There will always be a time that seemed much better than the one existing now, when worries and stress were irrelevant. The memories we keep holding so close to were the happiest times of our lives, the most valuable and important of times that keep us going. The nostalgic reminders of yesteryear that we find in stores, in our homes, community and television put a smile on our faces and let us know those were the good old days. For most, recreating these times prove a failure but curiosity and longing drive us to try anyway. Nostalgia, "the bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past- according to Webster's dictionary, is an essential part of life, it is not only reliving the past but the way in which we remember it. Through political, social, and economic views, consumers and family members share a longing for that return to better and simpler times. We find ways to bring back the past whether it means living in a planned community such as Celebration, Florida described in The Celebration Chronicles by Andrew Ross or participating in the PTA and community activities explained in Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam. Thornton Wilder brings back a nostalgic view on neighborly contact and friendly interactions through Our Town and reminds us of a Golden Age we cannot let go of. .
Perhaps it's not only reliving our own past, but trying to rediscover a past we never experienced. For Thornton Wilder, writing Our Town during the great depression helped escape the social reality and pain everyone felt. Imagining life as an ordinary and simple family in a small community brought nostalgic reference and temporarily blinded the poverty and struggle of depression. "Now you know-that's the happy existence you wanted to go back to. Ignorance and blindness."" to Simon Stimson, the best times were the times we were blinded by what is good. Living the good old days may seem much in the past but they will forever be instilled into today.
