I have finally arrived at the age where I can reflect back
on “The Good ‘ol Days”. How far back I travel depends upon the
day. When I reminisce about growing up
in Evansville, I remember…..(Insert fuzzy cloud and 70’s music fade in):
- Lloyd, was the name of our Mayor; Division Street connected east to west travel
- Sears was downtown
- Washington Square Mall was built
- Drive-ins were common
- Lockyear was a Business College
- High School curriculum consisted of two lanes (business and college)
- Burger Chef (and Jeff)
- Leo’s Hamburgers
- Rosedale Pharmacy and Market
- Ayr-Way
- Shopper’s Fair
- Weinbach Shopping Center
- Red Goose Shoes and the Golden Egg
- In libraries, the Dewey Decimal System identified book titles
- 8-Track Tapes
- Beta Video Tapes
- Soft Drinks in Glass Bottles (that you returned or paid a deposit)
As memorable as these things are, it is important to note
that the next generation will have their own reflective moments, just as
generations past have theirs. So…why
blog about nostalgia? Today’s world
often seems filled with anxiety, worry, fear, violence and uncertainty. The days that I remember so fondly now, were
also filled with the above emotions.
Many forget that the 70’s were also a time of turmoil.
- October 6, 1973, the Yom Kippur War began when Egypt and Syria attacked Israel from two sides. During this time, our country experienced extreme gas price hikes and a shortage of fuel. Lines formed outside gas stations and people waited hours for fuel.
- Americans experienced terrorism and were in shock when the Iran Hostage Crisis happened in 1977 where 52 hostages were held for 444 days.
- Lay-offs began and unions were dismantled.
Therefore, once we recognize that emotions cannot change
facts and understand that action, not wishing, impacts outcomes; then, and only
then, can we see beyond the smog that clouds our vision. Just think, if we learn to appreciate the
people and positive happenings that occur each day, strive to make a difference
in our community, gripe less and move forward, imagine how much greater your
reflection will be 20 years from now.
Yes, I have finally arrived at the age where I can reflect
back on “The Good ‘ol Days”. How far back I travel depends upon the
day……………..
