Class Picture

I wrote earlier about how Lithuanians used high-school uniforms as a way to identify students when those students were not in the classroom.

This photograph of my Mom and her classmates reminded me of different point. Look at the first row of students. The young women all are wearing black flats that resemble ballet shoes. Why? The (relatively newly built) high school featured highly polished, herringbone parquet floors. The school administration required students to change into soft-soled, heel-free shoes once they were in the building. This prevented damage to the wood floors and reduced noise during the school day.

Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1940. My Mom—second row, second from left—laughs during a sitting for a class picture. Five male teachers are on the top row.