Shirlie Montgomery Girl Photographer: November 2015

Shirlie Alice Montgomery June 9, 1918 – November 5, 2012

Shirlie Alice Montgomery was born on Chapman Street in San Jose on June 9, 1918. She was an only child. To her friends and neighbors she was a treasure trove of history. Shirlie remembered it all. She remembered the Great Depression as a child, the Second World War as a young woman, and eventually the transformation of the Santa Clara Valley from a moderately sized agricultural town to the hustle and bustle of modern Silicon Valley. The majority of her memories were supported by the thousands of photographs in her collection.

She was the surviving grandniece of San Jose’s forefather T.S. Montgomery. Shirlie lived a colorful life but professionally she photographed it with a 4X5 Speed Graphic in B&W. She was a celebrated photographer that shot Hollywood stars, U.S. Presidents and pro wrestlers. Although Shirlie did work for the S. F. Examiner and the San Jose Mercury, her works remain some of the best representations of pro wrestling from the 40’s thru the 60’s. When asked about her penchant for shooting professional wrestlers she would answer “I always liked the big boys.” Such stories Shirlie had!

She will never be forgotten. God rest her soul. (Obituary by Joe Holt, neighbor and friend.)

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

1920s Woman's Home Companion Wreath Cake Recipe

Shirlie's mom, Mantie, sent away for this recipe sometime in the 1920s. It was the Woman's Home Companion Christmas Special recipe for a Fruit Wreath Cake. Kind of a multi-flavored layer cake with a "fruit cake" topping. Looks pretty tasty ... but I warn you ... it is totally "from scratch." Try it. Let me know what you think.

(Click on the photo for a larger image.)