Category Archives: pop culture

The Driver’s Seat

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Letter From Elba Annual Announcement: Yep, Dear Readers, it’s that time of year again. I’m heading up to the North Woods for some R&R. I’ll be back in your email boxes on Sunday, August 23. But for now, relax and … Continue reading →

Posted in New Trier High School, pop culture, Teachers, Tributes, Winnetka | 18 Comments

Gigi

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Ellen Ross

This is the grand staircase of the even grander restaurant Maxim’s. The Chicago Maxim’s that dwelt in the Bertrand Goldberg-designed Astor Towers. Opened in 1963 as an homage to the 1893 Paris original, it was run by Goldberg’s wife Nancy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago, Gender politics, pop culture, Restaurants | 6 Comments

Ring Toss

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Attention All Jewel Thieves: The jewelry pictured in this post is NOT mine. These images were taken right from the Internet. So don’t bother coming here to rob me. Thanks for your cooperation. And just in case you think I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Dating, Divorce, Marriage, pop culture | 6 Comments

Matchless

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Ellen Ross

I found this little car just the other day. It was stashed away in a kitchen drawer. Take a good look. It is the sole survivor of a huge convoy of Matchbox cars, Hot Wheels, Tonka trucks, and other motor … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars, hobbies, pop culture, Shopping, Toys, Winnetka | 14 Comments

What’s In It For Me?

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Author’s Note: The following is not meant for any of the terrific men who subscribe to Letter From Elba. You’re the best, guys, and I’m grateful for your support and your comments. This post is aimed at a much larger … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, pop culture, The Internet | 20 Comments

Curses!

Posted on July 19, 2015 by Ellen Ross

My new stationery arrived just the other day. I had picked it out at an adorable store, All She Wrote. Denise, the manager, was super-helpful and together we chose an ecru-colored, slightly-textured paper with my name, cell phone number and email … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoca School, Nostalgia, pop culture | 2 Comments

Class Reunion

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Ellen Ross

These are class photos from Echoes 1965. My New Trier High School year book. (That’s me with the corsage- second row, third from the left. No idea why I’m wearing it. Maybe this picture was taken on my birthday?) I … Continue reading →

Posted in Dating, Memoir, New Trier High School, pop culture, Restaurants, The 60's | 8 Comments

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Ellen Ross

(Photo courtesy of Janeane Reis) Happy Summer, everyone. This is Sam Tofias, your Boston roving cub reporter. I’m writing today’s post because my Gran is still too exhausted from all of the holiday festivities to type. She delegated the job … Continue reading →

Posted in Grandparents, pop culture | 6 Comments

Gone Fishin’

Posted on June 28, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Dear Readers, I’m out of here. I’ve got places to go and people to see. Letter From Elba will be back on Sunday, July 12. Have a happy, safe, wonderful Fourth of July. (And my apologies to all my brand-new … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, pop culture | 2 Comments

Respect

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Ellen Ross

Dear Readers, do you know where you were on December 10, 1967? I do. I was in Madison, Wisconsin. My boyfriend Jon had just taken me to dinner here. (A pretty fancy joint on a sophomore’s budget.) But that was … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Nostalgia, pop culture, The 60's, University of Wisconsin | 14 Comments