Their Story, Part 1, College and a Separation

We left off some time ago with Dad finishing his years at the CCC and deciding to go to college. He’d met Betty Allison as he was visiting a church. She’d wagered with a friend which would get him and won. They’d dated at the soda shop and though she was just 17 he’d brashly announced that he would marry her. (He was 19.) For a review and more embarrassing moments, see Dad’s Story, Part 8. She didn’t respond at the time and years were to go by before that would happen, including a long separation–and more embarrassing moments. Their words:

An undated photo, could be in Rawlins or even Laramie, either city still pretty sparse at the outskirts.

Dad: 

The next year, after 15 months with the CCC I left to go to the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The folks had saved the $25 per month I got from the CCC and with a scholarship I was able to go through two years of college.

Mom:

In March of the following year my family moved to Colorado and I didn’t see him for two years.

In the summer of 1937 I worked as a “mother’s helper” in a home in Denver for $3.00 a week plus room and board. Hy’s dad got railroad passes for him and his brother Muriel so they could come to Denver. They stayed at their Uncle Everett’s for a few days.

Sometimes Uncle Everett would loan Hy his car and he would pick me up to go someplace. My employer gave me extra afternoons off that week. One time Hy’s mother and his sister drove down to Denver. When they came over to where I was working so Hy could tell me goodbye his mother kissed me. That made me feel more at ease.

One evening Uncle Everett took Hy and me to an entertainment park, Elitches Gardens. It was my first experience and when we walked through a moving barrel at the entrance–where they had air flowing up–my dress flew up over my head. I was so embarrassed I wanted to go home.

It’s a wonder to me the romance lasted, so many embarrassing episodes.

Dad:

I was discouraged with college as my grades were not real good and I decided to quit and get married. I had several jobs on the railroad: plumber’s assistant, electrical assistant, tie gang, all at 43 cents an hour. I was also a service station attendant at $75 per month. I saved enough to get married and have a honeymoon.

Next: Engagement and Marriage 

Speaking of separations, Anne has been gone for a week. She was first in Kansas City visiting daughter Tamara and her family and now is in Chicago visiting daughter Acacia and hers. As you remember, we have five children, with all marriages thankfully in tact and prospering. For a beautiful tribute about such things, see daughter Allison’s most recent blog about Vernon, The Vows. Also, for some humor and how his thoughts are coming back but still rather jumbled (and a sampling of some of his marvelous fonts) see last week’s post, Strength and Letters.