OPINION:
I remember when gasoline cost 12 cents per gallon (“Washington blame games: Democrats fault Trump for spike in gas prices,” Web, May 27). But a lot was different in those days: There were five Washington newspapers, two morning and three evening. Four of them cost 5 cents for the daily and 10 cents for the Sunday sections. The fifth, The Washington Daily News, was smaller and cost 3 cents, with no Sunday edition.
A sizable High’s ice-cream cone cost 5 cents, as did a hot dog from Jerry’s Famous Hot Dogs in Colmar Manor, Maryland. My first car was a 1938 black four-door Chevrolet, which I purchased from the U.S. government with a bid of $505. I believe it had 8,000 miles on it when I bought it. It was the vehicle in which my new wife and I traveled to Atlantic City in June 1948 for “Honeymoon Week.” Everything was half-price for newlyweds.
When I think of all the changes I’ve seen in my lifetime, I wonder what my grandchildren will see in theirs. I have written my family history and memoirs, which have been distributed to my children and grandchildren, and which presumably will be passed down the line. Hopefully my descendants will see what an interesting life I have led, including 23 months in the Army during World War II. (Japan surrendered as I was completing advanced training in Alabama.)
My only regret is that I lost my sweetheart of nearly 70 years 27 months ago. There is some comfort in that everyone remembers her as “a sweet lady.” I could not have asked for a better mate.
GLENN BRAUNER
Annapolis
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