The 1980s were a magical era, full of big hair and even bigger attitude. There are some activities, places and products that you might have forgotten about as the years have passed. Check out some of the things that Massachusetts natives should recall from that decade.

1. Shopping trips to Filene’s Basement for that perfect matching pantsuit.
Flickr/John Blower
And rest in peace, Filene's Basement.

2. That ridiculously catchy “Spirit of Massachusetts” commercial:

3. Waiting your turn to play Oregon Trail on the one computer your classroom had.
Flickr/Stewedpeppers
And then immediately dying of dysentery.
4. When you could still swim in the glacial potholes at Shelburne Falls.
Flickr/Matthew Simoneau
This swimming hole used to be open to the public, but was closed several years ago due to risk of injury.
5. Catching a world-class show at the Cape Cod Coliseum.
Wikimedia Commons
This 7,000-seat arena once hosted acts like Van Halen, KISS, and WWE wrestling.

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6. Still waiting to Reverse the Curse.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
The Curse of the Bambino was alive and well in the 1980s. The Red Sox wouldn't win the World Series until 2004, ending an 86-year drought.
7. Turning 21 when "happy hour" was still a thing.
Flickr/Yoav Shapira
Depending on when you were born, you may have rounded the corner of adulthood when drink specials were still legal in Massachusetts.
8. The 1984 presidential election, which was the only time Massachusetts has voted Republican in the last 60 years.
Wikimedia Commons
Reagan's strongest county was Plymouth, where he claimed 60.2% of the vote. Mondale's carried Suffolk County, home to the city of Boston, where he took 62.3% of the vote.
9. When everyone thought Hurricane Gloria was going to wipe the state off the map.
Wikimedia Commons
1985's Hurricane Gloria was a massive storm that, thankfully, didn't cause as much catastrophic damage in Massachusetts as was expected. There was a small tornado in Middlesex County, however.
10. When the whole family would get together for backyard lobster bakes.
Flickr/Kent Kanouse

What other Massachusetts memories do you have from the 1980s? Share below!

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