Relationships Talk

GEORGETOWN — These two little words are the secret to a long marriage: Yes, dear.

That’s the word from Ed Jones of Hoopeston, who jokingly shared his secret during the Georgetown Fair’s Golden Wedding Day celebration Wednesday. He and Phyllis have been married 64 years.

They have been attending the celebration for 14 years, along with their friends, Chuck and Anna Whiteman, also of Hoopeston.

Anna gave her advice for a long marriage: “Just hang in there.”

Her husband added, “Don’t argue.”

The Whitemans, who have been friends since childhood, also have been married 64 years. He served in the Army during the Korean War, and Jones served in the Marines during that time.

More than 40 couples and some individuals attended the party at the Georgetown Fairgrounds. Couples married 50 or more years were invited, as well as single people who had been married 50 years when they lost their spouse.

Scott Davis, a member of the fair board, told the crowd, “You guys are such good role models for our youth today.” He wondered how many people would make it to 50 years in the future.

The gathering was a time for the older couples to socialize with each other, as well as teenagers from Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School. The cheerleaders served drinks, ice cream and cake to the attendees, and cleaned up afterward. They also performed a cheer routine.

Prizes were awarded to attendees in certain categories.

Again, William and Bernice (Davis) Grubb of Covington, Ind., were honored for being married 75 years. They had met while Bernice was in nurses’ training; she quit in February and they were married by April.

Attending the First Baptist Church in Covington has helped keep them together.

Ed and Phyllis Jones, and Chuck and Anna Whiteman were honored for attending the most Golden Wedding events at the fair.

In addition, the 2018 Miss Georgetown Fair queen Billi Jo Shank and her court mingled with the crowd, and gave short speeches. The court includes first runner up Katelyn Blankenship, second runner up Emily Duncan, and third runner up Baylee Shepherd.

Coordinator SaLena Davis gave a history of the Golden Wedding Day, which is somewhat of a family affair. It was started around 1972 by Ethel Cunningham, who was SaLena’s grandmother. Joan Brittingham was coordinator for a while; she was SaLena’s father’s cousin. SaLena’s husband is Scott.