Readers Remember

At mid-century, I was consumed for weeks with putting together an outfit for my first day in high school, an ensemble that would make a powerful impression on the boys. The basics were bought at May Co. Wilshire (now a museum): a pink sweater set, worn with a white pique Peter Pan dickey, and a gray flannel skirt. My shoes--my pride--were white leather “wedgies,” worn, natch, with bobby sox.

Before the big day, I gave my straight hair a Toni home permanent so my pin curls would set more certainly every night. Mom let me shave my legs and wear lipstick (Cutex from Kress’ dime store in the Miracle Mile). And the ultimate attention-getter? A gold charm bracelet ($1.24 including tax, from Young America Ltd., in Beverly Hills). I can’t remember what the charms were, but my girlfriends said the bracelet was “fabulous.”

The day I never thought I’d live to see came, I dressed, I went, and a boy even talked to me.

CAROL PROVISOR

Los Angeles

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My mother awakened me one morning in 1945, holding that dreaded telegram. I became a widow at 27 with a 2 1/2-year-old son and his 6-month-old brother who would never see his father. The European war ended the following week--for me it ended that morning.

MARCIA AINSWORTH

Pasadena

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What do you recall most about the 20th century? In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts. We will publish as many as we can on this page until the end of the year. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com. We regret we cannot acknowledge individual submissions. Letters may be edited for space.