Watching television back in the early days of TV was much different than what it is today. Of course, the screen was tiny, 12 inches, compared to those now available. Black and white it was. We could only imagine that the tree leaves were green and that pretty dress the star of the show was wearing was candy apple red. However, we had good imaginations. After all, we had our ears tuned to the radio for a decade or so. The sound effects of that era prepared us for the magic of black and white television. We could now see what before we had only heard.

Do you remember TV lamps? Every household had one. We were warned about watching television without a small lamp placed on the top of the television cabinet. They said viewing the TV image without it would certainly cause eye strain and probably diminish our vision. I remember the TV lamp we had. It was decorated with a planter set in a black scroll framework. A small electric bulb was attached to the back of the planter to give a diffused light. The pretty green ivy in the planter made it look so stylish, or so I thought. Our eyesight was protected.

Of course, the television set was in the living room. We hadn't heard of a family room yet. The houses of that time were small: two bedrooms, one bathroom (maybe), kitchen and usually a dining room. There was definitely a living room or parlor. That room, once reserved for radio listening and conversation, was now set aside and rearranged to be primarily the television viewing room. The doors of our Spartan television set were kept closed when the TV was not in use. I don't remember why. Probably to protect the precious television screen.

Let's talk about TV trays. Every household with a television had a set of four. There were so many pretty sets on the market that it was hard to decide on just one. They were all metal trays back in the day. Ours had a tole tray with a beautiful floral design. The center was indented, probably so spilled food wouldn't roll off onto the carpet. Most living rooms had either wall to wall carpeting or a centered oriental patterned rug. The trays were detachable so they could be used for other purposes. The metal legs holding the trays folded up when not in use. It was an excellent arrangement for eating supper in front of the television set. Eating in the living room had been frowned upon before the age of television.

Television sets had tubes back then, just as the radios did. What did you do when a tube burned out? Open up the back and try to figure out which tube it was, then replace it with a new one. They didn't last long. Neither did the picture tube. That could be replaced, too. Nowadays, we take it to the landfill and buy a new set.

I was watching Flea Market Flip the other day. How surprised I was to see an old television cabinet being remade into an inside dog house. The cabinet even had the same light oak finish that ours had. The opening for the screen was empty, a pillow lined the interior and it had a side entrance for a small dog to enter. A Yorkie demonstrated how well it suited him. Yes, someone bought it. What else would you use the cabinet for nowadays?