Smile

   


     Violet was born in New York on May 22, 1924 to Robert Engstrom and Theresa Duper.  She had Swedish ancestors on her father's side and Irish/Austrian ancestors on her mother's side.
     By the time she was 6 years old, Violet was living in New Jersey and had a younger brother according to the 1930 U.S. Federal Census.
     My grandmother's cousin was a beauty and worked as a Coronet model.  She appeared on magazine covers and in newspapers.  I have quite a few photos of her that had belonged to my great-grandmother.  I love the name Violet.  It is such a pretty name for such a pretty girl.  She changed it to Pat.  hmmm...  I wonder why?  Maybe her manager, if she had one, suggested she change it?
     What became of Violet?  Did she blossom in her glamorous career or did she wilt?  Did she keep the name Pat when she was no longer modeling or return to her flowery name?  Did she use both names, Violet for everyday use and Pat in front of the camera?
     Whatever she did, she had a beautiful smile.

Photos were taken in Florida.