Growing up in a small town in the fifties and sixties definitely influenced my future. East Hampton, yes of "The Hamptons" is where I lived. During my time it was a bustling place between memorial day and Labor day. That was when all the termites came out to enjoy the scenic beauty the Hamptons had to offer. They had their fancy parties with their wealthy friends and a few celebrities. They would interact with the local "characters" for their wants and needs, much like the concierge service they were used to. The locals liked the money, in fact counted on that revenue to get them through the long winters, and catered to them.
Over the years that dynamic has changed a great deal. I left there in 1971, joining the Navy. I wasn't looking for a way out, a better life or any of that stuff, I just needed a job that would give me independence. In 1971, at least in my house, after graduating high school you either went to college, went to work, or joined the service. What you didn't do was live at home with your parents. No, the expectation was leaving the nest, even when a little shove was necessary. I don't know what the kids are expected to do these days, the economic situation is far worse than when I was there. Those termites are there year round but they don't really have the wealth of those old families, with that old money.
I often bemoan the loss of the place I grew up in. I think the majority of us would like to return home, home being the place of our youth. I realize it isn't the same for everyone and some had a rough childhood for a variety of reasons. My childhood I have no complaints about whatsoever. I had a place to live, family, friends and at times a few dollars in my pocket. The ocean and the bay were both available to me at any time I wanted to go. I lived on the edge of a wooded area that I could explore for hours. It was a very safe place to grow up, I could ride my bicycle everywhere and not have to be worried. Of course there were places were you weren't exactly welcomed with open arms but you simply didn't go there. Today I'm aware that that place doesn't exist anymore. The past resides in the past and isn't here today. Funny how that takes so long to admit to, to grasp.
After traveling around a bit for my navy career, living in various places, I settled down here in Greensboro, Md. Small, you bet, population about 2500 or so. Just a few stores on main street and when I first moved here one stoplight, now we have two. Downtown hasn't grown a bit, in fact you could say a bit smaller as we lost the hardware store. I can't say how it was back in the sixties and seventies, I wasn't here, but I'm thinking it was quite a bit different from the stories I have been told by the old timers. By all accounts Greensboro had a very active night life with a movie theater and dance hall. I was told of the riverboat coming up the Choptank river docking at the Greensboro Hotel and providing that entertainment. There is nothing like that here today. A small town still, but the residents, for the most part, are isolated from one another. A reflection of the world today, neighbors barely speak.
I still like living in Greensboro, like that small town atmosphere. I joke about moving as things are getting crowded, did I mention two stop lights. Just the other day I read where they are going to install a speed camera on the 600 block of main street. Makes sense, that is where the elementary school is located. I'm not certain of the current population but it has to be more than it was twenty some years ago. Like everywhere else in America we have many undocumented residents. This is an agricultural area. It is also a relatively inexpensive place to live and law enforcement is rather spotty. If you wanted to stay under the radar for any reason Greensboro is a good place for that. Crime is low, mostly property crimes and the other stuff of small town America. All in all, pretty safe place to be, although dull and boring to those wanting the night life.
I find it amusing when I see a trip to the Hamptons as a prize on the Price is Right. I never imagined such a thing as a kid growing up there. The prize package is often quoted as worth over ten thousand dollars for a five day stay. If I won that I would sell it immediately for as much as someone was willing to pay. The reason being, East Hampton, the town I knew no longer exists. It was sold many years ago. I have never been one to place much stock in the wealthy or famous people. I don't care to be associated with them. I would take no pride in proclaiming I live in the Hamptons. That doesn't do anything for me as far as status or entitlement of some kind.
It's the same as living in Greensboro as far as I'm concerned. I will say this though, I don't see Greensboro as ever being a prize on the Price is Right. I'll go out on that limb and say it will never be a prize on the Price is Right. We did have a tourist once, but he was lost. The Greensboro Hotel is now a half-way house for drug addicts. The river needs dredging and no river boat comes our way.