We left Southfield on a bright and sunny morning on November 2nd, 1957.  At that time, Al was living with his mother and his brother, David.  Al was 28 years old.

We decided to elope, and Al left a note to his mother indicating that she would soon have a new daughter-in-law...Me!  At the time, only two people knew that we were getting married.  One of our mutual friends from the American Youth Hostels and the secretary, Sheila Mahoney, were the only people that knew we were headed off to get married.  We were all on the staff of the American Youth Hostels and decided it wasn't necessary to share with everyone else there.

We drove to Angola, Indiana to perform the ceremony.  We found the Secretary of State's office upstairs over the local drug store.  Al asked her what the cost would be to get married.  She answered saying that it was either $5 or $10.  He asked what the difference was, and she didn't have an answer, so, Al said "I'll take the $5 fee then!"  We all had a good laugh!

We spent our wedding night at the Pokagon State Park in the Potawatomi Inn.  It was lovely and very romantic.  When we began our journey to return home the following day.  We decided to stop at a Wyn Schulers restaurant in Marshall, MI for dinner.  I had delicious lobster tails,, and Al had a great big steak.  It was a great way to start our marriage of 63 years!

Upon our return, Al and I decided to live together in my apartment in Lincoln Park, MI.  It was a nice duplex that I had lived previously in with my sister before she was married.

Al and I continued to work for American Youth Hostels until 1960 when Al finished college and started teaching in the Detroit school system.

Our families supported our marriage even though we eloped.  We had many celebrations after our marriage with family and friends to celebrate our union.  We had a wonderful 63 years full of love and laughs.  More anniversary adventure stories to come!!

This recipe was one of Al's favorite coleslaws.
It is easy to prepare, and lasts a long time in the fridge.  Enjoy!!

9-Day Slaw
Given to Gerry Hyams by Fran Shook

Ingredients:

Salad
1 head cabbage, shredded
4 ribs of celery, chopped fine
2 medium or 1 large red onion, chopped fine
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup of sugar

Dressing
½ cup of vegetable or salad oil
½ cup of cider vinegar (any vinegar will work, but apple cider vinegar is best)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar