I’ve recently been listening to a podcast of “Our Miss Brooks”. Some of you may remember her from the late 40’s through the 50’s as a radio show turned television comedy show. It’s a delightful half-hour show about an English teacher (Miss Brooks) who is in love with an awkward science teacher named Mr. Boynton. Most episodes feature a student character named Walter Denton and his off and on girlfriend Harriet who was the daughter of principal Conklin. I’d love to see the television version of this show, but haven’t been able to locate any. Listening to this while glancing at my growing collection of 50’s memorabilia surrounding my desk on folders, sticky notes and notepads, I feel like I’ve been transported into the years in which I should have been growing up. I love everything 50’s. I love the fashion, or rather looking at the fashion. I can’t imagine me wearing any of the clothes. I love the art and the emergence of pop art from that time. I love the tiny little girl power revolution that was quietly happening. I love the gadgets that were being invented to make lives easier. Sock hops and drive-ins. Black and white tv and the great television shows that were being shown. Dagwood and Blondie, Ma & Pa Kettle, Shirley Temple, Howdy Doody, Roy Rogers, Mr. Ed, and Lassie. Bubble gum pop music. It was a great time. I’m sure it had a lot of strife as well, but it seemed to be a “cute” time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson and it would probably be one of those books I would read it again (but I think I passed the book on). Perhaps I’ve been reincarnated from someone who grew up during that time and that’s why I’m so attracted to it. Who knows? So, I’m continuing to immerse myself in all things 50’s for the present time and enjoy the time travel happening in my brain. I can close my eyes and pretend.
