That's so neat! Look at the ads and storefronts! The Joe Louis Story had just come out, the Automat, etc.

Oh, how fun. I have it on tv now as I'm getting dressed to leave....

In the fall of 1953, 62 years ago, I was a long way from New York - had never seen it!

It was the autumn following the end of the Korean "Police Action" in July.

The year 1953 was an important one in my life: I grad. from seminary, was ordained and appointed as a missionary to Korea, where we were mainly involved with helping refugees from the north get their lives restarted.

I visited New York City in '57, while taking training in upstate N.Y.

ole joyful

I was and still am jealous of those who could go to the parade and see it in the comfort of an office window.

Going to see the parade was never a family tradition for me. My DH however would take our DD's the night before to see the balloons being blown up.

Yes, the TV parade experience sure is quite different today.

I don't remember the parade, but at that time I would have been at home and gotten married a few days later, on Dec. 4th.

Sue

Wow -- I know I went to the Macy's Day parade as a kid, but in 1953 I wasn't yet one years old, and the family still lived in Kentucky.

Some interesting memories, here ... by folks, many of whom have been over a few hills and around a few corners since those days.

ole joyful

Thanks for sharing your photos from the past of the Macy's parade. I was a child in those days and remember watching fondly. Still do today.

You're very welcome, and thanks, everyone, for commenting. I remember taking those pictures very well. I was 10 years old, and it was a year after my mom died. My dad and I sat at a big window with some other people, adults and children.

Seeing the old photos you took is interesting. Love seeing the old signage. I have never seen the Macy's parade, or more than a few minutes of it on TV. Guess I am a bit of a parade curmudgeon--most seem to be more fun to be in than to watch. The giant balloons never seemed interesting to me. I have wondered sometimes if it is more the watching it with someone special, or the crowd camaraderie, the size of the balloons in person, or simply the history of the parade that attracts. Or is it a one of those things where mishaps provide the excitement?

I will watch some of the Rose Parade occasionally, but those are constructed and have artistry involved. They are colorful and varied. But it is more a background tv, glance at the one going by while I am in the room, type of watch.

I know, parade heresy. I'll go sit in the corner now. :)

Parades don't appeal to me today, but in childhood the Macy's parade was a big deal, much anticipated. My daughter and her family have gone to the parade several times in recent years. They get there a day or two early so they can watch the balloons get inflated and do some shopping. They stay in a nice hotel and have a memorable restaurant meal on Thanksgiving. They're young enough so that they don't mind the crowds and the cold and the standing, but I'm happy to stay home. :-)

1953 was pre television for our family, so I never saw the Macy's parade as a child. But in the '40s to about 1951, our mother took us to our dad's business club for the Peoria, Illinois, arrival of Santa, the day after Thanksgiving. The club made a big family to do and gave each child a net stocking with candies and little toys. We sat in front of the huge arched windows on the leather couches and chairs in our Sunday bib and tucker or at the wide window sills and watched the parade march by in all its celebratory fashion.