In a new video we recently added to our programming, Life as a Kid, residents of Athens County, Ohio, recount and share their memories of various aspects of their childhood. The Appalachian Media Access Center and the Athens County Library Systems trained volunteers of all ages to help collect this wonderful oral history, where we learn about the games, clothes, schools, mischief and food that surrounded the lives of the children raised during the Depression.
While so many things have changed over the years, Og was impressed by the fact that almost everyone who spoke recalled his or her childhood fondly. The games have changed, things have become more complicated, resources have become more plentiful, and access has granted us untold opportunities – but even when you had to literally build your own toys there was still great joy in the playing; when there was not enough food there was charity; when there was no work there was sharing; and when you had to leave school before graduation to help support your family there was no bitterness.
Please take some time to savor the precious memories of this captivating oral history compiled by the Athens County Library and Dogstar Video.
Og from Roots Television