Swedlow Central

So, it’s my parents wedding anniversary today: March 19, 2018. Obviously, my mother is celebrating it on her own.  We miss you, Dad! This photo was taken in 2016.

There are many stories about their wedding back in 1961. Here are some stories I remember at the moment:

• They met on a blind date. When the men arrived at the sorority house, my mom went up to the wrong guy and said: “If we’re going to the race track, we’re betting with your money because I don’t have any.” That guy pointed to my dad and said “It’s him!” Once they coupled up, from what she told me, they “got lost” on their way to the race track (Scioto Downs) on its opening day and so they had a lot of time to talk. I believe they fell in love right away. I think there is more to that story.
• Dad was still at law school and my mother at university at Ohio State.
• Marriage took place in Springfield, Ohio with a full set of bridesmaids and grooms.
• My mother still has her wedding dress, which didn’t fit any of her 3 daughters as it was size 5 or something. It had a very long train and was made with lace and silk. I think my grandmother was involved in the making of it as they were poor.
• The synagogue was Reform of mostly German dissent, so my Russian Jewish grandparents on my Dad’s side were horrified that nobody was wearing yarmulkes (kipas). I think there was some broohaha about that.
• They went on their honeymoon to Nassau, Bahamas.  Super cute photos of them exist with touristy straw hats and bags and one sitting on a cannon.