Does anybody remember going car shopping back in the ’50s? There were so many to choose from — two- and four-door sedans, two- and four-door hardtops, two-tone paint jobs, convertibles, little cars, big cars. There were “woodies,” made with real wood, of every description, even woodie convertibles. There were station wagons and big sedans almost as big as land yachts. Those cars had beautiful chrome bumpers and full-size front seats (for getting your girl next to you). You bought a car that was beautiful and just what you wanted — all made in the U.S.A.

Now look around you and see what is available. They all look alike, the only difference is the emblem on the front. It is almost like buying a pair of socks — one size fits all.

And what about the price of cars? In 1957, you could buy a two-door hardtop Chevrolet for $4,000. Today’s full-size Chevrolet (which is an office on wheels) sells for $20,000 or more.

Those were the days.

And does anybody remember when all the mills around Lewiston and Auburn were in full swing, making clothes that fit and were not made in some foreign country? Well, I do, and I also remember when Lewiston was a boom town around Christmas. We couldn’t wait to come to Lewiston and sit on Santa’s knee at Peck’s.

All gone now, thanks to the greedy people who shipped all of their business overseas to get the cheaper wages paid to foreigners.

George Blaisdell, Sabattus