Hi Tech today is a challenge for every young person and amazes me how they manage to keep up with the almost daily advances. Hi Tech for us was when you got a pair of pants that had a fly with a zipper rather than buttons. You gotta believe that was progress.
Mostly, we made our own toys (no K-Mart) and mostly of wood. A toy car fueled with vinegar and baking soda that moved like a jet. Rubber band guns to play cops and robbers; homemade scooters from apple crates, a 2x4 and an old skate. Communications devices with flashlight batteries, wood, some tin and wire; of course we had to learn Morse Code. But there was always 2 Dixie cups and some string.
I scaled the corner of the two story building, which had enough of an indentation in the bricks (about every foot) for me to get to the roof and retrieve our hose balls, pimple balls and half balls. I tossed them down to my friends and we were back in business. I did not come down the same way. I negotiated to our bedroom window, then to the canopy above our front door and from there it was a piece of cake.
I made my own shoe shine box and made a little money for treats and movies. if it sounds hard, it wasn't. It was fun, challenging and a bit profitable. At that particular time I attended Catholic school (about 2+ years) and I'm certain I was a challenge to the Nuns, who made me quite familiar with the yard stick and pointer. My wisdom was lacking in those days and I didn't know when to keep my mouth shut.
On to public grammar school and my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Trimble. Magnificent. Don't recall my grades. Junior high, Vare, in South Philly - Mr.Siedel. 9th grade, also magnificent. I learned more from him than he will ever know. He failed me in 2 major subjects and rightfully so. I simply did not carry out the assignments. Actually he did not fail me, I failed him, my apologies, Sir.
Junior High - all I can say is, my sympathy and apologies to all the wonderful teachers that tolerated us.
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