I recently read an article about things we once used that are now obsolete. I shared it with some friends, and we added several more. See how many of these you can recall.
I attended my daughter’s graduation ceremony, and UNI President Mark Nook asked the graduates to write a hand-written letter to 10 people who made a positive difference in their lives. He jokingly explained how to address an envelope and place a stamp, but there was truth in his message. When was the last time you sent or received a postcard? Or a love letter?
About a decade or so ago, I bought my mother a GPS device for her car so she could avoid getting lost. About a year ago, when she realized she needed to give up driving, she gave it back to me. I tried it out, and the 4-inch screen and the clunky application made me yearn for a printed map. Then I realized how many people never had the pleasure of unfolding and refolding a map.
The landline telephone was helpful, or least the people on the other end of the line were. Remember dialing directory assistance for phone numbers? Or calling theaters for movie times? Or reaching out to an operator for the time? Who remembers long distance charges? I could make calls to out-of-town friends, but Mom said to keep it under a minute to minimize the fees.
Do you remember when you had to memorize phone numbers, or at least have them written down? Did you have a list taped inside your cupboard? Or did you dial *69 when you missed a call? When was the last time you heard a busy signal rather than being sent directly to voicemail? And when did you last use a public pay phone?
I remember being in awe the first time I used a fax machine. In time, I bought one for home that was incredibly annoying to callers who were greeted with the screeching sound. We still have a fax machine at work, but I don't think anyone knows how to use it — including me.
Radio and TV changed a lot, too. I recall being a kid and lying in my bunk bed at night with my transistor radio tuned in to WOW 590 out of Omaha, listening to Wolf Man Jack. On the TV, the goal of kids my age was to stay up so late that the TV stations would sign off and the static would appear. Do you remember thinking how high-tech you were when you programmed the recording of TV shows on your VCR?
The list goes on. Which ones have I missed? Or what other items will soon be obsolete? Shoot me a note and let me know.
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
