In the spirit of back-to-school time, I’m sharing my first day of kindergarten photo circa September 1978. I am about to start half-days at Merryman School (there was no full-day Kindergarten back then) but this was a good thing because then Mom could pick me up and we could go to lunch at Burger Chef before running errands.
First, a shout out to the décor and staging in the backdrop of this photo. Mom’s grasp on design symmetry was evident here, as she thoughtfully arranged the pillow, the stuffed doll, and the matching gingham chicken around the hallway bench. If I recall correctly, that bench was full of assorted gloves, hats, scarves, etc. that would be needed a mere few months later when Wisconsin turned into an icicle.
But enough about the décor – let’s talk my outfit. Even from this age, back-to-school shopping was one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. I love this little pinafore look with the white knee socks and Mary Janes. At the time my hair was down to my waist – and I had/have A LOT of hair – so braids were needed to wrangle all that in. But what really stands out is that Kindergarten attaché case. That was a plastic and vinyl masterpiece that was also capable of holding assorted color/cut/paste projects. Fashion AND function, I say. I can’t quite make out the design on the front, but if anyone else can please let me know.
And as for kindergarten … I struggled a bit with scissors, and notes from Mrs. B every quarter said that I needed to socialize more with other children instead of playing by myself. Huh, that absolutely tracks. When I look back on those notes, I want to give my younger self a huge fist bump for continuing to ignoring that advice. I mean, have you met five-year-olds? They may be cute, but they are also annoying AF and usually don’t even play games correctly, making up their own rules and shit. Plus a lot of them don’t shut up, and I wanted none of that. I probably needed a break from my two older brothers, so leave a girl alone.
And speaking of my brothers … they are not getting off easy. Yes, it’s extra bonus photo coverage! Here are their back-to-school looks that very same day. Note there are no tennis shoes in sight; we had school shoes, likely from Thom McCann or Hush Puppies. The sublime blue striped number on Peter may have been terry cloth, and Dan (What is he clutching so fiercely? It’s kind of disturbing, no?) sports a nice collar spread along with a strong bowl cut.
Happy School Year, everyone!
This is great!