Monday, July 18, 2011

The Grist 1936, Continued

Now back to scheduled programming...last we met we were discussing the lives of Ernestine and F. Justin.*


Let us now take a look at one of the University's many sororities.  Although there was no instant messaging, Facebook and texting, lasting friendships were easier to keep and maintain; and with Delta Zeta we have no exception.  Especially in Miss James and Miss Fitzpatrick's (center row, two farthest to the left) case.  Nadine James and Margaret Fitzpatrick both grew up in tenement houses in Providence and Boston.  Each with several siblings under them, the wish to move away was inevitable.  They both decided to go to University in the country -close and yet far enough from home- even though a career wasn't what they had in mind.  They became fast friends and were married around the same time, naturally being each other's maid-of-honor.  When the time came to buy a house, Nadine's husband found a nice place in Wakefield.  Nadine noticed a 'for sale' sign next door and quickly told Margaret.  Although it was above their budget Margaret and her husband put a down payment on the large Victorian on Elm Street.  Both girls had girls of their own, who shared their mothers friendship.  When Nadine's husband died, Margaret and her husband invited Nadine over for dinner every night, never without walking her home. 


I love the classy gals over at the Portia Club. 

"The Portia Club sponsered women's debating activities very successfully during the year.  The extensive schedule included frequent trips and home debates."

Look at those fur coats and that style.  Tweed was definitely the must have, non? This was the Great Depression, mind you.  I have a feeling that these ten girls went on to be great successes in life, as what happens with most people who belong to a Debate Team.


Lest we forget the token 'Chariots of Fire' track team shot.  The yearbook was full of them, and it should be noted that Childs was viewed as a prospect for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.  Unfortunately he lost his place to local Narragansett Indian, Tarzan Brown.

*All material has been fictionalized.

2 comments:

Reggie Darling said...

What fun! I love looking through old yearbooks, such as this one. I am always amazed at how "grownup" many of the subjects appear, in their "adult" clothing. Imagine what the Portia girls would be wearing today?

Anonymous said...

you almost had me googling tarzan brown! ;)