I originally took this photo because I was both amused and alarmed when I found out that each NZ district originally had just 12 different keys for all it's housing http://bettysnzblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/everythings-moved.html
But when I saw it today, it reminded me that I was one of the first 'latchkey kids'. It was back in the '60's, Mom went to work--presumably to get out of the house since I was the last of 3 kids to raise, but we didn't discuss these things with the children in those days, they just did what they were told.
I recall having my house key on a string around my neck for a few years until I got to high school and started to carry a purse. I thought it was great to have the freedom to come home at lunchtime and fix myself something to eat. I would watch Garfield Goose on tv and then it was time to get back to school.
3 shared some appreciation:
I was a latchkey kid too! Boy, that brings back memories...
I had younger siblings, so I was responsible for gathering us all up after school and we walked home together. Luckily, our neighborhood had several school aged children (who all got along!) so we would walk home as a group. One big herd walking down the street! :)
I wasn't a latchkey kid but I do remember these keys. Our house had this type of key for a long time before my mom switched our locks to the more updated ones :)
We always called them 'skeleton keys'. We never had them on any of our homes in the US, but they were on our house when we moved in. We had them changed immediately!
Post a Comment