Bought in October 1966, we were the perfect complement to white satin brocade for the Homecoming Dance. Medium heels, white patent-leather straps, we were made for dancing! Secure in our success, we hibernated in our box during the long Midwestern winter.

Waking in May of 1967, we made a glorious appearance at the Senior Prom, peeking out from beneath yards of pale blue organdy. For graduation we marched to regal music as the perfect complement to cap and gown. We strolled perfectly across the stage to receive our diploma, as well as posing proudly during the valedictory speech.

During rigorous college years, we appeared for an Easter here, a formal dance there. We were packed and unpacked over four long years, secure in our role as the shoes of choice during spring and summer.

In February 1972 we were hustled out on a cold, sleety, gray day, the chill seeping through layers of cardboard and tissue. But, oh my, what a dress! Not for five years had these white sandals been able to stroll beneath so much gorgeous material, secure in the space carved out by the huge hoop. For months, we were hauled from fitting to fitting, practice to practice, preparing for some future party. Finally, in July, we heard someone chant: “Something old; something new; something borrowed; something blue.” With mounting pride, we knew that these white leather sandals would parade down the aisle and dance until dawn.

“Something old” indeed!