October 2001
I was in Panama from 1991 - 1995. I couldn't wait to get back to the states, but Bill and the gang always told me I would always want to go back to Panama once I had been there. It is so true. Maybe one day I'll be able to. There are so many places I miss. The more I surf, the more I am reminded. Great website! So many links to other cool sites!
I was stationed at Ft. Davis, Feb. 1980- Aug.1982. I have a few pictures of life in the 1097th (M.B.) Trans. Co. We ran the Army landing boats on the Canal. I regret that I didn't take more.
I am STILL searching for Dottie Griffen!! Lost touch with her the beginning of year 2000. Thank you and God Bless you.
Hi Bill,
Thanks for keeping the old Canal Zone alive on the Net.
Believe it or not, I too have called my self a CZ Zonian, due to the fact my Grandfather from Barbados, after whom I was named, Edward Joseph Brathwaite, helped build that canal and gave me rich oral history also his daughter my mom, who remembers going under a tunnel in Miraflores Locks to take lunch to her dad, builder on the canal...So thanks for keeping that homeland alive in living color and remember, not only US Whites see themselves as ZONIANS, but Panamanian West Indian Canal Zone residents from Paraiso, like myself!!!!
Good Day.
GREAT site!!! I lived at Ft. Clayton from 67 to 69. Went to Curundu JH. Even with leaving the zone at the end of my 9th. grade year, my fondest memories of my youth are of the years spent in Panama. I may have lost touch with the people and friends, but not the memories.
I look back and realize I spent the best years of my life in Panama! I missed it when I left it and I still miss it now. I always wonder what became of all my friends there. All the partys on the causeway. Atlas Cerveza. Radio Mil or Omega Estereo. Diving at Isle Grande. I have a million pictures of everything I saw and did there. I'm glad because it seems as if it was just a dream. So many friends, so many stories. It really was the time of my life!
Gordon, USAF-
Hi, I am new at this. I graduated in 1953. Born and raised in Panama and Canal Zone. I'm enjoying the Web Site.
I was born and raised in the Zone, my father was a police office on the Pacific side. We loved the Zone more than you can believe. I always wanted to go back to Panama as a Canal Pilot. However, things changed and I never fulfilled my dream.
However, i have made a few business trips to Panama and did some consulting work with a bunkering company in Panama.
I miss it everyday. Thanks for the wonderful photos they bring back so many memories. I used to go with my uncle to dig for bottles and coins. I still have the first bottle that I found where the old town of Culebra sat. Remember the pipeline roads. What a life.