My parents were never pleased about my having a girl friend in high school. Like all parents they felt that I should "play the field". But going steady with a girl was in vogue and giving her your letter jacket or class ring to wear around her neck were common. All this was moving too close to a steady relationship. So my parents (and tattling siblings) resorted to spying on me from our large upstair window that faced the main intersection.
I had a 1950 Oldmobile convertible that I used to cruise up and down Mill Street. Of course my parents could see me from the window. I would make my date (your Mom) slide away from my side until we drove past the City Club so that there was no sense of romance. In fact I would wave to my Mom as I drove by.
The second story windows also gave my folks a view of the Rexall Drugstore across the street. I would meet my buddies at the drugstore. We'd drink cherry Cokes and eat small bags of potato chips. I think each cost a dime. It was also a place to read comic books and meet "chicks". Imagine your parents watching all this. I do remember times my mother would call the drugstore and ask to speak to "Chuckie". Of course she knew I was there because she could see me. I'd tell the clerk to tell her "Chuckie wasn't there". My Mother would go ballistic. Maybe that is how she got high blood pressure. Bummer!
I remember Addie May being sent across the street at a very young age (5-6) to pick up dog bones from the local Bob's IGA which had a Johnsonville meat counter in the back of the store. Grandma Alice could watch Addie from the time she left the City Club until she got back home. Alice would even call the IGA to have Addie pick up items she forgot.
So it went. Alice could watch us go to the bakery, "the five and dime" stores, Besserdicks candy store, and even the barber shop.
My Dad worked at the Plymouth Foundry as Office Manager. Looking out the large front window, I could always see when my Dad was at work because I could see his car at the end of Stafford Street in front of the office. I managed many escapes from his control by knowing where he was at all times. Ah ha! I got to use the window to my advantage.
All this closeness as revealed from the upstairs window was neither good or bad. I found ways to avoid being seen from the window. It does suck when your parents can watch you closely from "the window". What really sucks is when your parents hold up a sign from the window as you cruise by in your convertible saying "Come Home" That really sucked!
The lesson Grasshoppers is that every child strives for independence as they grow. The "window" actually became a game with me as I created ways to avoid being seen. My problem solving skills really improved. Imagine that! A kid with problem solving skills. My Mom called that "being sneaky".
Love,
Dad