjamin tells me that an eating establishment of some kind is now operating in the old Ko-Op location. Have to check that out the next time I am in 'Chucktown.'

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