Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Halcyon House residents reminisce about wedding days
WASHINGTON — Residents of Halcyon House in Washington dusted off old wedding gowns, photo albums and even cake toppers for an event at the retirement community on June 28.
Putting her wedding dress back on for the first time since 1989 brought back vivid memories for Fran Victor, who said the garment had miraculously survived for 35 years in closets despite a couple of moves across the country.
“It brings the whole experience, the joy of that, back,” she said. “Remembering the time, the music, the friends that were gathered. The walking around the lily pond … I did not expect to have the experience of feeling like you’re there.”
Lu and Dave Miller had their wedding memorabilia on display, including a photo album and a mannequin with Lu’s dress. The two were wedded in 1969, but like Victor, said it felt just like yesterday.
The nostalgia for that day was welcome, with so much time passing since then, even if it could be bittersweet.
“The one next to me, my best man, he died. “And my grandparent, he died in ‘76.” Dave Miller recounted. “But it’s still fond memories, a good evening. She’ll tell you that we got married on a Friday night and we came back for a football game on Saturday.”
Barbara “Oz” Coffman agreed with that sentiment. Her display, from her marriage in 1957, brought back memories of her late husband.
“We’d have had 60 years, if he’d have lived three more weeks,” she said. “It was a good marriage, it was happy. (The feeling) is mostly sweet.”
The event was organized by Halcyon House’s lifestyle committee, composed of the facility’s staff and residents alike. Members said they wanted to celebrate the month of June, which is the most popular month for marriages in the U.S.
A smaller, similar event last year proved overwhelmingly popular, prompting a larger affair this summer.
“A wedding is such a special thing,” said committee member and event organizer Sky Mougin. “All week, all I’ve heard from people as they’ve brought me stuff is all the memories of how their wedding went, and all the special moments.”
A sizable crowd proved the committee right about the event’s popularity. Halcyon House Wellness Director Becky Carter said she was delighted by the turnout.
“It’s been great hearing residents reminisce about their weddings,” she said. “That’s been, I think, the best part about this. They love to share their stories.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
