You Know You Are Old When

[ultrarunner]

Let’s see… first pen was a quill… naw… just kidding.

I did use a cartridge fountain pen for many years.

Ballpoint pens in the United States are post WWII based on commercial sales and patent.

The first department store sales came with a price in today’s dollars north of $200.

Still remember seeing black in color Parker ballpoint pens stenciled US Government Property.

A ball point in the 1950’s was something to be looked after just like someone’s tools.

Often given in presentation gift boxes for special recognition corporate wide.

 

[sixdogs]

When I was growing up you used to see all sorts of little gas stations like that, some kind of in the middle of nowhere. Don't remember seeing any that had an outdoor lift. Indiana winters probably aren't as cold as those here in N.H., but still wouldn't want to be outside working on a vehicle if I didn't have to.

Years ago I lived in northern New England with winter temps way below zero at times. I was young and broke and remember changing my oil at below zero with snow everywhere and a modest wind. Why did I think that was a good idea?

It takes way longer to do anything mechanical outside in cold weather and not worth the effort unless you absolutely have to. Even worse is something mechanical where to have to lay on the ground. Good grief it's awful.

 

[sixdogs]

YKYO, when your first pen in school was a fountain pen….what a mess sometimes!!!View attachment 4306440

The early ball point pens weren't much better. When we first got them it school, no one could believe the amazing invention. Ten minutes later all the kids had ink all over their hands, clothes, desks and papers.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

When the did you go to school, Fuddy?!? Did the 1950’s come late to Virginia?

The modern ballpoint pen has been around since the 1930’s, and damn-near ubiquitous since the 1950’s.

In a way, yes it did come late. It's not easy to explain unless you lived through it!
In the 50's Dad made $50/week. Mom raised us. In school we mostly used pencils but Dad gave us old fountain pen.
A lot of places especially in the South was like going back in time. There were "stores" about every 2 miles in the country...not Walmart or Dollar General but either part of someone's home or a tiny building in their yard.

 

[Jstpssng]

Years ago I lived in northern New England with winter temps way below zero at times. I was young and broke and remember changing my oil at below zero with snow everywhere and a modest wind. Why did I think that was a good idea?

It takes way longer to do anything mechanical outside in cold weather and not worth the effort unless you absolutely have to.
Even worse is something mechanical where to have to lay on the ground. Good grief it's awful.

You left out losing bolts and wrenches in the snow.

I remember coming home from work in 1983 on my birthday, January 27 and changing out the fuel tank on my F100, laying in the snow in the driveway. I finished at 11:00 that night, left the tank on the side of the road for trash pickup and heading south to my parent's house for the weekend.
I also remember freezing my tail off doing it.

 

[Alan46]

You left out losing bolts and wrenches in the snow.

I remember coming home from work in 1983 on my birthday, January 27 and changing out the fuel tank on my F100, laying in the snow in the driveway. I finished at 11:00 that night, left the tank on the side of the road for trash pickup and heading south to my parent's house for the weekend.
I also remember freezing my tail off doing it.

The good old days!!!

 

[airbiscuit]

I remember laying under a Blazer in sub zero weather, changing a starter. It was normally an easy job, but my fingers were numb, and I couldn't tell if the bolts were starting in the threads. I was happy when that job was done.

 

[Jstpssng]

Remember when changing starters was a common occurance? I lost one 5 miles from home. Walked the rest of the way, got on my old 450 Honda and ran about 15 miles to the part store. Swapped the starter out, loaded the bike into the truck and went home.
That was the first time I rode in the snow, but unfortunately it wasn't the last.

I don't miss it a bit.

 

[Willman]

Years ago I lived in northern New England with winter temps way below zero at times. I was young and broke and remember changing my oil at below zero with snow everywhere and a modest wind. Why did I think that was a good idea?

It takes way longer to do anything mechanical outside in cold weather and not worth the effort unless you absolutely have to. Even worse is something mechanical where to have to lay on the ground. Good grief it's awful.

Yea, getting down under the car or truck is one thing, getting back up is entirely a different story