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1950’s - ’60’s The Wonder Years

11 Apr 2008

11 Apr, 2008  Boomer Facts, My Home, Parents of Boomers, Personal Facts

Do you remember the show “The Wonder Years” that lasted a quite a few seasons after it’s release date in 1988? It was a show that many Baby Boomers can relate to, it was our time and stirred up so many memories. When my brother and I would watch the show,  we could relate, right down to the late ’50’s to early ’60’s suburban developments with their perfect streets, sidewalks, neatly mowed lawns and, for us at least, ranch style houses.

Keeping a perfect lawn was a BIG deal in those days…I suppose it is in many places today, but living where we do now, in a rural woodsy area some 40+ years later, it’s not our lifestyle…we’re more a product of the hippie years, living close to the earth, natural living, and all that came from those years when we decided to rebel against “the establishment”. Of course enjoying nature and natural living is one of the GOOD things that came from those times, but back to those lawns.

Most men were out early on Saturday mowing & feeding their lawns, and keeping them trimmed along the sidewalks. Almost every front yard had two neat “squares” of green, parted by the sidewalk that went up to the front door, and a little strip of green along the road between the main sidewalk and curb.

My Dad would brush off this ritual between men of keeping the perfect lawn as “keeping up with the Joneses” as if it was something to be scorned, as if he were above all that. But believe me, he was right out there “keeping up” himself, and I have proof of his passion for the competition, think I’ll save that for my “Memories and Nostalgia” blog.

Here’s to the wonder years.


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4 Responses

  1. Debbie Stevens

    2008 Apr 12 1

    Tears, joy and laughter! Thanks for reminding the world, of a world sadly gone by….we may not be from the same country, but the same rules applied! lol This show was a family favourite, shared with my parents, my children and my mates. The Wonder Years will always bring a tear as I reflect on an era so missed, but plenty of smiles for the good times!

    Always wished Kevin & Winnie would marry…..

    Love Debbie

  2. Eileen Williams

    2008 Apr 12 2

    Yes, I remember my dad out there mowing, watering, fertilizing and getting down on his knees to pull every weed he could find. The perfect lawn was the thing. Thanks for the memories!

  3. Kathie M. Thomas

    2008 Apr 12 3

    I can’t say I watched the show at all although it did play here in Australia. However, I can relate to the times - we also had the perfect lawn and garden. In fact it was because of mum and dad’s efforts in the garden that I grew to love gardening too. Particularly when dad would get frustrated with our dry soil out the back and couldn’t get things to grow. I took over and grew potatoes, strawberries and other things, can’t remember them all now. I look at my beloved cottage garden today and know that all those days ago seeded the love I have for it today.

  4. Beverly

    2008 Apr 13 4

    Our lawn is as important to my husband as it was to my dad “back in the day.” When my daughter was younger, I used to chastise her for stepping on other people’s grass and flower beds because i know how hard they worked to beautify it. It is, sadly, a part of days gone by but not in my neighborhood. My neighbors actually have “silent competitions” to see whose yard looks the best. I’ve actually won a few times :) Thanks to my wonderful husband!!!


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