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Home » Photo galleries » Holidays » Christmas

West Covina Christmas Dinner: c. 1950s

Submitted by Mvsman on Thu, 12/16/2010 - 8:50am.
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Due to the underwhelming response to my last submission, I shall now subject you to a classic 1950s Eisenhower era Christmas picture, in glorious color. This is the house that is featured in outdoor scenes in my earliest pictures, and, of course, the unforgettable shot where Mom is feeding me in my high chair. That shot was taken in the kitchen, through the doorway on the left. My mother shot this epic gathering of the relatives. This was after she cooked all freakin' day, set the table, created the table settings ... oh, wasn't that what the ladies did back then? There's my Dad in the bow tie, with some shadow lending more fullness to his hair than there actually was. The folks around the table are my dad and mom's parents, and other relatives. The lady in the right foreground was my mom's Aunt Verna. She helped make airplanes in World War II, and never said a bad word about anyone (or so I'm told). She lived until 1982! Our extended family wasn't big on togetherness; later, the paternal and maternal sides didn't coexist too well. This cozy setting only occurred a few times. By the early 1960s we never gathered again like this. Up until 1963, I was the only kid in a sea of middle aged and older people. But, they were nice and gave me lots of presents! Merry Christmas to you all in the Shorpy empire. View full size.

Due to the underwhelming response to my last submission, I shall now subject you to a classic 1950s Eisenhower era Christmas picture, in glorious color.

This is the house that is featured in outdoor scenes in my earliest pictures, and, of course, the unforgettable shot where Mom is feeding me in my high chair. That shot was taken in the kitchen, through the doorway on the left.

My mother shot this epic gathering of the relatives. This was after she cooked all freakin' day, set the table, created the table settings ... oh, wasn't that what the ladies did back then?

There's my Dad in the bow tie, with some shadow lending more fullness to his hair than there actually was.

The folks around the table are my dad and mom's parents, and other relatives. The lady in the right foreground was my mom's Aunt Verna. She helped make airplanes in World War II, and never said a bad word about anyone (or so I'm told). She lived until 1982!

Our extended family wasn't big on togetherness; later, the paternal and maternal sides didn't coexist too well. This cozy setting only occurred a few times. By the early 1960s we never gathered again like this.

Up until 1963, I was the only kid in a sea of middle aged and older people. But, they were nice and gave me lots of presents!

Merry Christmas to you all in the Shorpy empire. View full size.

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Neckties

Submitted by Mr Mel on Mon, 12/27/2010 - 2:35pm.

I guess in the 1950s, if you were over 70 you got a pass on the neckwear.

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To Rick

Submitted by Mvsman on Sun, 12/26/2010 - 5:17pm.

It depends on where you go. The intersection of Lark Ellen and Idahome (near where these were taken) feature mid 1950s homes,in many cases almost unchanged externally for all these years. Many homes are well maintained but there quite a number which are not.

Thanks for your comment!

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To Candace

Submitted by Mvsman on Sun, 12/26/2010 - 5:05pm.

I was about 2 at the time. The photographer was my Mom.

Thanks for your comment!

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Great photo!

Submitted by beatles9091 on Sat, 12/25/2010 - 1:05pm.

The gentleman with his arms crossed and the sour-lemon look clearly wants to be somewhere else. I, too, remember these gatherings.

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A classic

Submitted by rickmorgan on Fri, 12/24/2010 - 4:16pm.

I was born in West Covina, (much later). I wonder what the place looks like these days. great classic photo here.

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Memories

Submitted by Candace J Hardy on Sat, 12/18/2010 - 4:52pm.

What a lovely commentary on the 50's Brings many happy memories. Wonderful perspective. Were you the young photographer?

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And you, sir, must be living right

Submitted by Mvsman on Thu, 12/16/2010 - 7:20pm.

to have your own gallery here. You always have such insight and great things to say about so many submissions. Best wishes of the season to you and ALL the Shorpy-ites!

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Taking sides: In Color!

Submitted by tterrace on Thu, 12/16/2010 - 5:35pm.

Taking in the backstory you've provided, I suggest an alternate title for this shot: A Study in Body Language. This exactly the way big-deal, dining room dinners were set up at our house in the 50s: mom's best china, silver- and glassware, linen, centerpiece with candles, the works. Some retro-hound is sure to covet the chandelier. And hey! I loved your last submission (Desert Trip). Keep 'em coming.

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