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38 Beverly Hills Gothic
Antique, Victorian tri-fold mirror with cupids in love, acquired in the Greek islands. Salter collection.
DADDY AND MY DATES
I was living with my father and his new bride, Hallie Rogers, in Hollywood after graduating from La Rew School for Girls. I had high marks and had won the 1936 Poetry Cup. I was a good, responsible girl! But my dad insisted I be home by 11 p.m., and I was constantly arguing that midnight was a better time. Nevertheless he was usually very firm about that.
In fact, when the boys drove me home, my dad was always pacing up and down in front of our house. He was very tall, with wide shoulders and a small waist, and looked pretty scary. Most of the dates would say, “Uh, is it okay if I don’t walk you to the door since your dad is right there?” I would let them drive off, and my dad would look at his watch and snarl a little before he kissed me.
However, the few times I came home late, he threatened to hit me with his belt! I was really upset, especially when he would say, “How do I hit, how??” He would take off his belt and I would cry. He never, ever did hit me, but he almost scared me to death!!