My first tru paying job (where they took out taxes & FICA) was at Wheeling Park in 1980. I was 13 years old. I made $1.20 an hour & could only work 12 hour a week by law. I worked at a concession stand near the playground that also rented paddleboats for the lake & clubs for mini golf. It was a natural transition for me. I had attended summer day camp at that park from age 4 until age 12. I would continue to work there every summer until I was 20 years old. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of that place.
I spent the money mostly on books that first summer, though my folks made me put part of every check into a bank account.