Today’s prompt: You’ve
documented marriages, now, go back a bit. Do you know the story of how your
parents met? Your grandparents?
Yesterday I wrote about my grandparents’ surprise elopement. But the story of their
courtship is the stuff of Chick Flicks.
My grandfather Orvin Davis was dating the very pretty and
popular Rosalind, one of Shenandoah’s finest.
 |
| Rosalind Mae Rucker Basham 1903-1973 |
He must have waited many evenings in the parlor at
Rosalind’s house on Fourth Street, possibly chatting politely with Rosalind’s
father Joe, while Rosalind was upstairs fixing her hair and dabbing on just the
slightest hint of perfume. No doubt
Orvin spied out of the corner of his eye Rosalind’s younger sister descending
the stairs and turning left into the kitchen.
 |
| Lucille Rucker Davis 1904 - 1990 |
How many times did this scene play out before Orvin shifted gears and started calling on Rosalind’s younger sister Lucille?
Those had to be some awkward evenings waiting in the parlor.
Rosalind did not take it well. I wonder if there was any hair pulling.
 |
| Mary Eleanor Davis Slade 1929-2005 |
And just as my grandfather KNEW Lucille was the one, my
dad was immediately taken with Orvin and Lucille’s daughter (my mother). They met on a blind date. Daddy always said when he saw Momma come out
of the house carrying that big bowl of potato salad, he knew she was THE ONE.
And he hadn’t even tasted the potato salad!
And he hadn’t even tasted the potato salad!
©
2014, Wendy Mathias. All rights reserved.
How lovely, so blind dates can work!
ReplyDeleteSometimes they do indeed work out.
DeleteI would love to see that movie!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story. ☺
I wonder who would play the main characters.
DeleteI bet it was weird between Rosalind and Grandma for a while! I wonder what Joe and Mary Sudie thought about Granddaddy. Hey, I bet Granddaddy would have been great on the Bachelor!
ReplyDeleteI guess the name "Rosalind" is rather prophetic then - perfect for being dissed in the rose ceremony.
DeleteOh, perhaps this answers my question as to why they eloped. Perhaps the thought of a traditional wedding with Rosalind there was just a little too much to handle. And really, would Rosalind want to be a bridesmaid at this wedding? Um, probably not.
ReplyDeleteThe story about your parents is so sweet. And why wouldn't he fall for her? She's so pretty!
I love both stories! I agree with Jana - maybe a traditional wedding was just a bit much. I was surprised to learn that my grandparents didn't have a traditional wedding, especially since both families apparently had the money for one. But since they married about 4 months after WWI ended (and my grandfather was in the service), I guess it makes sense. But I sure would have loved to see their wedding photo!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I think you need to share the potato salad recipe!
DeleteYou must be a mind-reader. "Share a recipe" is the prompt for March 7.
DeleteNow I'm surprised too that your grandparents didn't have a big wedding, based on the letters you've posted. They seem to have been genteel and quite social. I wonder if friends and neighbors were disappointed that they didn't host a lavish event.