Things Children Could Get Away With In The Past.

When I was a small boy, maybe about 9, I would sometimes go to stores in my pajamas if I was very sick. And it wasn't uncommon for small boys that age to go into the women's room with their mothers for security reasons. I saw both of those with other boys too. But I don't know what people do today.

 

I have come across all those things that you mentioned, but less so in the cities.
What I do remember that would not be allowed today, was going to the shop to buy beer and cigarettes for my late father. (A bottle of Watney's brown ale and 10 senior service). I was about 7 at the time.

 

Sit in bars with my dad and uncle at 6 and older while they drank. The 40s

 

A drink called a Shirley Temple. And it was good!

 

Is that you and your sister in the pic buddy??

 

Yes indeed!

 

Do you remember Watney's Red Barrel.

 

Some friends and I did an experiment at a local liquor store that had a reputation for selling beer to minors. The oldest-looking friend
went first and easily bought a 6-pack. The next oldest-looking went in there 10 minutes later and bought a 12-pack. The third-oldest
looking bought a Bottle of Boone's Farm. Then it was me who looked about 15 to 16. I figured the owner would not sell to me as I
was obviously too young. I picked the smallest bottle of Tequila that they had, took it to the counter and bought it.

Later, one of the parents found out and called the police. Within a week or two that store was 'stung' by the state beverage control.
I didn't drink any of it nor did my friends. I gave the tequila to my uncle.

 

I used to fold newspapers early in the morning in a bowling alley right next to a cigarette machine like that. I don't remember the
price, but was probably 50 cents. Would be 20 to 35 cents at a regular store.