When I was a young boy in 1964, my family flew out to the New York World's Fair. For our airplane trip to the Big Apple from Duluth, our entire family dressed up. Each of us three boys wore sport coats and ties. We were expected by my parents to be on our Sunday school best behavior.
Earlier today, I flew the same trip from Minnesota to the New York City area. The experience was a cattle rush. There were very few smiles on the faces of my co-passengers, or the airline staff. What have we lost?
Enjoy this video from Encyclopedia Britannica titled "Airport" (circa 1948). This experience is much more akin to my own. In fact, on another trip back from visiting my grand parents, I remember my Mom dragging her little son (i.e. me) by the arm as we ran between two planes on the Minneapolis airport concourse! Passengers running outside between planes?! It would never happen today.
In fact, here is a photo of me all dressed up for my first plane trip (taken in 1958 at the Duluth airport)
I also remember family members and friends waiting with you until the very last minute before you boarded the plane and the fresh air that would great you as the airplane door opened and you walked down the stairs and into the open air.
Posted by: Sun Dog's Duluth Daily Photo | March 13, 2011 at 08:57 AM
Hi Richard,
I remember when traveling by airplane was an a dress-up occasion and passengers were treated like royalty.
It used to be very fun.
Posted by: Sun Dog's Duluth Daily Photo | March 13, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Hi Richard, Thanks for sharing the picture. I visited Duluth in 2001 to watch the Fall colors.(we drove from Des Moines). I founded My Life Chronicles last year after leaving Honeywell in Aug. We are passionate about preserving memories. I enjoy your posts very much. Keep them coming!
Thanks, Sumit
Posted by: Sumit Chowdhury | March 03, 2011 at 04:58 AM