Fun Times and Amazing Adventures: Childhood Earnings Adventures

Growing up, making pocket money involved a range of fun and adventurous activities. Whether it was collecting and selling cans and bottles, or working on the railways selling newspapers, these experiences shaped my early years and provided me with valuable life lessons. Here are some of the memorable stories that stood out:

Collecting Cans and Bottles in Iowa

Living in Iowa presented me with a unique way to earn pocket money. In those days, you could pay a deposit on a can or bottle, then return it to receive the money back. My grandma and I, along with my siblings and cousins, would collect used soft drink bottles and sell them to the local grocers. They paid 2 to 4 cents per bottle, which was enough to buy a comic book (10 cents) or a large candy bar (5 cents).

Life got even sweeter when I moved to Niceville, Florida, in the early 1960s. The construction of a new hospital left behind a bounty of bottles, allowing me to make more than a dollar each Saturday. I was what one might call 'rolling in dough'!

Selling Newspapers on Passenger Trains

In the mid-1950s, a lot of passenger trains from Chicago would stop in Clinton, Iowa. Utilizing this opportunity, I would board these trains to sell newspapers to the passengers. On a good day, I could make as much as $5.00. While it was a little dangerous, like taking unplanned trips or two, it was undoubtedly a lot of fun and allowed me to meet many interesting people along the way.

Collecting Bottles with a Red Wagon in Rural Areas

Living in a rural area came with its own set of earning opportunities. I remember pulling a red wagon down the road to collect beer and soda pop bottles, each priced at 2￠. In just a few hours, I could fill my wagon and find a rewarding use for the money spent on candy and snacks afterward.

Early Entrepreneurship Near the Cricket Ground

Entertainment and sports were a huge part of my life, and one of the places where I made pocket money was near the Brisbane Cricket Ground. In 1960, when I was just 7 years old, I started selling food and other goodies at the ground. However, I was given a challenging product to start with—potato chips (crisps). On a hot day, something cold and less salty was more popular than the salty crisps.

Even though my parents were alcoholics and chips were often in the house, I realized that the key to success was staying away from breaking the law. Instead, I focused on legal ventures, and the opportunity to banter, joke, and be generously tipped by my customers made selling chips a memorable experience. The stands I worked at were often up for 5 days, and my business thrived, especially during the cricket tests. I was able to earn a significant amount of money in tips and even bought a new pair of football boots with the earnings. This experience taught me that being direct and engaging with customers can make all the difference in a small business.

Through these experiences, I learned the value of hard work, smart choices, and interacting with different people. These were great educational experiences that have stayed with me throughout my life.

Key Points:

Collecting bottles and cans for money in Iowa Selling newspapers on passenger trains going to and coming from Chicago Collecting bottles in a rural area using a red wagon Selling food and goods at the Brisbane Cricket Ground

These adventures not only provided a source of income but also valuable life lessons. They remind us of the importance of innovation, perseverance, and being smart with our earnings. Whether you're a kid looking to make some pocket money or an adult starting a business, there are always opportunities to learn and grow. So, keep an eye out for these little opportunities, as they can lead to big adventures!