The 56th annual edition took place this week on a very hot and humid day. Officially, 799 people had responded to the invitations sent out to Clark County residents who have been married 50 years or more. But over 800 people filled the banquet room of the Champions Center. While the event didn’t officially start until 12:30 p.m., some participants continued the tradition of arriving as early as 10 a.m.
The Springfield Kiwanis Club started the event in 1958. In those days, it was held at the club’s normal meeting location. But when that became too small, it was moved to the fairgrounds in 1964. Elderly United, now known as United Senior Services, joined as co-sponsor in 1972.
Maureen Fagans, Executive Director of USS, said there are currently about 1,800 couples and surviving spouses in Clark County who have been married for at least 50 years. She calls the party “one of most heartwarming events United Senior Services gets involved in.”
Despite the heat and humidity, those on hand enjoyed entertainment, a sing-along of old favorite tunes led by Ann Colliflower and Jim Miller, lunch provided by Oakwood Village, cake and ice cream. As always, a highlight is the crowning of the King and Queen. This year, it was Bill and Hazel Carter of Springfield, who were married Oct. 9, 1942. To qualify, Fagans told the crowd that to be eligible, a couple must have been married the longest, be able to attend the event, have not won the title previously and be residents of Clark County.
Bill Carter served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, was discharged in 1945 and worked for 36 years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He excelled in sports, winning many tournaments throughout the years, umpired baseball locally and is a member of both the Clark County baseball and bowling halls of fame.
Hazel Carter, who grew up in Springfield, attended Central State University’s nursing program, and worked as a nurse at Mercy Medical Center and the Maternal Health Services of Community Hospital. She has also served as President of the John Street Neighborhood Association, has been active in promoting safety and beautification efforts in the community and volunteered with the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
They have six children, 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and have visited 49 states and Europe.
Their son, Bill Carter Jr., told me before his parents were married and his father was a machinist at Wright-Patt, he couldn’t afford a ring for his wife. So he made her a ring and carved “Witt” — his wife’s nickname — inside it. During the war, he wrote her a letter every day and two on Mondays.
The Carters typify the dedication and loyalty of many people in their generation. To have been married for nearly 72 years, a couple has to have “tied the knot” early in life, overcome the highs and lows, stayed steadfast in their commitment to each other and lived a long life.
We should salute them, and all those people married for at least half a century, for their inspiring example to all of us.
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