Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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.





31 comments:

Valarie said...

Hi Elizabeth....Thank you so much for visiting me. I am so inspired by all of your stories, and beautiful objects that you make. I sprayed the candelabras with primer first, then used elmers glue, and Martha Stewart brand glitter. I put two coats of the glitter on. I hope this helps. Have a fabulous day.
xxoo Valarie

Unknown said...

I love the story of Aunt Ruth. How wonderful to have such a great group of friends like the Holly Girls. You are a constant inspiration to me and I'm so glad I found your blog.

Anonymous said...

Oh my! How fun! How could I not like a group called the Holly Girls! ;) Hee-hee! Those peg doll girls are just adorable! Thank you, Elizabeth! ♥

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

These are wonderful, Elizabeth! I love how you've made each one different ~ each with their own personality. Like the Holly Girls? : )

Debby said...

Maybe we Ohio girls should become Holly girls.

Hearts Turned said...

Oh, so adorable, Elizabeth! I loved the story of The Holly Girls...much like my own mother-in-law, who has maintained fast friendships with monthly luncheons for about 50 years with those remaining in her group--very inspiring.

Your sweet pegdolls are sweet as can be, as are the friends you've chosen to send them to!

Hope your day is as lovely as you are, my friend...

Julie

Cindy said...

Great life long friends..and a great story!!Cute Peg dolls for the Ruthie Stories!!

Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Unknown said...

Hi E. I love looking at Ruth's pictures. To me they all look so glamorous, especially compared to our much more casual dress codes.

I believe your Holly Girls have done these ladies justice. They're just as cute as can be.

Hugs...Tracy :)

Unknown said...

Hi Elisabeth :) I love this story and you are so lucky to have those wonderful pictures of your Aunt! I'm in awe at how women were dressed so classy in those days! Your peg dolls are to die for and your friends are so lucky to be receiving them!

Sandy

judy said...

there is no greater compliment to a woman than to have such a great tribute by a daughter-in-law. it also shows what a great woman you are! thanks for sharing! also, i love the dolls!

Sandy said...

What a wonderful story Elizabeth. I enjoyed looking at the photos from days pass and hearing about your MIL Ruth. It reminded me of my own Mother who worked outside the home when it wasn't popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s. My Mom loved to dress up and she enjoyed planning her outfits each day for work. She had great thin ankles too so she looked good in high heels (I have my Dad's ankle unfortunately). Your Holly Girls are so cute. I'm just amazed with what you can do with felt.

Anonymous said...

I so enjoyed hearing about the Holly girls!! I must say I am very blessed with long time friends-= my 2 sisters being 2 of them. I have 3 friends from Jr. and Sr. high and we have kept in touch over 30 years- 2 came back to surprise me for my 40th birthday (i won't say how many years back !) We cannot get together often because of distance but phone and when we do see each other it is like we had never skipped a beat being apart!

I do love your sweet Holly girls!! Oh you are just so talented!

bee blessed
mary

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

I am blessed to be in a group of friends like the Holly Girls. My group of friends (there are 6 of us) are the WOW's. (Wild Old Women) We have been friends for almost 30 years and have had children together and now some of the ladies have grandchildren. We get together on a regular basis to eat and share birthdays and special occasions. When one of our chilren gets married we all host the Bridesmaids Luncheon together. There is something to be said for long-lasting friendships. We have gone through a lot together. I love your little dolls you posted about. So cute! Love & blessings from NC!

Melody said...

How cute, I loved the story of the Holly Girls

Lallee said...

Elizabeth, I didn't realize until now that Ruth had passed on. What a very beautiful life she had. What a mother-in-law! Such a blessing in your life, and she has left such a beautiful legacy in her daughters. I LOVED seeing all the photos from her life--such treasures. Your holly girls are a wonderful tribute. All women need special girlfriends in their lives.

ImagiMeri said...

Dearest E,

You are such a generous soul. To recieve one of your peg dolls is to recieve sunshine on a cloudy day! I plan on emailing you shortly, as I haven't chatted with you in a while.....or maybe you'll give me that call???

Love ya'
Meri

barncat (Lisa) said...

Well first, I love this story about Ruth, I think it's wonderful when friends really make the effort to stay in touch (something I'm not always the best at). And great pictures, the dresses, so cool!

Those little skiers, so, so, so cute! I love them!

Jessi Nagy said...

hey doll,

aaawww what a great story.
your Holly girls are fabulous!!
hope all is well
xooxox,
jessi

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Elizabeth,
My name is Elizabeth too! I just found your blog, and its a pleasure to meet you!.I have enjoyed reading your stories and your crafts are amazing! the Holly Girls are adorable and so full of charm, very creative!.
I will be back to visit again and will become a follower.
Have a sweet day, Hugs~Elizabeth

Kateyed said...

Elizabeth...

Do come by and visit my blog today!!!

Big Hugs,
Suz

Celestial Charms said...

Oh thanks so much for showing these fabulous photos of your Ruth and the "girls." I can't get enough of vintage photographs. They make my day! What interesting luncheons those must have been over the years. Your Holly Girls are so adorable...with their matching snow puppies, love them.
Maureen

Scrap for Joy said...

I have enjoyed your photos of Ruthie and the Holly girls. The pictures remind me of my own mother, who worked in the 60's as an "executive secretary" at a time when few "mothers" worked full-time jobs outside of the home. I always thought she was so glamorous and I loved watching her put on her make-up and perfume. She always looked so put together and she made most of her clothes.
Your peg dolls are so sweet....the girls will be thrilled to receive them I'm sure!
Have a delightful weekend E!
xoxo
Joyce

Pieceful Bits said...

What a great friendship the Holly girls had! I first thought the title meant Holly as in Christmas. Loved the story and the pictures you have shared.
(@@)
Julie
my pumpkin now has eyes carved out!

Nancy said...

Elizabeth - "online Holly girls" can be a good thing, too. I'm scanning slides that I haven't seen in over 40 years. The picture of us going to work...we look like we are going to a wedding we're so dressed up! Ahh - the '60s! :) Nancy

Sherry from Alabama said...

Your post certainly gives me something to think about. As I get more into my own little world; crafts, music, art, blogging, etc, I seem to pull away from my "right-here" friends. I have lately turned down two separate lunch invitations from dear friends just because I didn't want to leave my safe space where I am in control. Thanks for the reminder!

Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

Unknown said...

Oh my...you are just the sweetest person and the story that went along with the holly girls is priceless! Such a good lesson to learn. In my job, one I have to do every. single. day. Thank you so much Elizabeth!! I have no problem being ! boy am I in real life too.:) But are you sure? I truly don't mind not being part of the swap as I respect your vision of what you initially wanted and who to be part of it. Truly I don't mind. Does ! Seem ok on a banner?? It's your call, you will not hurt my feelings (swear!!). Thank you so much you just totally and absolutely made my day!! Before I forget, I'm sorry about taking so long to respond. I had to cut myself off so I could finish three papers. I am not good at multi- tasking but I do feel like a heel for making you wait! Kari-Dharmawaits.

jen said...

MIss Elizabeth Oh how I have missed you and your blog! I have been far too busy and lacking internet to blog but now I am back. What a Fabulous story and the most darling holly girls ever. Then I scrolled down and had a moment of glee at all the goodies filling your posts! Oh I can hardly stand the peppermint bird, I do love the little birdies. And all the gorgeous stitching you are one of my very favorite artists and am always so inspired when I come to visit. Thanks for being you!

luvs and glitter
~jen

E said...

Hi E,
I am also an E, as in Elaine. I just spent about an hr with you then went over and visited with Paula and her altered art. I love your stories, tiny felt people, animals...(oh those hedgehogs!, the pegdolls, your craft room, I just love it all !! I am a life long crafter, mostly fabric/sewing, I'm wondering what the wooden piece is called you use as the stand for ur pegpeople ? Look forward to "visiting" with you again. E

Unknown said...

Dear Elaine! Thank you so much for visiting! The items to make your own pegdoll can be found at JoAnne's or Michaels or most likely any craft store. You will easily be able to identify the three basic shapes, the wooden head, clothespin, wooden circular base made specifically for the clothespins. On my sidebar under Things you are Looking For, Vintage Crafts, there is a tutorial and pattern for making pegdolls. Do let me know if I can be of any further help! So lovely to meet you! Elizabeth

Debby said...

Hi E. Thanks for leaving me a message. I will look into the ear thing. Funny because I also have ear pain alot. I went to the ER and got three shots and a scan. It was okay. Feeling a little better. Sneaking in this blog time. Thanks.

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