the 40's and 50's

In those years of war and post-war times, people got on with life with upside down smiles. Favour was shown to those who grew up fast and accomplished much. There was little praise for a job well done. It was expected. And so it was with Elisabeth. At 16 she was self-sufficient, in many ways wise to the world. Her accomplishments were reflected in the eyes of her aunts and uncles and without words it was clear she had met their expectations. Pretty, intelligent, cultured, mature, practical and successful socially, by only modelling the behaviour of her heroes,  she met the standards set for her.

The Mailloux and Quenneville hierarchy had standards of their own. They had different rules for judging accomplishments. Higher education and beautiful vocal skills weren't high on their priorities. Elisabeth searched for goal posts in these murky waters. Unfortunately, I think, practicality was the only attribute which came to the fore. She strived to maintain her other skills, and to a great degree she did, but it was against an avalanche of domestic chores; children to dress and feed, a house to maintain, and soon 5 more children to diaper.

Charles took pleasure in her beauty, but did little to see that her other talents were nurtured.

Elisabeth loved clothes and shoes. I remember two or three outfits in particular. One was a yellow sleeveless dress with a little bolero jacket. She had a hat to match. She had another dress, green or blue in the same style. She loved shoes. In the 50's spikier heels came into vogue. She would walk to Balfour and Tecumseh, take the bus and go downtown to shop. I remember her walking towards home with her purchases. I was eager to see what she had bought. I remember the first high heels with the pointy toes. She also had a pearl grey winter coat which came down to her mid-calf. It was loosely flared and had  raglan sleeves. The colour and the style suited her perfectly.

Later on she took me shopping in Detroit.

She had a flare for fashion and believe this was something we had in common.