Holiday Park and Mayfair Park (1982-1992)
Champaign, Illinois

The boombox was my generation's jukebox. 

Instead of stocking up on coins to feed the nearest jukebox, it was all about keeping a steady supply of D batteries on hand to power the nearest boombox. Toting that portable stereo on your side or shoulder meant freedom, especially before holding that coveted driver's license to cruise town with the windows down and the volume up. 

My childhood home - on William Street in Champaign’s Holiday Park neighborhood - was walking distance to my grade school, Kenwood. Those school grounds were such a fixture among the kids who grew up there that many of my classmates still call each other "Kenwood!" as nicknames. It was a badge of honor to say we’re Kenwood material where boomboxes of all shapes and sizes shaped our childhoods.

Hanging out in the park? Bring the boombox. 

Shooting hoops at the house or the courts? Get out the boombox. 

Riding bikes to the dirt hills or Centennial Park? Break out that boombox.

Mine was a bright red Magnavox dual-cassette player/recorder. You should know about this infamous boombox and others from the neighborhoods where I grew up:

• Boombox Series: Part I (1982-1986)

• Boombox Series: Part II (1986-1988)

• Boombox Series: Part III: 1988-1990)

• Boombox Series: Part IV (1991-1992)