The other night I came into the bedroom, dropped onto the bed, and started clicking the TV remote, looking for something to watch while I rested. I don’t even remember what channel I clicked, but suddenly there was the Lawrence Welk show, and the familiar walls of my bedroom seemed to melt. I felt as though I was being swept into a time machine and transported back to 1960 or so, when life was so much simpler. While I watched the beautiful/handsome Lawrence Welk Singers, dressed in period costumes, began to sing about their little town, where people were kind and would stop to pray for one another . . . I almost wept. Maybe it’s because I’m over sixty, but I remember living in a different kind of America–one where neighbors knew each other, and brought out the lawn chairs to sit and talk after supper, when the kids played together on the lawns, and where neighbors were always quick to offer help whenever it was needed.
I don’t see that America in many places today. I don’t even know my current neighbors, though I have spoken to them and tried to be friendly. Sometimes they don’t even answer the door if I knock.
I know times are different now, but I don’t think we’ve changed for the better. But just for a moment, it was wonderful to see those beautiful singers and dancers, and to hear those lovely voices singing about community and caring and concern.
I don’t know where or when the Lawrence Welk Show plays in your town, but do yourself a favor–no matter what your age–and search for it. Watch an episode with your family, and take a trip back to a kinder, simpler time.
By the way, Lawrence Welk was an immigrant, who came to this country speaking very little English, but he thrived here and celebrated America as often as he could. Wonderful man, wonderful show. Enjoy!
~~Angie
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I remember watching that show at my Grandparents house! Very fond memories!
I loved the champagne lady–Norma Zimmer. Can’t believe I still remember her name! 🙂
15 years ago our family “fled” the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to a little community about 2 hours east of there. We are now in our 70s and we are raising an adopted son who is nine. We have wonderful neighbors who are our extended family. Every night after dinner we get on our golf cart and we go visit. We all help each other. If someone needs a meal we cook it. If someone needs a lawn mowed we mow it. If someone needs prayer we are all right there. I am so thankful that I am able to raise this little boy in a community of people who love and share and show concern for each other. It is very much how I grew up in the 50s and 60s. Thank you for your comments about The Lawrence Welk Show. It was one of my favorites too. It always pulls at my heart strings!!
I’m so thrilled you found a community of caring people to help you raise your son. Sounds wonderful! I know there are still places like that in America, I just wish there were more of them. God bless you all!
I watched the Lawrence Welk show all the way through high school in the 70’s and actually bought tickets for my family to see them when they came to Albuquerque for a concert (Tom Netherton picked me out of the crowd to sing to!). I didn’t care that others thought it was old-fashioned to watch them, I loved the family feel and I loved that my family watched together. Thank you for the reminder of a kinder time.
Tom Netherton–now there’s a name from the past! I remember him! Lucky you! Let them be old-fashioned, they made beautiful memories and celebrated the good things in life. Long live the Lawrence Welk show!
I LOVED your post, Angie – – because it brought back such sweet memories of my very early childhood. My parents always enjoyed watching the Lawrence Welk show on Saturday nights, and I’d often watch along with them (often as Mama detangled my long, thick hair after my shampoo!). Lawrence Welk on Saturday night, Sunday School and church on Sunday mornings—our regular routine throughout my childhood. 🙂 Yes, a much kinder and simpler time then. Oh, and I ADORED the Lennon Sisters! I even had some Janet Lennon paper dolls – – such a treasure!
Thank you for sparking these wonderful memories!
I have a Lennon Sisters album–can you believe it? I listened to it throughout my early teen years and still love the music. It was pop (or whatever they called it back then), and so cool. Thanks for sparking a few memories of my own!
Good morning! I agree with you so much! I’m 67, and watching the Lawrence Welk show on Saturday evening after our baths was a ritual for my sister and me, and my parents too. The air of joy and kindness was like a calming influence. It’s so nice to read a blog from a kindred spirit! Thanks for the lovely story.
It WAS soothing! Nothing to offend or disturb, just beautiful music and a gentle atmosphere. I think I found it on that TV land network–hope others find it, too!
I can relate to your comment about Lawrence Welk.
We have his biography and Myron Floren’s bio in the church library.
When I watch the Lawrence Welk show, I’m immediately transported back in time
to the living room of my Grandparent’s house.
One year the Lawrence Welk show came to town.
I bought tickets and off we went, just the two of us.
I’ll always remember the look on her face when the show got underway.
What a precious memory, Janet! I didn’t know they took the show “on the road,” but I’m not surprised. It was wonderful, and those folks were consummate musicians. I’m sure you treasure those memories!
I used to watch Lawrence Welk when I stayed with my grandparents. I remember his funny accent, the bubbles and the “lovely Lennon Sisters”. My grandfather wasn’t a fan but my grandmother loved that show.
It was a simple time when there were not as many channels to watch on TV. So the choice would be Saturday night with The Lawrence Welk Show, of course! In the evening we would come in the house after a hard day of play for bath time. The ritual included Mr Bubble bath and hair washing. After that, we got into our PJ’s and mom would set my sisters and my hair in sponge rollers for Sunday. Then the Bubble Music and Lawrence Welk would open the show, “A wunna and a two -a !” We would watch the lady at the piano burn up the ivories, polka dancing, and many of the groups such as the Lennon Sisters and the many other talented dancers and artist. “They were Wunnerful Wunnerful!”