MarriedforLife

James and Esther Newcomer
Waterloo, Iowa

July 29, 1941 - 2001

MARRIED FOR LIFE

This account was written by my father, as part of his memoirs.
It all began one sunny Sunday afternoon in August 1940.
My brother Ralph and I were driving around..a favorite
pastime of young men. These rides usually meant going
to Cedar Falls, about 8 miles west of Waterloo. It was
commonly thought that Cedar Falls was the place to go
when looking for girls. (Though unspoken, that's what was
on our minds!)

Driving my dusty green 1935 Chrysler, we stopped to take a
gal friend along with us. As we drove down Main Street, I
noticed Clara Workman and a friend walking the same
direction. I stopped to give them a ride. They had just been
to Clara's house to celebrate her 15th birthday. Ralph took
over the driving while I got in the back seat with Esther on my
left and Clara on my right. Clara soon informed me that Esther was only 14 years old, with the implied intention of cooling my amorous attentions. It didn't work. She was just as cute as could be and we were getting along just fine.

Dating was fairly regular for several months, spending as little
money as possible because my wages were only $18 a week.
We enjoyed each others company and would park at some
remote spot, listen to the radio, talk and smooch. Spending
time together seemed to be the important thing. Sometimes we would go to the roller rink in a converted barn or go to the roller rink downtown to listen to live organ music being played for the skaters.

I bought an 80 cubic inch 1937 Harley Davidson to replace my
single cylinder Harley to give more power to carry two people.
My head gear was a leather helmet that buckled under my chin,
complete with goggles.
We had fun riding the motorcycle up and down the rough terrain
of Island Park. At this time, free movies were being shown
outdoors on Saturday evenings by projecting them on the side of
a building. We would ride in the cool evenings to a nearby town to see the movies.

My one week vacation was determined to be the last week of July
1941 and after talking it over we decided to head south on the
Harley. We hadn't gotten too far, cruising along at 80 mph, when
we had motor problems. Getting the motorcycle back home, we
started out again in my car, which by this time was a 1939 Plymouth.
Arriving at Sedalia, Missouri after dark on the 29th, we located
a minister and got married at his home. A little further down the
road we stopped at a place that had cabins and spent the night.
Next morning we continued south into Arkansas where we enjoyed
pancake breakfast for 35 cents, then started back for Iowa. Despite
it's primitive aspects, we enjoyed the trip since neither of us was
used to the finer things of life.

Esther was still in high school and continued on for awhile, but this practice was
frowned upon at the time, so she dropped out short of graduation. Later, she
earned her GED.

First son, James was born just before my leaving for military service-1942 October
Second son, Henry was born while serving overseas -1944 October
Third son, Edward was born-1946 March
Daughter, Carolyn was born-1948 August

Circa 1955

James Ralph, Henry Lewis, Edward Dean, Carolyn Ruth.

Family photos were scanned and manipulated with PaintShop Pro 6.02

Index Dad's Memoirs Married for Life Military Experience WWII

This page was lovingly put together in honor of my parents.

On July 29, 2001 this couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. A gathering was held at their local Senior Center. A time of family reunion, as well as friends and well wishers, took the opportunity to join in for music and refreshments.

1941---Wedding

2001---60th Anniversary