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Saturday Night Downtown

When all the chores were done and the sun had settled in the west,
Folks would round up their kids for the weekly family quest.
Saturday night downtown was looked forward to with anticipation.
It was almost akin to going on the annual family vacation!

Each kid would be given fifty-cents to spend as they chose.
Maybe for popcorn and a movie at one of the picture shows!
Dad would be in bib-overalls and Mom in a pretty calico,
Strolling Main Street greeting neighbors with a hearty, "Hello!"

Dad would saunter to the hardware to view the latest in tools.
Mom would visit the dry goods store to drool over ginghams and tulles.
At the grocery store, Mom shopped for eats amid all the clutter,
Bartering for the weekly fare with her cream, eggs and butter!

Before heading home, to make the night really complete,
They would gather at the ice cream parlor for a tasty treat!
The folks snuggled in the front seat - the kids happily chattered,
Anticipating next Saturday night - to them that was all that mattered!

Then, life moved at a slower pace - such simple times are family lore.
The Five-and-Dime stores with squeaky floors aren't around anymore.
Crowded malls are now the latest and greatest innovations -
Not owned by a congenial neighbor, but by distant corporations!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
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Linda-Marie Sweetheart

Date: 3/27/2011 8:18:00 AM

Yes those Woolworth Stores or five and dime as they used to call them are out of sight now and the Mall is the in thing Bob but the good old days will never be replaced really.. wonderful expressive words for a great read luv... enjoyed...my friend..

Ralph Taylor

Date: 3/27/2011 7:13:00 AM

Beautiful memories, Bob. Excellent account of the "Good old days". Delightful piece. Kudos. Ralphie

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/26/2011 1:26:00 PM

Time going on and change happening is fact of life..The changes for the negative seem to have happened here at an accelerated rate in the last ten years..You have very poeticly told the story..Enjoyed reading this afternoon..Thanks for stopping by my work "Laughable Experience"...I had fun writing that one..Sara

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 3/25/2011 10:57:00 AM

So much has changed, Bob. I remember when 50 cents was like $50. Dad used to take us out for ice cream on weekend nights too. It was like a ritual and we all looked forward to it. And I miss the five and dime stores so much. Walmart's prices keep going up and you don't have the cluttered little tables filled with bargains. It was like a treasure hunt when we visited the five-and-dime. Excellent poem, dear friend. Love, Carolyn

Gwendolen Song

Date: 3/25/2011 4:23:00 AM

Ah, yes! Those days now only to be read about in Reminiscence Magazine. Life was certainly more simple and less stress on parents. Thanks for sharing your memory lane. Gwendolen