My grandmother, (Lucille) Edna Mulder Zuidweg, was born 105 years ago today. This is a page from her 1929 high school graduation scrapbook. There is a photo of Grandma–maybe her senior pic–and one of Grandma (the Class Historian), Blanche Stauffer (Valedictorian), and Grandma’s sister Dorothy Mulder Plott (Salutatorian). In the 3rd photo, five girls are in dresses decorated with ribbon or twine.
You can read more about the graduation of these young ladies in Who Put the Ring Stain on the Scrapbook? and in Scrapbook Treats.
What do you think about the dresses on those girls? I don’t know why this photo is on the same page with the others or the meaning of it. Any ideas?
I can’t let an April 17 go by without thinking a lot about Grandma. She was a wonderful grandmother and inspirational to me in many ways.
The Family Kalamazoo 
Well, they weren’t dressed like flappers! Their hairstyles are interesting also. You’re so lucky to have these pictures. The earliest photo I have of my grandmother was after she was married and had two children—probably when she was about 30.
Not flappers, but they definitely have bobbed hair. And from what I can see from the photos from my dad’s side of the family (whereas this is my mom’s), the girls all had this look of just chopped-off hair! I’m sorry you don’t have earlier photos of your grandmother. That would be so wonderful to see!
The photo with the girls reminds me of my baccalaureate ceremony. Where I live it was the denominational religious celebration near the high school graduation ceremony, usually a few days before. Everyone wore dresses. Maybe she had some similar type event?
That’s an idea! They probably did have baccalaureate ceremonies. Hmm. Do you think you see these three in that photo of five?
Oh goodness, I’m not sure. If you have a mac you can put the pictures into your photo program and see what the facial recognition software thinks. It’s pretty good at predicting facial matches. Not perfect, but pretty good.
I didn’t think of that about a mac. I don’t have one, but daughter does . . . .
How lovely to have photos of your grandmother as a young woman. No ideas about the group shot sorry! I’d be fascinated to know what it’s about if you do find out.
If I find out I will post an update! Have a good week, Su!
Thanks Luanne. You too 🙂
I can’t comment on the dresses or hair, but look at how the two girls in upper right are looking directly at the camera – straight ahead, a little fierce? – good for them. The smiles of the girls in the lower right – very sweet, very fun, warm – maybe high school not so different. I have a single photo of my grandmother – one of my most prized possessions. Thank you.
The fewer the photos the more they are treasured! I am happy you have a photo of her though. Absolutely priceless.
Happy Birthday to your grandma! Great picture. Always makes you wonder what people were thinking while the photo was being snapped.
Thank you so much. Yes, I wonder that a lot with these old pics! Thanks for stopping by, James!
Hi Luanne. This photo reminds me of my own grandmother who was runner up for the first Miss Toronto beauty contest in 1926. When I look at that photo wearing some strange outfits and interesting hairdos it made me wonder who set the trends, lol. 🙂
Debby, what a sweet and funny comment! Yes, the hair and clothes are quite fascinating. All those buttons for decoration, for one thing. And then there is air of “secretary” about the attire, although my grandmother studied to be a teacher and Dorothy to be a nurse. Very special about your grandmother! You must treasure that image of her!
It’s the only photo I have, so yes, I do. And I know what you mean about the ‘secretary looking attire’ 🙂
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