my dressing was not to really interfere with lifes important issues.

In about the year nineteen- hundred-and-twenty-one, I read in our newspaper that Julian Eltinge was playing in New York and I was struck with the idea that I should write to him. This I did and was pleasantly surprised to re- ceive a nice letter, accompa- nied by photographs. After that we corresponded until the time of his passing, in nineteen hundred-and-forty-five, I had the real pleasure of meeting him twice. The first time was an unexpected treat, in nine- teen-hundred-and-twenty-five, and is a tale in itself, as I was dressed myself. To get back to nineteen-hundred-and-twenty- one, the war was not long over and a concert party of the Canadian Army was making it's tour of the country, even the states, with their show. They had an all soldier cast and some very fine "female impersonators". Knowing somebody, who knew some- body, etc., I was invited backstage and got to know the "girls", especially. Their leading lady was Marjorie, a Nova Scotian, who, in some ways, looked like I did. We hit it off and becam friends. He helped me, also, in some ways. They were well received in New York. After the group broke up he sat for me for his portrait. I met other imper- sonators, afterwards. Gene Pearson, the male "Calli-Curci", who was a splendid singer, a natural Soprano of high range, with a good figure, also. We became quite friendly, going out together. Guilda, I met

later on and we became good friends and remain so. I would say that he/she would be the most perfect of all the imper- sonators I have known, in every way, but voice, very French, also.

All of these cross-dressers are real to me, for nowadays I just don't get around as I used to. There were others I met, naturally, but the ones I men- tion I came into real contact with and I won't mention many amteurs that passed my way. While all this was going on, of course, I was still dress- ing every opportunity and tak- ing a part in an odd concert or even a minstrel show, though I hated black face. Occasionally I would be asked to put on a little dialogue or act for a group or some society or fill up a programme. After I got married, sometimes my wife and I would put on a little sister act and always she was at my side, reliable. I will not tell of any of the little trouble- some episodes I had, though I did have some, not serious like being forgetful and leaving half a costume at home or not having the makeup I wanted. Only once did I ever have a little trouble with the law. I was going home from a show a little way outside the town, in a hurry, and I guess I was speeding. A horn blared be- hind me as it caught up and I had to pull over. I was in a housemaid's costume and ex- plained why, as I showed him my license. After looking over the car and me, he warned me of the dangers of speeding and told me to drive on at a slower speed. Maybe my smile work- ed that time.

Eventually I gave up using my artistic talents for a com- pany, but, of course, still kept up my painting and art work at home, though I am lazier. This was about nineteen-hun- dred-and-sixty-nine; there was nothing, nor anyone, to stop Sylvia from doing whatever she wanted. With my dear wife, we had an ideal life to- gether. I've dressed as I pleased, went out as Sylvia when I pleased, kept her well dressed and in no way hidden, though, not advertised. The only real misfortune I've had was to lose my dear wife, and I am fortunate and thankful enough to be able to carry on. As Sylvia I must say that I've always loved the clothes; the costumes were all extras to lead to the more desirous clothes of every day life, the powder and paint used, to try to make an ordinary looking face a little more acceptable. I suppose that careful scrutiny of habits and manners have, in some way, contributed to the pleasant ways of feminine mo- tion, or should have done in so many years of observation. A girl may always learn some- thing, too, by reading the better literature and, of course it was to my benefit to be able to read all but four of the earlier copies of Transvestia, edited and put together by Virginia, and later the copies by Carol, besides all the copies of Femme Mirror.

Looking back, I am sure that Sylvia has had a happy life and for that she is thank- ful. Youth has gone, but left in its place a calm exterior and satisfaction, plus many friends.

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