OFF THE RECORD: Things were very different in my day
Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, February 5, 2003
As another birthday rolls around this week, I think about how much simpler life was back in the 1950s and early ’60s; especially for kids. The world was one big Hostess cupcake during those wonder years, and the only fears we had were not being invited to the new girl’s slumber party.
Life was easy back then. We didn’t have to buckle up. We didn’t wear bike helmets. It was safe to walk to school and back, and our parents seldom drove us. We arrived home to an unlocked house with fresh chocolate chip cookies on the counter and a note from mom saying she was at the neighbor’s.We opened the door to strangers and ran down the hill to see the freight train pass through town. And wondered where it was going.
Life was safe back then.
I recently came across one of my diaries from that era, a small faded pink book with a rusty lock and key. On the front is a cartoon drawing of a girl sitting in a chair. Above her is Cupid with a big cloud over his/her head saying, “My Delightful Year.” It appears that I was in the fifth grade, making me 10 years old. It also appears that I wasn’t keen about writing in my diary, as the entries faded out in mid-February.
Life had no deadlines back then.
In reading my day-to-day activities, I think how boring it would be for today’s pre-teens. No Internet, no cell phones, no pagers or beepers. No bare midriffs, no snowboards, no reality TV shows.
Take a peek at my real life back in 1960 as a 10-year-old. And compare it to what kids are doing today. I’m happy to say, I wouldn’t change the year I was born for anything — crow’s feet included.
Susan, Jan. 7, 1960: Went bike riding and played cards and darts. Grandpa and Grandma came over for dinner. It was Grandpa’s birthday. He was 74 years old.
Samantha, Jan. 7, 2003: After school I went to soccer practice followed by a session with my French tutor. My parents have been in Europe for a week, so I’m staying with my friend’s family. My mom and stepdad won’t be home for my brother’s birthday, but they promised to bring him a cool gift from Paris.
Susan, Jan. 8, 1960: Went over to Susan Lord’s house and played some games. Then came home and set the table.
Samantha, Jan. 8, 2003: Went to my ice skating lesson, surfed the Net for two hours and then my friend’s family took us to McDonald’s for dinner. I wanted to go to Burger King, but they went there last night.
Susan, Jan. 9, 1960: Went down the hill on our sled. Vicki, Tim and I got on the sled and went down all at once. We fell off at the bottom of the hill.
Samantha, Jan. 9, 2003: My friend’s parents took us up to their condo at Crystal Mountain for overnight, but I couldn’t ski as I’m on the girls’ fifth-grade basketball team and the coach says no way. That sucks.
Susan, Jan. 10, 1960: Went to Wheeler’s and made a snowman. Then the neighborhood had a snowball fight.
Samantha, Jan. 10, 2003: It is so boring up here in the snow, especially since my friend’s VCR broke and they can’t get HBO.
Susan, Jan. 12, 1960: Went over to Susan Lord’s and played dolls. Then went square dancing. Arlington beat Langly (sic) 53 to 35.
Samantha, Jan. 12, 2003: Tiffany and I decided to pierce each other’s navels. Then we watched the latest Brittney video and asked her mom to drive us to the mall.
Susan, Jan. 18, 1960: Went to Blue Birds and made coal gardens.
Samantha, Jan. 18, 2003: Went to a talk about the dangers of kids using drugs.
Susan, Jan. 18, 1960: Went to dentist. Got a tooth pulled. Went square dancing.
Samantha, Jan. 26, 2003: Asked my stepmom if she would pay to have my teeth professionally whitened. Watched “Flashdance” for the 15th time.
Susan, Feb. 5, 1960: Had my birthday party, 10 kids were there. I got lots of nice presents. Mom gave me a sweater and pants; Glenda, jewelry; Gloria, Doh-Mix; Bee, stationery; Peggy, doll; Jody, purse; Wendy, pants; Hester, bubble bath; Lois, perfume and hand lotion; Julie, stationery; Tim, record; Grandma, $3; Christie, $1; Marjie, $2; Sena, $2.
Samantha, Feb. 5, 2003: Had my birthday party at Disneyland. My parents surprised me by flying in two dozen of my closest friends. Instead of getting presents, my friends and family all chipped in for a live concert by N Sync after my private fireworks. It rocked!
MEMORABLE EVENTS OF 1951
Best Picture: “An American in Paris”
Best Actor: Humphrey Bogart, “The African Queen”
Best Actress: Vivien Leigh, “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Best Dramatic TV Show: Studio One
Best Comedy TV Show: Red Skelton Show
Best Variety Show: Your Show of Shows
COST OF LIVING IN 1951
Car: $1,800
Gallon of gas: 27 cents
Typical house: $16,000
First-class postage: 3 cents
Dow Jones average: 269
Average annual wage: $4,200
Minimum wage: 75 cents/hour
Sue Frause can be reached by e-mail at skfrause@whidbey.com.
