Smoked Like Chimneys, Drank Like Fish: Raised Under the Influence

by Peter Erickson, Stephanie Pedersen

Do you remember the sight of overflowing ashtrays everywhere you looked when you were a child? There were billboards, magazines, and television ads promoting the great taste and soothing qualities of various brands of smokes. If you’re a former 20th century kid, you probably have fond memories of running to the fridge to fetch your dad another Schlitz or Pabst Blue Ribbon. You would most certainly remember climbing into the family station wagon for a Sunday ride to the relatives. None of us would be the least bit surprised when the steely mammoth didn't start. Your dad would lift up the hood, mess around with the carburetor and a few vacuum lines and hopefully you’d be on your way. Most of us born in the '50s, '60s, and '70s probably experienced all of these things at one time or another. Our children, however, not so much. They’ve grown up in a world that is (relatively) smoke-free. At the least, they’re certainly not bombarded with ads for Chesterfields and Viceroys. While we older folks were raised with the notion that a pack of Lucky Strikes made for a good day, our kids have grown into adulthood with a full understanding of just how dangerous cigarettes are. Familiarity with cigarettes isn’t the only difference between us and our kids. Most Baby Boomers and Gen Xers can remember their parents loading up on martinis and whiskey sours at a restaurant, then driving the whole clan back home. To a 21st Century kid, these old stories seem like a vintage Hollywood movie plot. You ate what was served for dinner and didn't complain about it. (There weren't any alternative selections, no matter how picky you were.) “We’re not running a diner here!" my father used to bellow. Compare that to the lives of 21st century children, who are waited on hand and foot. Today’s moms and dads attend to their offspring’s culinary desires as a royal chef would to the king—even if that means running out to the local burger shack to pick something up for little Justin, Aiden or Max. There are also differences in what we did to occupy ourselves versus what our kids spend their time on. You will remember playing with your friends, completely devoid of adult supervision. You went home only when the streetlights came on. Today, local parks are empty. That’s because today’s parents wouldn't think of letting our children go out by themselves. Play dates have to be arranged by parents beforehand—there is no more walking to a friend’s house and rapping on the door or meeting up in a vacant lot. Oh no, sir. The obligatory phone call must be made to see if visitors are being courted. We watched The Honeymooners, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Brady Bunch. Our children grew up watching Power Rangers, Rug Rats, and Sponge Bob Squarepants. We wore Sears Toughskins, turtlenecks and bell bottoms. Our kids wear cargo shorts and yoga pants. We played board games on the living room floor. They play video games on their phones. And the differences between 20th Century and 21st Century kids don’t stop there. Smoked Like chimneys, Drank Like Raised Under the Influence, takes you on a meandering journey through the funny and terrifying, wacky and just plain weird, childhoods of Baby Boomers and Generation X. Want to look back on these and many other memories and see how they stack up against our children and grandchildren’s childhoods? You’ll love Smoked Like Chimneys, Drank Like Raised Under the Influence, by Peter Erickson.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2019

Reviews

[Catherine Saville · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you grew up in the 50s, 60s or 70s, you will definitely enjoy the stories shared in this book. I can identify with all the memories and experiences very clearly and laughed out loud several times as my mind flashed back to my childhood. But truth be told, I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the same school as the author, so many of the experiences are extremely relatable. Regardless of where you grew up in the USA though, the lighthearted reminiscing of this Baby Boomer will bring a smile to your face. Thanks, Pete, for such a fun read! Your stories brought back so many crazy memories and I loved it!

[Cheryl Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living my life and my kid's

I had all 3 of my kids before I was 25. My oldest son is on the cusp of being a boomer like me. This book could be the story of our life. We had a big old station wagon we put the 3 boys in and they tumbled safely around on our trips from Rome NY to Sullivan Illinois. My husband and I both smoked. My kids played dodge the cigarette butt everytime we were in the car. This book was a terrific romp through their childhood and mine.

[Peter Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Erickson is a modern day Jean Shepherd. I laughed out loud at his stories. His stories of growing up in middle class America really hit home. The Boy Scouts and Little League experiences are worth the price of the book by themselves.

[Karen Antonaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed throughout this book. The author depicted the 1960's and 1970's accurately. It brought me back to my childhood on my streets of Bucks County PA. It will keep your atention and if you are from this era you will relate.