The Richest Poor Kid on my Block
A poor boy with three jobs at 10.36 total reviews
Comment from mermaids
Wow! You were quite the kid and so motivated to work. My brother had a paper route as well at a young age. I enjoyed reading your memoir. Your writing is excellent and holds the reader's interest. You definitely were unique with having three jobs at such a young age.
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2025
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Wow! You were quite the kid and so motivated to work. My brother had a paper route as well at a young age. I enjoyed reading your memoir. Your writing is excellent and holds the reader's interest. You definitely were unique with having three jobs at such a young age.
Comment Written 08-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2025
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Well, thank you so much mermaids for your kind review. I truly appreciate that! Yes, things were different then and kids could do that. I don' t think they could do that today...
Comment from Rick Gardner
A life well lived, a life of simple joy and accomplishments. One I can relate to as I had similar experiences. My mother had me walk down streets with my lawnmower and hand held clippers, For 5 dollars a month, mowed, clipped, raked leaves. Then shoveled driveways during the winter. Made me what I am today.
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2025
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A life well lived, a life of simple joy and accomplishments. One I can relate to as I had similar experiences. My mother had me walk down streets with my lawnmower and hand held clippers, For 5 dollars a month, mowed, clipped, raked leaves. Then shoveled driveways during the winter. Made me what I am today.
Comment Written 08-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2025
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So true Rick. I remember seeing kids in my neighborhood doing that same thing. They would come around with a lawn mower and ask if you wanted your lawn mowed. They don't do that today...
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Sad but true, Gave me a direction for the rest of my life.
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Yes Sir! Roger that!
Comment from jmdg1954
In 1969 I was 15 and had been working in a deli for two years.
I'd work after school, 4-7, saturdsys 9-7 and Sundays 9-2. In the summer I'd worked 9-7 six days a week. Got paid in cash.
Greatest days of my life. Before I knew it, I had a few thousand dollars in the e bank. Oh, back then, I earned $1.70 per hour.
Thanks for sharing your story...
John
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2025
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In 1969 I was 15 and had been working in a deli for two years.
I'd work after school, 4-7, saturdsys 9-7 and Sundays 9-2. In the summer I'd worked 9-7 six days a week. Got paid in cash.
Greatest days of my life. Before I knew it, I had a few thousand dollars in the e bank. Oh, back then, I earned $1.70 per hour.
Thanks for sharing your story...
John
Comment Written 08-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2025
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Thank you so much John! I truly appreciate that!
Comment from Begin Again
I was born and lived in Illinois.... near the Wisconsin border. We had a house in the country and our cousins lived in the city, so I got a taste of both worlds...which were different. But the difference didn't include fear, guns, kidnapping, etc. Life was simpler and we thought it was normal to work - babysit, newspapers, mowing yards. You showed you had a terrific work ethic. Now days, asking a kid to do that sounds like we've committed a crime. Very well told, Harry.
Smiles, Carol
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2025
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I was born and lived in Illinois.... near the Wisconsin border. We had a house in the country and our cousins lived in the city, so I got a taste of both worlds...which were different. But the difference didn't include fear, guns, kidnapping, etc. Life was simpler and we thought it was normal to work - babysit, newspapers, mowing yards. You showed you had a terrific work ethic. Now days, asking a kid to do that sounds like we've committed a crime. Very well told, Harry.
Smiles, Carol
Comment Written 08-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2025
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Lol! yes, you are so right Carol! I lived in Rockford, Illinois as a kid too. I see you are still writing faster than I can read lol!
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You lived in Rockford...how awesome...mind telling me where? I never thought I'd meet soemone who was from this area.
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Is that where you live Carol? I lived there in 1973 then moved south to Indiana. I believe it was called Mill Street.
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I was born in Rockford and now live in the remodeled version of our family home....I did leave when my first husband was in the Air Force, but circumstances brought me back and here I am. It's changed a lot - for the good in some ways and the bad in others, but I imagine we can say that about any place. That;s why I enjoy living in the country by the river and peace and quiet. Have a great day!
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Wow! What a small world. I don't think I have ever met anyone from Rockford since I left there. I think the school I went to was called Lincoln High School. The 7th and 8th grade was there too.
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The house that my children grew up in is only a few blocks from Lincoln. They went to school there and then to East High. I still own the house (50 years). It was built in 1900 - one of the first in the neighborhood.... Hutchins Ave. and Gardiner.
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Wow! It is a small world...
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
Your story shares a time when life seemed simpler. But full of hard work and determination. I loved how you shared the details of your day - from your rickety bike to the candy shop sundaes. You really brought me into your world. I love how resourceful you were at such a young age. The way you reflect on your experiences, both joyful and sad, gives your story so much heart. I think your ability to find happiness and value in your life, despite the struggles, is truly inspiring. It's a wonderful piece filled with memories that shine brightly!
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2025
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Your story shares a time when life seemed simpler. But full of hard work and determination. I loved how you shared the details of your day - from your rickety bike to the candy shop sundaes. You really brought me into your world. I love how resourceful you were at such a young age. The way you reflect on your experiences, both joyful and sad, gives your story so much heart. I think your ability to find happiness and value in your life, despite the struggles, is truly inspiring. It's a wonderful piece filled with memories that shine brightly!
Comment Written 08-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2025
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Well, thank you so much Michael for your kind review. I really appreciate that!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I was born in 1954 and grew up in a small rural town in Illinois. It was a great childhood. I worry about kind growing up today. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I enjoyed reading.
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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2025
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I was born in 1954 and grew up in a small rural town in Illinois. It was a great childhood. I worry about kind growing up today. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I enjoyed reading.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 08-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 08-Jan-2025
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Well, thank you Barbara. Yes, the small towns are the best. I lived in Illinois for a while too and really enjoyed living there. Thanks for your review. I really appreciate that!
