Reflections on Nostalgic Technologies and Experiences

Hey there, Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, shall we? Swing by the concession stand for a complimentary glass of rosé. No need to hold back; it’s all in good fun.

Generation X, those of us born between 1965 and 1980, are, I believe, the last to truly feel the pulse of the physical world as our parents did. We’ve lived through a transition of generations. We can appreciate the cultural icons—a blend of our boomer parents’ favorite stars and the silent generation’s icons. I remember my grandmother playing Andrews Sisters records and laughing as I attempted to sing along.

Now, fast forward to today. Many Gen Z kids wouldn’t recognize names like Michael Jackson, Madonna, or Lucille Ball if they tripped over them. With Millennials came a noticeable generational gap—where younger folks question who the famous stars of just a couple of decades ago actually were.

The challenge grows for Generation Z, who were essentially handed smartphones as toddlers, leading to a fragmented landscape of culture. It’s tricky to convince them that some aspects of the old analog world had their own advantages. I mean, they often seem to think that calls made over traditional copper lines are inferior—though they’re typically clearer and more reliable. Interestingly, they view film photography with skepticism as if it’s always low-res compared to, say, Impressionist paintings.

Well, as far as I’m concerned, some things really were better back then. And I’d love to see a revival.

1. Kodachrome Film

I studied photography back in college with dreams of making it my profession. However, when digital photography arrived, it changed everything. I fell in love with the craft of film photography, but the advent of computers led me to stash my gear away, favoring traditional silver gelatin emulsion over modern silicone chips.

The loss of Kodachrome color slide film hit me hard. I still remember tearing up when it was discontinued. No other color film has matched its ability to reproduce colors so vividly. Paul Simon had it right when he wrote about it.

Kodachrome distinguished itself by having no dyes integrated within the film itself. Instead, it utilized three separate layers for capturing blue, red, and green light. Dyes were added later in processing, making Kodachrome slides from, say, the 1940s look incredibly modern and clear even today. It simply doesn’t fade like many family memories captured on traditional color film.

Plus, it was astonishingly clear and carried the highest resolution. The detail in Kodachrome slides made it like looking through a window into reality.

I know you’re reading this through a computer screen, so the real vibrancy of those slides is lost in translation. Still, the depth of color and detail was something special, unlike anything else.

2. Three Strip Technicolor

These days, people might talk about colors being reminiscent of “Technicolor,” but fewer realize what that really entails. Technicolor dominated Hollywood for decades, creating images brighter and more vivid than any other color process, making life itself look like a fantasy.

Of course, this quality came with challenges. Like Kodachrome, Technicolor worked with black and white film, adding stable, vibrant dyes later during processing. This method was painstaking, requiring tremendous lighting on set, sometimes causing discomfort for actors.

The cameras themselves were quite complex, featuring three separate black-and-white strips to capture scenes while a beam splitter directed only specific colors to each film. Plus, aligning those films perfectly for projection required precise machinery, which was quite costly.

That’s why Technicolor has remained beloved. It’s been celebrated in songs and films over the decades, reminding us of a time when color filmmaking was truly an art form.

3. Air-Cooled Volkswagen Engine

Back in 1978, I remember playing outside while my stepfather struggled with our family’s well-worn 1967 VW Bug. Cursing as the engine misfired, he battled with that engine, which could be a real challenge. Decades later, I learned the tricks of the trade from a group of classic car enthusiasts.

In those days, it was normal to tune your own cars. Most dads had the tools and knowledge for home repairs. Fixes were less about diagnostic computers and more about good old-fashioned know-how.

Sure, VWs were simple, lacking the bells and whistles of modern vehicles, and the heater left a lot to be desired. Yet, I fondly remember moments, like when my mom drove off a snowy road, only to be saved by local college fraternity boys.

The sound of that engine’s classic exhaust reverberates in my memory—something I miss dearly.

4. Chrysler Slant Six Engine

If you get it, you really get it. The legendary Chrysler Slant Six is perhaps one of America’s most durable engines. Named for its unique 30-degree tilt to fit snugly under sleek hoods, this six-cylinder might not have wielded the raw power of a V8, but it packed a punch.

I grew up with a Dodge Dart and a Plymouth Belvedere, both with this engine. There was something satisfying about valving a Slant Six while it hummed away. The simplicity of working on these motors is something I long for—back in the day, you could reach around without needing to remove a dozen components.

As I like to say, the Slant Six will keep on running long past me.

5. Customer Service

This is one social aspect we desperately need to bring back. My early jobs were in retail, providing service where friendliness and efficiency were essential. It was expected that you greeted customers warmly and offered your assistance.

What do we see in stores today? A stony silence from staff often leaves you wondering if they’re even aware you’re there. Asking for help in large stores can sometimes yield little more than a vague wave in the “right” direction.

Just last week, a young McDonald’s employee surprised me with a genuine greeting. In a sea of self-service kiosks and scant staff, this young man stood out. He smiled, greeted me, and actually made eye contact. His warmth took me back, reminding me of the good old days.

I even caught a glimpse of an old McDonald’s commercial from the 1980s. If you’re under 35, you might call that exuberance “fake” or overly chipper, but I assure you, it wasn’t an act. It was real, and it was wonderful.