The Day Before

The wedding's tomorrow!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

Friday, August 31, 1951:  It was a beautiful summer day in the Hamptons, with early morning temperatures in the low 70s climbing to 82° in the afternoon.  There was no rain that day.  For Saturday, the day of the wedding, the weather forecast called for a similarly nice day, maybe even a couple of degrees cooler.

People were traveling to Riverhead that Friday.  While many of Art’s relatives lived in the vicinity, June’s relatives were coming from both her mother’s home state of Virginia and her father’s home state of Connecticut.  Approximately 80 people had responded that they planned to attend the wedding.

Here are the names of the people who were definitely planning on attending a wedding at the United Methodist Church of Riverhead the following day:

(Tomorrow – June and Art concludes.)

© 2011 Lee Price

Much To Be Done

Two days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

These lists speak for themselves.  There were many decisions to be made, tasks to be assigned, and work to be done.  Doubtless, these three surviving lists only cover a small portion of the many components that went into the planning of June’s and Art’s wedding.

(Tomorrow – The day before.)

© 2011 Lee Price

Bridesmaids and Ushers

Three days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.



Postcard from Shirl.



At some point, plans to have Shirl as Matron of Honor fell through.  The above postcard may have been the last that June ever heard from Shirl.

June asked Frances Martin, a friend from her job at the phone company, to be the Maid of Honor, and asked Jean Hulse and Art’s sister Dorothy Price to be bridesmaids.  June picked out gowns for the bridesmaids, described as “pale green nylon net with matching lace jacket.”  For the Maid of Honor, she selected a “light shrimp nylon net with cap sleeved lace jacket.”

Art asked Ray Lawrence, who was the husband of his mother’s sister and a classmate from Southampton High, to be his Best Man.  For his ushers, he asked his cousins Harry Price and William Price.

Wedding plan details.

(Tomorrow – The to-do list.)

© 2011 Lee Price

The Shower Transcript

Four days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

June’s wedding shower took place on Tuesday, June 26, 1951.  Someone recorded June’s expressions as she opened her presents and then later typed them up for posterity.  Here are some selections from the transcript:

“I have a pan!  Maybe Art won’t go hungry after all.”

“It begins to look as if people expect me to cook.”

“Oh-h-h!  A whole set!  Very nice!  M-m-m!”

(June’s mother:  “I was crocheting a tablecloth for June.  She wouldn’t take it.”

June:  “I didn’t know if it was a rug or a tablecloth.”)

“Oh!  And I love salads, too.  Isn’t that nice?”

“Gee!  I’ll really have a kitchen after all.”

(June’s mother:  “June, you have two pans.  I didn’t have more than that when I started.”)

“Oh!  What shall I open next?”

“All this lovely wrapping I’m just tearing off.”

“I am having trouble.  I’m the poorest opener of packages.  I can’t open your package.”

“Gee!  I can entertain ‘n everything!”

“I didn’t know Art kept secrets from me.”

“I thank everybody very much.”

(Tomorrow – Bridesmaids and ushers.)

© 2011 Lee Price

The Anderson Joyful Crier

Five days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

June’s friends Kay Atkins and Marie Murray prepared this roast-style mock press release for June’s wedding shower on June 26, 1951:

E  X  T  R  A

SPECIAL EDITION

of

THE ANDERSON JOYFUL CRIER

Editors:  Kay Atkins and Marie Murray

Riverhead, New York

June 26, 1951

Decorations from the
wedding shower on
June 26, 1951.

The first social event honoring Miss June Anderson will be given this evening at 126 Lincoln Street by friends of the bride.  Miss Anderson, only daughter of Theodore and Maud Anderson, will be married in the Methodist Church of Riverhead on September 1, 1951 to Arthur Price of Southampton.

The editors, interviewing the parents of the bride-to-be, learned many interesting facts which they will try to relate to you.

Twenty-two years ago last January 25, Miss June, a bouncing baby weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces, was born.  From that moment on, she ruled the household.  Her parents followed her first year with much interest.  At four months, June showed them her first tooth.  At six months, she created a major disturbance by swallowing a pacifier which thereby did more than keep her from crying.  (Need I say June’s parents never complained when she cried after that?)

June was a typical child when taken anywhere by her parents.  She wanted something when she went into the stores.  Parasols intrigued her.  One day in Charlottesville, Va., when her father was acting as nursemaid, she played tag, running up and down the rows of seats in the theater.

At five, June entered Kindergarten and celebrated by pulling the buttons off her teacher’s dress.  When she was in Second Grade, her parents moved to Riverhead and here she finished her Elementary and Secondary Education.  Through school, June showed much love for music, dancing and art.  At dancing school, she won a blue ribbon while circling the floor with Charlie McCabe.  Other blue ribbons were won on the athletic field in the High Jumping events.

Five years ago this fall, June left our town for Providence, Rhode Island where she entered Pembroke College.  Later she transferred to Traphagen School of Fashion where she was an outstanding student.  During this past year, some of her work in the field of Design has been shown to many interested people in the United States.

Now we are up to the summer of ’51, one of much excitement in the Anderson Home.  The bride has purchased her dress;  the bridegroom is successfully recuperating from an operation and time is marching on towards September 1.

The Weather Bureau predicts local showers tonight, but much fair weather and sunshine in the future.

(Tomorrow – The shower transcript.)

© 2011 Lee Price

The Bride's Book of Etiquette

Six days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

At some point, June received a copy of The Bride’s Book of Etiquette by the editors of The Bride’s Magazine (published 1948).  Approximately 95% of the content remains relevant today.  Here are a couple of passages that June may have thumbed through as she prepared for her wedding:

The Bride

“YOUR PRIVILEGES:  As a Bride, you are privileged, with the consent of your family, to choose the type of wedding you will have, to choose the time and place.  Within the bounds of tradition, you may pick the dress you will wear and all the accessories that go with it.  It’s your privilege to look as lovely as you know how…

“You are privileged to choose the flowers you want, the music you want, the reception you want.  You are privileged to make your wedding anything you want it to be.

“You are privileged to have all eyes center on you.”

The Groom

“The Groom is the other half of the raison d’etre for all this fuss and flurry.  He may feel completely out of things and very confused with all of the feminine running around that goes on.  However, he is a most important personage…

“No matter how hectic things may seem to him, he will try to observe every little tradition and courtesy dear to the hearts of women.  He will remember to thank the Bride’s parents for all they have done, and he won’t forget to tell his Bride how lovely she looks.”

(Tomorrow – News from the Shower reporters.)

© 2011 Lee Price

Wedding Responses

Seven days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

“Would be very glad to attend wedding of my cousin Arthur and your daughter June and nothing but fire, flood or sickness could keep me away…”

The responses poured in…

In the end, approximately 80 friends and relatives responded that they would be attending.  A small sampling of their replies is below.

(Tomorrow – The Bride's Book of Etiquette.)

© 2011 Lee Price

The Wedding Invitation

Eight days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

“If the wedding’s to be postponed, it will be alright.  But if the wedding’s on, this is already the last week of June and I just have to get the invitations made out!”

                                                                                    June Anderson

                                                                                    Letter to Art Price, June 20, 1951

June’s eye was on the calendar.  While she was very understanding about the need for the delay in firming up the wedding date, her anxiety was definitely rising.  She knew there were many details that needed to be addressed if the wedding was to go ahead as planned on September 1.  When Art finally committed to the date, June launched into wedding preparations with her parents and Art.

Since June’s mother and father were both from out of state (Virginia and Connecticut, respectively), many of the people receiving invitations would have to plan to travel in order to attend.  The final list of

invitees included local friends, work acquaintances, and

relatives.  Among the friends frequently mentioned in the letters, Shirley Stahl, Bruno Marcincuk, Joe Cerullo, and Frank Hoffman were invited.

According to this scribbled calculation, it appears that 144 people were invited.

(Tomorrow – Responses flood in.)

© 2011 Lee Price

House for Rent

Nine days until the wedding!  June and Art concludes on September 1, 2011.

With Art out of the hospital and quickly recovering, June and Art made a firm commitment to September 1, 1951 as their wedding date.  Final arrangements were made with the Riverhead United Methodist Church.  They planned for an afternoon wedding at the church followed by a reception at June’s parent’s house on Lincoln Street in Riverhead.

Meanwhile in Southampton, the owner of the house next to Art’s parents decided to put the house up for rent.  He asked for just $20 a month, which was very reasonable at the time.  June loved the idea of renting the house at 26 Cooper Street and thought the little five-room home was “adorable.”

Art agreed to rent the property very shortly after getting out of the hospital.  While still on crutches, he painted the whole interior.  It would be all ready for them to move into when they returned from their honeymoon in Quebec and Montreal.

(Tomorrow – The wedding invitations.)

© 2011 Lee Price

The Last Letter

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Friday, June 22, 1951

Presbyterian Hospital

168th Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY

Dear June:

Art at Montauk Point,
circa 1951.

I’ll be seeing you long before you get this but I’ll write anyway.  My mother just left a few minutes ago.  The Minister got lost coming up here but he finally arrived, too.

I love you so much, darling.  I’m certainly looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.  I hope my wheelchair is strong enough for both of us.  I can’t wait till my arms are around you again.

You’ll probably get this the day I get home so I guess I’ll make it short.  I’ll just say I love you, you beautiful doll, you.  Good night for now, my darling.

All my love,

Art

(Tuesday – Final countdown.)

© 2011 Lee Price

Coming Home on Monday

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Thursday, June 21, 1951

126 Lincoln Street

Riverhead, NY

Dear Art,

Fashion quick sketch by
June Anderson.

I’m so glad you’ll be able to come home Monday and I hope you’ll be coming over to see me soon after.  It’s too bad that you have to come home by train though.

I love you so much, darling, and miss you more each day.  Do hurry, darling – not just home, but back here to me.  I hope to come in to see you on Saturday, provided I don’t have to work.

Mother has started to clear the living room.  What a job!  Grandma plans to arrive the first of July.  You’ll be over to see me before then, won’t you?  But we won’t be able to stay out so late then, I guess.

I love you so much, darling.  I wish you were here with me tonight – I miss you so much.

All my love,

June

(Tomorrow – Hope my wheelchair is strong enough for two.)

© 2011 Lee Price

Get Well Cards

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Thursday, June 21, 1951

Presbyterian Hospital

168th Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY

Dear June:

You’ve heard the news:  I’ll sure be glad to get home Monday.  The sooner I’ve got you in my arms again the better.  I love you, darling.

I’m sure now that we’ll be getting married the first of September.  Gee, that’s only about two months and a week away.  I’ve got to get busy when I get home.

I watched baseball on TV this afternoon and the rest of the time I read or roamed around.  I’ve been getting lots of get well cards.  Did I tell you the grocery store across the street from Rod’s sent me a fruit basket?

I’ll call you tomorrow, darling.  I miss you very much, sweetheart.  Be good now.

All my love,

Art

A get well card from some of Art's friends and neighbors in Southampton,
including George and Shirley Hudson, Helen Hudson, Hazel Halsey,
and June Halsey.

(Tomorrow – Too bad you have to come home by train.)

© 2011 Lee Price

A 1951 Hospital Bill

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Wednesday, June 20, 1951

Presbyterian Hospital

168th Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY

Dear June:

I’m alone in the room now.  My roommate went home this morning.  It’s okay alone here but I hope they get me a new roommate soon.

I didn’t see the doctor today so I guess there’s no report from the lab yet.  Please don’t worry about it.

They sent my bill up today.  The woman at the desk said they’re always doing that.  I sent it back with a note about the insurance company.  I’m glad I’ve got insurance!  The first week was $192 – of course that covers the operation, tests, x-rays,

and everything.

I think I’ll get my crutches and go mail this tonight.  My leg feels as if I could walk on it but they say not to.  So I hobble around.  A wheelchair is handy, too.  It means I always have a seat if I go to watch television.

The nurse just came in with my milk.  Everybody gets a glass of milk in the evening.

I’ll say good night now, darling.  I love you so very much.  See you Sunday.

All my love,

Art

(Tomorrow – Get well cards.)

© 2011 Lee Price

Time Is Tight

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Wednesday, June 20, 1951

126 Lincoln Street

Riverhead, NY

Dear Art,

I’m sorry you haven’t heard any news about your leg yet.  I’m very anxious to find out about it – and for more reasons than one.  Naturally I want to know how it will affect you and if the treatments will be easy.  But darling – we have to get started on our wedding plans!

Fashion illustration (with hat) by
June Anderson.

If the wedding’s to be postponed, it will be alright.  But if the wedding’s on, this is already the last week of June and I just have to get the invitations made out!  I’m getting a little nervous.  Whatever you find out, darling, we’ll have to make decisions then.  And either you call up to tell the minister of a change in plans (we should do it as soon as possible in case anybody else wants to get married then) or I’ll get started on the invitations.  I hope I’m not pushing you again, darling.

At any rate, Art, I fully expect you to be coming home next week.  I hope you’ll be able to.  I love you so much, my darling, and really miss you.  It’s nice getting your letters at noon time and your phone call, but they don’t substitute for you being here beside me.

I got my hat in the mail today.  It’s brown felt and shaped faintly like a bonnet.  I know you don’t understand my interest in fashion but I am so pleased with it!

Are you still watching the television, darling?  I read more than I look at it, but we still have it on every night.  No other news around here – you sweetheart – I still love you.

All my love,

June

(Thursday – The hospital bill.)

© 2011 Lee Price

With You in My Arms...

Oil painting of a beach scene in Southampton by Art Price.

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Tuesday, June 19, 1951

Presbyterian Hospital

168th Street, 5th Floor

New York, NY

Dear June:

My mother was in this afternoon for awhile.  I’m not sure when she’s coming again.  I’ve watched some baseball on television after her visit.  Nothing much else – laid around and read a little.  The guy in the room with me goes home tomorrow, cast and all.

So Shirl’s getting married in August!  We may have a matron of honor then.

I love you very much, darling.  I wish I was sitting in my car now with you in my arms.  M-m-m-m.  I miss you a lot, darling, and love you very much.  See you Sunday (or Saturday, maybe).  In the meantime, I’m glad I can talk to you over the phone even if not in private. 

All my love

Art

(Tomorrow – The urgent need for a decision.)

© 2011 Lee Price

You'll Get a Letter Every Day

Fashion quick sketch by June Anderson.

With the wedding tentatively scheduled for September 1, 1951, Art decided to address a long-standing health problem in June.  He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and underwent an operation on June 15 to address the pain in his left knee.

Tuesday, June 19, 1951

126 Lincoln Street

Riverhead, NY

Dear Art,

Another day gone by, darling.  I hope it won’t be too many before you come home again.  I’m sorry to hear your roommate is going home.  I know it’s wonderful for him, but I hope you don’t get some old groan in with you.

When I talked to Shirl last night, she said she would be sending me an invitation to her engagement party on July 15^th.  She thought it would be nice if you could bring me.  I told her we would have to wait to see how you are.

I’m so anxious to find out about the treatments, and – of course –the final decision on our wedding day.  I hope the treatments will be easy on you and very effective at the same time.

It’s so nice to have you able to call me again, darling.  I hope it’s not too hard on you – getting in and out of the phone booth with your crutches and bad knee.  I’ll be waiting for your call tomorrow and will be in Sunday.  Until then, you’ll get a letter every day.  Please get well and hurry home to me.

All my love,

June

(For Monday – Wishing we were in the car.)

© 2011 Lee Price