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Memories

RGee's Corner



“RGee” is Glen Watkins, a Cliffside native who moved to Southern California over 40 years ago. He traveled light but made room in his baggage for memories of his beloved hometown, and, from time to time, he shares them with us. As they arrive, we'll present them here. Sometimes he interlaces his memories with funny but implausible stories, but we'll let you sort those out for yourself.

Glen, who was born in Cliffside on Nov. 29, 1921, died on Sept. 14, 2007 in Riverside, California. He was buried with full honors next to his wife Muriel at the Riverside National Cemetery. Glen was 85.



The Wart Removers, Apr 28, 2006
Like grandfather, like grandson. If you believe, strange things can happen.

The Original Rescue Crew, Nov 21, 2004
There was one before the "First One."

Working in the Bank, Dec 31, 2003
Posting the ledgers and waxing the counter at the old Haynes Bank.

Old Cars and Young Girls, Nov 11, 2002
How to drive—and survive—a Model T

The $5.00 Automobile, Oct 21, 2002
RGee buys an old Ford Model T

A Mouse Tale and Random Memories, Oct 18, 2002
A Cliffside mouse nibbling cornbread; fake organ pipes

 Wells and Springs of Cliffside, Oct 17, 2002
Drawing and hauling water in Cliffside of the '30s

 The “Northeast Corner,” Duke Village, Perils of a Lineman, Oct 16, 2002
The old mill office; stringing phone lines in the new Duke Village

 Mr. Gold, The Whippet Truck and Missing Pants, Oct 15, 2002
Mr. Gold finds a snake under a rock; driving the Whippet on an icy road; debating in borrowed pants

 Paving Main Street, Apr 12, 2002
Christmas presents; chasing rabbits; spring houses and graduation

 Ropes, pulleys and reed hooks, Mar 29, 2002
RGee shares his knowledge of how the mill was powered in the days before electricity

 The old gym, Mar 23, 2002
He foils the visiting team with a flashgun, and rigs a sail for his boat

 Answers to a few questions, Mar 16, 2002
RGee tells us where he now lives, about his interests, and recounts some more of his Cliffside adventures

 RGee's darkroom, Mar 3, 2002
Learn about RGee's darkroom under his father's house, and the train tracks to nowhere

 Working with Guy, Feb 27, 2002
He remembers working on the old “central” phone system and the town clock, and reveals building techniques used in early Cliffside