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Well, after finishing elementary school in good shape, I moved on to Junior High School. In many places today, it is called "middle school." This was a big change for us as now we had lockers, for one thing. Also, we went from classroom to classroom for our various subjects, whereas in grade school, we pretty much stayed in one place.
In looking back, I really don't have much of a recollection of that period. It was still the heart of the Depression, but our situation was gradually improving. I was able to earn a little money with the newspaper route and this helped out some.
In some subjects I did well, in others, just so-
Perhaps the most "memorable" event during Junior High was I began wearing glasses. Now this wasn't a voluntary thing. I was having trouble in some classes where the teacher used the blackboard a lot. I was having trouble seeing and copying what was being written. This became especially a problem in Latin class and math class. (Yes, we took Latin because it is the foundation of the English language and many words come from Latin)
So, after struggling and trying to copy notes from classmates next to me, I certainly did not want to tell my parents, for two reasons. One, I knew they could not afford it, and two, any student who wore glasses got called "four eyes" by those who today would be called "bullies." I did not especially want to go through the teasing. Nevertheless, one of the teachers became aware of my sight problem, got word to my folks and shortly, I was wearing glasses. I think this was the seventh grade. How memories fade! My grades did improve quite well after getting used to the glasses.
The classes covered a range of subjects, English, History, Geography, Math and Current Events, (called Civics then) and Gym. Today that is called Phys-
We were all aware what was developing in Europe, and the Far East, with the growing threat of war. Radio commentators ranted about these things, such as Father Coughlin, H. G. Kaltenborn, even Charles Lindburgh who was a part of the America First Committee. Franklin D. Roosevelt was President and he regularly spoke to the country in what were called "Fireside Chats." Yet, in the back of our minds was this threat of all-
I found out that I could remember things pretty well then so if I did not get my homework done in study hall, I didn't worry about it and quit taking books home. In fact, the last four or five years of my schooling, I never studied at home. I could have done better if I had studied more, but I passed and graduated without a lot of problem. We did not have Proficiency tests, then.
So, this Oldtimer made it to Senior High School and we will cover that later.
The high school in Columbus, building-
Speaking of cars, though, I have to mention the car driven by the Principal, Miss Marie Gugle. She was a spinster, a very prim and proper woman, with her hair done up in a bun. She drove an electric car, one of the few in the entire city. The body resembled a Ford Model T, but there was no gas motor. It was truly an electric motor that made the car go. Rather than a steering wheel, it had a lever. I understand she had to plug it in to an electric outlet each night. Yet, I can still picture her driving up to the school in this black, somewhat unattractive vehicle. It seemed to fit her personality, too. She was strict but fair.
The gym and auditorium were actually all one unit with a fire curtain separating the gym from the stage of the auditorium. When some kind of program was put on, this curtain was raised and then the stage was much larger and backdrops could be set up. This was especially true during some big drama.
Speaking of drama, there was, also, a drama classroom which had a small stage in it so that drama students could hone their skills. I took this drama course, not to be an actor, but I really enjoyed the backstage work that is so necessary to put on a show. I found it fun to be involved with the sets, props, lights, etc. Oh I did end up with a small speaking part in one play, but that wasn't really my cup of tea. I much preferred working backstage.
While the school had a very effective athletic program with championship football and basketball on a pretty regular basis, being one with no particular athletic skill, I had no real interest in that program. I even hated to take the required gym class. Probably, I didn't like having all the other fellows being able to outdo me. Somehow, that basket just seemed to disappear when I threw the basketball at it.
The football field was several blocks from the school so to go to any game would have meant either walking or getting a ride. Because of that, and having little money, I seldom went to any games.
Oh, one thing I need to mention, the school was located just on the line that separated two distinct neighborhoods, black and white. While segregation was not a factor in the schools, it was a real factor in where people lived. While I had several black friends in school, we never were together outside of school When school was over, they went their way and I went mine, no interracial association back then. When I thought about it, I never could understand why. More later from the Oldtimer.
For the most part, I have attempted to show differences between school of many years ago and today. Yet, there are many similarities, too. For instance, when entering the Senior year, I am sure our excitement and thoughts back then are quite similar to the anticipation of today's students.
In May, 1941, I had my 16th birthday and in September, I entered the twelfth grade. I was a Senior! Most all of us looked forward to graduation and entering into the working world. As I have mentioned before, the prospect of going to college was not a real option for most of us, unless we worked and saved for awhile. Pell grants and other public funding was not yet available and loans were not an option. So, for most of us, a job would be our primary goal after graduation. Yet, there was one thing in the back of our minds, -
In the Pacific area, Japan was making all kinds of moves, but no one expected them to attack us. On Sunday, Dec. 7, our household arose as usual, went to Sunday School and Church, and came home to our big Sunday dinner. I had to go back to the church as the choir was to begin rehearsal on the upcoming Christmas music-
As we left the church following this rehearsal, an older brother of one of the choir members met us at the door and told us that Japan had bombed Pear Harbor. We were speechless for the moment. Some did not know where this was but I knew, and my close friend, Wesley, knew. It meant we were now at war. We spent the rest of the evening listening quietly to the radio. All normal programming had been scrapped and all networks were trying to keep up with the news and commentaries.
At school the next day, normal class activities were suspended. Teachers brought in radios and we listened to the latest news and discussed the implications. We knew President Roosevelt was to speak before Congress about 1 PM so we waited to hear that. This was his famous "Day of Infamy" speech and he asked for a declaration of war. He got it quite quickly, so as seniors, we knew pretty much what was in store for us. Those fellows who were already 18 began talking about dropping out of school and enlisting. Teachers tried hard to get them to stay in school and graduate first. Still, a few did quit.
School resumed normal functions on Tuesday and we concentrated on school work and side events that go with graduation. Two things that were different. We did not have a Senior Prom. I don't really remember why but I think finances were the real reason. Also, we did not have a fancy yearbook. We all had graduation pictures taken and these were gathered into a montage, framed, and hung on the wall of the hallway. We did have a mimeographed "yearbook" containing a rundown of school events, class prophecy and class roster. These pages were bound with black string with orange construction paper for a cover and black lettering. (School colors-
Graduation took place at old Memorial Hall in Columbus. We did not wear caps and gowns. Boys wore suits and girls were in dresses. Caps and gowns were reserved for college back then.
With the help of my Mother and Uncle who both worked in the Claims Department of the Workers Comp Bureau I got a job as file clerk. With the permission of the school I started this job a few days before graduation, and took a day off for that event. Even with the war going on, this was a big day. My graduation present from my parents was-
So ended my public school days. I did get to college later, thanks to the G.I. Bill.
There is one undeniable fact that as we reach old age, we know we don't have much to look forward to so we spend more time looking back. At least that is what this Oldtimer has been doing. From time to time, I spend my hours thinking about all the changes that have taken place in my life. One particular subject is Communications, the whole broad spectrum.
During the thirties, we got our news from the daily newspaper. Virtually every household subscribed to at least one paper, and many got two of the three available papers in Columbus. Not everyone had a telephone. We didn't. Neighbors were always willing to let my Mother make use of the phone when it was absolutely necessary and were more than willing to receive a call and come to our house to get her. I guess neighbors were more willing to help each other back then.
Many homes were on party-
We had radio but only AM. FM came in to the picture strongly after the war. Time set aside for newscasts was more limited then. We may get fifteen minutes of local news and then the station would switch to the network for a fifteen minute coverage of national news. Weather reports were quite brief, just the temperature now and what to expect that night. Fortunately, we were able to receive several out-
Then, after the war, how things began to change. FM radio developed and many new stations sprung up. People began buying radios with both AM and FM. Too, TV entered the picture and the whole field of communications really changed. Now, we could get news as it happened. Today, we have twenty-
Phones also changed. The rotary dial went out and was replaced by push buttons. Party lines disappeared. In fact, the need for an operator to handle long distance calls gradually faded into history. Now, we can dial almost anywhere without any problem.
Then, a new phenomenon showed up, the personal computer. That really changed the broad spectrum of communications. It is amazing the technology that has come into play such as PCs, cell phones, wireless gadgets of all types. All of these advancements, to me, have been a real benefit to society. Perhaps some things may be abused, such as cell phones, but certainly no one has any excuse not to have instant contact. Some may say that we have too much contact, but I, for one, believe these advances are beneficial to society.
I don't fully understand all of these latest gadgets, but after all, I am at an age where I don't really concern myself with these things. Sure, we have a PC, a TV, phone and cell phone, but none get overworked.. As long as we can stay in touch with family and friends in some manner, that is all that is really important. I hope you all feel the same.
Have you seen the recent survey on this subject? There was a news story on this recently and, according to the survey, most people say there has been an increase in the use of profanity. Interestingly, some just weren't sure what words are profane. More recently, local channel 12 asked the same question and, overwhelmingly, most voters said there is more use of profanity nowadays.
For me, I really didn't need a survey for this. It has become quite obvious that what we used to call "cuss words" are now openly spoken by most of the population.
When I was a kid, my Mother very emphatically told me that if she ever heard me use a "cuss" word, she would wash out my mouth with soap-
My folks never swore. The most my Father used when he was angry or upset was: Confound it!" My Mother said little or nothing. She let it be known by her actions that she was angry or upset. Most all of my relatives did not swear. If someone let a "dirty" word slip out, it was immediately followed by an apology.
It would have been easy for me to start cussing while I was in the Army but having a real desire to use English correctly, I saw no reason to do so. Over these many years, I have slipped occasionally, but I always feel guilty when I do so. Yet, conversations I have with most people are filled with those pesky swear words. It seems some people cannot talk without the use of profanity. I get upset, especially when someone uses the Lord's name in vain.
Yet, over all of these years, I have not really made any effort to let my objections be known. I guess it is the lack of guts more than anything else. Why are people swearing so much more? Well, movies and TV have a lot to do with it. When flipping around on the TV, I pass over "The Jerry Springer Show." What a lot of human garbage. Often, there is mostly bleeps to block out the heavy swearing going on. Interviews with sports and show people quite often contain some offensive words.
Today, I am not sure that parents watch their language around their kids, so sooner or later, the kids pick it up. Since we humans are creatures of habits, once something is started, we just keep repeating it.
Personally, I am oftentimes quite offended by the language I hear, but I say nothing. I know that if I did, someone would start in about the First Amendment right to free speech. Ah, but here is where I disagree. Your right ends where mine begins. I have a right to not hear those words. It all boils down to the three Rs, Respect yourself, Respect Others, and be Responsible for your actions.
I often wonder if enough people began to complain to the users of profanity that we don't want to hear it, could we start a revolution in the way people talk?
The frequent use of poor grammar, and use of "I mean" and "You know" is bad enough. Do we have to hear foul language, too? Think about it. Maybe a new survey will someday show a decline on profanity.
This Oltimer won't live that long.
Say, are you "enjoying" the gas prices? It seems this is a subject of conversation in so many places. Well, let me see if I can put a little perspective on this. I get quite amused when I hear the complaints so the following tale should prove to be a little illuminating.
Back in 1955 I bought a brand new three-
I saw something recently that the average price of a new home today is somewhere around $230,000, depending on the location. Obviously, incomes are much greater. In fact, a family with an annual income of less than $19,000 is considered "poor." Boy, if I had made that kind of money back then, I would have had a much more elaborate home.
Postage, too, was around five cents, and many other things were quite lower in price. A thing called "inflation" has affected our economy so the whole cost of living is so much higher than 1955.
After about five years in this new home, we moved to a bigger, but older home in an upscale neighborhood and rented out the other home. That second home cost $17,500. Then we moved to Florida in 1960 and eventually bought a home there, a much more up-
The home I bought in Terrace Park in 1969 cost $24,000 but it wasn't very fancy. In the meantime my income grew but so did the whole cost of living. The real comparison, however, is the home I bought in Mt. Washington which was quite similar to that first home in 1955. It cost $48,000 but sold later for $69,000. Since that house was built around the same time my first home, it probably originally sold for less than $15,000.
So you see, these things are all relative. I have often wished some financial expert would calculate today's dollar to the value it was in 1955. Then, I am sure we would see that gas prices are not too far out of line. Roughly, I am looking at increases of ten times or more, from what they were in 1955. Keep in mind, too, cars get much better mileage than in 1955. Average per mile was around 17 miles to the gallon. Now, the newer cars will get over thirty, so gas may cost more but you go further on a gallon.
Oh, I know this tale won't ease the pain at the pump. Yet, I think it gives some perspective as to how inflation has affected everything. See what happens when an Oldtimer gets to making comparisons?
This Oldtimer likes to occasionally scan the U.S. Constitution. I keep a copy right
here at my desk. I sometimes wonder if any readers have a copy at hand? Recently,
the Federal court case involving the so-
As you know, Amendment One refers to Freedom of Speech, while Amendment Four refers to protection against unreasonable searches, etc. I disagree with the decision of the court. While I am not a lawyer nor have easy access to the many cases on Constitutional matters, I can generally read and understand legal documents, so here is my position on this matter.
The Constitution has a Preamble. In that it refers to providing for the common defense. Then, under Powers of Congress, it says that Congress "shall provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States."
Now, given the world situation today, certainly our government must take action to provide for our common defense even to trying to find those who want to plot against us. Yes, Freedom of Speech is quite important but can we use that as an excuse to allow enemies to plan and execute harmful actions against us? No.
Keep in mind that with today's technology, listening in to phone calls to and from overseas points is not all that difficult. Certainly, if two people are talking in a room about some private matters and I happen to walk by the door and stop to listen, have I interfered with their freedom of speech? If you talk, someone may listen, even though it is someone you would rather not hear you. Since overseas phone calls travel on radio waves, it is no longer a private conversation as anyone with the right equipment can monitor that call. Nothing is really being "seized or searched."
To me, it is more important for the safety of this country to find those who want to harm us than to worry about whether their freedom to talk is "violated."
The court case is being referred to the Federal Appeals Court here in Cincinnati. It will be most interesting to see how that court rules.
In the meantime, if you do not have a copy of the U.S. Constitution handy, get one.
Sometimes when I am thinking about the past, my thoughts suddenly jump to the future. While, for me, I don't have much to look forward to, I can't help but wonder what it will be like oh, twenty five or fifty years from now.
With all that is going on in the world, and the extreme hatred that certain elements have against Americans, I sometimes wonder if this country will still exist.
There is so much hatred in the world today and most seems to be directed against us. As I see it, the future of the United States seems limited. Certainly, I am not a prognosticator or predictor of the future, but I do know there are certain elements at work trying to develop a World Government which would be top dog over all the countries in the world. If such a thing happened, our Constitution would cease to exist.
I have read that there are some people who are trying to develop an American Union similar to the European Union. Would this be beneficial to this country? I don't know.
Somehow, if we could gradually eliminate all of the hatred in the world, life would
be so much better for everyone. Why is there so much hatred? Well, as I see it, it
begins in early childhood when children are taught to hate certain groups of people.
Think about it, a baby is born and has no feelings other than to be fed and nurtured.
As that child begins to talk and see what other people do and say, it begins to follow
along. Then, if a school, along with parental coaching, and the government teaches
that child to passionately dislike some people, then the hatred continues and builds.
I am constantly reminded of a song in the 1950s musical "South Pacific" that says-
Certainly, our future will be determined to a large extent on how we can overcome this hatred and build a world of respect for various cultures and religions.
While at my advanced age, I don't have much future, I do get concerned about the
current and future generations and what will it be like for them. Can anyone predict
with certainty? It can go either way-
Earlier this Summer, I happened to listen to a portion of a radio program honoring Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. That got me to thinking how a similar speech would be applied to today's situation. We are at war, and there is no doubt our future is at stake. So let's bring that famous speech up to date.
Over two hundred years ago our forefathers created a new nation which we are told was conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Today, many want to question the accuracy of that statement.
Lincoln mentioned that we were engaged in civil war, testing whether this nation could long endure. Today, we are engaged in a war testing whether this nation can survive against all those that seek our destruction.
While the primary purpose of his speech was to dedicate a battlefield as a final resting place, he said we can't consecrate that ground as the men who died there had consecrated it far above what we could do. Rather, he says, it is for the living to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work remaining before us. That seems to be true yet today. We must dedicate ourselves to the unfinished work remaining before us that those who have died did not die in vain. Lincoln said that with dedication, this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. Will it? God no longer seems to a part of our nation. Our freedoms are at stake. If those who seek our destruction succeed, there will no longer be any freedom.
One could question whether we still have much freedom today what with all the laws that have been passed and others that are proposed. Yet, name any other place in the world that has the freedoms we have.
Lincoln went on to finish his speech with these words-
We, the people, need to be aware of what is at stake. So speaks the Oldtimer.
Back when I first took a typing course in high school, I learned the mechanics on the old manual typewriter. Sitting here today and using a personal computer, I can't help but look back to that time and marvel at how these computers have improved work flow.
Those manual typewriters were clunky, to say the least, and to strike a key one needed to use some force.
The paper had to be fed into the carriage, then adjusted to the proper usage. Margins
were set manually, and as I typed, the carriage moved to the left until a bell rang
signaling the margin. Then with the right hand, I shoved the lever on the carriage
to push it to the left. This lever, at the same time, turned the carriage to the
next line. The real work happened when I made a typing error. Unlike today where
I can backspace and correct my mistakes, back then I had to manually erase and then
re-
Today, if I want several copies it is a simple matter to print off as many as I want,
or take the document to a copy machine. Back then, to prepare more than one copy,
I used carbon paper and onionskin paper. First, I had the onionskin (a thinner paper),
then on top I laid a sheet of carbon paper. This was a black paper with a carbon
layer that imprinted onto the paper. Then the original bond paper was put on top.
If more than one copy was to be made, the process was duplicated before adding the
top sheet. However, seldom could more than three copies be made. Now, to correct
a typing error, it required erasing the error not only on the original but on the
copies, too. The carriage was turned up so that the error was up away from the ribbon.
Then carefully, each copy was opened and erased, then the carriage was turned back
to the proper position and the correction was then made. If an editorial change had
to be made, I just discarded the work and started over. Today, I just delete and
re-
Another problem with those manual typewriters was the need to change the ribbon after several usages. Also, keys would occasionally jam. I find that on the computer, if I hit two keys at once, both letters appear. On those old machines, if I hit two keys at once, they jammed.
There were portable typewriters, too. These were slightly smaller machines that were fastened to the bottom of a carrying case, and then the lid put on to make it portable. I guess you could say this was the precursor of the present day laptop, only heavier and less efficient. Hmmm. Nah!!
At any rate, I find using a computer makes it much easier for me to write these occasional
articles, and to get them to Mike simply and easily, using e-