The Wonders of Modern Technology & An Ideal Childhood!

The Wonders of Modern Technology & The Ideal Childhood

Through the wonders of modern technology and the popularity of social media outlets, I've been reacquainted with many childhood friends and joined my fellow classmates from the Watchung Hills Regional High School Class of '71 in great anticipation of our 40th Reunion next year.

Imagine my surprise when I heard from a classmate that my home was on the market! Exploring the pictures brought back so many memories. It was an ideal childhood, how could it not be? It's 21 Ideal Street (seriously) in Meyersville, NJ mailing address Gillette.

..
21 Ideal Street For Sale 2010

It's gotten bigger over the years, when we moved there in the late 50's it was a 2 bedroom 1 bath bungalow on an acre. Subdividing the lot, my sister was able to build a home in the 70's.

Although it was transformed periodically over the years, for the most part it was a typical 3 bedroom 1 bath house after the first remodel. It was home to me, my sister and Mom and Dad, and a menagerie of rabbits, cats and dogs. I had to board my horses up the street.

Over the years, Grandpa lived there with us after my Grandmother died, my sister and her family called it home too while they were building their house next door. Think about it, when my sister was building their home there were 6 or 7 people in that house, and yes still one bath!

..
21 Ideal Street, circa 1966
(I say '66 because that's our 64 Dodge Polara convertible in the driveway!)

When we moved in there was no private telephone service, you had to pick up the receiver and talk to the operator who lived on Meyersville Road to be connected to your call. If you mailed me a letter, I'd be RD#2, Gillette, NJ (way before zip codes) and street addresses were optional.

From a farm up the street, our eggs were delivered on Friday to the back door, and we lived across the street from the milkman. When we ever ran out, we'd just go into his large walk-in refrigerator attached to his garage and take what we needed, leaving a note so it would be included on our bill. He stopped delivering milk to us, and told us to keep track and pay at the end of the month. Obliviously, it was a far simpler time!

I only hope that whoever purchases 21 Ideal Street builds the kind of memories I have!