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.)

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Happy Valentine's Day Shirlie Bug

In amongst other cards and stuff from Shirlie, I found this homemade, handmade Valentine card from Kenny. Thought I'd share it.
For Shierley Bug

God I’m glad yer my chum
Cause you are a little plum
But listen here ole pal of mine
Won’t you be my Valentine?!
Tee Hee!!

Maybe you would rather be
A Valentine to Dear S.C.
But I fergot – Tsk Tsk, Dear, Dear
You were their Valentine last year

Or if I were a little Kanakee
I’d take you to my grass shackie
Then let it rain or let it pour
But we could take a little detour!

But I’ve Thot ‘n Thot real hard
And remembered about a cute life guard
So I guess you’d rather be
A Valentine to Kenny – Whee!!

So There!!!






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