My name is Richard L. Nelson. I’ve written a couple of times before if not more regarding Marbridge.
Well, it was 50 years ago on a Tuesday, March 13, 1962 that I entered Marbridge Ranch to begin vocational training. I was recommended Feb. 22 on a Thursday (Gasp!) I felt that day.
Well, I entered and complied, getting over the homesickness, culture shock and all that by early to mid-June. I was due for a home vacation by June 14th and no problem in return.
I was in the old ranch house mostly room #5. Linden Cooper who arrived Tuesday, April 3, 1962 and Byran Franz (now deceased) as my roommates. It worked out fine, no snoring problems! July to early Jan 1963 in was ward called the “wreck hall”. Jan 1963 ‘til July 17, 1964 on a Friday. The Winters Dorm. Many guys I remember, some still there, some deceased and those who went elsewhere.
Doug Payne, his birthday is Nov. 24th mine Nov. 25. We both have had 10 Thanksgiving birthdays, my last in 2010, his 2011. Next Leap year 2011 I get skipped and he intercepts. A Monday leap day makes by birthday skip Thanksgiving. A Tuesday leap day Doug’s birthday skips Thanksgiving.
Dale Brinkman, I call him on his birthdays, Jan. 13th, he has the longest tenure along with Tom Grist at Marbridge. I was born in 1944 and Dale in 1940. Both during leap years. I left the ranch, Friday, July 17, 1964 a leap year and Sat. March 11, 1972 I left Marbridge altogether, again a leap year.
I remember different phases from staff members. Mr. Randoff Walker (now deceased), “I run this school!” Mr. Ralph Pfluger., “Just because….”, Mr. J.E. Bridges (now deceased) “I run this school!” and Mrs. Sawyer, “No! That takes care of that.”
Richard L. Nelson
Princeton, TX
