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Looking Back - Reminiscing with Jack Lebo
Reader Shares Memories Of Bugs, Medicines, Monsters & More
For a number of years, “Looking Back” has published many brilliant contributions from our readers. Barbara “Babs” Daniels of Secane, PA has shared her wisdom and sense of humor all this time. What follows are a few of her latest creations. So, with a salute and a standing ovation, kudos go out to this very talented young lady.
Barbara asks: “What’s bugging you?”
In the 1940’s, when we were six years old, we had to make our own summertime entertainment. We would go to our backyards and look for various types of bugs.
The first ones we found were those cute little roly-poly ladybugs. We would let them crawl through our fingers, then release them back to the earth.
We were also fascinated by catching lightning bugs, putting them into Mason jars with perforated lids, and watching them light up in the dark. We tried to catch crickets, but those noisy critters would keep jumping too high, never getting into the jars. We never went after spiders because they were known to eat ants. House flies were usually caught on yellow glue paper strips hung on the back porch. In regard to bees and wasps, we would run away from them.
The most scary-looking bug was the caterpillar, which we also never caught because they would grow into beautiful colorful butterflies. A horrifying insect was the green “Praying Mantis.” They were thought to be holy, because if he approached you or your house, you were sure to receive good luck and cash. They were forbidden to be killed.
A big fad in 1943 was to buy snails, and watch them slowly crawl on our cellar floors. We would often go to our local Woolworth’s 5 & 10 store, and buy a goldfish in a cellophane water-filled bag. They cost 35 cents each, but after a few days, they would die, so we flushed them down the toilet. We usually did not have dogs as pets, because we were city-dwellers, and did not have money to purchase dog food. But cats were usually around since they were quiet and were also useful for catching mice. We always had a deep respect for the animal and insect world, so they never really “bugged” us.
Barbara’s Medical Memories
Does anyone have memories of when you were seven years of age in 1944, and being sent to the school nurse to be treated for a cut or scratch? The office always had a strange alcohol smell which I remember to this day. In those days, we didn’t have money to see a doctor, so our mothers would take us by trolley car, to the city health agency to receive our free immunizations. Dental work was also done also done by the school’s clinic, in a nearby location, reached by riding on the elevated train.
The office was on the second floor, where we sat there in tears waiting to be seen, because we could hear the sound of the dental drill. This service cost 75 cents plus 10 cents to ride the train. Sometimes we were so frightened of the drill, we wouldn’t go up into the office, but came home and told our moms we did, keeping the 75 cents to buy candy, which, of course, ruined our teeth.
We were never allowed to go into swimming pools because our moms told us that is where you contacted Infantile Paralysis, better known as Polio, leaving you paralyzed without use of your limbs. Luckily, in the early 1950’s Dr. Jonas Salk invented the Polio vaccine which was taken orally on a sugar cube. This method was welcomed because previously we had to get a shot in the arm. It was a dreaded experience, met by tightly closing our eyes and grimacing. In light of the advancing technology of today, these medical memories will never be forgotten.
Film Monsters We’ve Known And Loved
Leave it to “Babs” to come up with another unique look at the world around us. This time she tackles those shady figures on the silver screens of America who we’ve grown to love and hate...those mad movie monsters!
When we were kids, we would shake in our boots when we were told, “The Boogie Man” will get you. Probably our first encounter with movie monsters was in 1931 when the traveling terror from Transylvania, “Count Dracula,” portrayed by Bela Lugosi first appeared. His favorite drink of choice happened to be, blood, human blood!
Also, that same year, we met “The Monster,” created by the mad scientist, “Dr. Von Frankenstein.” The monster was a big, likeable fellow who just wanted to find a bride. He roamed around the Bavarian countryside looking for friends.
The next chiller was provided by “The Wolfman,” portrayed by Lon Chaney Jr., whose favorite romping time was when the full moon would appear, thus enabling him to devour human flesh, after he had been bitten by a fellow-werewolf .
And who could ever forget our pal, “King Kong,” that playful ape from 1933? He was a huge 50-foot gorilla who just wanted to be left alone on Skull Island and be worshipped by the natives.
In 1935, we met “The Mummy,” played by Boris Karloff. He was an ancient Egyptian bodyguard at the tomb of the princess he loved. Centuries later, the tomb was discovered and opened by archaeologists, who were killed by the Mummy after he was brought to life, shuffling after them, wrapped in his rotted gauze bandages.
Probably, the scariest creature at the time in 1951, was “The Thing,” portrayed by James Arness, later appearing as the lead character on “Gunsmoke.” The audience was shocked beyond belief when we witnessed him being destroyed by electricity.
In 1951, from the cult classic film, “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” we met “Gort,” the huge robot figure, who came to earth in a flying saucer. He was accompanied by Michael Rennie, the actor who uttered the catchy phrase; “Gort-Klaatu-Bora Da- Niktoo.” Real frightening stuff!
First swimming to the surface in 1954 was “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” He was a gilled upright beast who was thought to be “the missing link,” between fish and man. He enjoyed snacking on and devouring pretty maidens.
Another unforgettable scene was from the 1960 film, “Psycho,” when we witnessed the bloody stabbing of poor Janet Leigh in the bathroom shower scene, prompting many of us to swear off showers for life.
Then in 1958, we met “The Blob,” a huge pulsating mass of jelly that grew over 50 feet after devouring a number of screaming villagers. Actor Steve McQueen played the teenager who finally destroyed “The Blob,” with fire extinguishers containing cold Carbon Dioxide Gas, which frosted it into oblivion.
Our Japanese film makers also came up with a motley crew of dragon-like creatures, including the infamous “Godzilla,” followed by “Gorgo,” “Ghidrah,” and “Mothra,” who all created havoc destroying cities by the dozens.
Through the years, these great monsters all led up to the ultimate “Scare-You-Out-Of-Your Wits” beast when in 1975, we were thrust into the mouth of the great white shark, of course, “Jaws,” who to this very day, sends chills up and down our spines!
All of these bizarre and blood curdling creatures have thrilled audiences and made audiences scream far into the night.
Slang - 4 Letter Words!
When it comes to seldom-discussed subjects, “Babs” Daniels never fails to check in with some material. Now, she tackles some of those nasty words that we hear on the street, practically every day.
According to Babs: “In today’s world, the usage of four-letter curse words has run rampant in television, radio, movies, and sadly, in the schoolyard with children. However, years ago, in more innocent and God-fearing times, we used milder expressions, and words.”
Do any of our readers, recall back in the 1920s, when the word “zowie” was used to denote amazement, and the “cat’s pajamas” meant “the best?” If you were young and liked to dance, you were a “flapper.” During the 1930s, words like, “gee whiz,” “golly gee,” and “gee wilickers” were used in everyday conversations, as was,”jeepers,” and “gosh.”
In the 1940s, if you wore a “zoot suit” and danced the “jitterbug,” you were called a “rootie tootie.” Teens who caused problems were called “hooligans” who committed “shenanigans.” In Irish neighborhoods, a disagreement was known as a “donnybrook” and little tykes were known as “moppets.”
In the 1950s, we used expressions like “I’ll be a dirty bird,” and “what’s your trouble bubble?” If you were definitely “playing the role,” you were an “odd job.” During the 1960s, it was “groovy” and “solid, man.”
Finally, to say goodbye, we shouted, “See ya later alligator,” “In awhile, crocodile!”
Looking Back appears each month. Do you have a memory you’d like to share? Drop a line to: Jack Lebo, Looking Back, 37 Locust Lane, Levittown, PA 19054, or call (215) 943-8870, email: [email protected].
For a number of years, “Looking Back” has published many brilliant contributions from our readers. Barbara “Babs” Daniels of Secane, PA has shared her wisdom and sense of humor all this time. What follows are a few of her latest creations. So, with a salute and a standing ovation, kudos go out to this very talented young lady.
Barbara asks: “What’s bugging you?”
In the 1940’s, when we were six years old, we had to make our own summertime entertainment. We would go to our backyards and look for various types of bugs.
The first ones we found were those cute little roly-poly ladybugs. We would let them crawl through our fingers, then release them back to the earth.
We were also fascinated by catching lightning bugs, putting them into Mason jars with perforated lids, and watching them light up in the dark. We tried to catch crickets, but those noisy critters would keep jumping too high, never getting into the jars. We never went after spiders because they were known to eat ants. House flies were usually caught on yellow glue paper strips hung on the back porch. In regard to bees and wasps, we would run away from them.
The most scary-looking bug was the caterpillar, which we also never caught because they would grow into beautiful colorful butterflies. A horrifying insect was the green “Praying Mantis.” They were thought to be holy, because if he approached you or your house, you were sure to receive good luck and cash. They were forbidden to be killed.
A big fad in 1943 was to buy snails, and watch them slowly crawl on our cellar floors. We would often go to our local Woolworth’s 5 & 10 store, and buy a goldfish in a cellophane water-filled bag. They cost 35 cents each, but after a few days, they would die, so we flushed them down the toilet. We usually did not have dogs as pets, because we were city-dwellers, and did not have money to purchase dog food. But cats were usually around since they were quiet and were also useful for catching mice. We always had a deep respect for the animal and insect world, so they never really “bugged” us.
Barbara’s Medical Memories
Does anyone have memories of when you were seven years of age in 1944, and being sent to the school nurse to be treated for a cut or scratch? The office always had a strange alcohol smell which I remember to this day. In those days, we didn’t have money to see a doctor, so our mothers would take us by trolley car, to the city health agency to receive our free immunizations. Dental work was also done also done by the school’s clinic, in a nearby location, reached by riding on the elevated train.
The office was on the second floor, where we sat there in tears waiting to be seen, because we could hear the sound of the dental drill. This service cost 75 cents plus 10 cents to ride the train. Sometimes we were so frightened of the drill, we wouldn’t go up into the office, but came home and told our moms we did, keeping the 75 cents to buy candy, which, of course, ruined our teeth.
We were never allowed to go into swimming pools because our moms told us that is where you contacted Infantile Paralysis, better known as Polio, leaving you paralyzed without use of your limbs. Luckily, in the early 1950’s Dr. Jonas Salk invented the Polio vaccine which was taken orally on a sugar cube. This method was welcomed because previously we had to get a shot in the arm. It was a dreaded experience, met by tightly closing our eyes and grimacing. In light of the advancing technology of today, these medical memories will never be forgotten.
Film Monsters We’ve Known And Loved
Leave it to “Babs” to come up with another unique look at the world around us. This time she tackles those shady figures on the silver screens of America who we’ve grown to love and hate...those mad movie monsters!
When we were kids, we would shake in our boots when we were told, “The Boogie Man” will get you. Probably our first encounter with movie monsters was in 1931 when the traveling terror from Transylvania, “Count Dracula,” portrayed by Bela Lugosi first appeared. His favorite drink of choice happened to be, blood, human blood!
Also, that same year, we met “The Monster,” created by the mad scientist, “Dr. Von Frankenstein.” The monster was a big, likeable fellow who just wanted to find a bride. He roamed around the Bavarian countryside looking for friends.
The next chiller was provided by “The Wolfman,” portrayed by Lon Chaney Jr., whose favorite romping time was when the full moon would appear, thus enabling him to devour human flesh, after he had been bitten by a fellow-werewolf .
And who could ever forget our pal, “King Kong,” that playful ape from 1933? He was a huge 50-foot gorilla who just wanted to be left alone on Skull Island and be worshipped by the natives.
In 1935, we met “The Mummy,” played by Boris Karloff. He was an ancient Egyptian bodyguard at the tomb of the princess he loved. Centuries later, the tomb was discovered and opened by archaeologists, who were killed by the Mummy after he was brought to life, shuffling after them, wrapped in his rotted gauze bandages.
Probably, the scariest creature at the time in 1951, was “The Thing,” portrayed by James Arness, later appearing as the lead character on “Gunsmoke.” The audience was shocked beyond belief when we witnessed him being destroyed by electricity.
In 1951, from the cult classic film, “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” we met “Gort,” the huge robot figure, who came to earth in a flying saucer. He was accompanied by Michael Rennie, the actor who uttered the catchy phrase; “Gort-Klaatu-Bora Da- Niktoo.” Real frightening stuff!
First swimming to the surface in 1954 was “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” He was a gilled upright beast who was thought to be “the missing link,” between fish and man. He enjoyed snacking on and devouring pretty maidens.
Another unforgettable scene was from the 1960 film, “Psycho,” when we witnessed the bloody stabbing of poor Janet Leigh in the bathroom shower scene, prompting many of us to swear off showers for life.
Then in 1958, we met “The Blob,” a huge pulsating mass of jelly that grew over 50 feet after devouring a number of screaming villagers. Actor Steve McQueen played the teenager who finally destroyed “The Blob,” with fire extinguishers containing cold Carbon Dioxide Gas, which frosted it into oblivion.
Our Japanese film makers also came up with a motley crew of dragon-like creatures, including the infamous “Godzilla,” followed by “Gorgo,” “Ghidrah,” and “Mothra,” who all created havoc destroying cities by the dozens.
Through the years, these great monsters all led up to the ultimate “Scare-You-Out-Of-Your Wits” beast when in 1975, we were thrust into the mouth of the great white shark, of course, “Jaws,” who to this very day, sends chills up and down our spines!
All of these bizarre and blood curdling creatures have thrilled audiences and made audiences scream far into the night.
Slang - 4 Letter Words!
When it comes to seldom-discussed subjects, “Babs” Daniels never fails to check in with some material. Now, she tackles some of those nasty words that we hear on the street, practically every day.
According to Babs: “In today’s world, the usage of four-letter curse words has run rampant in television, radio, movies, and sadly, in the schoolyard with children. However, years ago, in more innocent and God-fearing times, we used milder expressions, and words.”
Do any of our readers, recall back in the 1920s, when the word “zowie” was used to denote amazement, and the “cat’s pajamas” meant “the best?” If you were young and liked to dance, you were a “flapper.” During the 1930s, words like, “gee whiz,” “golly gee,” and “gee wilickers” were used in everyday conversations, as was,”jeepers,” and “gosh.”
In the 1940s, if you wore a “zoot suit” and danced the “jitterbug,” you were called a “rootie tootie.” Teens who caused problems were called “hooligans” who committed “shenanigans.” In Irish neighborhoods, a disagreement was known as a “donnybrook” and little tykes were known as “moppets.”
In the 1950s, we used expressions like “I’ll be a dirty bird,” and “what’s your trouble bubble?” If you were definitely “playing the role,” you were an “odd job.” During the 1960s, it was “groovy” and “solid, man.”
Finally, to say goodbye, we shouted, “See ya later alligator,” “In awhile, crocodile!”
Looking Back appears each month. Do you have a memory you’d like to share? Drop a line to: Jack Lebo, Looking Back, 37 Locust Lane, Levittown, PA 19054, or call (215) 943-8870, email: [email protected].