While emptying boxes recently, Balclutha-born Debbie Webster stumbled across an old photograph showing her holding the hand of a tall and handsome naval officer at the town’s showgrounds.
She said the discovery — alongside the sash she was wearing in the photo — brought memories flooding back.
"The photo shows me after winning Miss Junior Balclutha at the South Otago A&P Show in 1965, aged 7. As winner, I got to accompany the guest of honour for the day, who was a visiting US Navy commander by the name of ‘Earl’.
"We hit it off, and corresponded for some years after, until I expect I lost interest as a teenager."
Resident in Blenheim since 1992, Mrs Webster (nee Hurring) said the build-up to the day, and the day itself, were both exciting and nerve-racking.
"My mother had to get me a pair of ladies’ gloves to hide my bitten nails, and also made my dress, and I remember I had patent leather shoes.
"I come from a family with seven brothers, so for my sole sister, my mum and me it was quite special to be able to get dressed up."
Mrs Webster remembered being starstruck by her American chaperone.
"He was a tall, handsome, stylish man — like a movie star. I remember him being very warm and friendly, and I really became his child for the day. I was very shy back then, so he must have had the knack of putting me at my ease."
Her sister and mother were "over the moon" when she was announced as winner.
"With my blonde hair and curls, and done up to the nines, it was like becoming queen for the day."
Nowadays, a busy career prevented her from attending show days either locally in Marlborough, or "back home".
"I’m in real estate, so weekends tend to be busy. But I’ve got so many fond memories."
This year’s South Otago A&P Show takes place on November 29.
