Pit Crew: 1940

My stroller (late '40s) was very similar. My father told me that once when he took me to the grocery store, the owner commented on how well behaved I was, compared to when I was with my mom: "When he's with your wife, he's out of that stroller and into everything." That's because my dad tied my shoelaces together.

Don't know for sure if that is what I had when I was under 2 years old -- born in 1942. Mine was a light blue color and may have had some modifications due to the war effort. I know my first tricycle had no rubber on the wheels because of materials needed in World War II.

Marion had the eye of an artist and the mind of a scholar. She's packed a lot of history into a deceptively simple image. It's a trick that she pulled off time and again. Click on her name above the photo for more. You'll see what I mean.

All good aprons are pinned. Straps are for scullery maids and butchers.

They are called Taylor Tiny Tots. Four swivel wheels, a push handle that can be removed, and a custom owner operated steering wheel. When Junior gets older, you remove the steel belly pan and the handle, and he can operate it by himself. A smart invention.

So much that is interesting in this picture -- the pushcart stroller, the saddle oxfords, and the unique apron, which must have been pinned to the girl's bodice, since it has no ties. A perfect slice-of-life picture.

Just finished reading "The Help" -- a portrait straight from the book. Nurse and maid? They must be pretty far from the house, the maid has got those hot scratchy hose rolled all the way down to her ankles.