'50S WOMEN WERE FITTER

NY Post ^ | August 11, 2003 | Bill Hoffmann

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

I, too, keep a switch handy at all times because I know I will have to apply it quite liberally to several unwilling backsides several times a day. Actually, right now, I'm using a 5 gallon paint stirring stick I bought at the store. It works great! Fits my hand just right and makes a good bit of noise when applied to the correct portion of the anatomy.

You sound like you like hitting your kids. I suggest a class in Anger Management. Or a class in How to Raise Your Kids Without Having to Use Switches and Sticks. You can probably find something to help your parenting skills in the Self Help section of the bookstore. There is help out there for people with inadequate parenting skills.

[the Deejay]

"And the clothes were beautiful."

Right! And nobody ever looked unkempt. No sneakers! No sweats! NO FUMPY DRESSING! I hate going out and about these days, everyone looks so sloppy, unkempt & ugly! YUK!!

[angcat]

You should see hazleton PA. You would never go out!!!!

[Eaker]

We had half a handful of freezing cold gravel, worked twenty-four
hours a day at the mill for fourpence every six years, and when we
got home, our Dad would slice us in two with a bread knife.

Now that is a classic!!!

[the Deejay]

I would avoid Hazelton, PA. Thanks for the headsup!

I have never worn sneakers, ever! I dress up when I go out. Hey! I am dressed up staying at home, compared to what I see out in the shops and on the street!

[the Deejay]

"When I was kid, they dropped nuke on us!"

Got taught a good lesson, right? (I see you made it okay.)

[angcat]

I'm originally from Yonkers NY, now living in Drums PA and I don't even get the mail without hair and makeup done. I am the only one at work who wears makeup. I do not own sneakers only because I feel like a doofy in them. Even when I have jeans on I have shoes or boots and nice top especially for my casual job. I think it is the area I came from, compared to the hillbillies.

[PoorMuttly]

Got Lard ?

[the Deejay]

Sneakers are very bad for the feet. I don't work outside my home, but I put on makeup every single day. Always have done since I was in my teens. (Makeup protects the skin from the environment. Few people realize that.) I'm almost 60 yrs. old and pass for 30 & I'm a grandma 3 times.

[angcat]

I agree it does protect the skin, my mom is a grandmother and she is beautiful. I can remember me watching her put the makeup on and now my 8 year old watches me. I am already planning to bring my makeup mirror with me to the hospital for the birth of my daughter in November...oh how vain.............

[the Deejay]

I never wanted my newborns to see me without makeup & my hair styled! I have always been such a stickler about my appearance from head to toe! LOL! I had my third and last child November 17, 1968! Two days after my 25th. birthday.

[Paved Paradise]

Some thoughts: Though in general, they probably did eat less and did more physical activity back in the 50's, skinnier doesn't mean fitter. Also, they all smoked back then and smoking can curb one's appetite. Everything is automated now and even minor things like typing on a manual typewriter vs. pc or rolling down car window vs. pushing a button or better yet NO POWER steering. All of those things burned way more calories. It all adds up.

[miele man]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading these replies. What a nice walk down memory lane. It surely would be nice to go back to some of these times and values.

Anyway, your post reminded me of the time I put my hand up to the Maytag washer's rollers wringers as they turned. I think I was 6 or 7. The wringers grabbed my fingers, then my hand and swallowed me all the way up to my shoulder. Needless to say, I was screaming like a banshee. I don't remember the pain it caused (selective memory I guess) but I do recall that it took my Mom quite some time and sweat equity to get me out of that contraption. Needless to say, my curiosity was cured! Big time!!

[the Deejay]

Those cars back then were hard to drive, but nobody realized it! How can one miss power steering if they've never heard of it? Today, people joke about how those old cars, "It took all your power to steer them." That was "power steering." Many people today, would find it difficult to drive those cars. They were made of pure steel.

[the Deejay]

My oldest son tried out the wringer's rollers when he was about 3 yrs. old, right up to his armpit! He had quite an abrasion for awhile but he never went near the washer again.

[Quilla]

I have a son and a daughter. Fortunately, I've never had to spank my daughter, but that boy of mine was a whole different animal. When he would misbehave, I'd have him go outside and cut me a switch. He'd be shaking like a leaf by the time he returned with it. On that occasion, I considering the act of fetching enough punishment. But I've had to wack him on two or three occasions (I'm sure he could tell you the exact number). Since then, and that was about 8 years ago, the child has been perfection.

Both my children's manners are impecible and we are complimented on them on a daily basis. They can't leave the house for thirty minutes without one of them calling me for earth-shattering conversation - hi mom, whatcha doing? We are extremely close, hug and kiss all the time, and enjoy each other's company. If I had let them walk on me as children, I doubt our relationships would be as close as they are now. They are 16 and 17.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever raised a son?

[EagleMamaMT]

MYODB!

[Mears]

I'm a fifties woman too and agree with everything you said.

Health clubs were unheard of,we ate everything, and rarely exercised. The problem now is the abundance of processed ,easy to prepare foods,fast food restaurants, and millions of Dunkin Donuts,Starbucks and Brueggers.

[Marysecretary]

That's just what happened to me, too. I went in all the way up to my shoulder but fortunately, for me, the large sheet was also in there. She hit something on the roller and it popped open. Whew. It would be hard to be a secretary with only one arm...smile.

[Marysecretary]

Your mother sounds like a very uptight and unhappy person, to be pitied. She's missed out on a lot of love with her family and that's very sad. I'm happy to know that you are taking care of her, though. That's a blessing.