Category Archives: Childhood Memories
Childhood: The Age of Exploration
Children are curious creatures. Or at least we used to be… I was an apprentice entomologist. I spent many happy hours belly down on the grass in my backyard, observing … Continue reading
Breakfast in Bed, 5 Year Old Style
My 9 year old daughter regularly treats others in our family to breakfast in bed – for no reason other than her natural desire to do nice things for us. … Continue reading
Journey back to SRA Reading Labs from the 1970s
This morning, I was researching instructional technology and soon found myself hunting for images of vintage SRA reading cards. Why did I end up there? via Journey back to SRA … Continue reading
Classic TV Shows from the 1970s: The Electric Company
Unable to sleep, my five year old daughter climbed into bed with me last night. I had been doing some work and was happy to take a break, so I … Continue reading
A Big Ball of String
There aren’t too many books that I remember reading as a young boy. I was usually too busy climbing trees, building forts, riding bikes, throwing balls or playing games … Continue reading
Board Games We Played in the 1970s
When evening came and we were finished running around, scraping our knees and getting grass stains on our pants; we often played board games with our family. Here are some … Continue reading
Who needs to go to school when you can Get Smart at home?
There was something very precious about that moment when you realized you would be staying home from school; either because of a snow storm or because you were sick. Sometimes, … Continue reading
The Tao of Cream Cheese and Jelly (and other childhood indulgences)
Today I enjoyed a trip down memory lane. I had a cream cheese and jelly sandwich, on white bread (of course.) What were your staple childhood foods? Did you … Continue reading
Rage, Rage Against the Dying of the Street Light
Here’s a little adaptation of one of my favorite poems from Dylan Thomas; who I am sure, as a boy, raged against the dying of the street light along … Continue reading
Converse, Pro-Keds and Skippies
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wore Pro-Keds. So did Pistol Pete Maravich. Of course Chuck Taylor was wearing Converse way back in 1921, before Pro-Keds were even on the scene. Elton Brand wears … Continue reading
Stick Shift Controls, Swivel Action Rear Wheels
Eight, nine, ten years old; old enough for the Green Machine! A racer for guys who like a ride that’s really fast. Stick shift controls, swivel action rear wheels! Twist, … Continue reading
Big Fun on Big Wheels
Big Wheels was the first bike for many kids in my neighborhood. Having a Big Wheels was a childhood rite. It was one of those toys that every kid wanted … Continue reading
The Legend of the Blue Mountain Reservation Snapping Turtle
Every young boy hears of local legends as their geography of exploration expands with age. I remember walking by a giant’s house on Division Street every day on my way … Continue reading
The All American Soap Box Derby
When I was a boy, the Beach Shopping Center was the place to be in Peekskill, NY if you wanted to participate in or witness soap box derby races. I … Continue reading
Forts, Tree Houses and Childhood Dreams
My brother Dan and I spent plenty of hours building forts in the woods in front of our house. We built some really good ones using scrap materials that we … Continue reading
1975, The Big Red Machine and a 10 Year Old Boy
1975 was a magical year for a 10 year old boy. I grew up in a NY Mets home. But regardless of which team you regularly supported; the 1975 World … Continue reading
Faith Restored by 2 on 2 Baseball
There are a few young lads who get together regularly to play 2 on 2 baseball in a field next to my house. It brings back so many memories of … Continue reading
Memories of Clay Mountain
Clay Mountain wasn’t made of clay. It wasn’t a mountain either. But it was a very special place for anyone growing up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Peekskill, New … Continue reading
New York Street Games (the Documentary)
Craig Lifshultz, producer of New York Street Games got in touch with me the other day. His documentary, available in May this year, will surely be on the “must watch” … Continue reading
How to Play Capture the Flag
Capture the flag is a classic childhood game. It requires strategy, teamwork, speed, stamina and an adventurous spirit. The Annsville woods were across the street from my house on … Continue reading
