Went to see the Lloyd shopping center. Visited Jo Doty and we took the kids swimming and talked. Went back to camp early so Tim could fish.
Marge Binder, July 26, 1969
A few things here. Jo Doty was Mom’s roommate at Central Michigan when she and Dad met.
As for the Lloyd Shopping Center, it was a big deal! For a while it was the largest shopping center in the country. Huh, an open-air mall in rainy Portland: Genius! Someone finally figured out that a roof might help with the shopping experiences. Happily, it is indeed now enclosed.
Also, Tim fished.
The Price of Things…
It’s no surprise that prices increase over time, whether due to inflation or compassionate corporate stewardship. Here’s a sampling of some key items for families, including the ingredients for a killer cheese sandwich, a roadtrip staple.
| ITEM | 1969 Average | 2019 Sampling/Average |
| Loaf of bread | $0.23 | $2.19 |
| Velveeta | $0.68 (on sale! see below) | $7.98 |
| Yellow mustard | $0.34 | $3.43 |
| Gallon of gas | $0.32 | CA:$3.84 MI:$2.75 VA:$2.49 |
| Dozen eggs | $0.62 | CA: $2 MI: $0.48 VA: $0.98 |
| A&W Papa burger A&W Mama burger | $0.95 $0.55 | $3.99 $2.99 (only in Canada!) |
| In-state college tuition | $1410 | $20,150 |
| Movie ticket | $1.42 | $13.49 |
| Annual wage | Men: $6,860 Women: $2,250 | Men: $38,900 Women: $24,900 |
| Dollar | $1 | $6.92 |
A late addition here, and I couldn’t get this table to update:
The first KOA in Billings, Montana charged $1.75 when it opened in the mid-60s. I just tried to book at the same place for a tent campsite. $55 a night! Maybe the campground business IS the future!
Back on June 26, I showed you how you could buy yourself a KOA. Too easy? Then check out how to BUILD one.
Marge Binder's Epic Adventure 