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Somewhere in America circa 1954, and it seems to be a big day for Junior. Maybe he just got his driver's license, or his first car, or figured out how to open the door. 4x5 acetate negative, photographer unknown. View full size.
For instance "Get a job, sha-na-na-na, sha-na-na-na-na" My guess is that Junior just got his very first job working as a stock boy at Wards, probably getting 75 cents an hour. He seems too young to be buying his own car or getting his license yet, but younger kids were often hired in the early 50's (if they had 'working papers') to start out in the world to do the lesser jobs. If Junior is alive today, and he should be, he'd be about 74 and will fondly remember this day, his proud family, his neat clothes, the fresh crew cut, his mom's white bakelite purse (now vintage) and the plaid-covered bench seats in that solid steel car. One's first real job always stays with us.
"Well son, you're 15 now - the same age I was when my parents abandoned me in the Ward's parking lot. Good luck! Write if you get work."
Second from left, is easily the hottest car in sight and could outrun any of these puddle jumpers!
The first kill is always the hardest.
Junior's just promised dad that he'll never appear in public in a silly hat like the one Uncle Eustace is wearing.
or maybe he's just so proud of his cool shirt.
Perhaps Jr was just released from an Institution.
[From the Monkey Ward, undoubtedly. -tterrace]
My guess is the driver's license. Freedom even if it was only on Sunday afternoons. And ain't it nice and shiny. My father had a '53 Ranch Wagon.
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