Sixty years and still ticking
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad

Sixty years ago tomorrow, January 29, this old house on Forest Hill Road in Riley Township was buzzing with activity.

Kettles of steamy, thick chicken noodle soup were undoubtedly bubbling away on the big stove, while the aroma of fresh-baked rolls and other goodies filled the air.

Happy voices and lots of laughter echoed between the house and nearby wood-shed, where 'the men' had gathered to play cards and enjoy some liquid refreshments.

It was cold and there was plenty of snow on the ground, but nothing could dispel the feeling of warmth and happiness that surrounded a young couple who were embarking on the journey of a lifetime.

January 29, 1941 - the wedding day for Clemens Kloeckner and Marcella Witt.

It was a Wednesday - a typical day for Riley weddings of that time period - and the fact that the wedding dinner was held in the middle of the day at the home of the bride's parents was also the norm.

My mother looked lovely in her long, satin wedding gown - that cost $10, a goodly sum of money in the war years that followed the depression. And, the gift of a cow and pig from my father's parents was surely most welcome as my mom and dad settled in here at this home - with my mother's parents to work the 80-acre farm.

I can imagine the shouts, foot stomping, and general gaiety that took place later that evening when the wedding dance was held at the Olive Grange Hall, located several miles east of here. Musicians from Westphalia provided the entertainment that featured square dancing - and probably a polka or two.

As the clock headed toward midnight, the happy crowd enjoyed home-made sandwiches, cake, and cookies while the newlyweds passed out candy to the ladies and cigars to the men - that's the way things worked back then.

How wonderful that 60 years later, my mom and dad are together and are still able to be living in the home that has provided so many happy memories. Sadly, all too often, that's not the way things work today.

And, how fortunate their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are to have such wonderful role models who continue to provide positive guidance and direction to all our lives.

Thank you - we love you - and Happy Anniversary.

* * * * * * * * * *

Holy Schmooly!!

I've no clue if the spelling is any where near being correct, but, put on your Yooper hat and let the words roll off your tongue - Holy Schmooly, what a cool expression.

That could very well be a good friend's reaction to a 60th wedding anniversary - or any other big event, like say for example, a set hand in euchre.

I had the opportunity last weekend of making a return visit as a sub player with a local card group - who certainly knows how to dish it out as well as take it. Holy Schmooly!

This good friend (maybe former friend at this point), who we'll call Sue, took a fair amount of ribbing from a fellow euchre player - who we'll name Wayne - just because of her 'Holy Schmooly.'

Personally, I think Holy Schmooly is a fine expression. There are no Yoopers in Riley (well, maybe a few wannabe's), but there are plenty of Germans who are not unfamiliar with the saying.

Fortunately, the person who we called Wayne got his come-uppence before the night was over from another guy - Jim seems like a good name for him - because of Wayne's stuffed woodcock.

It's best that we go no further with that here.

Holy Schmooly!

* * * * * * *

Finally, thanks to Eugene and Donna Benjamin for solving the bandshell mystery. Eugene's uncle, Floyd Patterson, is one of the men in the old photo that was published last week showing the framework of the bandshell going up - in 1939, just as Jeanne Rand had suspected. The other men in the photo are Carl Krumm and Nelson Jolly.