Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and see what life really was like back in my parent’s and grandparents day. I’ll drive through a small rural town with it’s shuttered storefronts and sleepy feeling and try to imagine what it must have been like back when each community had it’s own small center of commerce, and things were far less centralized then they are today.
I guess that’s why I like watching vintage videos so much. They can really give you a peek into what things used to be like. A highly edited and idealized peek to be sure, but still–they shed such light on what life was like. This video “Our Community” by the Encyclopaedia Brittanica Films (1952) really is a glimpse of life. It shows life in the city of Milwood by following Richard, a young boy, through his day. The 12 minute film really highlights the connections between all the people and jobs that come together to make a community work:
Ok, who knew that they ever used helicopters to deliver the mail? That’s amazing!
I really enjoyed not only seeing all the scenes of people going about their daily business, but also the message behind this film. Today it seems like society tells us that life is all about you–what makes you happy, what you feel, what you need. But back in the 50’s people talked more about what was important for a community, what it took to be a good citizen, and how we all are interconnected and effect each other. That kind of philosophical difference subtly influences so many things. . . and I personally think we’ve lost something as a society when we started ignoring the importance and duty of being a good citizen and an active part of a community.
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Wondering what TV Thursday is all about, and how to best watch YouTube Videos on your computer or TV? Check out my post “TV Thursday & Tips“.
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