When I was ten years old I was taking piano lessons – the thing to do in the early 1950s. The study of piano did not come easily to me. I tried very hard to achieve some measure of success.

In February 1952 my piano teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, announced that I would take part in the spring piano recital. When I told my mother she immediately decided that she would make me a new dress for the occasion. I remember seeing the dress as it evolved but I never paid too much attention to it.

A few weeks before the recital it was time to try on the dress. I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was made of organdy, a beautiful shade of mauve. The fitted bodice had a jewel neckline. The gathered sleeves were finished with a row of tiny dark mauve ribbon flowers with pale green leaves.

The skirt was slightly gathered and the waist was adorned with the same ribbon flowers as the sleeves. It had a generous organdy sash that formed a beautiful soft bow at the back – each streamer ending in a mauve flower.

When I put that dress on I felt like a princess!!

All the nervous anticipation of the upcoming recital melted away. When I think of that dress I still remember the confidence that it gave me fifty-six years ago.

Mary Lou Carter,
Toronto, Ontario