Fifty eight years ago, December 10th, Mom and Dad said their marriage vows. I wish I had more of the early photos of them. They are back on the farm, filling many albums, but here are a few I have from my albums, through the years.
She was a town girl and he was a farm boy from different towns, growing up with different backgrounds. They met on February 15, 1950, on a blind date. Mom shared with me about how she met Dad... She had been to the Arcoda Ballroom in Sioux Falls with some friends from
Nettleton Commercial College one night and Don Anderson drove the girls home, letting Darlene off last. She was surprised she was the last to be dropped off and Don said he would pick her up the next night. She said no, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. The next evening when he came to pick her up, he was driving a yellow convertible, and when he brought her out to the car, he “pushed” her into the back seat with Calvin. Their first meeting. (The car was Calvin’s, Dad and Don knew each other from school at Washington HS in Sioux Falls, SD)
Obviously the two hit it off... and the courtship began.
Cal gave her a diamond and asked her to marry him while they were parked in his car, on July 18th, that same year, on what is now 26th St. near McKennan Park in S.F. At that time it was the edge of town and not the busy street it is now. Mom remembered crying tears of happiness.
The Argus Leader newspaper had this wedding announcement.
Darlene Wettestad Says Vows
Larchwood, Ia., Dec 13 - Miss Darlene Wettestad, Sioux Falls, daughter of Mrs. Cecelia Wettestad, Glasgow, Mont., was married to Calvin T. Johnson, Larchwood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Johnson, 2020 South First Ave., Sioux Falls, in the Grand View Covenant church at Larchwood December 10, 1950, the Rev. David Kline, Sioux Falls, officiated at the double ring ceremony.
The bride wore a nylon marquisette gown styled with round yoke circled with ruffled nylon lace, long sleeves, fitted bodice, full skirt trimmed with ruffles of lace and a short overshirt which fell into a long train. Her fingertip veil was secured to a satin bonnet. she carried a Bible with a shower arrangement of garnet roses.
Mrs. William R. Ball, Sioux Falls, was matron of honor and Miss Rose Mary Sinjem, Brookings, was bridesmaid. They wore gowns of fuchsia and aqua respectively. They had matching hats and carried cascade bouquets of white carnations and red roses.
Axel Bonander Jr. was best man and Dr. Dale D. Whitcher, Sioux Falls, was the attendant. Ushers were William R. Ball and Richard Swanson. Gregory Whitcher and Lonny Fredricks were ring bearers. Mrs. David Kline was soloist and Mrs. Elmer Swanson was organist.
A reception was held in the church parlors. Those assisting were Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bennett, Mrs. Dale Whitcher, Mrs. Oscar Palmberg, Mrs. Lynn Outka and Mrs. Harold Fredricks.
The bride attended Brookings high school and Nettleton Commercial college and was a member of Alph Iota sorority. The bride groom attended Washington high school and served in the army as a construction foreman in Japan.
For travel the bride wore a red gabardine suit with grey accessories. After a honeymoon the couple will make their home in Larchwood.
An anticipated winter storm delayed their honeymoon plans. They had planned to go to Sioux City their first night, but icy roads sent them to Rock Rapids instead and the only room left was one with single beds. (wink)
They started their life together on the Johnson family farm. Dad's Uncle Carl lived with them for the first few years of their marriage. Soon, they had four children, Dad boasts he planned it boy, girl, boy, girl. Mom and Dad let their love spread as they've worked together to run the farm, support their family, neighbors and church.
What can a person choose to say about a couple spending 58 years together? There are so many stories of laughter, joy, and even sorrow, I'm sure I'll share more in the postings to come. For now, my heart goes out to Mom and Dad, as the sweethearts celebrate 58 years together. Happy Anniversary!
I suppose many of you regulars thought I fell off the edge of the Earth! Not really, but I have been enjoying myself once I finally got to Arizona.
Joe left for home on Sunday afternoon. It's warming up here in Mesa and we've gone swimming the last two days with plans to go again before I leave. The water's been great on my joints. (I twisted my knee getting into a seat on the airplane in Mnpls. and heard it pop! Clutz!) I'd love to have easy access to a pool back home.
We've been enjoying fresh fruit from Mom and Dad's grapefruit and orange trees. Imagine going out in the morning to pick fruit for breakfast. I'm sneaking some into my suitcase on Friday!
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