Frederick J. Nachman

Shortly after entering Hyde Park High School in 1937, my mother Harriet in PE class felt a tug on her pale-green gym suit. “Are you Jewish?’ the cute freshman asked. The encounter led to a 76-year friendship.

Margie Kellis was one of Mom’s best friends. She and husband George Wallace attended my parents’ wedding on September 3, 1946. One photo shows Mom showing off her diamond ring to Margie and Joy Hirsh, her other closest friend.

The Nachmans and Wallaces moved to Glencoe about the same time, less than two blocks away on Oakdale Avenue. Rick Wallace was one year older and brother Bob (my fellow contributor) was one year younger than me. Both led accomplished careers, Rick as a television/film producer and Bob as an OB/GYN. The Wallaces divorced in the early 1960s, and the family moved to southern California. Margie remarried and took the name Huberland.

My mother kept in constant touch with Margie, by phone and frequent trips to California. One trip was most notable. In 1989, Margie was feted with a 65th-birthday party at the legendary Chasen’s in West Hollywood. Mom wrapped the gym suit in a gift box and presented it to her old friend. I heard it brought down the house.

Margie passed away in 2017, four years after my mother. Shortly thereafter, I received a message from my Facebook friend Bob. He found my mother’s gym suit; did I want it? Yes, of course; this garment transcends being a simple uniform.