Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Having Trouble Finding Mayberry?


A few of you commented that you're having a hard time finding the old-fashioned things in your city. My entire life I've cultivated a sort of Internal Old-Fashioned-Finding Radar so I thought I'd share my discovery.

For me, old-fashioned living begins in my own home. I'm learning to take my decorating hints from the old Blondie movies, 1930's decorating books--and now--from the blogs of my retro kindred spirits. I have a record player and from thrift shops and yard sales I've collected Big Band Era albums which I enjoy playing when I'm home alone and cleaning house (in an apron, of course). Or I'll listen to old tv series on dvd, ones like Leave It To Beaver, The Waltons and The Jack Benny Show.

When it comes to cooking, I peruse my vintage cookbook collection, ones with gorgeous photos, tweaking the recipes by lowering the sugar and fat content. Often I browse through my 1920's and 30's The American and Good Housekeeping magazines there at my dining room table--and if my Big Band music is playing and I'm in the aforementioned apron--well, it's awfully easy to imagine a 1930's world out my front door, rather than the 2007 one.

I realize many of you have old-fashioned living down to an art in your home, and it can be outside your home where it's difficult to find Life As It Used To Be. Life Mayberry Style. Maybe I can help there, also.

For fun, I shop at our local supermarket, the one which has served our town since 1930. This is one hopping place--many seniors shop here and the atmosphere is always that of a party.  There are butcher and baker counters where you take a number and are waited upon by folks in white coats and aprons. I say hello to people in the aisles and receive an old-fashioned hello in return and when I push my cart outside of this store, all day The Old Days cover me.

Perhaps you can look for one of those near you.

In our more modern supermarket? I watch for the (usually) older women who dress-up to go shopping, ones who you can almost see their neat old-fashioned homes in your mind just by noting the style of their clothes and the cut of their hair. I look for well-behaved children and old-fashioned printing upon signs and friendly employees at the check-out stands. Just the whole supermarket experience can be a blast-from-the-past, because let's face it, though some changes have occured, the buying groceries process is still much as it was when June Cleaver wielded her shopping cart.

I drive around our town and note the architecture of our oldest buildings (most towns have at least some old buildings) and if they house 'hole in the wall' retro diners, Tom and I enter and find original counter stools with cracked vinyl and quirky aproned waitresses. Dining there, we feel we're doing a small part to keep local businesses going--and that, I feel, is rather old-fashioned in itself. 

Nearby we may spy an ancient barber shop with an aproned customer sitting reclined in the window.

I might visit our local Farmer's Market, stroll around and watch the people there, and then drive to our city park and discover not only stationary retro stuff, but things such as families playing together in a place where families gathered (in my town's case) 60 years ago. 

I take walks through old neighborhoods, noting the details on the houses and the way people care for their yards, flowers and how they decorate their porches. I smile when neighbors stand outside chatting with one another and I notice the occasional shined-up classic car. 

And when old trains blow their trumpet-like horns at crossings, I imagine people traveling to faraway places through the countryside.

And if you've read this far, perhaps you've realized that finding retro, seemingly-gone things in any town, anywhere, is often a result of viewing things through old-fashioned eyes. 

Old days and ways still exist! We just have to develop our own old-fashioned radar system and keep it working via much use.



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5 comments:

Pat said...

You've shed some light on why I like to grocery shop - it certainly isn't because of the prices! No it's more because of the feeling of being a homemaker and being in my element. While reading our local paper the other day there was an article about a young woman who is a decorator, she has a website you may enjoy, be sure to click on the "cottage of the month". Here it is:
www.terrysenchantedcottage.com
( www. Terrys enchanted cottage . com)
I hope you enjoy it!
Blessings!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

That's exactly why I shop at one of the stores I do. It is the same place I went grocery shopping as a new bride nearly 33 years ago. :)

Dapoppins said...

since I own half of my Grandmother's belongings, many of my things are old...But I wouldn't mind watching some of those old Blondie movies or listening to some big bands...hummmm. That's a thought. I need some Glen Miller today.

Judy said...

In our 'old bedroom' laying in bed I could see the barber pole across the street, with the old-style neon light in the window.

It was SUCH a comforting view.

Debra said...

Pat--oh me, too. Supermarket shopping is such a retro thing to do. Thanks for the blog site--loved her photos and how fun that she is doing my dream job!
Brenda--that's exactly why I like the 70 year old store--it's very much like the one I shopped at all the time when we were first married. That one is no longer there (demolished) so I'm thankful I have this one now!
Dapoppins--Glenn Miller is my favorite! The Blondie movies are great, too, well, mostly because of their great house! :)
Judy--Yep, gotta love those old barber shops!
Thanks, Everyone! Blessings, Debra