Whether you lived through it, heard about it, or can't quite believe it ever could have happened -- the 1970s was a once-in-a lifetime era, a time when coming of age meant filter-free smokes and wide-bell jeans, Evel Knievel and Coneheads, dreaming it and making it happen.
Northwest Indiana had its own version of life in the fast lane in those days, and Shaun Erny, a 1982 graduate of Hobart High School, takes a look at growing up in small town Indiana in his new book The Adventures of a Suburban Daredevil: Surviving the Seventies in High Style.
Shaun wants to share his stories from the "good old days" and hear favorite memories of other Hobart High graduates. He's inviting all Hobart graduates -- regardless of the years they attended -- to a "Beer, Burgers, and Books Bash" on Thursday, July 31.
"We want everyone to stop by and tell us what they remember best about Hobart High," Erny said. "Anyone who ever attended Hobart High School is welcome, especially anyone who grew up in the 1970s."
The Bash is in honor of The Class of ’82 turning 50 this year and is scheduled for August 1-2. "It's a great way to see old friends, tell tall tales, and kick off Birthday Bash weekend," he said.
Erny bounded his way through childhood with exuberance and imagination, and he lived to tell the tales. His book takes the reader on a romp through the best of the Seventies, moving masterfully from situations ranging from hair-raising to breath-taking to just downright funny.
Shaun shares one of his favorite memories of Hobart High in the chapter "The Woman o' My Dreams." He remembers the first time he saw his wife of 30 years Frances in the halls of Hobart Junior High School:
"As I made my way through the halls, my attention was drawn to a bright light and angelic voices parting the crowds directly in front of me. Time stopped and the masses froze as my eyes were drawn to the singular heavenly body moving gracefully through the cosmos that was my school.
"Slowly she tossed her golden mane from side to side, displaying the Farrah Fawcett-like curls outlining the alabaster skin of her face. Her gracefully curved body beckoned to me as a voice in my head announced to me that I had just seen the woman of my dreams. I froze and thought to myself, I’m gonna marry that butt."
You can read more from Shaun's book at shaunerny.com. The "Beer, Burgers, and Books Bash" will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 at 1756 Howe Street in Valparaiso.
A portion of the proceeds from books sold at the Bash will be donated to Hobart High School library.