I often think of fun times growing up in Passaic and came across some old birthday photos that my mother undoubtedly took at my birthday parties. I even remember most of the names of everyone in the pictures.

Birthday Party, c1957

I am pretty sure this was my birthday party in 1957 and we are all standing in the corner of my bedroom. From left, there is Nancy (I think), the little boy is Greg and his brother, Bruce, is smiling behind. The little girl with the X straps on her skirt is Lenore and her brother, Howard, can just be seen standing behind Adrienne. I am on the far right.

Birthday Dress, 1959, Gift from Aunt Barbara

I have a distinct memory of this birthday dress. It was gray and a very soft velvet fabric. The ribbon around the neck was light pink and I LOVED this dress. I don’t remember when else I wore it, but Aunt Barbara believed in buying clothes to grow into so I know I had it for a while.

Birthday, c1959

Kids are all in the same dark wooden chairs as before. Greg is busy watching brother Bruce blow up the balloon.

Other End of the Table, 1958

Here is Marilyn again on the left blowing her party favor, little Kathy in the high chair and brothers Stuart, left,  and Richard on the right.

Adrienne’s family moved to Queens, New York. Bruce’s and Greg’s family moved to Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Patty’s family moved to Wayne a couple of years before we moved there and little Kathy’s family moved back to Ohio, where they were from.

Those were fun times. You couldn’t beat growing up in Passaic.