Photo courtesy of Paula Porter The author seen here enjoying a Copper Country day in the 80s.

Summer days in the 1980’s were especially a blessed time. It was an everyday occurrence to have an exciting day. Adventures were always awaiting. We lived in the country and the experiences we would have were exciting. Between the outdoors, the garden, and a few more memorable events. Each day brought fun, happiness and joy. It never ended.

A fond memory of this particular this time of year the yearly bountiful crop of mouth watering corn. The most amazing fresh corn. We would race, play, and plant our garden in the early summer. With dreams of big pumpkins, tall corn and fresh carrots and peas serves as motivation for a young child to help out. Once the garden was all planted, then the incredibly more relaxing fun days of summer could really commence.

Flying kites was always a highlight of every summer. We would launch three or four kites at a time. Soaring high and far away. Growing an 80’s kid was non-stop excitement. Days of kites flying obviously a pure solid fun memorable event. They would be flying high and dancing and twirling occasionally with each shift in the wind current. What better way than to fully enjoy a windy day together. Bright kites make the best kind to adorn the summer sky’s. Yellow, red or bright orange.

Besides the best of the Copper Country weather, air quality and sun. We found a side job that we loved as well. We learned hard work and the value of a dollar earned. My favorite memory was more feeling of helping and contributing to the local community. Also, learning life skills that last a lifetime. The best was we would work a full day, and still have plenty of fun afterwards. As we begin at the crack of dawn to head to our strawberry farm job.

Other main activities we would do consistently outdoors was a friendly, yet competitive baseball games, bike riding, marbles. Any and every sport. Plus, plenty of other games. Our giant slip and slide ending with a gigantic pool. We all got along well. The days being super fast going by. My favorite way to have fun was nearly always doing anything outdoors. Back then being a kid was easy. Life felt easy.

Once in a while, there would be a special occasion during the summer months. It consisted of grabbing a pillow and heading to our car. Most Copper Country residents probably remember these evenings. The big car trip across the bridge locally to go to the local drive in theater. We would be thrilled. In those days there were two local drive-ins — The Lake Linden drive in theater was one and the other being in Chassell.

My first time seeing a movie was Superman starring Christopher Reeve. As long as the mosquitoes were not plentiful, then it was an amazing time. On my first few car trips I’d always slip into slumber on the way there as I was so tired out from the full day. After that cat nap, it’d be a summer night making a lifetime of memories. Superman was one of top ones. Everyone back then loved the experience of the drive in theaters. Stay in the car, or hop on the hood for awhile. Maybe grab a popcorn from the concession.

Another great memory involved our regular journies up to Fort Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor up north on a warm summer day. Walking around seeing the sights, and imagining what life was like back during the heyday of the Fort. We would grab an ice cream cone, visit the cannon and take a turn getting our own pictures with the big black cannon out in the forts yard. My personal favorite was seeing the bakery with all the homemade loaves of bread. Then the stark difference between beds and rooms of yesterday and today. Lastly, we would stop at the gift shop and take our time enjoying the current merchandise available. Each visit to the fort was a lifetime memory always. What’s your fondest memories of visiting Fort Wilkins?

Besides that visit we obviously would squeeze in a quick trip to our Copper Harbor favorites as well. Since we were right in town. Shops, the Lake Superior shore, and more fun exploring everything was a great time. Nothing was better than a trip up north together for a change of pace. Especially if we had the chance to get away from work at the berry farm. Which rarely happened. The longer car ride up north never disappointed. Always remember bug spray though in the summer.

Another favorite memory of the decade would hands down be playing flashlight tag. It was a family favorite. Warmer days were more fun to play. Each of us getting our own flashlights generally. The games would be so incredibly fun. Hiding together, hiding solo. Finding a better spot. Taking turns. Laughing and running. Pure summer night time fun. Soft grass and starry nights made it even better.

It was imperative to know and remember where everything was so it was easier to run around without running into something. That way it was easier to stay in the game longer. The games sometimes went by quickly and occasionally lasted longer. Hiding spots and getting to dodge the person searching was fun. We would play as long as we could. Flashlight tag will always reign as a champion of a lifetime summer memory. Nothing could compare barely.

One blessed July day eventually we noticed our corn crop being a sight to behold. It was growing at a record pace. The heavens blessed our garden that exact summer. The corn grew as high as ever. We would get a surplus of absolutely amazing corn that year. The biggest and best tasting ears of corn we ever had. Beating out the raccoons and picking as soon as it was ripe and ready to do so. Blessed as we were that summer. My mom also was able to sell some to local restaurants too.

Rounding out early summer memories include the festivities every Fourth of July in South Range. The whole town would be packed every year for the celebration. Watching the parade, enjoying little vanilla ice cream cups and then staying for the big fireworks display. Staying for the exciting grand finale always. My favorite being large orange or green fire works and throwing smoke bombs. Twirling or own sparkers in long circles. We would be exhausted from the long hot day, but happy from all the great fun we had all day long.

Summers of the 1980’s definitely flew by in the Copper Country. Days filled with memorable fun. Great food and summer games. Hard work, and relaxing fun. The best a fresh garden can offer, outdoor summer games, flashlight tag. The big Fourth of July celebration locally. Adventures of all kinds. Being a kid in the 1980’s was especially fun.