Most of the time in the sixties we only had one car, so getting around wasn’t easy. It was easier for us to take a bus to Trenton to see a movie or a train to Manhattan to hang around Greenwich Village. Since we were only making about $2.00 an hour, we were too young to drive, and there was no other way to get around, we had to hitchhike. It was easy and safe then. My friends and I would hitchhike to pick apples in the Fall for money, or use our thumbs to get around to visit each other or go home a girlfriend’s house.

We simply faced approaching traffic, stuck the hand out closest to the road, pointed our thumb, and waited for someone to pick us up. A couple of tips for hitchhikers: Always be walking. Riders are always more willing to pick up kids who are putting in some effort themselves. Look at them in the eye as they approach with a pleasant smile on your face. No one wants to pick up an unlikable person. Before you climb into their car, kick off the bottom of your shoes — no one wants their carpets getting dirty. Be very polite and always thank them for the ride. Most people who pick up riders are outgoing people, so expect to have a civil conversation about who you are and where you’re going.  Never ever show animosity to drivers who don’t pick you up, by flipping them the bird as they continue on. Many a hitcher has been threatened or abused by drivers who make a habit of looking in the rear view mirror as they pass to see if they can take out their frustrations on you. I rarely hitchhiked alone and was picked up by a variety of people: teens, truck drivers, traveling salesmen, young mothers with kids in the car, even a policeman who happened to be going my way.