“Gramie and Grampi with the cake Annie made for you,” reads the message on the back of this photo. At first I thought this might be an anniversary celebration cake for the older couple, but the caption tells a different story. In a way I’m glad, because the pair doesn’t looked dressed up enough for a big party in their honor.
There are so many great details in this photo—the exuberant wallpaper, the photo studded TV, and what looks like a hand painted picture of a graduating couple in the background. The clothes are also interesting. The woman wears a fifties style double breasted shirt waist dress edged with polka dot trim at the collar, sleeves, pocket and the front facing. A bar pin keeps the neck line opening in place. Her belt is white, coordinating with the white polka dots. I wonder if she sometimes wore a dark belt instead.
Her husband also has on casual clothes, including a plaid shirt and suspenders. Perhaps the shirt is homemade, since the pockets look unusually low. A mistake or a custom touch? His bolo tie might give a hint to the location—it’s a male accessory I associate with the American Southwest.
Did the photographer catch the grandfather at a bad moment, or had someone just said something rude?
Bolo ties were very popular with my dad, grandfather and uncles from the ’50s on; they had collections of them from various trips and even events. They were from the mid-west originally and lived on the east coast, so in my experience not a southwest thing.
I guess they are more comfortable than a regular tie?
ceci
Good to know! Thanks.
I think you’re right about his shirt being home made, those pockets appear to be cut with the pattern on the diagonal as well.
Annie is ready for the Great British Baking Show! What man (or woman) wouldn’t want a shirt like his?