In 1956, seventy years ago, my parents (Ralph & Barbara Jo) got married.
Back then they watched "I Love Lucy" on a small black-and-white television set, listened to Elvis sing on 45 rpm vinyl records, and ate Cheez Whiz and Sloppy Joes. Cooking was adding mayonnaise to something. Dessert was Jell-O in a variety of shapes and colors.
Like their friends, my parents smoked cigarettes and drank lots of liquor at boisterous parties in "finished basements". Furniture was "mid-century modern"; kitchen counters were easy-to-clean Formica.
My parents bought a house for $15,000 and cars for $1,000. Born into an unstable world in the 1930s, they were fortunate to later live through the greatest period of economic prosperity in our nation's history. They retired in their fifties and lived comfortably down in "sunny Florida" on a civil service pension.
I'm happy they had nice lives.
Beautiful portrait. ❤️ Lovely couple, your parents.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's startling to realize my mother was literally a teenager (19) when they wed. My dad was 25. I was borne the next year.
Delete:-) Happy they had nice lives.. agreed!
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend.
DeleteAw, happy anniversary to them! Great wedding picture!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteHappy anniversary to them. May their memories be blessings.
ReplyDeleteI dream of a life that those alive now will be able to have attainable dreams. Thanks to your parents for putting you, Ally, into our lives ❤️
Aww, thanks pal. You're so sweet.
DeleteHappy Anniversary to Ralph and Barbara Jo! I'm very glad they had a nice later life! They look lovely in that picture. I wish they were here irl for you to celebrate with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, pal. It feels good to hear you say their names -- it makes me feel like they're still alive. Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I frequently heard people talk about "Ralph and Barbara Jo." It has such a familiar -- and comforting -- ring to it.
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