Modern thoughts in an old world

When my grandmother, Anna Lewis Ross, died 43 years ago, we thought about the many changes in her 90 years. She went from horse and buggy days to riding a motorcycle with a young friend. 

Now it is a bit mind boggling to realize how many changes have transformed our lives in almost as many years. It seemed very modern when purchasing my 1965 Smith-Corona electric portable typewriter for $265. It took weeks before remembering I did not have to release the carriage for the next line. 

Purchased my first Macintosh computer, large monitor and printer for $3,500, probably 16 years ago.

Today, my iMac has folios to store items, spell check, CD to play favorite bagpipes and jazz music.

My scanner was purchased in 1995 to help me keep aware of city and area emergencies for possible stories. Today, it is sometimes more entertaining than television shows.

Scanner would have been wonderful 66 years ago. Mel and I would know there was a fire if we heard the siren and called the telephone operator to ascertain location. It was wonderful when city’s Message Center was begun.

Volunteer firemen always had a reputation of saving buildings, not foundations. Their Plectrons were very modern, firemen’s boots and gear saved clothing and shoes worn when fighting fires. A volunteer ambulance had been formed and firemen were among drivers. Curfew was blown every night to be certain fire siren was working. 

Thousands of dollars were not spent for studies to ascertain if a project was feasible. Councilman Bob Waltmire once pointed out the study would cost more than proposed building. Young engineers on the sewer project now own their own companies. 

Councilmen did not receive pay and often had three and four meetings weekly. Streets were dusty, and neighbors would save used oil, get together and dust coat neighborhoods. 

My four-wheel-drive Bronco and S10 Blazer were wonderful. It was fun to put vehicle in four-wheel drive and plow through deep snowdrifts along Second Avenue West.

Now it is front wheel drive with studded tires and a driver behind the wheel cautious when backing out of an icy driveway.

Tough lesson for octogenarians is to learn how to go with the flow.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.