I grew up in what can be described as a working class, industrial city neighborhood in the 1960's and 70's. The neighborhood was filled with capes, ranches and other small homes. Many of the families belonged to the local Catholic church, and most of the children went to the same public elementary school that sat in the center of the neighborhood. Families, in general, were quite large. It was not uncommon to be from a family of four, five, six, or more children. The schedule for most of us was quite similar. Work for the dads, school for the kids, afterschool play all over the neighborhood, shared dinners, more play if possible, perhaps watch TV, then bedtime.
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| My sixth grade class |
The moms and dads were the backbone of the neighborhood. They taught CCD, led Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts groups, volunteered for the PTO, manned multiple church organizations, coached sports teams and looked out for all the children and every family. The children played and played and played. There were sports teams and pick-up games of kickball, football, kick-the-can, and capture-the-flag. We climbed trees, went for long walks and bike rides, chased each other all over the fields and woods, made forts, and participated in the local YMCA afterschool programs. Every season brought with it special activities. In summer, some families took a week, weekend, or daytrips to local beaches and parks, and almost all of us played in backyard kiddy pools, ran through sprinklers, and invented games with hoses. Inspired by a local television star, Rex Trailer, we put on backyard carnivals to raise money for muscular dystrophy too. In fall we picked pignuts, played on school teams (if we were boys, the girls were relegated to watching or cheering), and participated in the school Halloween parade, trick-or-treating, and the church's Bayberry Fair. Winter found us throwing snowballs, sledding, and skating, and in spring there was lots of exploring in the woods and fields around us as well as riding our bikes.
At one point, our neighborhood suffered a tremendous tragedy. Teens who had constructed a fort in the woods died when that fort blew up in flames. Many neighborhood families were impacted by this loss and the injury of those that did not die. In many ways, this brought our neighborhood closer together. Later, there were a few other sadnesses and troubles that plagued the neighborhood families as well.
A few years ago, a neighborhood leader began to bring the neighbors closer together by planning a Memorial for those who died in the fire. He, along with his wife and others, planned neighborhood reunions, asked for donations, created the memorial, and had a dedication ceremony. During that time, neighborhood members started a Facebook page for anyone from the neighborhood past or present that wanted to join, and since that time countless stories of past and present have been shared. Via the Facebook page we've reconnected with old friends, made each other aware of neighborhood-related sadnesses and celebrations, learned more about the neighborhood's history, and reminded each other of the good times we shared. We've also discussed ways that we can make those kind of good times continue in our own lives today.
There are many reasons why I love this Facebook page. First, it brings back the good memories. Next, the page connects me to many good peope. The page also provides support for times of celebration and sadness, and it gives us something to work for in our own lives today--the chance to work for good communities where we live now and in the old neighborhood. This is positive.
Do you have a neighborhood social media site? Do you share the stories of old with friends and family members on this page? Why is it important to you? What is the role these pages play in your life today?
I'm struck with the theme that, in many ways, we create the lives we live. It is within our power to create positive experiences online and real time that lift one another up and make better. This Facebook page is an example of that. Particulary during COVID-19, we've had to be creative and collaborative to survive the pandemic threats and limitations. The neighborhood Facebook page is an example of the creative positivity possible.