I was born in Ridgecrest in 1965 and lived there off and on with my parents who were on again off again. When they were not together I lived with my grandparents Garland and Peggy Whiteside on Desert Candles. I believe I went to kindergarten for a spell there but moved away and then back and then away. I was friends with a girl named Bobby Jean and a boy named Mark Baker. My grandparents lived across the ally from the Fishers whose son Kurt threw a rock at me and caused me to get stitches on my lip.

I remember a time while walking in the "desert" where you could find an old tortise or in some cases his shell. Exploring the outskirts of my neighborhood was fun as it was total desert. I remember getting our vaccines at the old county building and sitting on Santa's lap at the Knights of Columbus. Anyone remember Penny Pool, Frosty Freese, the drive In and of course Cornelius shoes?

Most of all that I rembered was that I was not bothered by the heat. Boy, try and get me in that heat now and I come unglued. The heat never fazed us. Oh, and remember the snow fall of the late 70's. That was a hoot. Grandpa actually took us to Lake Dirty Socks although I've been corrected many times and told no, it was Lake Diaz. Whatever it was, it was fun. Grandparents have been gone now for 15 and 3 years. Havent been back since '03 but would like to. Would love to go inside the 121 Desert Candles house just to see how small it actually was. Seemed like a mansion to me when I was 5.

I actually miss my old hometown.

Mandy (Shelly) Chitwood-Humphrey

I reluctantly arrived at the base to begin my junior year at Burroughs. I was reluctant because I was dissappointed to leave my previous high school, Grossmont High in San Diego. However my father took a job at the base as an engineer and I came along with the family. My first year at Burroughs was somewhat very low key. My senior year was when I began to accept the school and started to have some fun. I remember the Kelly boy who was killed in an auto accident and the school honored him by naming the football field after him. My memory of him was that he was a very good student as well as an outstanding athlete. He was very popular with all and even was friendly to me, which impressed me very much at that time. He was not really a very big boy but he was very gifted. I also remember a couple of teachers, a Mr Young who tried to teach me how to use this language correctly. I used to hitch a ride to school with him once in awhile, and he would allow me to smoke a cigarette on the way to school. I also remember a Mr. Richardson who was my algebra and geometry teacher. I was never one of his star students but he did teach me to love math which helped me chose a carreer as an engineer. Some of the students I remember are, Chuck Bernard, who was afflicted with polio but never let that slow him down, he was an excellent student in math. I also remember Don & Jack Godett, as well as Howard Stavers and Jack Leslie and of course the pretty Suzie Brown. I have not seen anybody mention the "Dizzy-Izzie" miniature golf course that was just outside the gate, it didn't last very long but was popular for awhile. I have really enjoyed this website and hope my comments jog some memories for some of the ex students.

It's been along time since I have poked around the old desert digs and now I am completed, I have cyberly run into the first love of my life Kathie Cox. She doesnt know it as I type this. How is all you people doin' and Peanut Guzman and me still play music up here in Montana!!!

Photo taken in 1964 graduation.

Hi there, this is Gary Bell. I've lived in San Diego for the last 35 years. I was injured around 17 years ago, but I'm doing great at this time. I have 2 Daughters and 2 Grandsons. Their names are { Daughters } = Shelli Lane and Heather Bell; { Grandsons } = Scott and Jace.

Ridgecrest was a great place to be raised. I never experienced any type of prejudice or any of the other ills of the current world. I had and still have 8 to 10 of the best friends anyone could ever have.

I married this lady whose maiden name was Rita Allen. She and my whole family are doing great down here in San Diego. I have 1 profound quote to tell anyone that has a chance to read this :

"MAY YOU LIVE

AS LONG A YOU WANT.

AND NEVER WANT

AS LONG AS YOU LIVE !"