Another sisterly birthday

Two of my three sisters have birthdays in January; one being my "baby" sister, Pat. I'm the oldest and Pat's the youngest. We were born ten years apart so it's easy for me to always remember her age. I will be celebrating one of those landmark birthdays this Spring which means she's celebrating one today. This is a picture of the two of us at my high school graduation. 

There are a couple of things about this picture worth pointing out. First I am wearing gloves! Hard to believe what another world and time those days were. I am also wearing another dress my mother made. It's pale pink gingham inset with a piece of antique eyelet embroidered with pink thread. If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can just make out the fabric insert. Pat's dress is also pink, though a more dusky tone than mine. I believe hers is a hand-me-down from another one of our sisters — Meg or Nan — or maybe both of them wore it!

Pat and I are standing outside of Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, NY, where both my high school and college graduations were held. This concert hall was "one of the first important American commissions on which Eliel Saarinen and his son Eero collaborated," according to my architecture guide to the city of Buffalo.  The guide goes on to say it was "one of the few such buildings erected during the Depression years," having been constructed 1938-1940.

Kleinhans Music Hall quickly gained fame for its excellent acoustics and became the inspiration and guide for many architects and acoustical engineers around the world. My book notes that many post-WWII concert halls showed its influcence, most notably Festival Hall in London, built in 1951. My father and his father both worked on the installation of the elevator that raised and lowed the orchestra pit.

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Aww, what a sweet photo. My sister is 10 years older than I. I have a similar photo someplace. Interesting building.

[Peter/Outlaw]

How time flies! So, you'll be the big 30 this year?

[Linda from Each Little World]

Peter — I can only remember turning 30 because it was the year I finished grad school.

[Mark Golbach]

Beautiful, smart and classy! I'm such a lucky guy. Not to mention getting three terrific sisters-in-law in the bargain.

[Barbara H.]

Gloves! Oh my gosh, I'd forgotten about wearing gloves. Gee, thanks Linda - makes me feel pretty old. I'll have a significant birthday this year too and will celebrate with my youngest sister - seven years younger to the day. Best birthday gift ever. Hope your baby sister had a wonderful day.