Did we have the same parents? I grew up in the 70s and 80s. I to got spanked on the bare bottom. Same as you, never abused, just hand spanked (about a dozen sharp spanks to the bottom). It didn't matter where we were either, if I tried anything bad in public I got it in public.
one of my more un-favorite memories was being about 6 years old, at the beach.
I was a day dreamer, when something got my attention I went with it. I started chasing some seagulls down the beach, then I started looking at the neat shells. One thing lead to another and I wondered far away (I really don't remember all of this, but when my parents tell the story, I was gone for like 30 minutes). When I got back I saw my mom and dad in a panic looking for me. My mom ran up to me and hugged me, I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about, lol, what's wrong with these people, I had it all in control:):) Then my dad approached.
OK heres where my memory goes dim. I remember, my dad sitting in one of those popular beach chares from the 70s, then my memory flashes to being stark-naked-nude across his lap (had a one piece bathing suit, I don't even remember but I guess he just took it off) Before the spanking even started I remember looking out toward the water and seeing many on lookers walking by trying to look away but unable to hide there frightened faces for me. People always ask me if I was embarrassed, my reply:"HECK NO! I was more worried about my rear then people watching" I was spanked for a good long time that day, and I deserved every swat.
I agree with you, it seems a lot of kids I run into these days could do with a dose of good old fashioned spankings. However this type of punishment still exists in our home, my daughters will attest.