LaVerne Strotheide got to know Miriam when she (Miriam) was appearing as a trapeze artiste at a local theatre in Granite City, Illinois. LaVerne would have been 12, and Miriam 5.  A delightful friendship developed and the two girls kept in touch for many years. The common thread in this friendship was dancing, LaVerne specialising in Tap. She also sang and was the vocalist with a number of popular bands, both big and small.

But what really cemented their friendship was appearing in various shows and reviews together. And beyond that, from wherever she was performing at the time, Miriam would write to LaVerne, and frequently include an affectionately inscribed photo. There is a poignancy in Miriam's inscriptions - several of them begging LaVerne, 'Don't forget me'. 

Below are just a few of the photos LaVerne has been able to lay hands on after sixty or so years.

LaVerne still dances, and having recently entered her ninetieth year, she must surely be the Grand Lady of Tap-dance.

I'm extremely grateful to LaVerne for making these photos and memories available to me for publication on this website. They form a valuable contribution in piecing together Miriam LaVelle's short, but fascinating life.