When you lived in a small town in the mid twentieth century, most of us knew very little about amusement parks and elaborate zoos. Frankly, I did not have many friends who saw the ocean. What did we anticipate during the year that was exciting?!… (Don’t laugh😀😀😀 !)
Every year a carnival would come into town. It was not much to brag about —a Ferris Wheel, a Merry-Go-Round, Swings, games to play to win a stuffed animal, cotton candy and some other attractions. After all, my Father gave us each a quarter and we had to choose what we wanted to do with this amount. I loved cotton candy and hated the Ferris Wheel. The carnival stayed for about three nights. Then they would pack up and leave.
Another fun group that would come for a short time was the so-called circus. (Again, don’t laugh😊😍😊!) The circus had pathetic looking animals that were obviously ready to die of maltreatment or old age. But for us who only saw cows and chickens and horses, a monkey was exciting to see. There were clowns and trapeze artists. It was great!
Finally, each summer, just four blocks from my home, the excursion boat would come to have people board the paddle wheel boat and to have a ride on the Ohio River. Of course we could have a soda and listen to the calliope music. This time Daddy would accompany us.
If these special times seem strangely dull to modern children, I can understand. Yet, my family never took vacations. If my Father had time off from his work, he used the days to improve our home. Mother would use the summer to can fruits and vegetables. Such a different life from today! I would not trade it for our present culture!