Do not copy any of my artwork, poetry or photography without my permission.

Do not copy any of my artwork, poetry or photography without my permission.
....carpe diem. The Daylily. "Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun." Khalil Gibran. She gives her all for just one day then bows her head to God and fades away to nourish the next generation. God I pray I may give my all each day to honor you and bow my head at the end to nourish the next generation. Peggy Jones. NOTE............ Please folks do not copy any of my art or photos on my blog without my permission. Thank you for your good manners.

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Saturday, June 9, 2012

Sepia Saturday June 9, 2012



Alan's prompt photo for today.
I am using hospitality as my theme.


I think I may have used this photo before but whatever it is perfect for today's theme.
Potluck meals have been favorite things to do from way back.
This was taken in June in 1950
by my mom.
These were her best friends all gathered together for their monthly potluck.
Theresa in back
Theresa was my godmother.
Amy in front and I think this was at her house.
Lillian on the right looks like she was surprised when the flash went off.
My mom and all of these beautiful ladies have passed into eternal life but they were a big part of my life for many years.
 They all had on dresses, they never wore long pants and I just love the apron on Lillian.
I loved growing up in a small town.





At Christmas 1953 I was a sophomore in high school and was old enough to be in our local
Cotillion Club.
We had two dances a year and at this dance I was hosting a little pre-dance cake and punch for my closest friends.
My mom made Jam cake and punch. 
The Colillion Club was made up of girls only and we, of course, got to invite our own dates.
This gown was made by my grandmother as all our gowns were.
It was a brown and black brocade skirt with the bodice in black velvet and trimmed across the top with the brocade.
The wrap was black velvet.
We were never allowed to wear strapless gowns and always had to, at least, leave home with a wrap around our shoulders.
On my left arm is a bracelet belonging to my mom that I still have today.

 My mom's bracelet today sans the safety chain.
My research shows that this was a very popular piece of jewelry in the 50s.


Logan, yours truly, Jackie and Frank.
Looks like someone may have spiked my punch. 
 I just have been talking as I usually am.


I never went out with this fellow again because I have a memory of him grabbing me by my necklace and breaking it all to pieces.
It was of paste.


 Paste, according to Antique Paste Jewellery by Malcolm David Samuel Lewis, is "glass which has been cut into gem-like forms". They were used extensively from the 1700s to the early 1900s and were a desired material in themselves, not a replacement for diamonds and gem stones. Invented by Georges Frederic Strass (1701-1773) in 1730, they could be set in silver, sterling or gold and could have been foiled or unfoiled (although 18th century paste was always foiled). Foiled pastes were usually seen in closed-backed settings where the foil provided added reflection and brilliance. Pastes could be much more readily cut and shaped than diamonds, making a close-fitting pave look achievable, and a variety of shaped and sized stones makes a paste piece more desirable. Perfectly round stones will not be found in the early and best paste jewelry, nor will claw settings and knife-edge work. Cut down settings gave way to the coronet setting only in the 19th century. Paste could be fashioned in different colors, including an opaline cabochon similar to opals. Most paste came from France, England, Spain or Portugal. Some later pieces were hallmarked. 

I do not remember if he was being rough or playful I just remember it happening.

As I think about this I think he got very drunk and just trying to grasp something to hang onto.
I asked HH if he remembered him and he said yes he remembered he was often very drunk.
He is in his heavenly home now too. 
I have no idea what happened to him as he grew older.
May he rest in peace.

Go here to see how others interpreted this theme photo.

 
 

15 comments:

Wendy said...

What a thoroughly engaging post. I've been to plenty of potlucks at church, but never in someone's home. It's a great idea! And your gown -- oh it's gorgeous! I'm sure it was the height of sophistication. I think I would have been too naive to recognize drunkenness. Thanks for sharing all these interesting stories about hospitality.

Anvilcloud said...

This was a very enjoyable post to read and look at.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Oh my gosh, this is wonderful! It reminds me of pictures of my Grandma and her friends. I love the kitchen wallpaper. My Grandma J. made my prom dress, just as you Grandma made your gowns. Your post made me very nostalgic for the good old days.

Sorry about your necklace, but perhaps it was better that you found out early on about Logan's drinking.

Take care,

Kathy M.

North County Film Club said...

How fun - your cotillion photos. You and your gowns were beautiful.
What a funny story about your broken necklace. I can see why you never dated him again. Although he does look pretty handsome.
Nancy

My Little Home and Garden said...

Peggy, you looked so beautiful in your lovely dress. Although I've benefited from many of the choices women have today, I think that our wardrobes aren't nearly as attractive!
-Karen

Unknown said...

Nice photos from 1953, you look beautiful.

Linda said...

I like the way your story went deeper with each picture, leading to the broken necklace. Didn't know about paste gems, interesting.

Sharon said...

What a lovely post. Lifestyle photos are the best as they tell us so much. The wallpaper and curtains were probably very fashionable in their day and shout " Homely, Cheery & Cosy". It is also good to see the apron. My grandmother always wore an apron but I don't know anyone who does now.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

wow!!! your grandma.

Little Nell said...

I did enjoy this post Peggy. That first snapshot of the ladies preparingf for their get together id=s so interesting because it really is just that - a snapshot in time, The startle expression on Lilian’s face says it all. That wallpaper was something else wasn’t it?

The gown is absolutley gorgeous and your description aided the imagination perfectly. That was back in the day when all grandmothers sewed. I am unusual amongst my friends today in this regard. The dress would look good on any red carpet event today.

Bob Scotney said...

Interesting to see you in that formal gown which had to have shoulder straps. My daughter's first ball gown in the the 1980s was strapless. Your bracelet reminded me of one of my wife's but her's still has the safety chain.

Kristin said...

I have been to many potlucks but I have never been to a formal dance. You all look ready for it.

Bruno Laliberté said...

You sure looked pretty there for your cotillion. Too bad for his bad behavior. You moved on to something better, or someone...
;)~
HUGZ

Alan Burnett said...

I think your pictures capture and reflect the theme image very well indeed. There is something about the faces, the shades, the stances that strike a chord with the theme image.

North County Film Club said...

What a beautiful gown! Your grandmother was a wonderful seamstress.
I'm glad you got rid of that guy although I agree with my sister- he was quite good looking!
Barbara