The Days of Innocence Are Gone

Back in the day of our print publication, a reader-favorite feature was SCENES FROM CHILDHOOD, a column created by former associate editor, Suzanne Beyer. I hope to dust off these little gems from time to time and post them online. This contribution from Parl Guthrie was originally published in February 2014.

The one thing I feel very blessed about is my family, from my early days growing up with my parents and siblings in South Seattle, to our kids and grandkids, most of whom are living in Bothell today. 

After graduating from Bothell High School, I spent four years in the Marine Corps, which I will never forget. The old saying “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” couldn’t be truer. I was honorably discharged in 1968 but still display a Marine Corps emblem on my vehicle to this day. None of the other military organizations have that kind of dedication to service. 

Today I’m getting the feeling that those early days of innocence are gone. The world has changed.

This photograph was taken in 1954 with me on the left, my sister Ilene in the middle, and our younger brother Steven on the right. Also in the picture is our first black & white TV that we kids, as well as the neighborhood kids, sat in front of and watched Howdy Doody, J. P. Patches, The Lone Ranger, Stan Boreson and The Mickey Mouse Club. Not to mention our parents watching The Honeymooners, where Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden was constantly wanting to send Audrey Meadows as Alice to the moon. 

Who would have thought that someday we would be looking back and thinking to ourselves that those were the good old days? Never again will there be those care-free days when we could leave our front doors unlocked and not have to worry about thieves, burglars or if our country will survive the turmoil. All we can do today is pray that God will watch over our families, and keep our country safe. ❖ 

Parl Guthrie is a long-time resident of the Northshore School District who graduated from Bothell High School in 1964. Back when this article was first printed in 2014, he said that when he thinks back to those early days, it’s hard for him to believe that he will be 67 in August. “Fortunately, I don’t feel a day over 65,” said Parl. Now, 11 years later, as he moves toward age 78, I hope he doesn't feel a day over 76!