Tag Archives: Baby Boomers

Drive-In Theaters – Then and Now


Many of us can recall a time when we watched a movie from the back seat of our parents car in the 50’s and 60’s. Some may even recall the allure of the drive-in theater in the late 60’s and early 70’s as a dating “rite of passage” as we came of age. That said, it’s interesting to note that the first drive-in theater was open for moviegoers on this day in 1933 in the city of Camden, New Jersey. Florida would see its first drive-in theater in 1938 in Miami. At their inception, drive-in theaters were touted as entertainment for the whole family from the comfort of the family car.

Who doesn’t remember the family piling into the car and paying the one-dollar admission to enter? Kids loved the concession stand trips for hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, and drinks. I wonder if our parents were ever lucky enough to see most of the movie after taking us on the countless treks to the restroom after eating and drinking all those goodies.

Feeling nostalgic about now? Remembering the Mustang and the 28th St. Drive-Ins? Nothing good to watch on TV? For a wonderful trip down memory lane take some to view the following…

Sadly, drive-in theaters began their slow demise in the mid to late 60’s. The Mustang Drive-In Theater opened in 1966 and showed movies until 1990, eventually being demolished in 2001 to make way for a Publix Market and a Lowes. The 28th St. Drive-In which opened in 1951, was the longest standing drive-in closing in 2000, creating space for Lealman Intermediate School.

There is however, a bit of good news on the horizon. Drive-Ins may be making a comeback. The sad news is we’ll never be able to see the one dollar for carload ticket price again. Today, the mention of drive-in theaters may bring a look of dismay on a grandchild’s face, but I’d trade video streaming for a trip to the drive-in with my Mom and Dad any day.

Have a drive-in memory to share? Would love to hear from you.

For more information on the future of St. Petersburg drive-ins visit https://stpeterising.com/home/2021/3/8/drive-in-movie-theater-is-coming-soon-to-st-pete

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Looking for our next “Spotlight” graduate!


We want to hear from!  What have you been up to for fifty years?  What personal experiences have you had that created wonderful memories?  What special friends did you have in high school still with you today?

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or have achieved fame to be in our spotlight.  We want to know anything about you that you’d like to share.  Were you a fabulous:

  • Mother
  • Father
  • Grandparent
  • Sister
  • Brother
  • Teacher
  • Minister
  • Mechanic
  • Realtor
  • Technician
  • Delivery Person
  • Medical Worker
  • Volunteer
  • You get the idea!

Tell us about your family, retirement, your favorite book, song, hobby, pastime, best vacation…

We want to hear from you.  We want to connect!  To submit your information please send to Nancy at nanisss@verizon.net.  In the subject line type “Spotlight.”  Thanks!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!  🙂

Happy Father’s Day!


Happy Father’s Day to all the Dixie Dad’s with us and passed.   Happy Father’s Day to dads everywhere!  Special thanks to Gary L. French for sharing his proudest moments!

“Here are photos of two of my happiest and proudest moments – older daughter (Maureen) graduating from medical school and younger daughter (Diane) receiving her promotion to Coast Guard Lieutenant JG, along with my ex-wife (Debbie), who deserves a lot of credit for both events.”              Gary
     

Look for more reunion pictures to follow soon!

Creating a DHHS Blog Community 50 Years Later


The reunion dust has settled and we’re off to experiences as yet unknown.  That’s where you – my dear classmates, come in.  We’ve had but a brief moment in time to reconnect, yet there is so much more to be discovered from the past fifty years and to connect to from this day on.

This blog is “YOUR” blog.  We want to know what you want to read about, what you want to share, what you think would be helpful to you.  There is much that can be gleaned from staying connected at this point in our lives – even if online.

Many of you have read Michael Taylor’s piece on our champion football team.  So many in fact that it’s our top post!  I wasn’t on the team (of course!) but reading about it brought back many fond memories of attending those exciting games.  It also led me to reflect on other memorable events that significantly impacted my my career choices in life.

Dixie was a trade school and as such gave us the opportunity to explore different vocations.  Perhaps you’d like to share how your Dixie years impacted your career choice or choices.   Maybe you’d just like to share your memories of the programs you participated in.  If so, leave a comment or connect with me at nanisss@verizon.net for writing guidelines.  Our community wants to hear from you!

Other topics we’ll explore in the future:

  • Next get togethers
  • Baby Boomer tips and treasures
  • Travel
  • Diet and health
  • Shared experiences
  • Caregiving
  • Exercise
  • Leisure
  • Networking
  • and more…

And, speaking of friends – more reunion pictures are coming!  If you have any to share please send them to me at the email listed above.  Thanks!

 

 

 

 

You Can Always Come Home…


What a weekend!  The 50th Reunion happened!  It was great to rekindle friendships from our Dixie Hollins Class of 1969 and make new friends meeting family members and significant others.  Though it took months to plan the reunion, the weekend seemed to fly!  With so many traveling from around the nation to join us, Jason Mraz’s “93 Million Miles” lyrics are a “must” to share – even for those choosing to remain close to their St. Petersburg roots.  Be sure to click  “full screen” when viewing – you just might see yourself!

Know we were thrilled to have you all back home!

Special thanks to the Reunion Committee and all who worked so hard to make this a successful event.  Also, special thanks to fellow graduate Mike Giles for donating his time and talent to provide music for us on Friday evening!

Keep checking in.  There’s lots more to come!

My photos are limited so please be sure to submit any reunion photos you can to me at nanisss@verizon.net so I can get them posted.

Thanks!  Nancy

Baby Boomers, Crashing the 50th Reunion? What to expect…


So – we should all know the Golden Girls – not that I’m putting anyone in this category!  Here is a humorous look at what to expect when well intentioned non-schoolmates crash a Baby Boomer class reunion party!  Enjoy!

 

“Be True to Your School”…


“Be True to your School” – the Beach Boys

Watching a Beach Boys cover band last week brought this almost forgotten song to mind and fond moments to remember from Dixie Hollins High School back in 1969.  We were definitely true to our school!  We’re still looking for memories to share from our high school days or memories from your high school days which brought you to who you are today.  Were you a great parent?  Top chef?  Successful writer?  Teacher, minister, business person?  How did you contribute to others in the last fifty years?  How did high school influence your thinking, actions, and goals achieved?  Whether simple or grand – every achievement is worth the share!  You are appreciated!

The Baby Boomers – One Moment in Time


As we draw closer to our reunion, it’s a good time to refresh our memories of one moment in time synonymous with 1969.  The Baby Boomers – The Woodstock Generation.  Were you there?  What did you think when it happened?  What do you think about it now?  Add a comment.  Leave a reply.  Thanks!