From "Nostalgia: A Neuropsychiatric Understanding," a study on nostalgia-producing odors presented in October 1991 at the annual conference of the Association for Consumer Research by Alan R. Hirsch, M.D. As part of the study, 989 individuals were interviewed in a Chicago shopping mall; below are answers that respondents gave to the question "What odor causes you to become nostalgic?". . .
Nostalgic odors for people born in the Twenties, Thirties, and Forties
| Pine | Roses | Hot chocolate |
| Fish | Lilies | Manure |
| Honeysuckle | Violets | Attics |
| Cracker Jack | Baking bread | Soap |
| Figs | Cut grass | Blueberries |
| Cinnamon | Ocean air | Meadows |
| Hay | Clover | Petunias |
| Tweed | Meat balls | Split-pea soup |
| Fresh air | Burning leaves |
Nostalgic odors for people born during the Sixties and Seventies
| Play-doh | Chlorine | Crayons |
| Rubber fish bait | Marijuana | Tuna casserole |
| Downy fabric softener | Dirt | Smoke |
| Airplane fuel | Disinfectant | Refineries |
| Motor oil | Tacos | SweeTARTS |
| Cocoa Puffs | Urine | Garbage |
| Windex | Hair spray | Plastic |
| Ferns | Old socks | Dog waste |
| Baby aspirin | Feet | Mothballs |
| Exhaust | Mosquito repellent | Factories |
| Nail polish | Enchiladas | Candy cigarettes |
| Suntan oil | Scented Magic Markers | Burning tires |
When I first moved to Wisconsin from DC I used to get homesick when I heard police and ambulance sirens. Now that I live in LA, I am sure if I ever move from here the sound of helicopter blades will make me misty-eyed for the city of angels.
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