Valley Wells pre 1955: From Mike Osborn
My name is Mike Osborn and I was born at the Trona Community Hospital on April 3, 1951. I have two younger brothers and sisters who were also born in Trona; Mark, Karen, Jan, and Don (Jr.). I believe my parents, Don and Margaret Osborn, moved to Trona in 1950. I remember something about our living in Homewood Canyon for a short time, but then moving to a house on 8th, between Benton and Sutter, then to Benton St, and finally to Elm, all in Pioneer Point. My grandparents, Charles and grandma Farrah, lived just off of Austin Square until about 1963(?). They raised a number of kids (my uncles and aunts) that graduated THS, including; Bonnie, Gary, Diane, Jim, Gordon, and a couple of others that I can’t remember right now. Since Bonnie was born in 1948, I think your contemporary would have been Jim or Gordon Farrah. My family lived in Trona until my father passed away in 1965 (he was only 35 or 36), from a heart of attack; I was then 14 years old. He is buried in the Trona Cemetery. My mother stuck it out in Trona for about 9 mo.’s and then we moved to the Fresno area.I have vivid and fond memories of growing up in Trona. I often wondered what became of the dozens of friends that I grew up with. In searching the various Trona sites I see next to nothing in the way of email addresses or bio’s for the class of ’69.
Attached are a couple of pictures:
This is probably younger sister Jan, so this would be about ’57. Front yard on Benton St.
This was just too cool a shot not to send, though I couldn’t tell what part of the desert it’s in.
This is looking pretty much N.N.E. from Benton. Neat station wagon.
Mike Osborn
Arlington, Texas (for the last 20 years)
Hi Mike.
My middle name is Osborn and my family lived in what is now known as China Lake where they grew alfalfa.
The family name is Bowman and my great-grandfather built Bowman Road to access the ranch.
I also had an uncle. I can’t remember his name, who was the judge in Trona for many years.
Hi Mike. I remember you and your family. We lived on the east end of Elm Street, actually our address was on 11th Street. I vaguely remember your father’s passing and then your family moved away. I managed to graduate from Trona High and after college worked for the company for 18 years.
Hi Mike! I live in north Dallas! Small world. Ginny Carter and I are planning the 50th reunion for our class. If you email me at tronahealthsync@me.com I will keep you in the loop and give you some contact info for other ‘69ers. I didn’t realize you were also on Benton St! So was Patty Leighton! Take care!
I went to school with Gary. He was a good friend, in fact he and Judy were at my first wedding.
Hey Mike,
I remember you, we lived on Elm across the street from your family, I remember Mark he was in class or 1972. I also remember the Conrady Family. Carl Raper
Hey Mike-
Remember ya well. I also graduated in 69 and relish the fond memories of Trona. Ginny Carter, now Davis, tends to be the matriarch of the class and has most people’s email addresses etc.. Shoot me a line and I’ll help ya make contact.
Anthony
Mike Osborn, email your information please. I do remember you.
Hope to hear from you
Ginny
The name sounds familiar, I lived in Pioneer Point. I am the youngest of five Wallace children. We moved about from Trona to Argus and Pioneer Point. We loved the Valley Wells swimming Pool and having picnics in Death Valley, playing in the dunes. I believe you would be my age and either Mike or Mark were avid desert rat playmates.