Don't misunderstand. I love my pictures. I collect them, organize them, run them as screen savers and remember with a giggle or a tear special moments.
But, even a decade ago this technology didn't exist. Prior to that time, we planned for a picture, had actual film developed, hoped for the best, and found out maybe a week later if we had taken a good shot.
This picture was taken of my mother in 1943. It was planned. Maybe it was taken by a photographer.
Googling took me to the pages of a 1943 Montgomery Wards Catalog showing the cost of average cameras at that time between $40 and $100 with flash attachment and bulbs. That was a huge amount of money after the Great Depression. I doubt Mom's family, small dairy farmers, could have afforded a luxury item like a camera.
But this event, Mom sitting by her hope chest, with her bridal collection neatly folded within, warranted a picture. She was full of hope for the future and full of love for my dad. That hope never left either of them throughout their 66-year marriage.
They took a chance on a WWII romance and had the dedication to make it last.
November
11, 1941
Dear Ed,
I don’t know why––but it
seems so much easier to tell you in writing how much you mean to me. You know there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do
for you. In these uncertain times
everyone needs someone to live for, to dream about––without this we’re lost.
Ed, I love you with all my
heart. I’d consider it an honor if you’d
allow me to wait for you until the war is over.
Why couldn’t I have realized, and
told you about my feelings in person, before you left for the Army? I am so very sure now.
Lovingly,
Ibby
1 comment:
I have this original photo in Grandma's hope chest upstairs:). I was looking at it just the other night after reading Alzheimer's Daughter.
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