09/08/12
Where do you live now? Montana
How many years were you in the desert? 8
Are you willing to help with pictures? I think I might have a few in storage
Are you willing to help with stories? my memory isnt that great
Comments:
Growing up, My dad was stationed at China Lake Naval Weapons Center. We lived in town on Holly Canyon. I remember our blue house on the corner was easy to spot from blocks away. There were no signal lights the when we lived there and the biggest store was Kmart. Being a kid, I do not remember much more. There wasn't alot happening back in the 70's.
My Dad moved back to Ridgecrest around 1983. They rented the White Star Mine (yes, we lived there) and we had the old water truck that we had to take into town to get water every week. Mine was the back bedroom with the old fireplace. It was a big house (the empty pool with all the lockers) and the dance room with all the mirrors is where we shared Christmas dinner with the family. We had a huge tree that year and it look beautiful in that room.
Being out of town, I had a collection of 18 dogs and used to run from the the White Star mine daily in towards town and the dogs would all follow. There were lots of times the police were called because people thought I was being chased by a pack of dogs. The White Star mine came with a cat, and we had called him 'Generic' because he was just a basic looking cat. :)
I left Ridgecrest again around 1985. While I was there, I worked up on 'the hill' where the scientists work. I moved back again around 1990 to the blue house on Holly Canyon. I worked at Kmart and also the Golden Corral while I was there. Stayed a few more years before heading to Alameda, California.
I met many wonderful and nice people there, and some of them left wonderful memories in my heart that will last a lifetime. : )
08/23/12
Where do you live now? Ridgecrest CA
How many years were you in the desert? 37
Are you willing to help with pictures? N/A
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes
Comments:
My lifelong friend Paul, Paulie, Weimholt, recently and unexpectedly passed away. My entire family, from my myself, my wife, my children, and my mother attended his funeral this past Sat. It was a very moving service that brought back so many memories I shared with Paulie. He was one of my best friends I have ever had and I will continue to miss him and our friendship. Please keep Paulies family in yours prayers as they have lost a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother.
Bammer Blackshaw
| Janet (Hignite) Bannhard | Email |
08/17/12
Where do you live now? Holt, MI
How many years were you in the desert? 19 years total
Are you willing to help with pictures? No
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes
Comments:
Really like your site. Brings back SO many great memories.
I was born at Ridgecrest Community and lived there until my senior year at Burroughs.
Although I still have family in Ridgecrest, it's been way too long since I've been back!
| Steve William Schlah | Email |
07/26/12
Where do you live now? Ventura, CA
How many years were you in the desert? Many times since age 8 and now I'm 66
Are you willing to help with pictures? Yes, though most of my pictures are current
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes, am a retired high school History teacher
Comments:
My and my parent's first trip of many trips to the Owens Valley was in 1954 and we would stay 'around the bend' (where one can no longer place a trailer, like we did, let alone camp), at Convict Lake, as our 'base of operations' for fishing the valley and touring the sights; such as Bodie, the Post Pile, Bridgeport, the Hot Springs, the many lakes and others. But after 3 trips in the last 2 years, primarily to Convict (where I have asked my children to scatter my ashes when the time comes) and to Independence (to the Hall of Records to get info on my 'biological mother, Mary Arlen Davis Steffen, whose husband, Ray's family came to the Valley around 1900 - I am an adoptee) and to Bishop, to see their houses, where she spent her last 61 years (all of which I did not know about until 3 years ago) and where, at Pioneer Cemetery, they are both buried, along with many of his ancestors. Mary and her husband, I understand, had run the Store/Gas Station in Benton for many years. But I have been drawn to the Valley since my first 1954 trip, without knowing my 'biological' connection. In 1958, age 12, I even climbed 3/4 of the way up Mt. Morrison, at Convict, by myself, until I saw a Bear and nearly 'ran down' the mountain. But that was only the 1st trip among a dozen that I made to the Valley and plan many more until I don't leave. If anyone as further info on the Steffens, please contact me.
Steve Schlah schlah@gmail.com
| Kathy silva "Buckley" | Email |
06/30/12
Where do you live now? Modesto,ca
How many years were you in the desert? Off and on for 10
Are you willing to help with pictures? Yes. My mom would have them
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes
Comments:
I loved the freedom as a child. Riding horses at bottom acres, wearing the ankle tag at the officers pool, playing on the swing set before the drive in movie. Sooo much more
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