Diane
Diane Valentine
Hickory Bluff
Born: 1955
My family last Christmas
L to R…front Cherise, 35; Stephen, 27; Me with Owen (grandson), 5; Chelsea, 24; Sam, 30 and Erin, 32.
L to R…rear Bruce (Chelsea’s fiance), Bob (Cherise’s husband) holding Zoe, 2.
Me with son Sam.
Dad (left) and Mom (right) at the age of 4.
Diane, In the top picture who are the two furthest right on the couch?
I am so pleased to have found this website.
The daughter of Grace and Bill Valentine, owners of Hickory Bluff Store, I spent the first 20 years of my life in Rowayton. My father grew up on Highland Avenue and my grandmother (maternal) grew up on Crockett Street. I recall the stories and embrace the memories I experienced as a child in that wonderful village… the only one of it’s name, on the Connecticut shore.
Rowayton was a beautiful place to spend a childhood. There was always a seawall to climb or a crab to catch. Time seemed to move slowly and the pace of our lives followed suit. Barefoot and tan, most of us were left to our own devices, free to learn and explore and to just be kids.
My parents passed away last year and I believe my father truly regretted leaving his little village. Advanced dementia took his life, and in the end he believed he was ‘home’ watching the store. He spoke of past friendships and customers, as if it was yesterday and the memories were always pleasant.
I want to thank all of you for that. The Bluff was a positive experience for all of us.