Perspective 1977-1980 (Prompt #1)

By Gerry Sherman

My early childhood alternated between two distinct worlds…living with my mother in Connecticut and living with my grandparents in North Carolina.  I attended middle school and my freshman year of high school in Connecticut and my remaining years of high school in North Carolina.  During this period, I was primarily focused on school and sports and had only a vague awareness of current events; however, there are some notable moments. 

In 1976, the Freedom Train was making its way around the country to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial.  I visited the train at its stop in Meriden, Connecticut that was my hometown at the time.  The event attracted scores of people, and I recall waiting in a long line to board to view the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell, among other historic documents and displays.  I was an avid collector of coins and stamps during this time, and I collected the commemorative stamps and coins that were issued that I still have to this day.  

In the late 70s, the country experienced an energy crisis that resulted in long lines at the gas station, and I recall our car running out of gas while we waited in line and had to be pushed to the pump.  

Saturday Night Live premiered in 1975 and soon became my weekly ritual to watch while doing homework.  Who could have guessed that I would still be watching the show 50 years later.  

It was during this time that I started to be aware of how I dressed.  A denim jacket worn over a hooded sweatshirt and chino pants was the prevalent style in Connecticut that I readily adopted.  Jeans and T-shirts became my new standard upon moving back to North Carolina.  

Disco music had a brief spike in popularity through clubs and movies but was made more approachable for me through skating rinks.