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The 1970s Eccentric Family
Juliette’s family seemed to attract many haters or people who didn’t like them.
Yes, they did seem something like the Adams Family, which might explain why they were so unpopular.
Juliette (not her real name) was a 12-year-old girl from an unusual family of seven back in the mid-1970s.
She was one of our neighbours, and we developed a brief friendship of sorts.
I was a year younger than her, so she would have been in secondary school while I was at the top of the juniors.
1970s Conflict Resolution
One day, while I was playing with Juliette on the street, another girl about her age or slightly older came and started arguing with Juliette.
I don’t remember what it was about, but I do remember butting in to stick up for my friend.
The next thing I knew, I was called a name, and then I felt the full force of a 1970s shoe tip slammed against my shin.
1970s Our House
One day, Juliette invited me into her house, which always gave off some spooky vibes from the outside.
The house had been attacked so many times that the windows were boarded up.
I hesitantly trailed behind Juliette as she led the way through the hallway and into the front room.
The TV was perched on something above the window so you had to practically strain your neck to watch it. Naturally, the room was quite dark.
Juliette disappeared for a while to get me some snacks while I sat on the sofa, contemplating my escape.
She came back quickly with some dry cereal (possibly Sugar Puffs) that I reluctantly nibbled on.
You know, looking back now, it’s clear she was really putting in the effort to make a good impression and be friendly.
However, I was feeling really uneasy being in that house. Kept picturing one of the odd family members popping up, and all I wanted was to leave.
1970s Tough Times (But They Didn’t Last)!
As you can tell, I survived the ordeal, but it was probably not long after that when the friendship fizzled out.
Well, it seems like Juliette just sort of vanished because I barely saw her around anymore. 😅
Today, Juliette’s family would most likely receive much more help and protection from the authorities.
This is an example of why I say the 1970s was not for the faint hearted.
1970s East London
As far as I was concerned back then, East London was the world. All the postcodes on the street name signs began with E, e.g., E11, E17 etc.
Imagine my amazement when I saw N8 on a street name sign – and this was still in London!
It’s not just childhood, though, that made me gradually realise that the world was actually a vast place.
1970s Simplicity to 21st Century
Life in the 21st century is all about being constantly connected.
Our smartphones hold a whole universe of information and entertainment at our fingertips.
It’s hard to imagine a time when the world seemed so vast.
Back in the ’70s, with their bell-bottoms and disco music, there was a sense of thrill and excitement in global exploration.
It wasn’t just about the perfect Instagram photo – it was a real adventure.
1970s, Isn’t it Good to Know
It’s good that now there is much more help and resources available to vulnerable people, which was sadly lacking back then.
Even so, the ’70s felt like a time where things were more genuine and uncomplicated.
I sometimes wonder what became of Juliette and her family members. Also some of my other friends down the road.
We all had to eventually move away when the council bought out our houses to build a school. It was the end of an era.
I like to think Juliette became a champion of something or other. Who knows?
Ah, the 1970s, a time of adventure and mystery.
What was the main feature of your childhood?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
