Growing up in the country back in mid-20th century America

An advertisement for a memoir about growing up out in the country as a Baby Boomer.

Purchase the book from Amazon.
link to book FB page

A memoir about a Boomer’s rural childhood
“In the Land of Used to Be” is a lighthearted look at what life was like growing up out in the country as a Baby Boomer. Its pages transport readers back to a time before cell phones, video games, and social media, when children still had to entertain themselves. With the entire countryside as their playground, country kids explored on foot, then by bicycle — and eventually by automobile. Risk-taking and learning from consequences were woven into the fabric of their existence, maturing them and setting the trajectories of their lives.

Raised out in the country, in western Pennsylvania
Born on an Army base in Kentucky in 1953, the author Lannie Dietle was raised out in the country, along the dirt back roads of western Pennsylvania. His boyhood stories are based in Mercer County, where he grew up, and in Somerset County, where he frequently visited the remote mountain farms of his grandparents. Both counties were scenes of youthful adventures, dating, and work experiences. As an adult, Mr. Dietle was an industrial designer working in the field of hydrodynamic rotary seals.

A 20th century country coming-of-age story
From childhood recollections — such as exploring the woods and building treehouses — to teenage coming-of-age experiences — such as working for neighbors, racing and wrecking cars, and navigating the complexities of adolescence — the book captures the essence of the transformative Baby Boomer era through the eyes of a country kid. Whether it’s the Kennedy assassination, mountain traditions, technological changes, or teenage rebellion, “In the Land of Used to Be” entertains its readers with a rich tapestry of mid-20th century experiences.

No matter if you are a Baby Boomer reminiscing about growing up in the country, or an inquisitive reader seeking a window into the past, “In the Land of Used to Be” offers a refreshingly real look at a bygone era. The author’s portrayal of his country childhood is sure to evoke fond memories for fellow Baby Boomers, and is sure to provide younger generations with a better understanding of their Boomer parents and grandparents.

How to get the book
You can purchase “In the Land of Used to Be” at the main museum of the Mercer County Historical Society, or directly from Amazon books. Pleasant reading, as you learn about the childhood adventures of a 20th century country kid!

A memoir about growing up out in the country during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s.

“In the Land of Used to Be” is a memoir about a boy growing up out in the country during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. The author was raised along dirt roads in western Pennsylvania, and frequented the remote farms of his grandparents, who lived in the Allegheny Mountains. He wrote the book to answer the question, "What was it like growing up in the country as a Baby Boomer?" (ISBN-13: 979-8327495098, non-fiction, photo-illustrated.)