The Internet's great when you get nostalgic

[kenny]

Last night I was up late, as I often am when I'm addicted to something I discover on the net.
I googled many of the places I've lived, in the US and abroad.

Hours of riveting fascination.

I'm so old, many places have changed ... rather, vanished!
Because the cold war ended many military basses here and overseas are gone, replaced by housing tracts or nothing.
In the satellite pics I can make out the disturbance on the ground where the buildings used to be.
Memories come flooding back.
Tears fall.

The house I grew up in is still standing.
I can't believe it's only 1,200 sq. ft.
At 6 it seemed huge.
I was astonished at the price zillow.com says it's worth today.
I think dad paid $5,000 (or $10,000) back in 1960; today it's $340K.

My school is still there.
Etc. Etc.

ON google I followed the route mom used to take when I was in my stroller.
You just click a little ahead on the street.
(Of course the pics are from the street, and mom was on the sidewalk ... but, still.
Errie!

Have you done this?
Maybe you should.

 

[kenny]

Then I googled the history of the primary midwest city I grew up in.
It took me to the archive maintained by their public library.
Fascinating.
They had ultra-high-resolution pics of maps and historical documents from as early as 1802 documenting where Indian reservations were and other large and small 'villages' of Indians.
The documents used terms like 'Indian' and 'savages'.
There were references to Catholic mission from around 1667 IIRC.
Its exact location is lost to time but a possible site is indicated on a 200 year old map.
Turns out I used to ride my bike over that location.

Each image on their site had a disclaimer, "This site includes some historical materials that may imply negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. These items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be interpreted to mean that the (City X) Public Library or Library Board in any way endorse the stereotypes implied."

What was indicated as "Indian trails" on the oldest maps is exactly where main roads exist today.
More eerie.

 

[Queenie60]

Interesting Kenny. Maybe some day I'll take the time to do this. When my husband is snoring on the couch!

 

[VRBeauty]

Kenny - I hadn't thought to try google earth/maps to check out the childhood homes. I'll have to do that, especially the one in Europe. It'll be interesting to see whether I can retrace my steps from my home to my kindergarten school.

BTW if you're having fun with google maps, you should definitely go see "Lion" while you can. I think you'd like it.

One of my www trips down memory lane: http://www.frontiervillage.net/index.html A frontier-themed amusement park near where I lived in elementary and junior high school. Went there several times for my father's company picnics. I particularly remember the canoe trips, the burro ride, and the main street "shootouts."

 

[Queenie60]

VR Beauty - Me too!! I went to Frontier Village as a child. And how about Santa's Village? They still call the turnoff from Hwy 17 "Santa's Village!"