Friday, September 19, 2008

A Day to Remember - September 19, 1958

On September 19, 1958 my family and I were invited to a wedding reception in the Perth Town Hall for Dick Warr and Shirley Code. My parents were unable to attend so it looked like another quiet Friday night unless I hopped on shank's mare and walked the 5 kilometres to Innisville, the nearest village.

*Enter fate, stage left*. Our landlord and his wife, Art and Lena McCall, were also invited to the reception and asked if I'd like to go with them. So at 9PM that evening I was on the loose in Perth at the dance.

The first person I ran into that I knew was Ivan Malloch, an acquaintance from Drummond Center. He was a couple years older than I and had a car. We stood around an listened to the music for a while and then the band announced that they were going to play a square dance. Now being a Lanark County boy, fiddle tunes and square dancing were second nature to me so I started looking around for someone to dance with. That's when Ivan pointed out a lovely young lady, Helen Ireton, sitting along the wall. He said she was a neighbour of his and she liked to dance. She was wearing a red sweater, plaid pleated skirt and slingback shoes and from where I was standing she looked fantastic. So, young buck that I was, I sauntered over and asked this vision of loveliness to dance. And she accepted! We ended up dancing together for most of the night. Helen says the thing she remembers most about the way I was dressed is how shiny my shoes were.

That was the beginning of a friendship that has lasted 50 years. That 50 years has included being married 6 years later, moving to Ottawa, raising a son, and for the most part just enjoying life together. We've had many interesting experiences and I imagine we wouldn't likely change any of it. And through it all I can safely say, we've stayed friends.


So I'd like to raise a glass to Helen, my friend and lover for 50 years.

UPDATE: 2018-09-19
In 2018 I had to make a slight adjustment to the remembrance. After reading the posting, Helen pointed out to me that she wasn't wearing a red sweater that night because she didn't have one. She wore a brown plaid A-line skirt with a matching fitted vest and a white blouse.

So I guess it just goes to show, I'm not infallible. But then, what husband is?

Hmmmm... And I'm still wondering who was wearing that red sweater and did I miss out on anything?

That's how I see it from Between Keyboard and Chair.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

How lucky you both are and what a wonderful tribute. I'll raise a glass to 50 love filled years and wish you many more!
Cheers!

Becster said...

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. :)

Mary Ellen said...

once again, a great read of your memories!! I will raise my cup 'o tea to you & Helen right now....and am thankful that you two are my aunt & uncle. xoxo Mel

Wilson said...

Hi,

What a wonderful and lovely memory you have there. She must be very lucky to have known someone as sweet and loving as you.

Best regards,
Wilson

Lina@MothersLoveLetters said...

Oh, wow, Don!

I love how you remember exactly what she was wearing, on that night 50 years ago.

There is something very special about dancing and music that make people fall in love, create memories that last the lifetime...

and put in motion a series of events that lead to new human beings and families and generations to be born.

Thank you so much for sharing. And Congratulations to you both.

Lina

lisasdream said...

that is an amazing story! How incredible that you have now been married for over 50 years. What a beautiful story...do you share this with your children/grandchildren. Hope you had a gorgeous anniversay.
Cheers
Lisa

Jackie said...

Don this is a beautiful tribute to your wife. I love how you remember the details of what she was wearing the first night you met Helen. Happy 53rd Anniversary.

Mal Kiely [Lancelots Pram] said...

So beautiful - you guys are legends. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing! And Congratulations!

Deborah Chen said...

A lovely story .....and one of commitment....so often lacking in relationships today.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Loved reading this. Reminds me of the Maurice Chevalier song with Sophia Loren when he get the colours wrong! 🥰x