This photo is dated 1940, and “Mildred and Dick Votaw” is written on the back. Dad would have been 12 years old in 1940, and in this picture he looks like he’s got a new suit for school. I’m pretty sure that Harold (Dick’s dad) took this photo.

The most outstanding feature of Dick’s suit is the knickers, the short baggy pants. At that time boys did not wear long pants until they were in high school. Bright colors were popular, and I wish that this were a color photo so that we could better appreciate those socks.

Of course he’s wearing a sport coat and tie. Sport coats of that time featured wide lapels with points, and a pocket handkerchief was required.

Dick grew up in Indianapolis, and this picture must have been taken in that city.