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Remember When A Car Wash Was A Family Affair?

In the 1950's, a car wash was a family affair. A family actually worked together cleaning the family car.

On any Summer weekend, it was easy to find a family enjoying a creekside picnic. The little kids were easily entertained catching tadpoles, while Mom laid out a tasty feast of country fried chicken, homemade potato salad and slaw. Dad and Junior enjoyed trying out their fishing poles. Sis would be sunning herself on a blanket and feverishly applying a tanning concoction of baby oil and iodine. Before the sun would begin to set, the family would fill buckets with water and together wash the family car.

By the 1970's, the commercial coin-operated car wash appeared. Dad would steer the car near the coin slot, while Mom would empty her coin purse. Squealing with delight, the little kids would duck when Dad sprayed the windows.

As years passed, the car wash evolved into full automation. Mom could drive the family car onto a track and, like magic, robotics would move the car through the car wash.

Today we are greeted by a car wash attendant. We get out, leave the car running and announce the level of service we desire. Floor mats are vacuum cleaned and deodorizer sprayed to cover the smell of those fast-food containers left under the seats.

The car wash has undergone many changes during its evolution. It's much faster today but sadly not much fun, at least not for those of us who remember when a car wash was a family affair!