Their Story, part 3, Just Married and No Money

In neither of their writings is there any description of their wedding. But there are plenty of stories from both before and after. The saga continues here in Mom’s words . . .

After the honeymoon Mother Moore wanted to get a family portrait made before any more of her kids got married. I went along to the studio and watched.” (That’s Hyatt Jr. second from right.)

Even after the honeymoon flat tire there were embarrassing moments. We very carefully removed the “Just Married” evidence from the car before we got to a motel and found a restaurant. We were both being very casual so no one would guess we were newlyweds, but at the dinner table Hy pulled a handkerchief out of his coat pocket (he was still wearing his wedding suit). With the handkerchief a lot of rice came flying out! The waitress didn’t laugh, but looked very amused.

Then the next day, which was Sunday, we found a little church to attend. After the service the people made us feel welcome and asked my my name. I said, from habit, “Betty Allison,” then immediately corrected myself to say,”Mrs. Moore,” again an embarrassing moment.

We arrived at Hy’s family home on the Saturday a week after our wedding and moved into the 12- or 14-foot trailer that Hy had bought for our first home. It was parked in their back yard. We used their bathroom and washing machine.

The Monday after we got back to Rawlins, Hy went to work at the service station where he had been working, earning $75 a month. When he got there he found that he had been laid off! The owner wasn’t having enough business to hire him any longer. He still owed Hy two months’ back pay, which he said he would pay him over time in gas. 

At least we had a free place to live, no utilities to pay, and $20 cash, the amount left from the $100 our honeymoon.

PS I remember once when I was very young saying to my dad that I would wait until I had a lot of money before I ever married. His response to me: “Then you’ll never get married.” It’s obvious he was speaking from his own experience.