Click here to subscribe today or Login.
BY KIMBERLY DAVIS TIMES LEADER CORRESPONDENT
Tuesday, February 08, 2000 Page: 5
Most people regard 50 years as the crowning marriage milestone, and as it
should be. Beyond that, though, the larger numbers can spin a head.
When Lester Spaide is asked how many years he has been married to his
wife, Dolly, he is ready with a joke, “Too many!”
After nearly 65 years together, though, Dolly knows his sense of humor and
can give it back just as quickly. The couple will celebrate their 65th wedding
anniversary on Feb. 15.
Lester and Dolly cannot remember a time when they didn’t know each other,
and they know they belonged together.
Both were born in Nuangola.
“We were born at home,” Dolly explains. “Different homes, of course.”
Dolly’s dad was a milk man, and Lester’s father owned the local beer
garden.
Sometimes Dolly would see Lester as she traveled along with her father on
his milk route. They grew up close, attending the same school and church. As
children they went to Sunday School together at the Nuangola Chapel.
They were married in 1935 at a minister’s house in Wanamie. In 1951 they
moved to Wright Township – into a house on a hill that Lester had built for
them.
“He can do anything,” Dolly says of her husband’s carpentry skills. Later
Lester built them another house in the same area so that they would be on more
level ground. The Spaides still live in that neat-as-a-pin home today. Lester
made a living driving trucks. He drove car carriers on long hauls from Detroit
to Northeastern Pennsylvania and later drove trucks for Acme Markets. He
retired in 1980 at the age of 65.
Meanwhile, Dolly was busy at home raising their three sons and five
daughters.
They speak proudly of their children and display eight portraits on the
wall of their home. The Spaides have added 17 grandchildren and 12
great-grandchildren to their family tree since, and 45 family members gathered
at the family home for Christmas.
Lester and Dolly always enjoyed traveling together. They have driven around
the country several times and visited 48 states. They have had their separate
hobbies, too. Lester liked to hunt, and Dolly took up card-playing with her
sisters for a while.
Dolly is quick to point out that her husband does all the shopping and
helps around the house, and Lester gives her credit for their spotless home.
How did they know, more than 80 years ago, that they were meant for each
other?
The Spaides look at each other and ponder.
“We just knew,” Lester says.
Dolly adds, “He was always the best.”