A Sewing Machine

 

The Seamstress (after Vuillard)

In 1935 when Eugenia’s 3 girls were young, her husband died in a fire. The accident was complicated and so was her grief. But eventually, even Eugenia, in typical New Orleans dark fashion was able to joke about her ‘bad luck’ and soon was back to her optimistic self and to the work of raising her girls.

She had no money. But what she did have was an upright piano and a sewing machine. She knew 3 chords and a running stitch.

It was just enough knowledge to teach her girls 3-part harmony and create stage-ready costumes.

She instructed them on hand motions and a simple ball-change dance step for the stage. The girls understood-they were reminded often- they were destined for Hollywood

Eventually, the girls earned a regular singing gig. And although a radio broadcast, the young singers would flounce around behind a microphone, in the elaborate costumes their mother had lovingly created. The youngest often wore a satin-y, emerald green gown with a sequined train, mimicking peacock feathers. She flounced better than she sang, but she was part of the Wilson Sister trio.

By now, Eugenia could study the mannikins in Department store windows of D.H. Holmes and perfectly replicate their dresses; fabric purchased with income from her work at the Algiers Ferry Boat Terminal. There, she worked the ticket booth and knew everyone who passed through on their way to the Quarter. Her happy-go-lucky personality and humor likely opened doors for the sisters.

By 16 years old, the older girls sang regularly at Kolbs, where they performed the old standards, this time, dressed like Christian Dior models. Their mother proudly chaperoned from the back of the club.

Eventually, the middle sister married a well-respected local Italian American businessman she met in the club. A lifelong supporter of the Opera scene in New Orleans, she was beautiful, warm and generous; loved music and always dressed beautifully.

The oldest would be gifted academically, the youngest and first female PHD candidate at LSU. Her work in Psychology and Rorschach-related studies would be groundbreaking. Throughout her life she dyed her hair flame red and decorated her purple bedroom walls with Art.

The youngest, my mother, DeEtte, brought her unique brand of life and creativity to raising 5 children. Teaching youngsters to swim was a life passion and, thousands of folks still recall lessons taught on chilly mornings at public pools and lakes. She continued to excel in flouncing.

Her mother, Eugenia (our Mamaw) would be our earliest, best influence. She loved the movies, Italian mobster books, her grandchildren and could sing and still play the hell outta those 3 chords. Everyone knew-- if ever in trouble—it was Eugenia you sought. She was the one who knew how to turn a bit of horrible luck into something quite extraordinary.