"Madame Chairman" 27" x 50" fabric collage portrait 1977
Portrait of my neighbor Ivy Troll McBride (noted by the artist for documentation)

Miss Ivy, as everyone in Shepherdsville called her, was a beloved neighbor to the artist. Their properties touched at the fence line between two streets, just a block off Buckman Street, Shepherdsville's main artery, actually Preston Hwy which leads to Okalona to the north.

Known for her colorful poetry (in letters from Ms. Ivy to Alma to be posted soon) Miss Ivy offered the following verse to the local newspaper in the early 1970s, upon the publication of Alma Lesch's 151 Color Recipes for Dyeing Yarns and Fabrics with Natural Materials. (research begun from a 1961 Master of Education Thesis at U of L under Dr. J. J. Oppenheimer (1893-1983).
Alma Lesh wrote: The basis of this thesis was later published in book form as Vegetable Dyeing ...Publisher Watson & Guptill 1970 New York & David & Charles London 1974.

A Tribute to Alma Lesch
Here's to My Friend, Alma Lesch.
NOT she who "seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands"
NOT she, who thru ten years during the quiet hours of night writes a book, proving to others "how to do it" right
NOT she, who worthily gains acclaim at home and abroad, in Halls of Fame
NOT she, who in her small, frail frame labors for months, not to gain a name,
BUT she, who for the sheer love of Beauty and Thrift, gives completely of Self-thru high sense of duty,
But she, who despite her full schedule of labor, drops all, to give aid to a needy friend or neighbor!
But she, whose simplicity and humility knows not the meaning of quite
But thrusts it aside, with her quick, toerant smile, she stands like a rock, in time of distress
And parleys most kindly a thrust, when under duress!
She is the staunch epitome.
Of truth loyalty and integrity
It is THIS ALMA whom the World does NOT, but SHOULD know,
IT IS SHE to whomI pay this Tribute of Love and Admiration.
And add to her other acclaims, MY humble appreciation!
By a Greatful "Fellow Shepherdsvillian", Ivy T. McBride


News of the Day: Thursday, January 28, 1971 The Pioneer News of Shepherdsville, Ky front page news items included:
Third Term County Judge Arson Moore Appointed Chairman for Combs-Carroll in May election
Drug Education Committee Meets at Bullitt Central High School (to prevent future problems caused by abuse)
Colonial House Official Opening (personal care home on Hwy 44 E)
Alma Lesch Book has Recipes for Vegetable-dyed Textiles (as appeared in Courier-Journal, art review)
Retired Persons to Organize AARP Chapter ($2 annual membership at Davidson Memorial Methodist Church)
Stray Bullet Narrowly Misses Sleeping Couple (news from Brooks, KY...The County Sheriff's Office was called to investigate this incident, but they have not yet been able to come up with anything)
Carol Cruise Appointed to County Red Cross Office
News From our State Capitol: Gov. Louie Nunn role in restoring the state budget cut on spending, "I don't intend to be a lame duck."
Local Fire Dept. Has Opening for new Members: requires 4 hour a month and No test required Ages 21-50
Back to School for Board Members: 250 school board members return from Louisville included Dr M. J. Cundiff of Shepherdsville, chairman of KSBA's Fourth Region.
Three Escaped From Bullitt Jail: Jailer Billy Shepherd says escape by sawing a bar out of a second-floor door, no blade was discovered during the 7 a.m. discovery. State Police and Jefferson County are looking for the men.