Stev Pitchford a Navy Photo buddy sent me this link to the Photo School Building on Google Earth. The building looks in real good shape. Once on Google you can scroll over and see our old barracks, the EM Club etc.
plug these numbers into Google 30°20'55.47"N,87°17'28.95"W
1 comment:
Why it took me three years to find your blog, Sarj, I will never know! Much enjoyed reading your contributions, including those with Dr. Wen Wen Jau.
I was actually searching in hopes of contacting Stev Pitchford, if possible (any which way will work, including none at all). I am researching the history of the Grass Mountain Annex (Area H-2, with centralized bowling alley, movie theater, and other services built and operated for the BOT US Military community on Grass Mountain). With the exception of two of Mr. Pitchford’s comments, every source I have uncovered (others’ comments and official US documents at the time) indicates that these Annex facilities opened circa late 1961 or 1962.
In reference to his residence in the Grass Mountain Hostel (1959-1960), Stev states: “A short walk below the [Grass Mountain] hostel was the American housing and recreation compound. I made pretty good use of the bowling alley, movie theater, and tennis court there” (http://ustdc.blogspot.com/2008/05/grass-mountain-hostel.html). And, in a letter sent home, he states “May 1, 1960 …Gemo is throwing a tea party at the hostel tonight, so I think I’ll go bowling again. I don’t like crowds…” (http://ustdc.blogspot.com/2011/03/letters-home.html).
I cannot resolve the apparent discrepancy, and was hoping for Stev’s confirmation (but, I do take it as true). Perhaps I should add that, to the best of my knowledge regarding 1959-1960, movies had been showing at the Grass Mountain Hostel itself (mid- to late 1950s), and then began to be shown at what was the YMS Club (aka Officers’ Club and “recreation center”, likely the “recreation compound” to which Stev refers, and operational in the late 1950s to early 1960s – it was associated with and across the street from the NACC compound operating at the time in Area C, or heading west on Kaixuan Rd from Gezhi/Yangde Blvd; this same facility became the Grass Mountain Community Center, and is best known as the Grass Mountain Teen Club, mid-1960s to 1979). The original tennis court for the US Military community on Grass Mountain was also built and opened at the YMS Club, perhaps as an addition circa 1961-1962. I don’t think Tien Mou even had a bowling alley in 1959-1960; the closest being the NSAT/HSA compound. Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thanks much, Rory O’Neil
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