The Holly Girls

My mother-in-law Ruth lived a life of friendship that is most extraordinary to me.

During her days before marriage,  Ruth worked as a secretary at Holly Carburetor in Detroit, Michigan, along with many other career minded single women.All of the same age with much in common, the women found themselves in fast friendships. So often were they found together that they became known as "The Holly Girls". (Ruth can be seen in the back row, far right)

As much as the women had in common, their personalities were as different as the clothes they chose to wear. Each Holly Girl was accepted for who she was and never left out of any gathering. As marriage proposals brought an end to their Working Girl careers, it was decided that monthly luncheons should be held so they might still keep in touch.

For over thirty years the women gathered still as close as they had been so many years ago. From Ruth's gracious example, I have learned that friendships truly can last a lifetime.