To me it seems that childhood experiences often feel different as I age. By that I am not necessarily referring to things just being relative to my size. More so, I have a realization that memories I have as youngster are often similar, but different, in reality than what I experience in the same circumstances as an adult.
While growing up in Somerset, Pennsylvania, there were always many nearby places of significance to me such as Forbes Field, Carnegie Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Fort Necessity, our family cabin at the farm, and the Somerset Little League baseball field.
And today there are newer places of significance such as the somber Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville.
Just as my perspective of memories has changed somewhat, I am certain that young people visiting these and other places in Western Pennsylvania will see them differently than their memories as they grow older.
One such memory forever etched in my mind appears to be very similar to reality today. My father had a fascination with going to Kooser State Park which is about 15 miles from Somerset. Kooser is located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, not very far from Seven Springs Resort. Dad loved having outdoor picnics there and occasionally we stayed in a rented rustic cabin in the state park. A blazing fire in the fireplace was always part of going anywhere with my Dad.
(c) LaurelHighlands.org
The park also has a small sandy beach (pictured) which seemed larger in the day. Spooky, dank, smelly outhouses were available to relieve oneself and have since been replaced with more modern facilities. The memory I have most is that the mountain spring water that flowed into the swimming area was on the “Polar Bear plunge” side of cold! I speculated it to be a few degrees above freezing although I am certain it is more.
On exiting the water at Kooser in my younger days, my brother Dave was often light blue as he shivered to shore, reminding me of a blueberry popsicle. The only respite for relief from the cold while in the water was when someone left a warm spot and quickly moved away as to say “not me!”
As interesting as I find this memory and others, I know my readers have similar stories of how they recall experiences from their childhood differently as adults. As in other stories I encourage each of you to document a recollection so your thoughts not only bring a smile to your face but also to others.
Barry's Adventures Following Retirement 
What a lovely reminder of summer in Somerset County! My dear friend Marilyn Weaver sent me an email about the Somerset playground and frozen zero bars when she was Halloween candy shopping! But you know we never minded the cold or the lack of fancy things! We just loved being outside and being grateful for each and every day!❤️
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Nice job. Don’t you ever get tired of being right???
I certainly can identify with your situations of the past. Thanks for reminding me.
Coconut Pete.
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My Dad also enjoyed taking our family to Kooser Park and other picnic areas. The smell of campfires mixed with the smell of pine trees – exhilarating! And as for blue popsicles – that was my favorite at Letchers Market on West Union Street. They were a nickel. Also loved those frozen zero bars at the playground.
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A great story Barry. I grew up in Bakersville and walked to Kooser Park with my neighbor and brother to swim.
At 11:00 a.m. sometimes the water was 55 degrees. As children we didn’t care and went in anyway.
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This is a charming description of your visit to the park when you were a child. I loved the description of the “warm spot” in the lake. 🙂 That was something unique to write about and I know it’s something many others can relate to!
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