Good Times

“Inquiring Camera Girl” was a regular column in the Chicago Daily Tribune during the years 1945-46 as well as prior-to and beyond. Readers who submitted an “interesting” question subsequently used in the paper were awarded $5. Using a “man or woman on the street” approach, reporter Maryon Zylstra stationed herself at various locations to ask passers-by the inquiry of the day and to take their pictures.

In the August 14, 1945 edition of the Tribune, the question was “What is your idea of having fun or a good time? If asked exactly on that day, which it wasn't, “This!!” might well have been the answer, because of course it was V-J Day--the end of the war, and millions were celebrating in the streets.

Nevertheless, the answers given days before could apply to that joyous occasion anyway:

Lois Martini, student: I like riding in convertibles. If I'm laughing a lot, I consider that I'm having fun. If I'm in a happy mood, anything I do is fun.

Helen Mathieson, student, Highland, Ind.: Dancing with a smooth dancer is most enjoyable.

Francis Franke, student: I especially like entertainment that hasn't been planned. Anything that happens on the spur of the moment is always interesting and exciting.

Elvira Skavich, Lemont: It isn't necessary to spend money before I can have a good time.

Sylvia Ginsburg, student: Just being myself and feeling in a gay mood is having a good time.