Kangaroos Loose in the Top Paddock
BOAC poster, 1970s
I went to grammar school in Melbourne, Australia. For some unknown reason, airline bags were the “in” thing to have. Looking back, this makes no sense. Why do 9-year-old children need to look like they spend their time jet setting around the world? Perhaps it was the one thing that stood out in a sea of grey uniforms. I had a BOAC bag that I proudly took to school each day. I also had a BOAC poster in my bedroom, perhaps again, to show my interest in international travel.
I came back to the U.S. when I started the 6th grade. This is the worst time to show up with an Australian accent. At that age, everyone wants to fit in. I was asked repeatedly in the halls to “say something.” I also sucked at American football. I had learned Aussie Rules Football. The rules are different, for example throwing the ball is not allowed and a player cannot get caught holding the ball. The first time I caught the ball on an American field, I immediately kicked it away. Not good I learned. I was Cracker Jack at cricket, but that skill was rather useless at Clayton Middle School in Reno, Nevada.
I continue to mix up English versus American spelling. But, by the time I reached high school, I lost my accent and knew that I could throw a football. And I didn’t bring my BOAC flight bag to school.
my BOAC school bag
my BOAC poster, 1973
Abram Games, BOAC poster
Abram Games, BOAC poster
Dick Negus and Philip Sharland, BOAC poster, 1954
Aldo Cosomati, BOAC poster
BOAC poster, 1963
BOAC poster, 1953
K.M. Adelman, BOAC poster
BOAC poster, 1970s
Tags: 1953, 1963, Abram Games, Australia, BOAC, British Overseas Airways Corporation
