Introduction
Vivian M. Gaddis
Vivian M. Gaddis was well-known in Camden for many years as beautician and model. In 1957 she was named as the best-dressed African-American woman in Camden.
A long-time resident of North Camden, she tragically passed away when her oil furnace malfunctioned and filled her home at 1017 Penn Street with carbon monoxide gas and smoke. Ms. Gaddis was 82 at the time of her death.
Down fashion row—in Camden
Washington D.C. Afro-American —
By GLENDORA PHILADELPHIA
The “best dressed woman” in any town is not necessarily the one who has the largest number of gowns, hats, or shoes — neither is it necessarily she who has only a few.
Because no matter the size of your wardrobe, you aren’t well-dressed unless you put the right things together….unless you know what is becoming to you, no matter what is the prevailing mode …. and unless you are able to select colors that emphasize your own personality.
CASTING A GLANCE about in our burg, once again Glendora ventures forth to name the five best dressed women of Camden.
Ten would not be too many with such a large number to choose from — and the opinion expressed is based on observations made at the outset of this column.
year’s group, for she exemplifies the most choice taste in selection of her wardrobe.
The dentist’s wife gives special thought, it seems, to colors that bring out the lights in her brownish-red hair — and she is thoughtful too…of types of ensemble for her short, trim figure.
One of her most entrancing evening gowns is a snow-white creation in which she stunned holiday revelers this year!
THELMA GRANT, another of the city’s beauticians, rates a place among the town’s best dressed. Thelma knows the right hat to wear, and will positively not sacrifice the good points of a good dress, by teaming it with the wrong bonnet!
This may be her secret!! Accessories do count, you know. She has a penchant for aigrettes that place her in the class with the much admired “Birds of Paradise,” and that’s saying much.
I’ve changed my mind about
NORTH CAMDEN’S Vivian Gaddis, popular beautician, who has studied modeling, and might also rate the title Camden’s Number 1 “glamour girl,” stands in first place.
Without her ability to properly correlate her extensive wardrobe, the polite lady would not be so well-dressed, for she has absolutely everything any woman would like to own!
Tinted shoes to match exactly her cocktail or evening gowns…a collection of furs…chapeaux to match every mood and outfit, and the right sort of costume jewelry for every outfit. These things, always in immaculate order, place Vivian at head of the van of Camden’s best dressed.
ALYCE T. WIGGINS, wife of Dr. Ulysses S. Wiggins, maintains her place, which she has held several years, in “Down Fashion Row’s” nominees. She might be identified as the "suit lady, for she can produce the proper suit for every occasion-morning, afternoon, or night! A WHITE evening suit she had especially designed, is the last word. She too, boasts a collection of furs.
HEDDY ROBINSON joins this naming the fifth best dressed Camden woman—instead, I am asking readers of this column to place the name of your choice for the place on a penny post card (or are they two cents now?)
Mail it to 1151 Cooper St., stating the reason why you make the selection.
This should prove interesting for next week’s readers, for after all, Glendora doesn’t profess to know all of the answers.
Let’s hear from you. Your nominees will surely march “DOWN FASHION ROW,” with a bang!
Foto Craft Club in Y ’gala nite’
The YMCA Foto Craft Club will sponsor a “Gala Nite of Photography” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the 12th Street Y.
This event is part of the celebration of National YMCA week. The program will feature a studio session, demonstrations, criticism and competition for visitors with cameras.
All photography fans are asked to attend this affair. Club officers said the evening will be one of enjoyment and fun.
Obituary
Camden Courier-Post —
Vivian M. Gaddis
Vivian M. Gaddis, of Camden, NJ on October 20, 2011 age 82.
Mother of the late Carol Gaddis Parsons; she is survived by her granddaughter, Andrea Parsons; 2 aunts, Edith Parron and Birdie Shepard; a godchild, Lenaya Harbison; nieces, Davida, Cheryl, and Tonya Hopkins; cousins, Madeline Johnson and Jackie Shelton; a dear friend, Ellen; a host of other relatives and friends.
Services: Friday- 11 AM at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 1198 Penn Street, Camden, NJ where friends may call after 9 AM. Interment: Lakeview Memorial Park. Arrangements by Carl Miller Funeral Homes.