Retrospect: growth interrupted: part0

Self-tutoring about people and events of the past: the tutor reflects….

I recall living on a military base ’76-’80. It was an interesting time, in general; so it was on the base.

The late ’70s are notable because, as I understand it, rapid economic growth turned much slower – maybe even negative. High inflation, rising oil prices…it was a tough time.

Here’s how I recall it: in ’76 and ’77, the base was growing. There was new construction. A driveway behind the base store was freshly paved. It had a galvanized fence whose supports seemed like railway ties. Moreover, the driveway ended with a barrier.

I recall hanging around that driveway on sunny Saturday mornings. I never saw a vehicle on it. We’d buy treats at the candy store and eat them back there. I recall noticing how black the asphalt was. I think you could still smell it.

A year and a half later, things seemed flat. As I remember, prices of chips, pop, and candy bars had gone up. Nothing you count point to had really happened, but the optimism was gone.

That driveway, new, well-appointed in 1977, seemed like it was meant for more. What was the plan around it? A store expansion, perhaps? That would’ve needed a longer driveway.

I think a nice fall day in 1978 was the last time I hung out at that driveway. Those friends left the base not long later.