Great to see my maternal grandmother, Betty (Dague) DeVoe, here looking just about as mid-century cool as it gets. She’s clearly posing for the picture, in a gray dress and matching earrings, hands behind back and I am left wondering if this was capturing a routine moment, or an occasion. To me, the shoes suggest the latter.

For dating, there was a processing date of July 1960 — so I guessed this was likely within 6 months of that. Betty would be 42 years old, very close to my current age (and Erin’s exact age).

For location, this appears to be her home living room, in the Janice St House.

I recognize the ashtray which remained there well into the 80’s. On the mantel are portraits of her daughter Judy on right, and Judy’s fiancee (about to be husband, wedding in August ’60), Jerry Chapman on the left. Metal decorative plates are on the wall above, I can’t tell what they depict. Ceramic pet and flowers are to be found.

Infobox

Questions

• Would Betty have worn dresses like this for typical routine days, or would this be a special occasion outfit?
• Did Betty and Don both smoke? If so, when did they quit?