If you are like me, and have a fondness for the 1930's and 1940's, you will love this magazine. It is filled with warm and funny stories of those happy days gone by. Times may have been hard, but they really were better. Neighbors were real neighbors, growing up was more innocent, families were closer, and when you married your high school sweetheart, it stuck.
Everything from family memories of growing up during the great depression to a young man's memories of his first car during the 1940's are told by the people themselves. There is something to love here for just about everyone in the family. Whether it's a young girl's remembrance of mornings in the kitchen baking with Grandma (which includes a recipe), or a young soldier's tale of being shot down over the Netherlands and aided to freedom with the help of the daring Dutch underground, you'll be transported to better times.
If you are nostalgic at all, you'll enjoy this greatly as I do. There are always photos or illustrations to accompany the warm and funny memories of those who lived through these times. From home remedies to stories of the big band era, you really will enjoy every article. The glossy cover always has a nostalgic picture and the inside, quite appropriately, is on black and white paper. Film and music stars from these times are fondly remembered as well.
You won't be disappointed in this magazine. The short and enjoyable stories will leave a warm feeling in your heart. It will, however, make you a bit sad that these days are gone forever. I have a couple of very good copies of Modern Screen with Deanna Durbin on the cover from the 1940's I have collected and Good Old Days sits quite nicely between them. I even discovered a new source for collecting old time radio shows in the magazine's advertisements I intend to check out.
All in all, a real bargain and one magazine that's nice to have around the house.
As a member of a couple of writing workshops, of which, at 54, I am considered the baby of the group, I am privileged to hear stories of "The Good Old Days" on a weekly basis. They write of making do during the depression, of the war(some going back as far as WWI), of growing up facing prejudices, of the simple but enjoyable ways of making their own fun(no xbox, TV or Computer needed), their schooling, but most of all the very fond memories of the era. I attend every week, and I follow these true life stories, that are poignant, funny,important, and sometimes sad. The generation we call "Seniors", is truly the greatest generation, and the stories they write should be considered treasures, and should be passed down from generation to generation, so they just don't fade away into oblivion.
"The Good Old Days" is a magazine, that holds tons of articles, poems and essays for every generation to treasure.
Most seem to be of the 1930 's and 1940's, but you will also find some dating back and ahead another decade or so.They are real stories of real people who have interesting and nostalgic tales to.First loves(back when courting was still a most wonderful custom), Family Outings(they actually went places and did things like picnics, hay rides, etc),a soldier's story,Big Band era music and dancing,childhood memories of playing or working in the kitchen with mom, fun on the farm, attending Community happenings, small town, and city ways, Uniting as neighbors(now there's a good idea!) are all part of this excellent view of the past. And so much more.
You'll also find among the pages, little quizzes, to keep you thinking, photographs of days gone by,a classified section where people can list old items that are wanted. The ads, which don't over power the essays are all geared toward the senior.Music from the era, a miniature Ford Model A,Ma and Pa Kettle video collections, etc.
The Magazine isn't anything fancy and doesn't need to be. The cover always has some Rockwellesque sort of picture, the pages are like those of a newspaper in black and white(only magazine size). The subscription offer here is an excellent value, as you can pour over the stories for hours.
I looked for this to be available on audio, but could not find it. This seems like a periodical that begs to be on cassette.
"The Good Old Days" is a favorite in my workshops, and get passed around. For seniors, it is a most enjoyable and nostalgic read. One that sparks memories and encourages new stories. For the rest of us, an educational and a precious look at History preserved in the form of some great Senior Moments.
Enjoy the read....Laurie
also recommended:The Writer Within You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing and Publishing in Your Retirement Years
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My parents were born around 1930 and this magazine is their favorite reading. All these years I've never seen them so eager for a piece of mail to arrive. Both my mom and dad told me that this is the first and only magazine they've ever read cover to cover (and I mean every inch).
Typically the issues contain old photos that readers send in showing how things were for everyday people. Along with those pictures are stories/anecdotes. In the stories the folks mention a lot of old-timey stuff that the reader may not have thought of in years. Also included are old advertisements, costs of goods, songs, recipes, and miscellaneous household tips.
This makes a fantastic gift subscription.
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Your grandparents will love this magazine! I bought this subscription two years ago for my Dad (as a gift from my daughter) and I will continue to renew this magazine as it makes for very meaningful conversations. Grandparents enjoy reflecting on the past and sharing their memories with those they love, especially grandchildren. The magazine stays on the coffee table which also allows for other family members and neighbors to enjoy as well. What an excellent conversation starter.
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I subscribed to this magazine for at least 15 years and agree with all the good things other reviewers have to say. Unfortunately, with the retirement of the long-time editor, a major format change was implemented. One of these included dropping a regular favorite, "Wanted," in which readers sent in requests for long lost poems, songs, sayings, friends, collectibles, and "card showers," which brought happiness I am sure to thousands of people over the years. The audience now, judging from many of the articles, is aimed at people born in the 1950's and 1960's. Even the ad inserts are targeted, based on the photos, at people in their 20's and 30's.
I decided to cancel my subscription and, because I was really unhappy, accept the published guarantee, which reads, "If at any time you're not completely satisfied with Good Old Days magazine, you can cancel your subscription and receive a full and immediate refund of the entire subscription price. No questions asked." This guarantee has appeared in the magazine for years and is still on page 6 of the March/April 2013 issue.
I had renewed for several years for $27.97 before knowing about the format change. I cancelled online and got an immediate email giving my refund as $9.33. I called Customer Service and was told that a full refund had to be requested at the time of cancellation because, "We don't offer it--you have to ask." Of course, there is no place on the Web site to do ask. The lady I spoke to was quite snippy and sort of implied that I was an unpleasant person for expecting them to actually do what the guarantee said. I still do not know whether Good Old Days will live up to the promise because after she said, "You mean you really want the full refund?" and I replied "yes," she said have a nice day and hung up.
It is sad to see something that was great fall down. I will be replacing this with Reminisce.
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If you like a good single malt, or are considering drinking the "water of life", this magazine will please you it has content for both the novice and "expert". The only reason it doesn't get 4 stars is it is a British publication, and many of the products reviewed or featured in articles are not available in the US. The area of distribution is given in the reviews, but this is not always mentioned in the articles.
