October 1999
I loved going through your "Photo of the Week" archives! Usually I come across photos of Panama that contain tourist type sites. It was refreshing to see photos of things a Zonian experienced......good for showing to my state-side husband. The Raspado man...in the states they think I'm nuts when I tell them we like Leche Condensada on our "snow cones". They really trip when I tell them how the milk is stored (in the sun) and in what it's stored (previously used plastic oil container). The army ants......another thing I couldn't get a state-side friend to believe in: the way they would make trails in the grass. While taking a state-side friend to Panama Viejo, we saw ant trails. Of course he thought I was pulling his leg. I finally got a Panamanian tour guide to verify the fact. The DDT truck.....can you believe that in Margarita we would get on our bikes chasing the DDT truck down the street, delighting in the smoke in our faces?! Geesh! Do you see cancer in our future? Thanks so much for your web page! I really enjoyed your photos and the personal experiences you wrote under them. The floating VW van...classic Zonian occurrence! I lived in Margarita until 10th grade, Ancon until 1984 (BHS '82)(PCC '84), then moved to Tallahassee, Florida (TCC '86) (FSU '90).
Thank you Bill for the photo's and info. I was in PANAMA 1981-83, at the beginning of my Military tour of duty. When I looked through the pictures of Ft. Sherman I remembered the three weeks at (JOTC). Being station with the 193rd Inf. I went through training with the 101st at Ft. Sherman. I still can remember the Ocean's early morning mist as I think back. When we finsh the training I was treated to the best steak and lobster brunch I ever had, after A week in the jungle with nothing but sea ration you could imagine. Now I can show my son some more of the beauty of that larger than life place in my memories.
well done! CZ Forever!
Bill,
Thanks for the tour. I haven't had so much fun since Mr. Marshall caught me skipping school at the old museum by the railway back in "58".
Carl
Congratulations, very good, interesting, lets hope no persons decide to spoil it. It is a link for Canal Employees and family.
I enjoy your admirable work. The beautiful photos, history, comments etc. are much a part of my time spent at the computer. Best of luck to you always.
Bill, you have done a wonderful job! I had the privilege of being a Zonian from 1952-1971 and graduated from CHS 70'. Thank you for all your hard work to keep us "AT HOME". txpanama
Bill, Thanks for the great job setting up and maintaining this site. The pictures bring back great memories.
Gary
Great site for old memories. Stationed with 3/7th SFG(A) '81 to '85. Member of the "Jumping Ambassadors" Parachute Team. Made many a jump over Panama and the Canal. No place more scenic. Both myself and my wife (then Susan Metrules) were stationed at Ft. Gulick (Espinar) and Ft. Davis. She was with the 1097th Boat Company (LCM's). Dock 45 on Gatun Lake was her station. Thanks for the "tour"!
I was in the Zone from February 1967 through October 1968 serving at Ft Clayton. My wife and son and I lived in the Republic. In fact my son was born at Gorgas Hospital. I really enjoyed seeing non-tourist images from the Canal Zone. Reading one of the other postings reminded me that no one ever believes me when I tell them about the paths cut through the grass by the ants. But what do they know? Good luck and thanks for the site.
I was not born in Panama but was apart of the history on Albrook for about three years. I lived there for my fourth, fifth, and sixth grade years. I would have been there for my seventh but left for my dads and never returned. I many memories of the Canal Zone, good and bad. It's hard to describe this area, you would have to have been there to understand what I mean. I was involved with someone just before I left. We kept in touch for a few years before she stopped sending letters, I'm guilty too I guess. But if anyone can help me out I would appreciate it. Her name was Brandy Cherone. She has a little brother and divorced parents. I'm not sure where she is at all but would like to get back in touch with her. For all of you who can help, I am thankful.
Been enjoying your incredible work on your website for a long time...