A Trip Down Memory Lane: The 50s

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Stepping back in time is fun . . . just plain and simple fun! Not boring as some might think or say. It is who we are, how we have evolved and in some instances, where we are going [again]. Making comparisons of how things were 'back in the day' to present day is often hilarious. Even looking back/reflecting upon sayings about the future, which is now the present, can have one doubling over with laughter. Perhaps the following trip down memory lane will bring it on for you. . .

Today's GUEST: A visit to Sweet Americana opened the door for this trip down memory lane. Thank you, Phill Senters, for your insight into the America We Love!

Embrace the Past...

You are living in the 1950s. Picture yourself sitting with someone on your front porch in the early evening or perhaps visiting your grandparents. Recall conversations with Grandpa who had a tremendous impact on your views of how things really were in the past - the days before our ever present technological age.

The following statements come up in the topic of conversation, the economy.

~If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00 nobody will be able to hire outside help anymore. How's a business man suppose to feed his family paying such outrageous wages for hired help?

~Did you hear the post office is gonna start charging 7 cents just to mail a letter? That's utterly despicable!

~They say someday soon all our appliances will be electric. Can you imagine the ol' wringer washing machine being electric? That would be a hoot!

~Who would have thought gas would ever cost 25 cents a gallon? I hear it will soon go up to 26 cents. Up a penny now, another penny later. Rate it is going gasoline will reach a dollar a gallon before we know it. What's the world coming to?

~Them Volkswagen cars are gonna open up the door to a whole lot of foreign business. What's happening to made in America?

~Things are really gettin' tough nowadays. Hard for a family to make ends meet. Even some married women are having to get jobs outside the home. It won't be long before people are gonna have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work. Um-m-m? Work to earn enough to pay a sitter so you can work...what's wrong with that picture?

~There is no sense going on weekend trips for a break anymore. It costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel. That means a Friday and Saturday night will set one back $4.00...that's almost a full day's wages!

~At $15.00 a day in the hospital, no one can afford to be sick anymore. All those doctors want to do is make their lives easier at our expense! Maw, what's that home remedy for sore throat?

~Some scientists think it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. Down in Texas they even have some fellers they call 'astronauts' gettin' ready for it. Now, ain't that somethin'?

Empower the Present...

It is the 21st century. You and a friend are sitting at a bar having a few drinks before going home. Today's economy becomes the topic of conversation.

~Do you remember how things were in the 50s? Sure wish we could turn the clock back.

Enrich the Future... 

The sands of time flow only one way through the hourglass. Look ahead, not backwards, but always keep the memories. They are you, you are them. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness.