Readers Remember

I have seen the galloping emergence of science and technology. My father bought an early automobile with skinny tires, a crank to start it, and isinglass windows to snap on when it rained. Only the wealthy had refrigerators. Most had iceboxes laden with huge blocks of ice that melted. Planes were propeller-driven and very expensive. Most traveled by bus or train, the noisy engine belching smoke.

After World War II, factories churned out cars, appliances, etc. Tiny TV screens made their debut. As children we read the Buck Rogers cartoon in the newspapers; then space travel became a reality. Computers were introduced, huge monstrosities then. Later, the public flocked to buy smaller ones. I marvel at the strides of science and medicine, all the cures, new instruments, medications, operating techniques, antibiotics. The 20th century was wonderful. Hurrah for the 21st century!

ANNE P. STEVENS

Palm Desert

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I was 12 years old and it was Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941. My younger brother and I were walking up a steep hill in the South Bronx when a newsboy appeared, hawking newspapers, shouting, “Wuxtree, wuxtree, read all about it! Japs attack Pearl Harbor!” I thought to myself, “Where is Pearl Harbor?”

BOB FRIER

From the Internet

What do you recall most about the 20th century? In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts. We will publish as many as we can on this page until the end of the year. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com. We regret we cannot acknowledge individual submissions. Letters may be edited for space.