I remember the joy I felt as a kid letting the bright sunlight gently wake me up every morning during the summer. The only things I needed to think about all day were the type of cereal I would choose for breakfast and how me and my neighborhood friends were going to spend the day.
The world back in the mid-70s to the mid-80s was a different place. The summers that I remember are a far cry from how kids today occupy their free time. I have images and recollections of the lifestyle we led during summer vacation that has long disappeared…
We used our bikes as transportation. Our moms rarely drove us anywhere, nor did we ask because the answer was most likely no. Our bikes took us where we needed to go from friends’ houses, the library, the Swim Club, and uptown for ice cream and snacks. It was liberating to go where we wanted. We just had to call our moms on the old rotary phones and let them know where we were headed. We were expected to be home for dinner.
I have a vivid image of the clothesline we had in our backyard between 2 big oaks. Mom sometimes used it to dry bed sheets. When we returned home from swimming we were instructed to always hang our wet beach towels over it to dry. Hearing the rippling sound of the wind gently drying them was relaxing after a long day in the sun and water.
My friends and I were outside most of the day and every day, weather permitting. Who watched tv in the summer? Not us. We had plenty to do and used our imaginations. We played brick factory by smashing rocks and pieces of old bricks to make potions, We picked purple wildflowers for our moms in our woods, and when we were teenagers, we laid out in the sun slathered in baby oil. Yikes!
Everyone knew whose house we were playing at in the neighborhood because you could see lots of outside toys on the driveways and lawns. There could be anything from parked bikes, chalk for hopscotch, balls, baseball gloves, frisbees, and an occasional sprinkler with towels thrown haphazardly in the grass. Neighborhoods look different today. Most yards are neat and tidy all summer with not one outside toy to be seen, even if you know kids live there. Most of them probably have scheduled sports or activities all summer.
Remembering these moments in time is priceless, especially since the way of life 50 years ago is obsolete. I wish I could bottle those days up and share the simple and magical moments of childhood summers with kids growing up today. They don’t know what they’re missing. We were lucky to have experienced the greatest summers ever!
Melanie R
Oh yes, I remember all of this! Outside we were always riding our bikes, playing baseball in the backyard, playing on pogo sticks, roller skating, playing Four Square and Hide ‘n Seek, making forts under the backyard porches, playing Barbies outside on the porch and steps (very elaborate set ups)…inside we played “house” and “vet”. The only time I watched TV was if I was home sick from school (all that was on was Bozo Circus) or cartoons on Sat morning. Sometimes my best friend and I would ride our bikes up to the convenience store and use our allowance to buy candy and gum. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Judy Palermo
Oh my gosh! Sounds just like I spent my childhood summers! Barbies were such a thing! I haven’t decided if I want to see the movie. I don’t want to ruin my perception of one of my favorite childhood toy! Only difference is I watched game shows when I was sick..haha! Thanks, as always, for your great comment!