Mid, Part 2

Mid in her St. Louis dress shop, 1940. (St. Louis Star-Times, 29 Oct 1940.)

St. Louis Star-Times, Oct 25, 1934

Cape Girardeau was too limiting for someone with Mid’s avant-garde outlook. Over her mother's vigorous objections, She dropped out of Southeast Missouri State Teachers College, and moved to St. Louis, where was living in 1935. There she first went to work as a "hash slinger" (a job description given by her sister Marguerite) at Dohacks Restaurant, and then became a dressmaker. But she was not just any old dressmaker. By 1940, she was renowned for her flair with color and drape. She even designed the flight hostess’s uniform for Chicago and Southern Air Lines, which had set up headquarters in St. Louis.

Mid designed the C&S uniforms (postcard).

Mildred was not good at choosing men. Her first marriage had failed, and the man she lived with in St. Louis was, according to relatives, highly questionable. But, as we will see next time, she found a perfect mate. Another marcher to a different beat.