Family history doesn't so much have a start and an end, as it does a center. This story centers around the union of Stanley Merle Johnson and Portia Mae Johanson on Sunday June 11, 1950.
Stan and Portia were married in Portia's home town of Wheaton, Minnesota, at the Presbyterian Church. The church had two aisles, and the congregation knew which one was used for weddings so they were appropriately seated. The officiant was Rev. Walters, who was new to town. The congregation included friends, relatives, and church members. Stan and Portia were impressed with the number who came from Macalester, especially their House Mothers and dietician. In retrospect, it would have been nice to spend more time visiting with everyone, but the day went by too quickly.
Portia's cousin Marion played the organ and her cousin Donna sang Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWAOFiyCQSc
In those days, the same 2 songs were always sung at weddings. Everyone was used to 'O Promise Me' so 'Entreat Me Not to Leave Thee' was a shock to all, especially to Aunt Mabel (Donna's mother). Donna also sang the Lord's Prayer – not shocking, as this was one of the two expected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnsO3BBMjA0
Portia wore a pearl necklace, earrings, and bracelet. She carried lilies of the valley and white roses. The florist insisted that she should have a red rose in the middle, but Portia wanted all white and refused to conform. She bought the suit she wore at Carson Pirie Scott in St Paul for $75. Stan wore a gray suit and a blue tie that matched his eyes. The Matron of Honor was Alice Roth, Portia's friend from Macalester College. She rebelled and wore a pink dress instead of the suit she had agreed to. But that was okay – we're all about rebellion. The Best Man was Jack Frarey, who was also a friend from Macalester.
Following customs of the time and area, Stan and Po went to the town photographer before the wedding. A friend was asked to open their gifts during the reception so everyone could look at them. This particular tradition was not a favorite – it's more fun to open your own gifts, but hard to buck tradition. The reception was served by the church ladies in the church basement. Portia didn't eat a thing – she was too excited.
Stan and Portia left for their honeymoon in their brown car, Penelope. Jack Frarey and other Mac pals had 'decorated' the car with bright red patterned shorts (boxers) on the antennae, rice in the luggage, and tin cans on the back. "Just Married" was written on the windows, likely using soap. The first thing Stan wanted to do once they left was wash the car. Car washes didn't exist then, so he got help at a gas station In Fergus Falls.
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