Mexican American Art Since 1848 (MAAS1848)

Portrait Of Ramona

Shades Of L.A. Is An Archive Of Photographs Representing The Contemporary And Historic Diversity Of Families In Los Angeles. Images Were Chosen From Family Albums And Include Daily Life, Social Organizations, Work, Personal And Holiday Celebrations, And Migration And Immigration Activities. Made Possible And Accessible Through The Generous Support Of The Security Pacific National Bank, Sunlaw Cogeneration Partners, Photo Friends, California Council For The Humanities, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, And The John Randolph Haynes And Dora Haynes Foundation

Della Ortega was born in North Hollywood in 1920 and Ramona Frias was born in 1927 in San Fernando. Both sisters’ maiden names were Fonseca. They grew up in the Great Depression and were reliant upon their mother and brother for fiscal support after their parents divorced in 1935. Because of financial struggles Della was unable to graduate high school, but Ramona was able to graduate in 1946. Della met her husband in 1937 and Ramona met hers in 1948. The whole family save for Ramona worked in War Defense plants such as Lockheid during WWII. Both Ramona and Della worked in sewing factories. Della also worked for the election board to help put elections on.

Ramona Fonseca (later Frias), Della Ortega's sister, poses in a zoot suit. Photograph dated June 26, 1944.

Title supplied by cataloger.; Image is a reproduction.

Fashion

Shades Of L.A. Collection Photographs

Women

Shades Of L.A. Mexican American Photographs

Portrait Photographs

1944

image

Photographic prints

Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

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