Betty White's shoulder bag is a time capsule of World War II (2023)

Brings to mind this poem

    Handbag
    by Ruth Fainlight

    My mother's old leather handbag,
    crowded with letters she carried
    all through the war. The smell
    of my mother's handbag: mints
    and liptsick and Coty powder.
    The look of those letters, softened
    and worn at the edges, opened,
    read, and refolded so often.
    Letters from my father. Odour
    of leather and powder, which ever
    since then has meant womanliness,
    and love, and anguish, and war.

Betty White holds such a highly regarded “Hollywood Star” place for me. It was fascinating to see her brought to life through her very ordinary belongings. Fun read.

Thanks for sharing this, really fascinating stuff. I’m glad her estate is willing to donate these sorts of things.

Not to be crude but everything they mentioned inside the bag was from a serious relationship. I really wonder if the outside of the bag was for the less serious relationships that were still candidates.

Or was it common for soldiers to give out pieces of their uniform to people they just met out?

I'm curious how the soldiers had extra insignias and patches to give away as souvenirs.

I miss the people of her generation. I feel like we could use their perspective, experience and fortitude right now. I sure miss their music too...even though Bird Lives.

(2023)

One of the lowest moments in human history, but everyone still dressed well.

Why is this top item with like 8 comments