Once upon a time in Los Angeles

I grew up during WWII when America was united in a common cause to defeat the Axis enemies of Germany, Italy, and Japan. It was called “The Greatest Generation”.

We lived in a predominantly middle-class Jewish neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. We never locked our homes or our bikes. We knew our neighbors and formed lifelong friendships.

We played outside until after dark, with no supervision, until we were called to dinner. These were the “Happy Days”…riding our bikes, roller skating, playing baseball in the street, hide and go seek, marbles, and shooting rubber bands…so much fun.

• We walked to school and back. We knew the mailman, Mike, the shoe man, the milkman, and the Helms Bakery Van. We received personal service at the grocery store or the five-and-dime store (buying comic books). We sat at the counter of Rexall Drug Store and had Sundaes or milkshakes. We ate hot dogs at the Hot Dog Stand (in the shape of a hot dog). On Sundays, we went to Beverly Pony Land to ride the Ponies. We went to the movies on Saturday to watch two features, a Newsreel, a movie serial, cartoons, and coming attractions, and had popcorn or candy and a Coke for around thirty-five cents.

Even in the mid 50’s when we were first married, we could afford to live in an apartment ($95.00/month with patio) and got by on around $600 per month. Gas was about 25-30 cents per gallon for regular, and you also got your oil checked, windows washed, and tires checked, along with a promotional gift if you filled up.

Yes, those were truly happy days.