ANNIVERSARY

Today is our 65th anniversary. Our courtship, which lasted for seven years, began at the Davis summer festival when this bored, 14-year-old said an enthusiastic, “Yes,” to 16-year-old Kenny’s question, “Would you care to ride the Ferris wheel?” I didn’t realize in 1952 that I was making a commitment for the rest of my life.

As we fell in love, Nat “King” Cole’s recording of “Too Young” was popular and it felt like he was singing just to us. I was sure we weren’t too young to be in love and it has lasted all these years.

Our wedding, April 17, 1959, went just as I planned. Dad walked me down the aisle for out candlelight ceremony at 7:00 p.m. The Trinity Lutheran Church was small and could seat only one hundred people. My cousin, Doris, was my maid of honor and Ken’s long-time friend, Wayne, was best man. The Ladies Aid took care of serving our small reception of sandwiches and cake that followed in the church basement. At 9:00 p.m., we joined a crowd of friends and relatives at the nearby New England Grange Hall for our wedding dance. a family tradition. Live music was provided by the Rock City Chevrolet dealer, John Pela, and the Bel Air Ranch Boys.

We’re proud of the family we created–our children, grandchildren and the people who have married into our clan. We appreciate that they all settled in this area so we can continue to be a part of their lives.

In some ways, it doesn’t seem that long ago that we repeated the traditional vows “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish until death us do part.” We were optimistic on our wedding day, but our life together has followed all of those words. We are fortunate to still be together and able to celebrate by going for supper at Merrill & Houston’s in Beloit.

What events have been pivotal in your life?