A Milk Can from 1929

by George Saunders

On display at the Richmond Railroad Museum is a milk can from the year 1929. Why?

Well, the story begins in 1912, when Charlie C. Watkins was born. From the beginning he was an industrious and hard working fellow. He would grow up to be a 17 year old who got a job at Curles Neck Dairy. The farm where the cows grazed was on lush land along the banks of the James River, near downtown Richmond. Charlie's job was to milk the cows early each morning and deliver the fresh milk to customers nearby. One of those customers was a group of Southern Railway employees who toiled each day at the depot located at 102 Hull Street. Charlie became fast friends with the men who started their busy day with a glass of refreshing milk from the farm. Over time, he developed such close ties with the men that he would never forget them.

Charlie went on to college and studied medicine. He became a respected doctor in the Richmond area and helped many people with their health care. After retiring, Charlie would sometimes drive by the old depot to reminisce. Charlie lived to the ripe old age of 100. His family asked him what he wanted to do for his 100th birthday. They would take him anywhere he wanted to go; Tahiti, Hawaii, anywhere! But he already had a plan. He had heard that the old Southern Railway depot he had delivered milk to all those years ago was now a museum. And the museum could be rented for parties!

There was no question where the celebration would take place. So on October 12, 2012 the festivities were held at 102 Hull Street, where Charlie had some of his happiest memories. Family and friends from near and far came to honor the man they loved and respected so much. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

This article was published in the October 2024 edition of the Highball.

Our 1929 Milk Can resting easy in the Museum. Photo by N. Carter