The Innocent Days of Prenote: Smoking for Parents in Uppercase

Introduction

Remember those days when parents would send their children out to the store with a note to buy cigarettes? It was a common practice that many may not recall today, but it holds a special place in the memories of those who experienced it firsthand. In this article, we explore these nostalgic moments through the stories shared by individuals who have lived through similar experiences.

Common Practice in Earlier Times

In the not-so-distant past, it was perfectly acceptable for parents to send their children on errands to purchase cigarettes from the store with a note. This practice was most frequent during an era when the purchasing age for tobacco was higher, often 16 or 18 years old. The age requirement for purchasing cigarettes has increased over time, reflecting evolving societal norms and health concerns.

Recollections from the Early 1970s

Many individuals recall these experiences with a mix of nostalgia and historical perspective. For example, a person from the 1970s mentions, "I was around 7 or so when my mother told me to get her cigarettes from the 7/11. I don’t remember having a note, but I do know my brother and sister as well as myself was told to grab a box once in a while." This account shows how the practice was common and involves a whole family unit, adding a sense of normalcy to these transactions.

Specific Incidents and Details

Another individual shares their specific memory: "Actually yes. This question brought me back in time when I was watching a show in which this exact thing occurred. I actually remember my parents back in the day sending me to the store with a note to purchase True or Merit brands of cigarettes. I'm not sure the age requirement back then was 16 or 18 years. I remember feeling really grown-up and 'big' making the purchases." It’s clear how these errands made children feel a sense of responsibility and maturity.

Rural vs. Urban Settings

Not all experiences were the same across different environments. A respondent from a small town notes, "Did not need a note in a small town." This highlights regional differences in the strictness of the practice. In smaller communities, store owners might have been more familiar with the regular patrons, making the need for a note less critical.

Other Nostalgic Moments

There were instances beyond just cigarettes. A person recalls, "Yes and beer to. I was around 6 when my grandma sent me to the store. I showed the clerk my note and all he said was you are Katie’s grandson. I said yes and he gave me the smokes and beer." This example shows the broader context in which children were trusted to handle various items, not just cigarettes.

Personal Experiences with Subterfuge

Some individuals had their own ways of handling these situations. One person mentions, "Yes my mother sometimes sent us up the road to buy cigarettes for her. Im not sure whether we took a note though. Kids didn’t smoke in those days. But I do remember sneaking one of Mum’s Capstan Cork off the mantelpiece when she and Dad had gone to bed. I guess I must have been nearly 16. I didn’t like it!" This personal anecdote illustrates the sense of rebellion and rebellion that accompanied these activities.

Conclusion

These memories from the past remind us of the ways in which societal norms and expectations have changed over time. What was once a common practice is now a distant memory, a window into a bygone era where children were trusted with responsibilities. These stories not only entertain but also educate, providing context for current attitudes towards tobacco use and the role of children in society.