Grandpa's Tick Tock Regulator

As a little girl about 5-7 years old and being the independent child of my family, I, alone, would visit my grandparents (Clyde and Otila Fragoso Williams) during summer months. They lived in a white frame home, owned by the Mercedes water district and located off Rio Rico Road. My grandma Tilley and I would have coffee served in bed by grandpa every morning (of course, mine was more milk then coffee). The clock was located on the wall in the kitchen outside of their bedroom. I remember hearing this clock tick, tock every minute of every day that I stayed in this house. Grandpa would wind it up every morning and I don't remember it ever being still. He received this Regulator Clock as a gift from his company. After his passing, my parents (Clyde and Estelle Johnston Williams) were given the clock. And, it was given to me by my parents, who have since passed.

When my grandma Tilley passed early in her 50's, my sad and lonely grandpa soon married the kindest and loving widow lady, Ethelle Dunn. She was a wonderful seamstress, who through much patience taught me. Her knowledge and ability to fire up some beautiful pieces of pottery were her delight and gifts for many. She brought happy times to my grandpa, family members, and this home for many years. And, the clock kept ticking.

The white frame home was located far back off the road near the water pumps where Grandpa was the Foreman. He worked the pumps for 50 plus years. Hardly ever took a vacation. About 1 mile back from the home through a forest of scattered trees, there was a considerable drop off down to the Rio Grande River. Up the other side was an equal amount of depth. If you were able to climb that side, you would plant your feet on Mexico soil. At night in bed, you could hear the Mariachi Bands playing some beautiful music.

The water taken from the Rio Grande through the pumps was available to the surrounding land and homes of the farmers. I was little BUT those pumps were huge! There was also a former bridge crossing from Texas to Mexico that was located between the house and pumps. I never lived in the time to see the crossing being used.

The home was moved to the Military Highway on former Dunn Dairy property where "Nanny Cows" continued to watch over and care for grandpa. He passed away after 25 years of marriage to Ethelle and she passed soon after.

I hope you enjoy my story.

Carolyn
Great Grandma at 62