The Bucyrus That Was

Book excerpt: Bill Elder's memoir, "The Bucyrus That Was," is a story about growing up in Small Town, America, during the Golden Age of the 1950s. The book begins with the Elder family moving from their home in Alabama to Ohio shortly after the end of World War II in search of the American Dream, i.e., improving their lot financially. After a short stay in Marion, Ohio, the Elders moved to Bucyrus where they took up residence in the notorious Railroad Street area. Needless to say, a young Bill Elder encountered many adventures and made a host of colorful friends during his stay in the tumultuous neighborhood. Elder describes in colorful detail some of his childhood escapades and the ups and downs of his teenage years, including the profound effect that his conservative Christian upbringing had on his life. He explores the importance of sports in the 1950s culture and reviews the hangouts that were popular with the local young people. Finally, he gives a general overview of what Bucyrus was like during this era, including an honest look at the darker side of the decade. Elder's engaging, humorous, tell-it-like-it-is style makes "The Bucyrus That Was" a memoir that will refresh a reader's perspective on the 1950s and prove well worth reading.