Wayne and I decided we would get married in Arkansas or Colorado, because those two states did not require a waiting period nor blood tests. Since Wayne could not spare much time away from farm chores, he could not afford to be away long. Besides that, we did not want everyone knowing about our plans. Wayne asked me in which state I preferred to be married, but since Wayne had not been to either state and I had been to both, I really did not care. I felt the choice should be his. He made the final decision that we would be married at Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

I did tell my mom about our plans a few days later. She went through the usual worries of a mother as to whether I really knew what I was doing. I must have convinced her that I did, because she helped me buy my wedding attire. We searched many places for a dress small enough and appropriate for the occasion. We finally decided on a taupe color crepe dress with a dark green scroll monogram on the left shoulder. It was several sizes too large for me and had to be altered. We purchased it at the Fair Clothing Store in Cherokee and my hat at Dunnington's Toggery. We bought a beautiful white nightgown at Lockes Clothing in Wakita. It was expensive, but ever so pretty. I never had a pretty gown before. We bought black patent shoes with platform soles to complete my ensemble. I had never had so many new clothes all at once before. I have forgotten what I packed my clothes in as we never had a suitcase. Wayne had purchased “dating” clothes and a brown suit that year, so he did not need new clothes.

Wayne made plans with his brother Monroe “Monk” to do his chores while we were gone. So now we were all set to “Elope” on Saturday November 22. 1947. Lila was chosen to go along with us. Mostly, because I needed her support. I was almost 17 years old, but still knew I was going to have to tell a fib about my age when I got married. I never lied, so I was very concerned about getting away with the one I would have to tell. I felt more secure with Lila going with us.

Music playing is: "Just The Two Of Us" (Or was it Three?)
Any copyright remains with the artist.
The music is provided for entertainment purposes only.
There is no commercial use of it.



Created September 21, 2016

Updated: 14 June, 2021

Webmaster ~ Ray Clark ~ rayclark07"at"gmail.com

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