Music • Photography • Writing
Teen Years
Looking like a Big City Kid coming of age, Bob poses for a snapshot outside a Chicago store. His suit looks new and crisp and his smile matches. Here's what Rhoda Brown, a friend, wrote in a reference: "I wish to give this reference for Robert Poltevecque. I have known him for over eight years and have never known of a dishonorable or unworthy thing in his life. In fact his life is an example for the youth of America."
While never an especially fashion conscious fellow, Bob had his moments. Here he wears a leather coat with a fur collar. Although it's a spiffy looking coat, it also looks too small for him, judging by the way the buttons strain and the sleeves ride up his wrists, so the coat may not be his.
In the days before television, kids amused themselves by reading. Bob was certainly one of those kids and he continued to be an avid reader all his life. Note the spiffy (and large) sneakers.
While Bob was often photographed in his nicest clothes, the Poltevecques were far from rich. Here he wears what used to be referred to as dungarees and a simple work shirt. He carries what appears to be a Spaniel puppy.
During the summer, Bob wore lighter fabrics and colors. Note that his pants are flared like a sailor's bell bottoms.
Bob poses with some friends on a lakeside dock. The photographer who took this picture is unknown but it's one of the best images in this collection, a classic representation of life during the Great Depression. Note the shoes and socks on the kids and Bob's hat.
Bob and Louie share a light-hearted moment on a picnic out in the country.
Bob and his close friend (and later roommate) Julian Cieply (holding the wheelbarrow) participated in a high school play called "Turn To The Right." Bob is described in the caption as "the sad-looking gent in the wheelbarrow."
There is snow on the ground: Bob graduated six months early, an option more available to students at that time since college attendance was rare.
That day Bob posed with his classmate, Marjorie Barnes. They would later marry.
Bob graduated from Lindblom High School, on January 29, 1937, a prestigious part of the Chicago Public Schools system.