This damaged photo dates back to 1965 or 1966.

It was taken in the front yard of my family’s home in Kahala.

I was dressed (in a suit and tie no less) and ready to start on the long trip to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.

My initial recollection was that this was taken as I left for Whitman for the first time in September 1965.

But I’m bothered by that lapel pin. I can’t think what it could have been if this were my initial trip. And I look like I had gained a few pounds since graduating from high school. So I suspect this could have been as I returned to the campus for my sophomore year in 1966.

In any case, it’s one of those relatively rare surviving photos “before the beard.”

The shower tree on the left, above the tear in the photo, is still there in front of the house. The coconut tree on the right, however, is long gone. And I haven’t owned a suit of any kind for decades.