Pastega's Market, vacant

Rust city shall be born in a short while.

Yes, it's already begun.

A fascinating article. For a start, who would publish something that long these days? It was a forceful reminder of the way things were back then. I've long been flabbergasted by the popular idea that the 50s and 60s were idyllic times in the US -- sock hops in the 50s, peaceful hippieness in the 60s. They were two decades of civil unrest and rancorous, sometimes violent disputes about what America was. It's interesting that Vietnam is mentioned only in passing. I used to get down on my knees every day back then and thank God I was a Canadian. No Vietnam for me.

I remember the 50s as fun and innocent, but the late 60s, especially, as socially and politically hellish in the USA. I've tried, and failed, to convey the atmosphere to my son and now grandchildren. It's completely incomprehensible to them. They may have a taste of their own era of chaos soon if a certain hateful thug becomes president. Once again, you can be thankful you're a Canadian.

As for a long article like that, it can still be seen in magazines of quality, but internet news is generally short and free of correct English spelling and grammar.

Excellent social history collection piece, Diane

It's fun to dig into things a little bit - as you do! Thank you.

It's great that you linked this picture to the Life article. I found it fascinating (not least because it is good journalistic writing, something that an Australlian like me rarely comes across these days) and instructive about a people and a social fabric that I don't know. Thank you for opening my eyes to it.