Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago · 4 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Life Before Technology- A Trip Down Memory Lane

Life Before Technology- A Trip Down Memory Lane

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I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood and not one of my memories or activities included modern day technology. As a boomer, did I just call myself that... yikes, anyhow, everything we participated in was either by means of using our imagination or becoming involved in activities. We spent more time outside of our homes than indoors, all year long.  Life seemed so simple then, I wonder if our children (and their children) will say the same one day? 

If we wanted to go somewhere, you didn't ask your parents or demand that you need a ride. We rode our bikes or walked. It was nothing to ride your bike 3 miles or more one way to visit a friend. It was a piece of cake to walk 1-2 miles in order to get to school.  It was our way of life. 

During the summer we spent most of our time on the beach on Lake Erie. I was lucky enough to live 4 blocks away from the lake. I think my mom allowed me to become a beach bum during the summer when I was in 9th grade. We would bring our radio's with AM/FM tuning and hope to tap into a good FM station to hear the latest pop tunes. I admit, I was bit of a wild teen- just wanting to fit in like teens today and it was common for us to find beer somewhere and share it with each other as we hung out sunning on the beach.  There were no police on the beach, so we didn't worry about getting caught drinking and of course we all walked, so no worries- no drunk drivers on the road. When we weren't beaching it, we were working part time jobs. Most of us obtained employment at the age of 15 years old so we could pay for things like an extra pair of jeans, the movies, fast food and more. Our parents did not hand us money freely and we didn't expect it because it wasn't the norm. 

We had curfews but our parents set them, not the law. We abided by our parents curfews because we knew we'd be in deep crap if we didn't. It was common to get grounded for a week or longer when I was growing up. Who wanted to be stuck inside for an entire week while their friends were out having fun, not many! 

Winters were fun too. My brother and I are 15 months apart and we were constantly competing with each other. We used to go sled riding a lot and one day he dared me to take my sled down a hill everyone called "Big Momma" and I took him up on the dare. The hill was steep, icy and full of trees. I got on my stomach and started down the hill. Suddenly I realized I was headed towards a tree and had no way of controlling my sled since it was going so fast. I nicked the tree while holding on to my sled as it did a 360. I fairly certain I broke my baby finger because the blade of the sled came back down on it while I was still on the sled holding on for dear life. My brother laughed as I ran off to cry. I never told my mom because she would have been extremely mad that I took the sled down that hill. Not sure who named the hill because it doesn't appear that large to me now that I'm an adult. 

We had so much fun growing up. We also spent many nights at the outdoor ice skating rink above Lake Erie. It was actually a tennis court but in the winter they turned it into an ice skating rink and of course it was also a place teens hung out with typical teen desires...  meeting a guy or a girl. Some things never change.  

We played baseball in neighbors yards, I even played football with my brother and his friends. Uh, I think I liked football because he had some cute friends and the idea of being tackled didn't seem so bad. When we weren't working or doing something outdoors we spent time reading books, helping with chores and watching TV.

Most families only had 1 bathroom which meant if you were a family of 5, you had to wait your turn- again this was a norm. I remember a few friends moving to a new home during my High School years and they had showers. Taking a shower was like a luxury back then, seriously!  Most of us had to share the same bathtub. Parents were very conscious of how much electricity and water they used so guess what- many families shared the bath water. I know right, gross? I was lucky because in our home the oldest always got their bath first. My sisters, not so lucky... they had to use the water left in the tub after me and my brother took our baths. I was old enough to think, I can't believe mom won't let them fill it up  with clean water. They were allowed to add warm water but they weren't allowed to drain it. 

Flying to a destination back then, what was that? Only rich kids and their families flew. I don't think I knew of anyone that took a vacation via a plane until I neared graduation. I would only dream of flying when I saw the commercials. If we went on vacation mom would cram all 5 of us into the car (6 people, including herself) and off we went. I remember fighting over who was going to get the window seats, I always won on that one too. There were benefits of being the oldest in the family. 

Here is an old commercial we used to see quite often playing on our black and white televisions during the 60's. 


Lance 🐝 Scoular would say.  So many great memories. 




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#Lake Erie #Technology- #Trip Down Memory Lane #Life #FM
Comments

John Rylance

6 years ago #50

I recently in another post put forward this idea. That we have to ages our mind age and our body age. As I grow older the gap between the two is widening. Currently my mind is in its 30s while at times my body struggles to be in its real age 70s. Any thoughts Susan \ud83d\udc1d Rooks, the Grammar Goddess and @ Lisa Gallagher I enjoyed the reminiscing, it sparked some of my own. Thank you Lisa.

Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess

6 years ago #49

A really fun post by Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher, especially for those of us who are of a certain age ...

Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess

6 years ago #48

#58
Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher, I am 71. Will be 72 April 13. See? Yes, I am. Feel about 55 most days, though. Or 54 or 53. Certainly feel much younger than I know I am!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #47

#57
Thanks Susan \ud83d\udc1d Rooks, the Grammar Goddess and sorry I missed your comment. Being physically present is much more rewarding to me vs. virtually. I do enjoy the people I've met virtually but it would be great to meet so many of you in person too. I don't think you are that much older than me, just saying! ;-)

Susan 🐝 Rooks, The Grammar Goddess

6 years ago #46

You knocked it out of the ballpark with this one, Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher! I a bunch of years older than you are, but we share a lot of the same sensibilities. Yes, life was quieter and more human. We talked face to face or on the telephone (if we had one). Gotta admit, though, I do love a lot about today's technology, yet I do see us not being as close to others as we once were. Virtual friends are fine, but as our Sarah Elkins has shown us, being virtual is only half the fun that being physically present together is!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #45

#54
Hi Sabrina Cadini, Live Streaming Wedding Entrepreneur, I'm sorry I missed your comment. I really think we had much more human interaction before technology. Even my own family would rather text than call now. I finally told them, if it's a group text of importance or an emergency and I can't be reached by phone, text.. otherwise call me. On the plus side, my grandson's live out of state, so it's nice to be able to connect live via video (skype) to see and talk to them. I gave up the pen, I do find typing much easier ;-) I have a friend who refuses to email and still sends letters, I have to say a letter is a rarity and priceless today!

Lance 🐝 Scoular

6 years ago #44

#52
So true 😊

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #43

#50
#51 Lance \ud83d\udc1d Scoular you reminded me why being a grandparent is SO grand. If we made a lot of memories with our children while they were growing up, eventually they do want to re-live them in one way or another. The best part, they include us, except we get to be the 'fun' one's and not the 24/7 care givers now. Your trip sounds like it was wonderful! It makes me want to do a family vacation again with my entire family. We keep talking about it. I have a daughter and son and they both have different memories that they held on to. My son, fishing and hunting with dad. They are doing an Elk hunt at the end of Oct in Colorado, they are like little boys planning their trip. My daughter with her husband and daughter (our granddaughter) just got back from the Outer banks in NC, she wanted to do a beach trip because I would bring her to Myrtle beach or Florida Coast almost every year. We all share camping, campfires, bodies of water and simple pleasures- nature as you saw in common. We hope to find a common place on a large Lake next summer and vacation with all the grandkids and our children. It sounds like your grandkids bring out the 'child within' you too. I love it! We used to look for salamanders when we were camping too. I'm so happy you had a good time. PS: The video is trippy but sure does bring you back in time, doesn't it? I love memory lane, great place to visit!

Lance 🐝 Scoular

6 years ago #42

I had to laugh at the TWA add. We had a domestic airline in Australia, Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) that used the same song back in the day. Up, Up and away with TAA the Friendly Way!

Lance 🐝 Scoular

6 years ago #41

Just back from Wombeyan Caves which is Off the Grid, no wifi or telco data. We had a great time with some friends from the "old days" and new friends of our daughters' and their kids. Walking through the Bush. Playing in the dry creek beds. Collecting sticks and logs for the open fire at night. Walking though the limestone caves and marveling at the amazing formations. Our Matilda had a great time climbing up the stairs of a cubby house and sliding doen the slippery slide - with my assistance and playing in the dirt and getting nice and grubby. Not having to worry if the kids are "OK" - apart from the normal cut, scratches and bruises. I went there as a kid with me Dad and camped in a tent. Sandie and I went there after we were married and camped in a tent. Went back with our three girls when they were 4-6 and camped in a tent. Over the succeeding years hired out some dormitories built for school groups with friends and their kids and bikes to ride the dirt tracks. Groups of about 50. When the kids got married we stopped going to Wombayan Caves. Then My daughter Nat (Natalie) wanted to have the same experience for her kids and her friends kids. So about 5 years ago we started to go to Wombeyan again. What a great weekend was had by all. Just like our Life Before Technology- It was indeed a Trip Down Memory Lane.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #40

#48
King hill, ah.... ok I understand now! It must be large if it's still deserving of it's name.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #39

#45
We shall call you CC for short Deborah Levine. *just kidding* I can understand the move!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #38

#44
Thanks for sharing your stories too Harvey! The App story and your daughter's response, priceless.

Harvey Lloyd

6 years ago #37

#37
What was mysterious in our day is now corn on the cob for the new folks. Hit the app and the lights shine for a few moments and.......moving on. The hunt on both sides was almost as exciting as the the actual catch (more hunting than catching). My daughters told me about the App and when i asked if the used it they blushed curled up and screamed hell no. Shows i have no understanding of social operations. Well, need to charge the batteries on the bag phone and get new hearing aid batteries:) Have great weekend. Thanks of the stroll and laughs.

mohammed khalaf

6 years ago #36

Lisa is the most eminent travel writer on beBee. Her travel posts convey a colorful portrait of place and culture and she fills my senses with the destination.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #35

Thanks for sharing Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee!!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #34

#33
Deborah Levine, I bet you never felt you were missing a thing if you didn't grow up with TV or radio in Bermuda. I can't imagine the amount of books you read and OH... the swimming, I bet that was a must there! I forgot about scrabble (and board games in particular). We also played a lot of scrabble and monopoly. Mom would make popcorn on the stove top and we'd have hot chocolate (homemade) with it in the winter. Where did you end up moving after you and your family left Bermuda?

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #33

#32
Hi Joanne, I bet skating on the river was a lot of fun! We used to go to a big pond that was groomed for skating and you felt like you were on a lake. We didn't do it too often because it wasn't that close to us but so much fun. Cooking hotdogs in the fireplace for a birthday sounds extremely memorable! Agree, the laughter and innocence was so uplifting.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #32

#31
Thank you as well Jerry Fletcher, I forgot about kick the can and your description of the evening brought me back some more! We actually loved it when our parents hung out on porches together, we had people we could show off our 'skills' to and many conversations as well because the neighbors always loved listening. Not to mention our parents were relaxed and in great moods by that time of the evening.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #31

#30
Easy conversation starter with a cute puppy!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #30

#29
Did you guys say, "Hey, lets go riding around?" That was a catch phrase for us when we wanted to cruise, even the girls used to cram in cars hoping to meet up with guys. We had a large parking lot right before the beach on Lake Erie where we hung out with others at night, blasting our music while guys did 360's in their cars showing off ha ha. As for meeting guys/gals, "now there's an app for that," I just literally laughed out loud. An app, sort of takes the fun out of it?

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #29

#26
I'm glad you enjoyed this Harvey Lloyd! You wrote, " No policeman could bring fear of discipline like our parents." Wow, that's so true, and you are right, it had a lot to do with respect and we knew our parents would follow through on their threats if we disobeyed them. Like you, I didn't always obey the rules and 99.99% of the time I was nabbed then grounded. Nothing worse for a kid to be separated from their friends for a period of time, that was our jail time! I used to love Bewitched and I love Lucy.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #28

#25
I remember being excited about 8 tracks since one item could pack a ton of music and by then I was working so I was able to buy a few here and there. I still use a land line for my home communications (well, a portable phone). Had a land line in my kitchen until my husband put up new wall paper. I wanted to keep it for those pesky times the electricity may go out. Until I got my new cell phone a few yrs ago, I didn't have good reception in my home with 3G. Remember the mini- cassettes? What is a King Hill?

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #27

#24
Hi Debesh Choudhury! You are so right, we didn't have a lot growing up and were forced to use our imaginations- I swear that was more fun than playing with toys. We used to rake the leaves and then make leaf homes out of them. We also had a door in our living room (it was a long closet) and we'd pretend it was an elevator that brought us to magical places. Ah, the little things!

Jerry Fletcher

6 years ago #26

Thank you Lisa! ? You and the others here managed to take me back to early evening and the quiet that descends on a neighborhood as the sun is sinking and the joyous noise of a bunch of kids playing "Kick the can." I can see the streetlights start to come on. I can feel the snap of fall in the air and feel leaves crunching beneath my feet. There is nothing quite like the sound of children laughing at the end of the day.

Harvey Lloyd

6 years ago #25

#28
LMAO, guess we used what ever was handy. Hit a bump and it sounded like demonic music as two tracks seem to play at the same time. Oh the times seemed so simple. My favorite macho memory of insanity, well, five guys who thought they had the world by the bee's would pile in a car that barely sat 4 and claim we were going to cruise and pick up some girls. I laugh with friends from the era about where would we have put them if they didn't throw rocks at us. But it was the chase that taught us how to truly catch. Now there is an App for that.

Harvey Lloyd

6 years ago #24

#25
Remember the matchbook or toothpick in the 8-track player to make the head and tape align? Man that is taking it back.

Harvey Lloyd

6 years ago #23

What a stroll down memory lane, thanks for allowing me to walk with you. The times did seem so different. Parents set expectations and we lived up to the edge of them. Today it feels so different as we look at how the expectations have transferred from family to public servant. No policeman could bring fear of discipline like our parents. I say discipline but rather it was more we didn't want to disappoint them. There was a mutual respect within the family, whereby if i did wrong it impacted the whole family. Doesn't mean i didn't test the system though😉 Thanks, i all of a sudden have the urge to watch Jacky Gleason reruns. (Yes that told my age.)

Debesh Choudhury

6 years ago #22

Enjoyed reading it Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher .. down memory lane the picture was full of love and caring .. then children didn't need extraordinary things to be happy .. that is missing nowadays

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #21

Thanks for the share , appreciated!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #20

#21
You shared great memories too, ! Remember Hide N Seek, tag and kick ball too? When I was very young my grandmother had a beautiful garden which bordered a wooded lot (although we called the wooded lot, the woods). Anyhow, I used to go out there with my brother and we would pretend we were in our own wonderland... a land far away, our own secret garden. Mom would tell us to dig, 'in the woods,' and she said if we dug far enough we'd reach China. We believed her. I kept trying to imagine once we dug that far if the people would be looking up at us or standing upside down. I remember thinking, "How am I going to talk to them because I can't speak Chinese," seriously, those thoughts went through my mind. The funny part- mom knew what she was doing, while we were off digging and digging it gave her some quiet time to talk with my grandmother and Aunt, very smart move on her behalf! Ah, I remember Atari and pacman & Mario Brothers ;-) 1980's.

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #19

I really enjoyed reading this blogging buzz, Lisa. The following really struck a chord with me, "We spent more time outside of our homes than indoors, all year long. Life seemed so simple then..." That for sure! I recall playing football, stick ball, and basketball a lot outside with my friends, either in the school yard or someone's front or back yards. I likewise walked to elementary school and rode my bike a lot with my friends. The only real tech I can remember from my childhood days in the early-to-mid 1970s was the Atari video game console, as well as my favorite arcade games (Asteroids and later Pac-Man). And remember pinball! Thanks for a trip down memory lane, Lisa!

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #18

I really enjoyed reading this blogging buzz, Lisa. Then following really struck a chord with me, "We spent more time outside of our homes than indoors, all year long. Life seemed so simple then..." That for sure! I recall playing football, stick ball, and basketball a lot outside with my friends, either in the school yard or someone's front or back yards. I likewise walked to elementary school and rode my bike a lot with my friends. The only real tech I can remember from my childhood days was Atari video games (pong and Donkey Kong), as well as my favorite arcade games (Asteroids and Pac-Man). And remember pinball! Thanks for a trip down memory lane, Lisa!

David B. Grinberg

6 years ago #17

I really enjoyed reading this blogging buzz, Lisa, which stuck a chord with me. I especially agree with your recollection, "We spent more time outside of our homes than indoors, all year long. Life seemed so simple then..." That for sure! I recall playing football, stickball, and basketball a lot outside with my friends. We also took a white water rafting trip one year. The only tech I can remember from my childhood days was Atari pong and Donkey Kong, as well as my favorite arcade games, like Asteroids and Pac-Man. Oh, the memories!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #16

#15
I want to come live in your neighborhood Pascal Derrien, sounds reminiscent of my years growing up. I think that's great and I hope it doesn't change. In the US so many parents insist that their kids get involved in more than one activity through out the year so between school work, school and constant structured activities, kids along with parents are never home or playing outdoors anymore like they used to. It's sad because I feel kids are losing out on developing more of their creative sides, along with learning to be more independent. Ah, you reminded me, we used to get lists from our parents and have to run to the store to pick up items like Bread, Milk, bologna and other small items and yes, we did it for neighbors too. There's a lot to be said about growing up in a real neighborhood and learning that others needs matter too.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #15

#14
They really do , good times for sure- at least for the kids. I'm sure our parents dealt with many issues that were stressful, it's just morphed since then.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #14

#13
I bet kids have fun with it!

Pascal Derrien

6 years ago #13

Things have changed quite a bit actually and I concur with most reflecting my own experience except maybe for the neighbourhood. I felt like you were describing the road, where I live we all have kids in the same age group and while they are more independent now we used to take turn to mind them playing when they were small, if you happen to be out and somebody goes to the convenience store they would always ask if you need anything , we even organize a kids street party every July.... I took my first flight when I was nineteen my son flew when he was 3 months old.... :-) Very nice article Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher

Mohammed Abdul Jawad

6 years ago #12

Ah, as memories flip one after another, those good days make a precious past!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #11

#8
Yolanda, I remember seeing some kids play that game. I think we used to use a large rope and two jump ropes to play something similar. Remember hop scotch too? We could entertain ourselves for hours. Thanks for sharing the video, still looks like fun!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #10

#7
Sadly Ken Boddie humanity sure has changed. My hope is with the generations to come. Ah, rice Krispies, they were my favorite (well with the exception of good old Captain Crunch). Something about the Rice Krispies commercial made them even more appealing! Speaking of 'treats,' did you ever have Milk Toast? I think it was our poor mans treat but loved it! Just buttered toast in warm milk with a pinch of salt. Some people put cinnamon sugar on top.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #9

#6
Glad it made you smile, it made me smile too thinking back on those days.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #8

#4
Thanks Ali \ud83d\udc1d Anani, Brand Ambassador @beBee appreciate!

Ken Boddie

6 years ago #7

Thanks for a walk down memory lane, Lisa. Unfortunately our world has changed, and so has humanity, and not all for the better. Nevertheless, I remember when "snap, crackle and pop" was the sound from my breakfast cereal. Now it's the various noises my body makes. 😢

Proma Nautiyal

6 years ago #6

Such a heartwarming buzz, Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher. It made me smile and imagine what it was like. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories with us. :-)

Ali Anani

6 years ago #5

Dear Lisa Vanderburg- what agreat buzz this is! I shared it passionately.I could easily apply the WPD factor mentioned in my last buzz on Visualized Leadership on your buzz. No wonder your buzz is such a great read.

Ali Anani

6 years ago #4

A great example of the passion for great memories and simple ones drives our wonderment passionately to read this great buzz by Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher. Amust read.

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #3

Thanks for sharing Javier \ud83d\udc1d beBee! :)

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #2

#1
Gert Scholtz, I thinks its probably hard for kids to imagine how we survived without technology but it is fun to share our stories, isn't it? Was your son amazed? Pictures come in handy too! Glad you enjoyed :)

Gert Scholtz

6 years ago #1

Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher Now doesn’t this bring back memories! Only yesterday I was telling my son about how life as a teen was different when I was his age; much more freedom to move around, no information technology, no taxi- driving by Mom and Dad, holidays were a luxury, and altogether a much simpler time where we had more time. Thanks for a great weekend read Lisa.

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