10-cent allowance (1974/5)

When I stayed with my dad and stepmom for some unknown period of time about third grade or so, we (me, brother, step-sisters and step-brother) would get a 10-cent allowance, which I usually squandered on Old Dutch salt & vinegar potato chips, and probably some candy. I just remember the chips, though, as they were new to my American self.

I have no idea how long this period went on, or even if it happened more than once, as it was in the city of Vancouver (Canada), rather than in the (now ravaged) village of Steveston, near Richmond, where dad, stepmom et al later moved, and where I spent 4th and part of 6th grade.

By the time I lived with them in Colorado, it had gone up to 2 bucks, American this time, of course. We would walk into town (about two miles) and go to this one little shop. I would get an Archie comic digest (still a weakness of mine) and some lemon drops. (Apparently this is now a bit dangerous in Colorado.) I think there was usually a bit left over for something else as well.

I never remember getting a regular allowance with my mom.