MY FAMILY ... CIRCA 1950's

"Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go."

In this case it's cross over the bridge across the icy river to Aunt Bell's house.

Aunt Bell was my mom's older sister. We always enjoyed visiting her and Uncle Murt and our five cousins.

That's where the above picture was taken.

Notice the Christmas light bulbs around the window.

Remember those? They were big and used to send the electric meter spinning.

I'm sure I have one or two of them among the Christmas decorations somewhere.

This picture was taken in the 1950's, I'm not sure which year.

While I'm writing this blog I'm watching/listening to PBS TV. They are broadcasting a show featuring many singing acts from the 1950's.

What is unique about it is that the singers are accompanied by a full live orchestra. What a sound. What lyrics. They really say something. The live instruments sure beat the artificially created music of today.

Singers like the McGuire Sisters singing "Sincerely".

Don Cherry and "Band of Gold", the Four Lads, "Standing on the Corner Watching All the Girls Go By."

Do you remember Gogi Grant and the "Wayward Wind". These were just a few.

These entertainers are all around our age and still look and sound pretty good.

There was also video of the late Rosemary Clooney singing "Hey There" and the late Johnny Ray singing "Cry".

How many afternoons we would run home from school to watch Dick Clark's Bandstand from Philadelphia. Most of these artists received their start on that program.

Then in our home area we had radio station WARM twenty four hours a day playing all the latest hits.

The 50's were a great era weren't they? Then we had to grow up. It's been quite a ride.

Sis and Bro, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. My wish for you both is that 2011 will be one of happiness and joy and good health.