02/13/04
Where do you live now? Silver Spring, MD
How many years were you in the desert? 13
Are you willing to help with pictures? I don't think I have any.
Are you willing to help with stories? If I can think of any.
Comments:
My parents & older siblings moved to China Lake in 1946. I was born in Drummond Hospital in 1950. We moved to Washington, DC the day after Kennedy visited China Lake in 1963. My sister & brother both graduated from Burroughs High School (1960 & 1962 - my brother was salutatorian). I finished 7th grade at Murray School.
Took my kids to see the place in 2000; hadn't been back in all those years. Coming from this super (too) green area, the desert was quite an experience for them. My daughter, age 22 at the time, was spooked by all the stars at night. They overwhelmed her. And we are still arguing about what a REAL mountain is. She claims Inyo National Forest has no trees in it.
Too bad they missed the Trona pool.
01/22/04
Where do you live now? Las Vegas, NV
How many years were you in the desert? 35
Are you willing to help with pictures? Yes
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes
Comments:
We moved to Ridgecrest in June of 1950. My dad worked at the base. Since family housing was scarce we moved to Johanesburg for two years. We move back to Ridgecrest in '54. We moved into Werry (sp)Housing in '55. We were the 3rd or 4th family to move in. I graduated from Burroughs in '62. Was able to attend our 40th reunion in 2002. What a great experience. I agree with others. What a great place to grow up. Several of us were hunters and no one said anything when they saw a bunch of us after school in the fall loading our shotguns in a car and heading out for dove or quail. No "drive bys".
I still have friends living there, Jimmy Jones, Ken Hire, and have contact with others like myself who have moved away, like Ed Ennis and Tom Talley. I'd like to hear from more. Please contact me.
Richard Davis
| Kenneth 'Ken' Irons | Email |
05/11/04
Where do you live now? Tucson, Arizona
How many years were you in the desert? 1958-61; 1966-67
Are you willing to help with pictures? I'll share what I can find.
Are you willing to help with stories? I'll share what I can remember
Comments:
I came to China Lake via the Navy. Worked in Mich Lab. I was transferred from the USS John Hood dd655 and we were on our way home from the Med when I received my orders. Never been to the desert before and thought I would be working in small boats. Surprise. Hated my first few months there 'till I mer Rolly McNeil and his family. His dad taught shop at the Jr. High School. Got to boondocking and bottle hunting with Rolly and some his friends and fell in love with the Mojave. Spent many a night at the RAFT club by the barracks. Many an evening at the Yucca drivein, the Crest Drive-in, Trona Pool, etc. Thank you so very much for this site. I am retired now and putting my experiences on computor disc for my daughter. Hope to hear from some old friend. Ken Irons
| Lorraine Witcosky aka Hicks | Email |
02/07/04
Where do you live now? Bakersfield, CA
How many years were you in the desert? Born and raised. all said, at least 30
Are you willing to help with pictures? unsure
Are you willing to help with stories? well, I'll be thinking.
Comments:
I remember the Rock Club. What a great club. What a great hobby. Seems to be dying out, but loved it.
05/13/04
Where do you live now? Little Rock, AR
How many years were you in the desert? 16
Are you willing to help with pictures? Yes
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes
Comments:
My father and Mother moved to Ridgecrest in the late 40's they were living in Randsburg. My dad owned a Bar, I'm not sure if its still in Randsburg called the White House. He went into partners with a Roy Jones and they opened the Port Hole, I'm not sure what street it was on I think China Lake Blvd. He owened it until it burned in the 60's. I really have enjoyed visiting this site. Where would I mail pictures of the Port Hole I'm sure I have some somewhere.
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