I applaud the effort that was put into the hair, outfits, and accessories here. Nowadays, people wear pajamas in public, thong sandals outside the beach, and don’t bother to hide their bra straps. Enough with the laziness! Pull yourself together.
That’s all the back of this picture said. I can assume it’s not the Green Lake in Texas. Probably Wisconsin or Michigan, where folks wear more plaid and more layers. I doubt it’s a family reunion, with no children or young people. Perhaps just a gathering of friends? It looks casual, but the grand dame on the far left could just have easily have fit into an image at the turn of the century.
Isn’t it funny how different people experience the same moment? The woman dead center in the foreground isn’t even making eye contact with the photographer at all. The ladies on the far right are full of pep and horsing around, while Debbie Downer beside the tree appears to have just lost her favorite pet.
Actually, the two grumpiest folks are the ones without glasses!
Those eyes prove these two are related. Probably sisters–sandwiched between a stern mother and a less terrifying sister. Clasped hands, similar necklaces, and those eyes that stare up and out with…what? Mischief? Sorcery?
BTW, this artwork was done by Dick Sargent, the prolific Saturday Evening Post illustrator, not to be confused with the second actor to portray Darrin Stephens on the ABC’s fantasy comedy Bewitched.
In the spring of 1958, LIFE photographer Russell Halford took a series of photos of Los Angeles motorists.
Some were irritated.
Some were happy to offer a light.
And some were dangerously mid-beauty routine.
I don’t think it’s going to help.
As an aside, note the nub shown through her window. That’s how we used to lock car doors. You could push them up and down.
I Don't Get It 