Checking out the Garden State from the sky.

Although drones and Google Earth may have taken the novelty out of aerial photos, it wasn't all that long ago when one of the more attention-getting illustrations a business could have for a postcard was a picture of its location captured from an airplane. But it was photography from an even higher vantage point that went from eye-pleasing to humankind-helping.

NASA's earliest satellites in the 1960s provided photos of weather systems allowing meteorologists to more accurately track and predict hurricanes and typhoons. According to nasa.gov, advancements in technology (and its miniaturization) allowed future satellites "to measure the 3-D properties of clouds, smoke and other pollutants in the atmosphere; the speed and direction of wind near the ocean surface; the precise elevation and shape of Earth's surface; and changes in Earth's polar ice sheets."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

The site goes on to note that "airborne observations conducted by NASA played a critical role in helping scientists understand why the Antarctic ozone depletion was occurring - through a connection between meteorology, aerosol/cloud chemistry, and industrially produced chlorine. These findings dramatized the significance of environmental change." The 1988 Montreal Protocol, an international agreement requiring the signatory nations to employ nondestructive alternatives to CFCs, was one of the important results of this research.

While not taken from quite so high, these vintage photos provide a look at New Jersey from above from years gone by. And, here are links to some other galleries you may enjoy.

Vintage photos of N.J. from above

Vintage aerial photos of N.J.

Vintage N.J. photos that deserve a second look

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Pets throughout New Jersey await adoption.

Here is this week's collection of some of the dogs and cats in need of adoption in New Jersey.

We are now accepting dogs and cats to appear in the gallery from nonprofit shelters and rescues throughout New Jersey. If a group wishes to participate in this weekly gallery on nj.com, please contact Greg Hatala at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

"They come runnin' just as fast as they can, 'cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man." -- ZZ Top, 1983

What would stylish young gents who graduated from high school in 1977, like me, be wearing that year?

According to thetrendspotter.net, the late '70s saw hippie looks fade and disco styles emerge. "Brought on by a wave of new music and inspired by stylish celebrities who spent their nights at Studio 54, '70s disco fashion was glamorous and exciting."

The site noted that '70s disco fashion "often featured three-piece suits in a range of colours with wide lapels, wide-leg or flared pants, and high-rise waistcoats. Other notable elements included aviator sunglasses and specs, wide and bold neckties, and long, pointed shirt collars."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

As I recall, for a night at the disco, guys would take unbuttoned shirts to an extreme. And, the patterns and colors of polyester shirts and slacks make some of us cringe to admit we actually wore that stuff back then.

But, I'd say we have all worn an outfit or two that we consider cringe-worthy today.

Here's a gallery of photos of men, women, boys and girls in New Jersey dressed in the styles of the times. And also, some links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of what people wore in N.J.

Vintage photos of fashions and styles in N.J.

Vintage photos of styles and fashions in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Some of the many homeless animals in New Jersey awaiting adoption.

Profile: Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue Society

Courtesy of Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue 

Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue Society in Milltown describes its mission as "providing a safe and peaceful haven for homeless, abandoned or abused animals. We will help decrease the number of cats and dogs being destroyed in kill shelters through the work of our foster, spay/neuter, trap-neuter-return, and education programs."

The rescue group was founded In 2010 by sisters Christie and Michelle Arlotta after, as they put it, "10 years of envisioning helping animals in some way." Christie Arlotta left a career as an engineer to start the rescue while Michelle has continued her professional photography while also working with her sister.

With the support of volunteers and donors, the group maintains an adoption center at 39 S. Main St. in Milltown, hosts adoption events at pet supply stores and educational and support events including spay/neuter and microchip clinics while continuing to rescue cats and dogs.

The nonprofit group will hold a fundraising event, "Paws for Celebration," on April 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pierre's of South Brunswick, 582 Georges Road in Monmouth Junction. Tickets are $65 per person which includes a vegetarian dinner and silent auction, a gift bag and custom wine glass. For more information and tickets, go to karmacatzendog.org/support/pfc/.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

The first brewery in New Jersey was established in what is now Hoboken in the 1640s.

Do you like beer? More specifically, are you a fan of the lesser known varieties? If so, you're in the right state.

According to newjerseycraftbeer.com, as of Jan. 2019 there are 100 microbreweries and 18 brewpubs in a state known more for its tomatoes than its hops.

A microbrewery, for the sake of this list, is a beer producer not marketed on a national or major regional level.

In New Jersey, microbreweries stretch from one end of the state to the other. The beer lover could find a microbrewery in each of the state's 21 counties. They range from Angry Erik Brewing in Sussex County to Cold Spring Brewery in Cape May. The brewpubs - a drinking establishment with its own attached brewery - can also be found from one end of the state to the other.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey.

Beer is foaming over in New Jersey; in addition to these 118 establishments, the site lists 27 "soon-to-be-approved startups" and 19 more in the early stages of development.

Here's a gallery of photos where people from the past could grab a cold one or other adult beverages to wet one's whistle. And here are links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of bars and taverns in NJ

Vintage photos of taverns and bars in N.J.

Vintage photos of bars and watering holes in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Animals throughout New Jersey await adoption.

Profiles: Kimmy's Safe Haven Rescue

Courtesy of Kimmy's Safe Haven 

Kimmy's Safe Haven Rescue is a nonprofit organization located in Little Egg Harbor Township. Kim Brown started fostering and volunteering with rescues in 2013. She quickly fell in love, adopting her first two fosters and continued to foster others.

In 2015 she lost her younger brother to suicide; Matthew had suffered from bipolar disorder. "I needed something to help me deal with the loss of my brother," she said, and found her calling in helping animals that were suffering locally.

Kimmy's Safe Haven particularly focuses on abused, neglected, abandoned and feral animals. "We currently have roughly 80 animals in our rescue," said Brown. "Some have been with us a short time and others a long time due to health issues and special needs. Many of these animals would not stand a chance without the rescue and they all carry a special place in her heart."

For more information on the nonprofit, go to kimmyssafehavenrescue.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

The well-known from well back.

The concept of "celebrity" in the 21^st century is drastically different from what it was mere decades ago. Considering it's not far-fetched for your neighbor to have a reality TV show, Andy Warhol wasn't far off when he said in 1968: "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes."

In a 2016 article in Psychology Today, Jill Neimark noted that "Fame ain't what it used to be. Celebrities are borne aloft on images marketed, sold, and disseminated with a rapidity and cunning unimagined by the heroes of old, and then just as quickly cast aside." She quotes Leo Braudy, professor of English at the University of Southern California and author of "The Frenzy of Renown": "We're in the Kleenex phase of fame. We see so much of people, and in all branches of the media. We blow our nose on every new star that happens to come along and then dispose of them."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

So, perhaps social media bears much of the blame. Fame, once rooted in accomplishment, is now often measured in "likes." Multiple Tony-Award nominee Kelli O'Hara might have summed it up best in the fewest words: "I don't want to be famous for being famous."

Here's a gallery of photos of well-known people from the past in New Jersey. And here are links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of famous folks from N.J.

Vintage photos of celebrities when they were young in N.J.

More vintage photos of celebs from N.J. when they were young

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Animals through New Jersey await adoption.

Profile: Sammy's Hope

Courtesy of Sammy's Hope 

Sammy's Hope in Sayreville became a formal animal welfare organization in September 2010. The organization grew out of five years of volunteer efforts at the Edison Animal Shelter by one of its co-founders, Elda Hubbard.

Hubbard's focus and concern was on pit bulls, typically considered unadoptable and not made available to the public. With the permission of the municipality, she was able to facilitate adoptions for some of these dogs.

The rescue's name came from one of the dogs in the shelter, Samson ("Sammy" for short), a large brindle pit bull/boxer mix that exemplified all of the good qualities of the often-misunderstood breed.

Soon the rescue began taking in cats in addition to dogs. Among the things Sammy's Hope did to make life a little easier for the felines was to provide soft bedding, toys, consistent diets, grooming and play sessions.

In the fall of 2014, the Sammy's Hope Board learned of an opportunity to lease space in an existing but unused shelter facility in Sayreville. Sammy's Hope Animal Welfare & Adoption Center (SHAWAC) had its grand opening on Feb. 26, 2015, and since then has been providing adoption services for shelter animals, helping to relieve overcrowded conditions at area municipal animal shelters.

The animals in the care of Sammy's Hope receive medical care (including vaccinations, testing and spay/neuter surgery), and socialization and behavior training as needed. There is particular focus on animals that have been in shelters for especially long periods, those being overlooked for adoption for any number of reasons and those whose behaviors may be hindering their adoption. 

It's the belief at Sammy's Hope that by offering more focused behavior support, frequent human and animal socialization, the chances and opportunities to place homeless dogs and cats in loving forever homes increase vastly.

In 2018, Sammy's Hope placed 156 dogs and cats of various breeds in homes; some 532 animals have been placed since opening. The adoption center, located at 1400 Main St. in Sayreville, is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go to sammyshope.org.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

We didn't even give them a second thought.

I recall a point made in the 1970s that was meant to illustrate how quickly technology advanced in the 20^th century - how someone who was 10 years old when man first achieved powered flight watched man walk on the moon at age 76.

The Texas Instruments TI30 calculator, introduced in 1976.Courtesy of Distejon 

But, if you look at a 75-year stretch in any century since the 1700s, you'll see similar leaps for mankind. I'd argue that space flight, while amazing, doesn't necessarily supersede other advancements of humankind in industry, inventions or ideas.

For example, on that spacecraft that landed on the moon, there was a guidance computer that had, according to consumereports.org, exactly 64 kilobytes of memory and a microprocessor speed of 0.043 megahertz. The latest iPhone can be purchased with 512 GIGAbytes of memory, and if my math is right, that's 536,870,912 kilobytes. Its microprocessor operates at 2.49 GIGAhertz and let's just say that's the difference between walking and the speed of light.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

And that was in less than 50 years.

As time flies by, it's easy to forget things that were matter-of-fact parts of our lives in the 1960s and 1970s, when Apollo missions were going to the moon with those teensy computers. Here's another installment of things that may have slipped from our memory ... and I don't know about you, but my memory isn't measured in giga, mega or kilobytes - it just bites.

And here are links to other galleries you'll like.

Vintage photos of things you may have forgotten about

Vintage photos of things that have changed - for better or worse

Vintage photos of how things have changed in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey await adoption.

Courtesy of New Beginnings Animal Rescue 

New Beginnings Animal rescue in East Brunswick has announced that it will be closing its location at 706R Cranbury Road.

Barbara Keegan, New Beginnings president and shelter director, noted that the nonprofit group had been at the Cranbury Road location since February 2014 and will relocate to a yet-to-be-named space in the near future.

"Without the overhead and expense of operating at this location we will be able to expand our areas of community outreach," said Keegan, "by stepping up our assistance with Trap/Neuter/Return programs, offering a community pet food bank for needy families and rescue groups and providing referral assistance for pet issues."

Keegan pointed out that the rescue will not be leaving the current facility until every animal in its care is placed in a home. New Beginnings will continue to rescue animals, utilizing foster homes until a new location is opened.

For more information and future updates, go to nbarnj.org.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

"School is a building with four walls - with tomorrow inside." - Lon Watters

This gallery features a handful of vintage photos of school days in New Jersey. Although it includes snapshots of public and parochial school students, I thought it might be interesting to share a timeline of some important actions in public education in New Jersey. (Sources: New Jersey School Boards Association, New Jersey Department of Education)

*    In 1855, there were 29 townships with free (public) schools. The State Board of Education was established in 1866; rules for teacher certification were established the following year. Most classes during this time period had 45 to 50 pupils in the room, and some had as many as 72.

*    In 1871, the State Legislature passed an act making all of the public schools in New Jersey entirely free. New Jersey became the last state in the nation to abolish rate bills and tuition payments. In 1894, a law was passed requiring districts to pay for textbooks and instructional materials, making public schools truly free.

*    In 1900, kindergarten was made part of the public school system.

*    It became mandatory in 1907 for each district to provide school facilities for children between the ages of 5 and 20, as many had not yet established high schools.

*    New Jersey was the first state in the country, in 1909, to enact a tenure law to govern the hiring and firing of school employees.

*    In 1910 a law was adopted mandating special education for children who were judged to be three or more years below "normal."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

*    Spurred on by the low standards of physical fitness observed among entrants to the U.S. Army during World War I, the state passed a law in 1917 establishing physical training for all school pupils except kindergarten students.

*    New Jersey's collective bargaining law was amended in 1968 to include employees in the public sector, including school employees.

*    In 1985, the State Legislature set the minimum teacher salary at $18,500; the law on the books for decades had set it at $2,500, although it had not been adhered to. Prior to the legislation, the average starting salary for a teacher was $14,900.

Here's a gallery of photos of school days in New Jersey. And also, some links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of another school year in N.J.

Vintage photos of returning to school in N.J.

Vintage photos of education in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Pause for these paws in need of adoption.

Profile: South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter

Courtesy of the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter 

The South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter in Vineland is operated by the Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CCSPCA), a nonprofit organization founded in 1891 and incorporated in 1947.

According to director of operations Kathleen Leary, "The SPCA was the only law enforcement agency authorized solely for the protection of animals. Each year our cruelty agents investigated nearly 1,000 reports of animal abuse and neglect. Many times we were able stop abuse through education, however, other cases require prosecuting the guilty parties." The shelter came about as part of these activities.

In 2018, new legislation was enacted that dissolved the NJSPCA and its chapters and put the enforcement of state Anti-Animal Cruelty statues completely in the hands of the County Prosecutors' Office.

The money to finance the current shelter comes from fees charged to municipalities to house their stray animals, fees charged to adopt, reclaim or release an animal to us, dues, donations, grants, fund-raisers and bequests from caring individuals.

"Each year our humane education programs, offered free to schools and community groups, reach thousands, teaching basic pet care, safety and the understanding that all living creatures deserve our respect," said Leary. "Each year our clinic provides the general public and thousands of animals access to our low-cost spay and neuter services. In addition to sheltering and protecting animals, the shelter also acts as a clearinghouse for the thousands of phone calls requesting information on animal related issues and problems."

The shelter is located at 1244 N. Delsea Drive and is open Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, go to southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

The places we went for eats and treats.

Before supermarkets, people patronized a variety of stores to shop for the staples of daily life. Sometimes, in fact, staples were delivered to one's doorstep.

Specialty food stores have made a modern comeback, true, but it's an option for today's shopper. In "the old days" making separate stops at the butcher, baker, fishmonger, etc., was the only way to shop.

My mother, who turned 94 in November, was kind enough to make a list of the places she and her mother went when she was a young girl. She also noted the businesses that made home deliveries.

Photo courtesy of the Hatala family 

The milkman would deliver fresh milk and cream. A trip to Zucca's Bakery was necessary for bread and, occasionally, bakery treats. The ice man would make regular deliveries because not many people owned an electric refrigerator at the time. The Morello meat truck would visit with fresh cuts and ground beef. My mother grew up on a poultry farm; the egg man would come by to pick up the daily output. A truck from Frasco and Cavallo brought chicken feed.

The laundry man would come by to see if any dress clothes needed cleaning or mending. The insurance man would visit to collect payments. Mr. Lipman would stop by once a week with sewing needs - thread, needles and a selection of fabric. The fish man would also visit once a week, on Friday, of course. The newspaper would come daily and the coal company would come by regularly with deliveries.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

And each would bring news of what was going on around Vineland. Social media, 1930s style.

Trips to town might include a visit to Morvay's Market for fresh produce and Friedman's Bakery for fresh rye bread.

Some might say that these processes were far from the convenience of supermarkets. And I might answer that unscrewing the cap from a wine bottle is far more convenient than pulling a cork. Generations have come and gone that have never experienced a life like that. I'd say that's the cost of convenience.

Here's a gallery of photos of vintage food stores and bakeries in New Jersey. And also, some links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of small food stores in N.J.

Vintage photos of ice cream and candy stores in N.J.

Vintage photos of foods for every taste in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey await adoption at shelters and rescues.

Here is this week's collection of some of the dogs and cats in need of adoption in New Jersey.

If you run or work for a nonprofit animal shelter or rescue group, consider listing your dogs and cats in this weekly gallery.

Participation in the gallery is free of charge for New Jersey shelters and rescues. You can submit one or two dogs and cats each week, with information similar to that shown in the captions.

The "N.J. pets in need" gallery reaches tens of thousands or people throughout New Jersey every week and posts in all 21 county pages on nj.com. For more information on how to start appearing in this weekly gallery, please contact Greg Hatala at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Mysteries from a long time ago can still be solved with the assistance of tips, DNA technology and other forensic advances.

On May 21, 1989, the television show "America's Most Wanted" presented a treatment of a case that had been unsolved for 18 years, John List's 1971 murder of his family in Westfield. Featured on the program was a bust by forensic artist Frank Bender depicting how he believed List would look at the time.

It was a remarkable likeness; tips flooded in with one particular call from a former neighbor leading to List's arrest in Richmond, Virginia, only 10 days after the show aired.

America's Most Wanted had been on the air for just over one season; this was its first mega-high profile capture and led to a network run of 23 years for the program.

Not all crimes and mysteries result in such a conclusion. Among those included in this gallery are crimes that have never been solved.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

This is just a sampling of crimes and mysteries through the years in New Jersey. Included are a number of missing persons cases that are still unresolved; yet even after long periods, sometimes decades, the List case showed us that mysteries can be solved with the assistance of tips, DNA technology and other forensic advances.

The New Jersey State Police maintain a website with unresolved missing persons cases at www.njsp.org/unidentified/; the National Clearinghouse for Science, Technology and the Law has a page of links related to New Jersey cities and counties with unresolved cases at ncstl.org/education/newjersey.

And check out these other historical galleries:

This month in N.J. history: March

This month in N.J. history: April

This month in N.J. history: May

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey await adoption from shelters and rescues.

Profile: Randolph Regional Animal Shelter

 

The Randolph Regional Animal Shelter, located in Mendham's India Brook Park at 97 Ironia Road, is a 4,200-square-foot municipal facility. Formerly part of The Seeing Eye's kennel facilities, the shelter serves the towns of Mendham Township, Mendham Borough, Randolph, Rockaway Borough and Dover.

It is operated by township staff and a core group of volunteers who have made it their mission to provide humane care for stray, abandoned and injured animals. They include Erika Barkman, head animal control officer and animal cruelty investigator, shelter manager Sunny Nowell, shelter assistant Christina Campanello, animal control officer Al Alpaugh and Claudine Cheung, president of the Friends of Randolph Animal Pound.

While every animal taken in receives the best care possible, the ultimate goal of shelter personnel is to find a loving, stable home for each animal in its care.

The facility features 26 dog runs, eight separate cat kennels and dedicated isolation and quarantine rooms with a separate HVAC system to prevent the spread of disease.

Pets available for adoption may be seen at the shelter or previewed online at petfinder.com/member/us/nj/mendham/randolph-regional-animal-shelter-nj12/. The adoption fee is $50 for dogs and cats and $150 for kittens.

For more information about the shelter and for directions, go to randolphregionalanimalshelter.org.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

The fine art of doing nothing and having fun.

It's a common theme in popular music - hanging out, looking for something to do.

"Hanging out on Second Avenue, eating chicken vindaloo
I just want to be with you, I just want to have something to do" - "I Just Want to Have Something to Do" (1978) the Ramones

"Hanging out, down the street, the same old thing we did last week.
Not a thing to do, but talk to you" - "In the Street" (1992) Big Star

"I don't mind you hanging out and talking in your sleep" - "Just What I Needed" (1978) the Cars

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

"Do you ever still think of me and the way that we used to be
When the world was just you and me, hanging out in our shelter" - "Shelter" (2012) The Beach Boys

"If you're in Charleston look out for a woman hanging out in a bright red Cadillac
She took my money, she left me crying and I don't know will I ever make it back?" - "Yolanda" (1974) Bobby "Blue" Bland

"We used to be best friends hanging out in the parking lot like the day would never end." - "Take Me Back" (2002) Lisa Loeb

Here's a look at folks from throughout New Jersey just hanging out. And, here are links to other galleries you might enjoy.

Vintage photos of 'hangin' out' in N.J.

Vintage photos of people 'hangin' out' in N.J.

Vintage N.J. candid photos

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey await adoption at shelters and rescues.

Spring Boutique Vendor and Craft Show to benefit Montville Pet Parents and Montville Animal Shelter

Montville Pet Parents will sponsor a Spring Boutique Vendor and Craft Show on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Montville Senior House.

Shoppers will find items from specialty foods to children's and adult clothing, jewelry, cooking items and more. The event will also feature basket raffles; ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

All proceeds benefit the care of animals at the Montville Animal Shelter.

The Montville Senior House is located at 356 Route 202 in Montville, next to the public safety building.

If you can't get to the event but want to make a tax-deductible donation, go to montvillepetparents.org or mail a donation to: Montville Pet Parents, PO Box 231, Pine Brook, NJ 07068.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Some were chic ... and some were weak.

In his book "Retromania," rock critic and music memorabilia collector Simon Reynolds asserts that "there's never been a society so obsessed with the cultural artifacts of its own immediate past" as ours.

It has gotten a little strange. While smartphone cameras offer technical capabilities that professional photographers could only dream of not long ago, apps like Instagram allow users to turn a new photo into something that looks like a faded relic of the '60s and '70s ... an appearance we were often dissatisfied with in the '60s and '70s.

Hollywood appears to be on a quest to remake every film made more than 25 years ago; musicians apply high-tech filters to their music to make it sound more like the low-tech tunes of the past. Collectors pay top dollar for toys and household items that could be had for a quarter at yard sales a generation ago.

Studies have been done to attempt to explain this, and the results are often open-ended. I tend to agree with something Dr. Art Markman, a psychology and marketing professor at the University of Texas at Austin wrote on huffpost.com way back in 2011.

"Lots of the specific things that are happening right now involve the petty annoyances that you have to deal with to navigate daily life," wrote Markman. "There are bills to be paid, stacks of laundry to be done, tests to be taken and errands to run. When you think about the past, those petty annoyances don't come up. So, all you think about are the great times you had."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

There's probably something to that, for most people. Recently, I posted an old home movie of the long-gone Vineland traffic circle on one of that city's Facebook pages. Scores of folks weighed in with nostalgic memories; one, however, was able to view it without filters. "That circle" she wrote, "was my nemesis as a new driver!"

Here are more items from the 1960s and 1970s that we bring back memories - good or bad - from days gone by. And here are links to other galleries you might enjoy.

Vintage photos of everyday items from the '60s and '70s you might have forgotten

Vintage photos of things that have changed - for better or worse

Vintage photos of N.J. Americana

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey await adoption.

Profile: Animal Welfare Association

Courtesy of the Animal Welfare Association 

The Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees was founded in October 1948 by local residents who were appalled by the conditions they saw at local for-profit pounds at the time. The group held their first meeting in a living room and called themselves "Baby Animal Welfare."

In 1960, AWA became the third organization in the United States to be accepted into the Humane Society of the United States' affiliate program for adhering to humane standards. Two years later, Charles Clausing, AWA's president, appeared in front of the House of Representatives concerning a bill on stealing pets from homes and the pound for research. It was part of his testimony that later became the Animal Welfare Act.

The group's shelter in Voorhees was built in 1966 and the AWA opened the region's first low-cost spay/neuter clinic in 1974. In the 1980s the group began a structured program where volunteers would bring animals to local nursing homes on a regular basis.

Today, the Animal Welfare Association has 942 active volunteers. Its clinic performed 8,081 spay/neuter surgeries and gave vaccinations to 6,958 pets in the community at a low cost in 2017 and more than 2,500 pets found homes through the AWA Adoption Center.

For more information about the nonprofit group, go to awanj.org.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.