by Carol Gustke

Created on: May 31, 2009

Memories of childhood. Why is it that we revisit them more often as we become older? Was life much simpler back then? Safer? Carefree? Probably all of those reasons.

It seems like the winters were colder, the snow deeper and the hills we sledded down on, much higher. Across town was a long ways away. Games like kick the tin can, and hide and seek were played until dark, or until the mosquitoes drove you inside.

Children were not as protected as they are today. In the summer months, we could leave in the morning, play all day, and not report back home until dinner time. The swimming hole had no lifeguard, and no one lifted an eyebrow if you walked through town with a BB-gun over your shoulder.

In public school, teachers freely referred to the Bible as the the last word in moral conduct. Passages of scripture were included as assignments to memorize. The Principal was someone to be feared, and you better not get caught chewing gum in class.

Each Memorial day, there was a parade. The streets were lined with parents and on-lookers as the school band marched proudly by. Each club or business was represented by a decorated float. Trailing behind were groups such as Brownies, Girl Scouts and Veterans. Men removed their hats as the American flag went by.

There was little crime for the police to solve. Perhaps waxing of windows or an outhouse tipped over on Halloween night. Mothers stayed home while Fathers went to work. Teens asked permission to go out at night with friends, but were expected to return at the prescribed time.

Most families had only one car, and grocery shopping was done once a week. On Sunday morning, the whole family went to church together. No fidgeting or whispering was allowed during the sermon. Ladies and girls always wore dresses, while the men and boys wore suits and a tie.

Canning season meant hours in the kitchen, peeling apples, peaches, and tomatoes. At night in bed, you could hear the pop, pop, as the jars sealed. Nothing tasted better than canned peaches in the middle of a cold winter.

Sunday night all our favorite stories came on. We'd huddle around the radio to listen and laugh with Fibber McGee and Molly, The George Burns show, and The Shadow. When television made its debut, we watched The Ed Sullivan show, I Love Lucy, and Lawrence Welk.

The biggest uproar among parents was when Elvis Presley hit the scene. His music and gyrations were considered obscene and down right sinful. Children, and especially teens were admonished not to listen to him. Of course that didn't happen. When your boyfriend walked you to the door after a night out, the porch light would flicker on and off until you came inside.

It's no wonder we cherish memories such as these. For those of us who lived in the "50's" it was the best of times.

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