A thought-provoking question posed by a former student and colleague has reignited reflections on personal and family history. The query, “What is one change that has been significant from the time you were a child until now?” prompted a deep dive into the past, particularly the life of my great-grandfather, Elmer Schmoyer, who was born in 1870. Spanning an impressive century of change, his life offers a fascinating lens through which to consider the evolution of society.
Elmer lived through a period marked by tremendous innovation and historical events, including both World Wars. He passed away in 1973, the same year I graduated from high school. This connection between our timelines offers a unique perspective on how much the world has transformed. For instance, he missed witnessing the Spanish-American War in 1898 as a young man of 28, and yet, he later followed the progress of World War I and World War II from the comfort of his living room, thanks to the advent of television.
A Legacy of Historical Context
Elmer’s life was interwoven with significant historical milestones. His career trajectory included his son, who worked at the Trojan Powder Company, a manufacturer of explosives during both World Wars. Furthermore, my father served in the 64th Topographers Division, which played a vital role in strategizing the island-hopping campaign in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The layers of history that Elmer navigated are a testament to the dramatic shifts that have occurred over the decades.
Reflecting on this legacy, I recalled a vivid childhood memory of fishing with Elmer at Lake Muhlenberg when I was just seven years old. Even at the age of 92, he was adventurous enough to take me out in what he affectionately referred to as “the machine.” His reflections and stories have shaped my understanding of history and the impact of change over time.
In responding to my colleague’s question, I highlighted the shift in information accessibility as one of the most significant changes since my childhood. Today, the volume and variety of information available to us is unprecedented. While this access can be empowering, it often leads to challenges in discerning fact from fiction. For many, the information landscape is cluttered with misleading and sensationalized narratives that can confuse rather than inform.
The Evolution of Media and Communication
Growing up, my family navigated a simpler media environment. With only a handful of television channels to choose from—specifically channels 3, 6, and 10—my sisters and I would often argue over what to watch. The experience was straightforward; one could rely on the credibility of journalists like Walter Cronkite, who delivered the news with integrity. The absence of smartphones, social media, and the relentless noise of modern media allowed for a clearer focus on factual reporting.
Today, the landscape is vastly different. Those in positions of power leverage media platforms not just to inform, but to shape opinions and manipulate public perception. This evolution has resulted in a more fragmented society, where individuals often struggle to navigate the complexities of information. As I concluded my reflections, I suggested that adapting to these changes requires active engagement and critical thinking.
As I ponder the past half-century, I can’t help but wonder what insights Elmer would have offered about the world today. His experience, filled with history and change, might have led him to question the reliability of the “machine” we rely on for information. Would he have asked, “Does it still start?” This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing challenge of addressing the reliability of modern communication.
In sharing this journey through memory and reflection, I aim to highlight the importance of understanding our past as a means of navigating the present. The lessons learned from family history are invaluable, particularly in an era where the truth can be obscured by noise. John Schmoyer is a retired U.S. history and American government teacher, and his views here represent his individual perspective.
