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The list shows the most widely read articles on this site.

1. The Big Picture
   Steve Morgan : London : 1940s
   The banshee wail from above was not the final agonising throes of Lily giving birth but the gradual keening build-up of the air-raid siren, its wailing note a warning to all Londoners. Criss-crossing searchlights began their macabre swordfight across dark, leaden skies . . . read on
   
   
2. Twist and shout
   Bruce Scott : Dunedin NZ : 1960s
   In 1964 the Beatles twisted, shouted and were pleased to please fans all over New Zealand. Bunches of kids got together, clutched their heads, screamed, wailed and generally alarmed their parents. But not all parents were disturbed by the mop-topped rascals. Some accompanied their children to the concerts . . . read on
   
   
3. Growing up in Hawke's Bay — Part II
   Brian Duggan : Hawke's Bay NZ : 1950s
   We copied his greasy hair fashion and leather jackets and stove-pipe pants. Fashion denim was not available in New Zealand so we had to improvise the tight pants. T-shirts were unheard of here so we wore our jerseys back to front and it looked like a round-necked shirt as seen on the silver screen! . . . read on
   
   
4. Our first television
   Erin Fogarty : Auckland NZ : 1960s
   The rabbit ears worked best when balanced on top of two biscuit tins until around 7pm, and then they had to be moved further into the corner of the room — and higher. The best reception was when they were held aloft, like a newly-won sports trophy . . . read on
   
   
5. Sunbathing habits of Plunket children
   Erin Fogarty : Auckland NZ : 1960s
   Most baby boomer children from New Zealand were Plunket babies raised under a regimen designed by Dr Frederick Truby King, the superintendent of a mental institution. A Plunket baby's routine was as strict as bootcamp and a lot of time was spent outdoors . . . read on
   
   
6. Steep learning curve
   Erin Fogarty : Auckland NZ : 1960s
   There were some fun bits to the disease like when his fingernails dropped off and his hair fell out. His skin turned an alarming colour and shed like a snake — but mostly life became very quiet as daytime outings ceased and the circling buzzards and large black cross on the front door kept visitors away . . . read on
   
   
7. The Hula Hoop
   Erin Fogarty : Auckland NZ : 1960s
   There was the Ankles-a-go-go where a deft flick of the wrist would see the hoop catch a running sibling around the ankle and send them sprawling, flat on their face. It had all the elements of an excellent childhood game including pain, bruised ankles and humiliation . . . read on
   
   
8. Growing up in Hawke's Bay - Part I
   Brian Duggan : Hawke's Bay NZ : 1950s
   The best years in Marewa for me were my early teens. Teenagers then had been recently identified as different from the rest of the human race. We had our own world view and it would not sit comfortably with the older generation's vision . . . read on
   
   
9. If I had a hammer
   Robert Andrews : Europe : 1970s
   Suddenly, the old girl would start bucking and heaving with, it turned out, a severe case of petrol starvation. No use chasing the vendors to get our money back. Their flight would be halfway back to Australia . . . read on
   
   
10. The old Triumph car
    K.G.Gale : Christchurch NZ : 1950s
    He didn't know the first thing about cars but the man who sold it to him said he'd never have an ounce of trouble with a reliable old Triumph — "they just never die". He'd driven it home in a flush of pride ... black, square, but a thing of beauty to us kids. . . . read on
    
    
11. Writing inspiration
    Erin Fogarty : Auckland NZ : 1960s
    The most difficult part of writing a story is getting started. You sit there and stare at the qwerty-aligned keys and your mind remains blank. Here is a simple way to get a story together for Boomoirs. Try it now . . . read on
    
    
12. Up the Khyber
    Patrick Smith : India : 1971
    His assistant produced a scabrous-looking tin box. He opened it, lodged his smoking durry in the lid and extracted a syringe, plus a large needle. This, we were told, would fix things. And almost certainly give me hepatitis . . . read on
    
    
13. Growing up in Hawkes Bay — Part III
    Brian Duggan : Hawke's Bay NZ : 1950s
    Sited about the middle of Emerson Street, it was complete with a Wurlitzer jukebox and adorned with local 'dolls' or 'sheilas' as young women were called, who were in loud, excessive bad taste dress to match the guys . . . read on
    
    
14. Vintage telephone, modern exchange
    Erin Fogarty : Auckland NZ : 1960s
    We often grizzled about the others in our party, especially the couple up the road who deliberately left their phone off the hook. But what a swizz having us as a member of one's party. We numbered 10 and nine of us liked the phone very much! . . . read on
    
    
15. Run Rabbit Run
    Bruce Scott : Dunedin NZ : 1960s
    Self-taught, we became expert at gutting and skinning, able to clean a carcase in less than a minute. Tanning the pelts was another story and most attempts were more error than trial but we sold rabbit meat and we ate rabbit pie and despite the guns, the hunting kept us out of trouble . . . read on
    
    
16. Moulin Rouge
    Tina Drennan : Anaheim, CA : 1955-58
    It hit me like a freight train. Mocha Polka. That had always been her color. She put it on me for the one party she sent me off to. We did our lips and our nails to match. It was the most wonderful evening of my life because she was there at the start . . . read on
    
    
17. Man from Hokonui
    K.G.Gale : Christchurch NZ : 1950s
    We kids clung to the wall, doing our best to be insignificant. Luckily he didn't seem to notice us so we remained vertical, but he kept roaring around in circles, bottles flying, drunkards scampering, my mother with her hand over her mouth, eyes wide . . . read on
    
    
18. The Fallout Shelter
    J D Poulson : Wichita Falls : 1960s
    When I was a kid growing up in Wichita Falls, I remember everywhere I went I'd see those cool yellow-and-black signs pointing the way to another "Fallout Shelter". I'd always ask my Mom or Dad, what does that sign mean? . . . read on
    
    
19. Popular Mechanics Toys of 1962 - Video
    There were experts in lab coats. Professional Toy Testers who conducted experiments to see if the toys sent in for testing could withstand temperatures of 150°F — just in case the space rocket you were getting for your next birthday could make it all the way to planet Mars . . . read on
    
    

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