I’d like to start at the beginning.
Mom was always working. High school summers staying with our aunt, uncle as a waitress on Lopez Island. J.C.Penny’s salesperson when she was pregnant and after I was born.
Mom worked and gramma took care of me till Dad returned home. I wanted to start with a photo of gramma hanging my diapers on the backyard line in the sun to dry.
My mom was extremely talented. She designed, made patterns and sewed her own clothes, all my prom dresses, for friends special occasions, even brides, and whole wedding parties. She loved beautiful fabrics and creating original, one of a kind wearable art.
When my dad came home from the war she helped send him to jr. college working in a Mt. Vernon dress shop. When he transferred to UW she worked as a waitress in the University District and then as a superior salesperson in “Helen Rickert’s," an exclusive women’s dress shop on the Ave.
She had an “eye” for quality, construction and timeless fashion. I still have the three favorite, 'dress for success dresses.' I’ve worn these lovely, ageless, classics through the years and they’re always in style.
Still in high school! The summer she graduated – modeling a homemade outfit. 1941
A beauty school scrapbook from 1948 with a note for her teacher Elizabeth Leonard.
Modeling a chic bathing suit in 1950.
An open house for the Elizabeth Leonard and Kathleen Peck Agencies, 1950
Mom during her time as receptionist and instructor at Elizabeth Leonard and Kathleen Peck Agencies.. 1950
A group photo of all of the school's models at the Elizabeth Leonard and Kathleen Peck Agency., 1950
An early modeling photo from 1948
Mom during the Mrs. Washington Pageant. 1950
Print ad foro Coca-Cola, 1948
Trial modeling photo for Kellogg's, 1947
Mom's preparation for a hair show competition, 1952
Her debut as a blond for a popular hair show, 1952
The finished look for the hair show! 1952
Hostessing a convention in 1950
Modeling furs in a fabulous 1950s satin and lace gown, 1948 (I still have this one!)
Modeling at the University of Washington campus, 1948
Official greeters for another wholesale trade show, 1948
Mom's tiny feet were popular with shoe advertisements, 1955
She really knew how to strike the right pose to show of heels! 1955
A real kicker! 1955
Climbing the ladder to success. 1955
Out for a stroll (at least in the studio) 1955
She really loved shoes, too. 1955
Dual photos, double the shoes, 1955
Modeling for a magazine, 1950
...and still a radiant beauty.