Mr Anderson: I would like to use two of your negatives (or download two of your pictures) so I can blow them up, frame them, and give them to my mother for Christmas. Specifically, I'd like the Charles St west of Lincoln from the Charles St, 1947 album, and the Alpine Rd, south of Charles St 5 Pts-Log Cabin Arbor album. I cannot download them without your permission. Can you help me out? I plan to put a title underneath them of the location, with a photo creddit. Thank you. Andrew Parker Auburn, Class of '93

said jetsbreakjaws 2 days ago

Bob, Talked to my parents this morning (Irv and Lois Carlson) and they remember you and your wife quite well. They confirmed that you were a photog, spent years in China, etc. They even remembered bumping into you guys at Wendy's and sharing a burger not too long ago. Anyway, I was reading off the different people from Central High and saw Herb Johnson (who I also remember well). Anyway, they said to say hello to you (via my computer). I live in Colorado so I didn't have an opportunity to sit down with them, computer in hand, and show them your pics. But they were enjoyed 'vicariously' by them.

said kimcarlson50 2 months 13 days ago

Hi Bob, Loved your photos. Brought me back to my growing up days in Rockford in the 50's and 60's. Went to Highland, Maude Johnson, Lincoln and East High. A good place to have grown up.

said kimcarlson50 2 months 15 days ago

Mr. Anderson, do you have any idea what the Empire was in downtown Rockford? I photographed it in 1975, and I do not recall its exact location. Somewhere near State and Main (guessing by the other photos on my film.) Here is my shot of it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/galechicago/2238496624

said galechicago 3 months 28 days ago

I referred to your photo on my flickr page, with photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/galechicago/3685710377/

said galechicago 3 months 28 days ago

I referred to your photo on my flickr page, with photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/galechicago/3685710377/ I have been returning to your 1944 photoset many times over the past few years. Your nighttime shots truly capture the way Rockford felt to me in the 1960s. The excitement of State Street, all the people, the sparkly sidewalks in front of the stores, the neon and the glamorous department stores. It was such a vibrant city! I shot many photos of Rockford in 1975-1976. They are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/galechicago/sets/72157612424916823/ Thank you so much, Mr. Anderson. Your 1944 Rockford photos are a joy. Sincerely, Gale Chicago

said galechicago 3 months 28 days ago

Hi Bob, I'm enjoying this site immensely. I love old photos and the memories they bring back to me. I remember those downtown stores as a kid in the 1960's and the smell of the caramel corn at the Kreske's (?) along with the wooden floors that were so shiny. Love to remember these things. Great photos! Still trying to learn how to use this site. Thanks, Theresa R.

said theresaR56 4 months 17 days ago

Hi Bob, my name is Carlos Gonzalez Jr. my primary email is solar_c@yahoo.com. I was born in Rockford in 1974 and have lived there most of my life. First on Rockton Av, then on Washington, and later 16th St. As of this moment I reside in Dekalb, IL, because I am attending Northern Illinois University, studying Communication with an amphasis in Media Studies, I hope to someday be an editor for film or television.

said digginsteady 5 months 15 days ago

Hi Bob, I used many of your Highland School photos to start a Facebook group and wanted to say thank you. Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148111955433&ref=mf I went to Highland until it closed in 1981, went on to become a Graphic Designer and now own an advertising agency in downtown Rockford. We produced a book on downtown historic architecture and used some of your photos for it. If you never received a copy from the River District, let me know and I'll send you a one. A friend of mine is looking for photos of the Faust Hotel and was hoping to contact you about some of your great photos. If your interested, please email me at keith@ginestrawatson.com and I'll pass on your info to him. He's got a great collection of Rockford memorabilia, including many original works from the Faust and Coronado. Thanks, Keith Watson

said krwatson71 7 months 16 days ago

(I sent this message to your Email too) Bob, Welcome back! I must say I have been gazing at your Webshots albums almost every day. I am a 28 yr Rockford native who moved back to Rockford two years ago with aid of my employer - Medtronic ~ a medical device company selling pacemakers. I bought a house on Lundvall - close to Rural and walk up and down all the hostoric streets with my fiance. I came across your photos a year ago and really can't get enough of your 'East and West state street' album. As a hobby, I am a WW2 reenactor and own a few Kodak 35's and pre-war Argus 35mm cameras. I've spent a bit of time walking State St. and replicating your shots from where I think you took the photos. It is neat and sad to see how things have changed. I hope to join the Rockford Historical society to continue their efforts to preserve much of Rockford's historical landmarks. My questions to you are: *1)What camera's did you use for many of your photos? 2)Did you ever eat in the cafe's/coffee shops in the Hotel Faust and Nelson Hotel? I really wish the Nelson Hotel sill existed and that the Hotel Faust was still operational as a hotel - plus - open to the public. Thank you for your time! Your pictures really open up Rockford's history. Sincerely, Samuel Hiser

said SamuelRKF44 8 months 19 days ago

Great historic Rockford pictures! I don't suppose you have any old photos of the Capri building? I heard it used to be seven stories and the existing one level building is the original base of that building. Or do you have any thoughts on where I might find such photos? Thanks. Cameron McGroarty Mcgroartyconst@aol.com

said mcgroartyconst 8 months 20 days ago

Bob, Your pictures are great. I am a true history buff and spend many hours gazing at your photos. I live on Lundvall Ave between Guilford and Rural - do you know that area well? I really wanted to know what cameras you were using, esp for the downtown photos in 1944. I picked up a Kodak 35 and an Argus A to take some vintage'esque pictures. Hope all is well. Thank you for the 'journey' your pictures provide. -Samuel Hiser

said SamuelRKF44 10 months 10 days ago

Mr. Anderson, I am Richard Milburn, grandson of Oscar, son of Carl. Carl died on April 25th f this year. I am interested in knowing how well you knew my dad and my grandparents. Are you a contemporary of my dad and his sister Vivian? My grandparents moved from Paris Ave. in 1953 or so, when I was but 6, maybe. I remember a large house with interesting rooms, upstairs and down, but not much else. What are your memories? Rich Milburn, 609 W. Rockwell St. Arlington Heights, IL 60005

said RichMilburn 2008.10.04 at 21:11:56 PDT

Mr. Anderson, I LOVE your Rockford photos! Wow! They really give you such a great idea of what Rockford was like when it was still great! I grew up there and my Rockford family names are Johnson (of course!), Blosser, and Knott. I lived on Regan Street for many years (next to the Freebergs) and spent lots of time on London and Paris hanging out with my pals. Anyway, you bring back lots of happy memories for me! Thanks again!

said thepollyannasociet... 2008.05.05 at 09:00:24 PDT

Hi Bob, I've sent many people to bobanderson40 and all have enjoyed your pics as much as I. I went to Alpine and Buckbee Schools and I was the from the last graduating class at Alpine.Thank you for allowing myself and everyone else to take this walk down memory lane.It has brought bake so many fond memories.Vicky (Hodges) Braun

said gramgo4 2008.03.05 at 16:19:20 PST

Hi Bob! My sister is Nancy Watson who lives at 325 Paris Ave. I came across your website when I typed my sister's address into Google. It was fun learning a bit about you through your website! Joan Scott Longmont, CO bills11@juno.com

said jeskel640 2008.02.23 at 09:57:10 PST

Good eveining. I was in Boy Scout Troop 57 when I was a boy, and am still a registered leader. I would love to talk to you about your photos and the history of the troop if you have time. My email is USAFDallman@yahoo.com. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures. Barry

said barrydallman 2007.12.09 at 08:20:39 PST

Hi Bob, I just wanted to say that I am fascinated by your pictures. Did you ever think your pictures would end up reaching so many people?! My grandparents (who would be about your age I think, did you know and Bergs or Linds?), my parents, and many relatives grew up in your old neighborhood and its interesting to see what is what like when they were young. Your Paris ave. pictures remind me of my childhood riding my bike down those streets with my cousins thinking that I wanted to live in one of those big beautiful houses one day, maybe one your dad built, who knows! Thank you for sharing these photos. I look forward to any more that you have to share. Leah

said lpberg 2007.11.29 at 16:20:16 PST

Hi Bob, My name is Michelle Chipalla Polivka. I'm Joe Chipalla's granddaughter. We noticed you had a picture of him in a classroom at RHS from 1938. Is there anyway we can get a copy of that picture? My email is michellechipalla@yahoo.co m. Thank you for posting this picture. My grandmother passed away 8 years ago and Joe less than a year later. We miss them so much...it was nice to see a picture of him. Thank you, Michelle Chipalla Polivka

said mpolivka 2007.10.03 at 17:12:40 PDT

Bob, Do you have anymore information on Wagon wheel of Walt Williamson? Thank you! Bill

said edlbd 2007.07.31 at 11:50:23 PDT

Hi Bob, please e-mail me. bd@juff.us I lived on Robert Ave, went to Highland, Lincoln and East Have a question. Thanks, Bill Juffernbruch

said juffernbruch 2007.06.16 at 10:04:08 PDT

Please write to me at prplcws (AT) AOL . COM regarding your photos! Thank you!

said prplcws 2007.06.12 at 06:48:57 PDT

Bob, I am going thru the history of Rkfd through your photos. I have been gone from the valley since 1971. I am trying, on Google Earth to learn my way around the valley again! I have a question. I recognized the entrance to Alpine Park from when I was very young. But I thought Alpine Park was just north of Newburg Road, below the hill from Colonial Village. Is Adleen Park and Alpine Park the same park? Aldeen is north of State St., your caption states. I am lost now. When young my church would have lots of potlucks at Alpine Park and I would roam through the woods. I remember some small cliffs of limestone there. There were lots of trees. However, Aldeen Park looks mowed down! If I stood at the intersection of State Street and looked north, is that Alpine Park? Help. thank you. jerrilynn

said phgold 2007.04.30 at 15:24:40 PDT

Hi Bob, do you have any pictures that show Nelson Knitting Company? My cousin was just here from Portland Oregon, and her great grandfather held one of the pattens on the knitting machine. He came from Sweden and just didn't like Rockford, so he sold his patten to Nelson and bought acres upon acres in Portland, Oregon. Thanks a bunch, God bless, Karen Hammarberg, Rockford

said KaisahL 2007.03.27 at 14:21:16 PDT

Hi Bob, Great old photos. Check out two web sites I am working on. http://www.rockfordlandmarks.org http://www.campgrant.org would like to use some of your photos and of course I would aknowledge. Thanks ##### Lewis

said rlewis38 2006.08.21 at 15:49:17 PDT