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New York, June 29, 1921. "Brunswick Records employees' luncheon." Seated center is the pianist Marvin Maazel; his dining companions include the contralto Elizabeth Lennox (hat, far right) and soprano Marie Tiffany (hat, seated left). 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size.
"I brought my secret hip flask. These lunches are so tedious." Or at least that's what the young lady with the teacup looks like she's thinking.
at the far left! Creepy guy says "Don't make me come out there!"
Today I did a small test. I asked my children and a few of their friends who is the kindest on this picture? They all pointed at the lady on the right with the sandwich in her left hand. I think they are right. So now they (and I) want to know who she is and if she was really kind. Who knows more about her? (the one they thought was not kind at all was Mrs Lennox, with the hat)
The 1920 New York City Directory lists the following:
Brunswick Recording Laboratories, W.A. Brophy gen. mgr., 16 W. 36th.
A.H. Vogel & Co., Abr. H. Vogel pres., furs, 29 W. 36th
These two addresses are on opposite sides of West 36th Street and are within 200 feet of each other. Perhaps the sign from across the street that is reflected in the window reads as follows:
Fine Furs
A.H. Vogel
& Co.
While I'm out on that limb, perhaps the man peering out the window below that reflection is Mr. Brophy himself? I know it's only circumstantial evidence but it's the best I've got!
[Excellent work all around. And that is indeed William A. Brophy behind the curtain, also seen below with his guests. - Dave]
When photobombing was a more genteel art.
It's striking to see everyone wearing something quite different versus the fashion clones of just a few years earlier.
And anybody else thinking "Carole King's grandma" for the woman at left?
George must have arrived too late for the picture, but it appears that he found a way to be part of the action by making a curtain call through the first window.
But I am trying make out the name of the Fur Store whose reflection in the window is almost readable. I see the word "vogue" on the second line.
Marvin Maazel was the uncle of conductor Lorin Maazel.
The use of disposable items clearly evident: paper plates, paperboard boxes, paper napkins, and cellophane wrapping. All we are missing are paper cups and plastic flatware.
Everyone that sings gotta wear a hat? Who knew!
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