BACKYARD CARNIVAL

My sister and I spent many summer hours planning and implementing our very own backyard carnival featuring clowns, games and exotic animals.  The whole neighborhood was invited.  A huge Texas thunderstorm appeared and the exotic animals (dogs, lizards, frogs) escaped, the cable (clothesline) holding up our grand tent (army blanket) broke, and everyone ran home, including the ringmaster (neighborhood boy).  It was an exciting disaster!

FOUND IN THE FOREST

Adoptions increased dramatically during the Fifties; however, new parents struggled with the decision about when, if at all, to tell their adopted child the truth.  It was a very private affair.  I knew that I was not adopted, but when I sought affirmation from my parents, their reply was they found me living in the forest with a bunch of rabbits and that was why I had such big ears -  not exactly the response I expected. 

ROSIE THE RIVETER

There were many "Rosies" living in Orange, Texas, during and after WWII.  Women held jobs at Levingston Shipyard on the Sabine River that were traditionally held by the men fighting overseas.  As the war ended, it was difficult for these women to return to the stereotypical happy homemaker role.  "Rosie" became an icon for the beginning of "feminism".

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Parents drove me to mandatory appearance in court - five driving violations combined - tenth grade school friends collected money to help pay fine.  Drivers without licenses were usually given warnings, except in this case I was also speeding (curfew too early); ran a red light (just barely); resisted arrest (didn't hear siren); and drove wrong way on one-way alley (HALF an alley to get to my house).  In spite of many explanations, I was in major trouble at home!

DRESSING ROOMS

Parents were concerned their children would encounter various stages of nudity in dressing rooms - especially at the swimming pool.  Modesty definitely prevailed during the Fifties!     

SCARY RIDES

Most small towns had a fair or carnival and their very docile midway rides were the main attraction for teenagers.  Even though the rides were very frightening to a few attendees (me), they didn't compare in scope to what is available today.

BLACKIE THE BULL

Blackie, our only bull, romanced quite a few cows.  When I mentioned his love life to my friends at school, word passed quickly and everyone wanted to see for themselves.  Blackie became quite an attraction - especially, during the Fifties.