Nostalgic 'Star Wars' site lets you relive all your fuzzy Jedi memories
This is the nostalgia-bomb you were looking for.
About 10 years ago, '70s kid Tom Berges was searching through his old family photos when he discovered a treasure trove of memories filled with Star Wars memorabilia -- from giant Millennium Falcon toys to C-3PO Halloween costumes to the quintessential iron-on T-shirt of the 1970s.
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"I thought, it can't be just me with these photos. Wouldn't it be cool if we could compile a library of these childhood Star Wars related photos from a bunch of people?" Berges told Mashable in an email.
He created the website, I Grew Up Star Wars, where any lifelong Star Wars fan can submit childhood photos of themselves sporting their fan pride.
The website has undergone some reconstruction since its inception and has moved to a new home. Berges is still updating the new site with all the photos he has received so far, which totals to more than 1,000. At the moment, he receives one or two submissions weekly.
"The photos you see on the site are the memories of our collective childhoods with the magic that was the early years with Star Wars," Berges said.
Anyone seeing these photos can probably pick out their own similar experiences from when they themselves were all just tiny Padawans, such as opening up their favorite action figure on Christmas or their birthday. Or, perhaps dressing up as Boba Fett or Princess Leia on Halloween.
"It's a walk down memory lane," Berges said. "It's like a fuzzy, warm nostalgic blanket."
Berges is always looking for submissions, so he encourages all Star Wars nerds to submit their precious memories by via email, which can be found on the website.
"Deanna’s birthday 1978! It looks like she’s got special guests. It’s kinda rude that they are standing on the cake, but it looks like Deanna doesn’t mind that too much."
"What a day to remember! Who could forget the fearsome helmet, the jet black cape, the disco codpiece, and the boombox chestbox??? Are we talking about the same Vader?!?"
"Dan looks pretty pleased with this year’s birthday cake! Great job on the cake by the way, the Jabba looks delicious! I wonder what Jabba tastes like…never mind."
"This photo is awesome! No it’s not the fact that Dan is wearing a Wicket the Ewok mask, even though that’s awesome and everything! No, it’s the fact that Dan is sporting a shirt that looks EXACTLY like Bert’s shirt from Sesame Street! THAT IS AWESOME!"
"Dan visits Mann’s Chinese Theater and of course the stars of Star Wars’s footprint. Artoo, See Threepio, and of course Darth Vader! Extra points awarded for the sweet Ghost-Busters tank Dan."
"Alex stands in from of the legendary Wampa! I hope he’s not hungry…"
"Chris and See-Threepio enjoy some Christmas cheer! 1980"
"I mean…did you see the photo? EPIC!"
"Mike celebrates his good fortune! Those letters to Santa, the begging, the pleading! That’s all paid off now. The Falcon is finally here, and it’s a dream. Merry Christmas, indeed!"
"Robyn smiles among the Star Wars toys – 1978"
"Paul of course is the cat on the far right sporting the Star Wars t-shirt. Take a moment and let this photo sink in. This friends is what the late 70’s was all about for kids like Paul, and I. Arcade games, Star Wars, and your buddies. FAR OUT! It’s my turn to play Stunt Cycle, so clear out!"
"Stefanie loves Star Wars toys too! Well, Star Wars boxes anyway. This Rebel Transport box is more fun than the toy…at least that’s what Stefanie thinks."
"Scot (Han), and his sister are ready for Halloween! It looks like the home-made Sandcrawler is ready to go too!"
"Stefanie versus an AT-AT? It seemed like a good idea at the time I suppose. I can’t help but think that youung Stefanie was the winner in this battle of childhood hilarity!"
"Finn is battle ready aboard his X-Wing, prepared to take on Imperial forces. If not, well he surely looks the part! Photographic enhancements courtesy of yours truly…"
Topics Star Wars
Andrea Romano -- comedy writer, craft enthusiast, lady -- was a Watercooler Reporter. She worked as an intern at Mashable beginning in January 2014. Andrea recently completed her Masters degree in Media Studies and Film from The New School and writes sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade and The People's Improv Theatre. She once watched three Paul Rudd movies in a row on a bicoastal flight and didn't realize it until she landed. She does things like that a lot. Twitter: @theandrearomano
