Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Key recalls old days

Richard Key turned 78-years-young on March 24, 2002.

Key has outlived several of his relatives including his, dad, grandpa, bothers and uncles.

"The oldest Key male lived to be 65-years-old. I have passed them all up", said Key.

Key has lived in Gurdon all of his life. He is related to the Coon's, Key's, and McClure's.

"I am kin to so many people in Gurdon that when I got married I got me a Utah woman so I was sure I wasn't any kin to her," said Key.

Key married Mary Katherine Waterwall more than 40 years ago in Utah after meeting in Los Angeles, Calif. Mary passed away shortly after the couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary together.

Key said he has seen many things come and go and change in Gurdon.

"I used to run a skating rink back in the 30's. It was located where the post office is now. It was a large tent with a hardwood floor in it and everyone would come and skate," said Key.

"I also ran a liquor store over behind were First State Bank is located now. I wasn't old enough to run it so I had to keep someone of legal age there with me to keep them from shutting me down," Key added.

Key shared many stories of his family and friends and tells several stories on school days with his friends here in Gurdon. One of whom is Austin Capps.

Key hopes to have many more happy birthdays in Gurdon with his friends.