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 © All Rights Reserved