Edith, who editor Virginia informed us “has had her facial hair removed,” took the Pennsylvania Railroad from New York to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 1959. She flirted with a man on the train and stayed at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA or YW) while in D.C. While there she met Janet who asked her if she wanted to go on a blind date with her cousin Billy, who lived in Washington. Billy brough a friend named Dick for Janet. Dick drove and the foursome went to a movie. After the movie, they drove out to the suburbs for dinner and dancing. “Dancing with Billy was heavenly,” she wrote.
Edith Goes to Washington (A True Life Experience)
by Edith Eden
“On the ride back to town Billy grew bolder and kissed me on the lips. I just closed my eyes tightly and was trans ported (sic) into heavenly bliss. Before he helped me out of the car in front of the YW and seeing me to the elevator he kissed me good night. A long soulful kiss. Then he asked if he could see me again. “I’d love to go on another double date with you and Janet and Dick” I replied, and he promised to call me the next afternoon about four.
“Good night, Edie” he called as he turned to leave.
‘Good night, Billy” I fairly gushed.
Janet and I ascended in the elevator and neither of us spoke except to say good night dear when I left the car. The next thing I knew I was at my door and entering my room I threw my purse on the dresser and lay down on the bed without undressing. I just lay there reliving all the gorgeous moments of my date.”
–excerpt Edith Eden, “Edith Goes to Washington (A True Life Experience),” Transvestia, Vol. 1, No. 3, May 1960, p. 7-12.
