Sentimental Journey

If I could make days last forever

If words could make wishes come true

I'd save every day like a treasure and then Again, I would spend them with you

— Jim Croce, Time in a Bottle

Many times, the aging process brings with it a sense of longing for the “good ol’ days” where we might tend to view the past more favorably than our present or future life.

But extraordinary things can happen as we advance in years. The hard edges soften, we take more things in stride than we used to, and we don’t take ourselves so seriously anymore. Just as we evolve into our older, and maybe wiser, selves, so do those places and events from our past become cozy memories to cuddle up to of Grand Avenue and 11th Street West that had phones at the table. To order, you simply picked up the phone, which rang directly into the kitchen. The switchboard operator took your order then handed the ticket to the cook. The marquee out front touted “America’s Favorite Menu” and a young girl’s smiling face beckoned us in to try the home cooked meals and the famous homemade pies. Even though the diner closed in 2005 and was replaced by the Dairy Queen, many remember the smiling welcome they got from employees there.

Likewise, the Kit Kat Café was a Billings landmark since the 1950’s with its giant black cat marquee adorning Main Street in the Heights. A popular gathering spot for friends to share a laugh and a cup of coffee, the Kit Kat was also a magical place for romance to sprout. Several years ago, when Carl Miller ordered his meal from owner Betty, he asked her out for dinner and dancing the next time he was in town. Six months later they were married and ran out the nine lives of the Kit Kat until 2001 when they sold the business. Shortly after, the Kit Kat transformed into a Taco Bell.

Skyline Club

The era of the family diner gave way to the modern world of fast food, but the memories built within its walls will remain with us - like the black cat clock with the swinging tail and the eyes looking from side to side keeping time over the pass-through window to the kitchen.

When it came to fox trotting the night away, many dance enthusiasts tripped the light fantastic at the Skyline Club, which first opened in 1944, and where the land on which it stood is now the Sky Ranch subdivision. This nightclub “on top of the Rims” was unsurpassed in its classy location. A table by the window was glamorous, where couples could watch the lights in the valley below glowing like a jeweled carpet. The mirrored band stand hosted live bands that were definitely easy to dance to. It was a place of many gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries and homecomings that are still a treasured memory for those who are lucky enough to have experienced it.

Rounding out our nostalgic journey, we travel to downtown Billings where the Fox Theater opened in

1931, the last art deco theater to be built in America. In those early years, the theater hosted live performances, new film releases, and local theatrical productions. Movie dates were the rage, where moviegoers could enjoy watching stars like Boris Karloff, Paul Robinson, and Janet Gaynor. The Fox is still in operation only now it’s known as Alberta Bair Theater, carrying on the tradition of bringing entertainment to our community.

With all this talk of sentimental places, one would think we would be sad and yearn for days of long ago. On the contrary, reminiscing can increase our sense of social support and connections.

When we recollect the places, people and events that stand out in our minds, we can experience benefits like improved mood, enhanced learning and increased social interaction, as well as memory consolidation.

Like the lyrics to the song, nostalgia for the days of dining out, dancing, and movie dates can create a fondness for rosy reflection on a time or place that we associate with happy memories. Bottom line, it’s healthy for us to re-live those moments so etched in our minds and our hearts.