Things I remember

Why do certain useless things find a nook or recess in the corner of your mind and never go away? I can’t seem to forget the image of an actress named Spring Byington who appeared in the sitcom December Bride from 1954 – 59. Fifty years have gone by and I still remember this woman. I can’t remember what I had for lunch two days ago but I remember some insignificant TV actress from ages past.

Why did this TV show leave such an indelible mark on my mind? Maybe I was attracted to such an unusual name (Spring) or maybe the character she played filled the motherly void created by my own mother who was away at work all day. I can still hear that soft but rather quizzical sound of her voice. I also remember, Pete, I believe he was the next door neighbor. Pete was played by Harry Morgan who starred in many other TV shows. Pete had a wife on the show named Gladys who was never seen until a spin-off show called Pete and Gladys came out in 1960 -61. Gladys was played by Cara Williams.

Another TV show I can’t forget is My Little Margie that starred Gale Storm. She also went on to star in The Gale Storm Show: Oh Susanna in which she played a social director on a cruise ship with Zasu Pitts as her roommate. Who could forget Zasu Pitts. Unique names, that’s definitely why I can’t forget them.

I’ll always remember Eve Arden who starred in Our Miss Brooks with Gale Gordon who played Osgood Conklin. These are all shows from the fifties that were somewhat borderline mediocre but they left their mark on me.

This would make for a good topic to discuss with a psychotherapist. What does it all mean? TV was a relatively new form of media and for a nine year old who was all alone it provided companionship until mom came home from work.. While performing this self analysis, I’m getting a better picture as to the scarring that takes place to children that have been mistreated and/or abused. If something as insignificant as a TV sitcom can leave impressions that have lasted for fifty years, I can now see how people relive the nightmares of an abusive relative. I empathize for them.