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Have you ever had an embarrassing moment like this? How did you handle it?

JUST LIKE MINE

By

Joyce Ray Wheeler

 

We were so young in 1953 when my husband became a mathematics professor at Howard College in Birmingham, Alabama.  It was customary to welcome new faculty and spouses at a reception.

Howard College ca. 1950’s – now Samford University

Howard college

The President of the college at that time had a lovely home and garden in Essex Road.  He and his gracious wife chose to host an evening reception in their gardens. Small lights, torches, and lanterns added a lovely glow for the reception.

Party clothes were suggested.  At 27 and 29 years of age and with two small children, party clothes were definitely not a part of our wardrobe. So off we went to the Pizitz Department Store.  I came away very pleased with a lovely mid-calf length iridescent taffeta dress. It shaded in its iridescence from soft lavender to pale gray to soft rose, changing with the light.  I couldn’t wait to wear it.

Pizitz Department Store ca. 1950’s

pizitz department store

As my husband and I took our places in that receiving line, I glanced quickly down to my left and saw my beautiful dress on a lovely young blond!  Alas! What should I do?

My immediate inclination was to simply slip out of line, make a dash for our car, and stay out of sight for the remainder of the party.  Of course, I could do no such thing.  I stayed in line being duly welcomed by other faculty members.

At last the line broke up and I drifted quickly into the shadows of the trees where the lights were less bright.  Soon the lovely blond with the dress just like mine also moved into the shadows where we laughingly congratulated each other for our good taste in dresses.  Thus began a beautiful friendship between two very young faculty wives.

 

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Historical fiction series by Alabama Author

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5 comments

  1. Great story! But, it’s a tad disturbing to me for a story about the 1950’s to be posted under. “Alabama Pioneers!” Remember Pizitz very well!

    1. I guess it is. Alabama pioneers started out as purely genealogy, but so many people sent great stories that went beyond that. I wanted to share them and by then it was really too late to change to a more appropriate name.

    2. Somehow missed the point of embarrassment. Off the rack is off the rack, so expect to see identical items. Would call it that two people had the same great taste.

  2. I understand. Just kidding. I’m from the era when, with a group of other giggly high school girls…. we would be all dressed up …. hats & gloves included…. ride a bus from our town, Bessemer, into downtown B’ham,…… have lunch at Joy Young’s …..shop at Loveman’s & Pizitz…..maybe see movie at the Alabama…ride a bus back to Bessemer! Maybe we WERE pioneers!!

    1. I’d say you were but you can put in the same category. Those were fun days.