One round-trip ticket in a time machine — Where would you go, back in time?
pam kueber - Updated: August 10, 2012
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
If I had just one round trip ticket to use in the way-back time machine, I think I’d go here. How about you? Where, when? Seriously. Or not.
Probably Greenwich Village in the early ’60’s or late ’50’s as it would be easiest to blend in anywhere else earlier than 1970. But can I change our current money to time appropriate cash and have some carry on luggage?
I found your question very thought provoking, Pam, as I always thought WWII in England would be interesting too but now when you really know what was going on.
LauraLsays
I would go back to the day and night of one of Elvis Presley’s early concerts. Pretty dress, hat, and gloves for the big concert. And then a milkshake (with no preservatives!) afterwards with my dreamboat date. Elvis autograph optional.
I saw the “Elvis at 21” exhibit of photographs by Alfred Wertheimer and it really captured my imagination.
Annie B.says
Early October of 1957, Memphis, Tennessee, wathching a tiny diamond cross the night sky from west to east.
Daizysays
This is a super tough question as there are endless times and places I’d like to visit. I think I’d go to my Oma’s little neighborhood in the Netherlands between 1920 and 1935 during the time she was young and before they needed to escape. The genealogist in me is begging to venture to wherever in Canada I can find proof of 6th Great Grandfather Benjamin before he brough the family to the midwest.
I’d like a ticket to swinging London circa 1964-66, please! I’d spend my days shopping on Carnaby St. & King’s Road and seeing some of my favorite British actors (Terence Stamp, Richard Burton, etc.) perform on stage in the various plays they were starring in at the time. In the evening I’d hit the clubs and catch some of my favorite bands from the period (Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, the Animals, etc.) live while dining at places like Picasso where Michael Caine liked to hang out. I’ve carried this fantasy with me for 35 years so if anyone knows how I can make it happen, please let me know ASAP!
Ima Pamsays
I might go to August 15, 1969 and visit a dairy farm. Could I stay a few days? 😉
Vanessasays
Times Square New York, V-J Day August 14, 1945. I cannot imagine how it would have felt to be there at the end of the war, the day Japan finally surrendered. It would be incredible to experience that celebration and the feeling of hope it inspired in our nation.
Vickisays
I’d go back to the 40s or 50s. I love that time period and it’s style. I think I could even stand to not have my job and be a house wife and spend my days sewing, cooking, and gardening and in heels at that. That sounds almost sexy as I am sitting at my desk at work wishing I were at home doing these things.
Nina462says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thinks like that. I’d love to do that too!
Danasays
Me too. I’m glad I am not the only one but it’s a daily fantasy.
hannahsays
Right there, with all three of you. I miss my house (now that I own one, and it’s a 1961 ranch at that) when I’m at work all day. I’m 58, and just want to RETIRE already! And enjoy the fruit of my labors. 🙂
David Byrne = seriously hotness. I am probably narrow minded right now but I’d love to go back to 1956 and convince the architect of my house that he should give this house a raised foundation and that he shouldn’t put our plumbing in the slab. I bet I’d have a more glamorous answer if asked a few months from now though!
Just another Pam says
Probably Greenwich Village in the early ’60’s or late ’50’s as it would be easiest to blend in anywhere else earlier than 1970. But can I change our current money to time appropriate cash and have some carry on luggage?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axkC9ifSWys
I found your question very thought provoking, Pam, as I always thought WWII in England would be interesting too but now when you really know what was going on.
LauraL says
I would go back to the day and night of one of Elvis Presley’s early concerts. Pretty dress, hat, and gloves for the big concert. And then a milkshake (with no preservatives!) afterwards with my dreamboat date. Elvis autograph optional.
I saw the “Elvis at 21” exhibit of photographs by Alfred Wertheimer and it really captured my imagination.
Annie B. says
Early October of 1957, Memphis, Tennessee, wathching a tiny diamond cross the night sky from west to east.
Daizy says
This is a super tough question as there are endless times and places I’d like to visit. I think I’d go to my Oma’s little neighborhood in the Netherlands between 1920 and 1935 during the time she was young and before they needed to escape. The genealogist in me is begging to venture to wherever in Canada I can find proof of 6th Great Grandfather Benjamin before he brough the family to the midwest.
Kimberly Lindbergs says
I’d like a ticket to swinging London circa 1964-66, please! I’d spend my days shopping on Carnaby St. & King’s Road and seeing some of my favorite British actors (Terence Stamp, Richard Burton, etc.) perform on stage in the various plays they were starring in at the time. In the evening I’d hit the clubs and catch some of my favorite bands from the period (Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, the Animals, etc.) live while dining at places like Picasso where Michael Caine liked to hang out. I’ve carried this fantasy with me for 35 years so if anyone knows how I can make it happen, please let me know ASAP!
Ima Pam says
I might go to August 15, 1969 and visit a dairy farm. Could I stay a few days? 😉
Vanessa says
Times Square New York, V-J Day August 14, 1945. I cannot imagine how it would have felt to be there at the end of the war, the day Japan finally surrendered. It would be incredible to experience that celebration and the feeling of hope it inspired in our nation.
Vicki says
I’d go back to the 40s or 50s. I love that time period and it’s style. I think I could even stand to not have my job and be a house wife and spend my days sewing, cooking, and gardening and in heels at that. That sounds almost sexy as I am sitting at my desk at work wishing I were at home doing these things.
Nina462 says
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thinks like that. I’d love to do that too!
Dana says
Me too. I’m glad I am not the only one but it’s a daily fantasy.
hannah says
Right there, with all three of you. I miss my house (now that I own one, and it’s a 1961 ranch at that) when I’m at work all day. I’m 58, and just want to RETIRE already! And enjoy the fruit of my labors. 🙂
Eartha Kitsch says
David Byrne = seriously hotness. I am probably narrow minded right now but I’d love to go back to 1956 and convince the architect of my house that he should give this house a raised foundation and that he shouldn’t put our plumbing in the slab. I bet I’d have a more glamorous answer if asked a few months from now though!
Rebecca@MidcenturyModernRemodel says
HaHa us too. Boo on the plumbing in the slab. BAD idea.
Nina462 says
Hmmmm. I have a couple of dates: both my grandparents weddings (1920 & 1925) my mom & dad’s wedding (1954).