A recent conversation raised a thought-provoking question: “What is one significant change from your childhood to now?” This inquiry, posed by a former student and colleague, prompted reflections on personal and historical transformations over the decades. With over seventy years of life experience, the memory lane offers ample material for contemplation.
The question instantly reminded me of my great-grandfather, Elmer Schmoyer, who was born in 1870. Elmer lived through an era marked by remarkable innovation and historical upheaval, witnessing significant events both domestically and globally. He passed away in 1973, the same year I graduated from high school, and his lifetime saw changes that reshaped society in profound ways.
Elmer experienced many historical milestones, including the Spanish-American War in 1898, World War I, and World War II, during which his family contributed to the war efforts. His son worked for the Trojan Powder Company, producing explosives for both world wars, while his grandson, my father, served in the 64th Topographers Division, aiding the strategic mapping in the Pacific Theater.
Reflecting on the context of his life, Elmer was born just five years after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. His journey highlights the rapid societal changes that have taken place over generations. I recall a vivid memory of him taking me to Lake Muhlenberg for fishing when I was seven years old, despite his age of 92 at the time. That moment, and others like it, bring family history to life and underline the significant shifts in communication and information access since his era.
In answering my colleague’s question, I noted that one of the most striking changes is the overwhelming access to information today. Modern society is characterized by a vast array of information sources, many of which can be misleading, biased, or sensationalized. This contrasts sharply with my childhood, when the only television channels were limited to a few options.
Growing up with three sisters, we often fought over watching channels like 3, 6, and 10. The days of adjusting rabbit ears on the television set to get a clearer picture were a stark reminder of how much has changed. News was dependable back then; I could trust what I heard from figures like Walter Cronkite, who delivered the nightly news with integrity.
In today’s landscape, the sheer volume of information can confuse and divide. Those in positions of power increasingly use media platforms to shape public opinion and influence beliefs. The challenge lies in discerning fact from fiction amidst this deluge of content.
As I reflected on this, I considered how my great-grandfather might react to the last fifty years of history. Would he marvel at the technological advancements? Would he question the role of media in shaping perceptions? I can imagine him humorously asking, “Does the machine still start?” in reference to his beloved car, a metaphor for the changes in our modern world.
This introspection not only highlights the generational shifts in communication and information access but also underscores the importance of critical thinking in today’s complex media environment. As we navigate this landscape, it is crucial to remain vigilant and discerning, ensuring that we educate ourselves and respond thoughtfully to the information we encounter.
This article reflects on the intersections of personal history and broader societal changes, inviting readers to consider how their own family histories inform their perspectives on the world today.
John Schmoyer is a retired U.S. history and American government teacher, formerly the department chair at Northwestern Lehigh School District. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
