70 Years: The Love Story of Dixie Sue Rath and Henry Lloyd Fuller, Jr.
Seventy years of marriage began on the evening of May 21, 1949 in Newport, Kentucky — and the Cincinnati Enquirer was there to record every detail.
Today is my parents’ anniversary. And I have been thinking about them all day.
I recently came across this wedding announcement, and I have read it more times than I can count.
The Ceremony
The marriage of Miss Dixie Sue Rath to Mr. Henry L. Fuller Jr. was solemnized at 7:30 in the evening at Newport Gospel Tabernacle, officiated by the Reverend Jack Bishop.
Dixie was the daughter of Mrs. Edgar Bennett of Owenton, Kentucky and Mr. Elias E. Rath of Newport. Henry was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Fuller of Newport.
It was an evening wedding, and I love imagining that — the lights, the tabernacle, the moment they said their vows.
She Carried Pink Sweetheart Roses
Mom’s gown was white lace, with cap sleeves and a scalloped boat neckline. The skirt fell to a graceful ballerina length. Her veil of French illusion was caught to an illusion band trimmed with a sequin-studded feather that curled to the left side of her head.
And she carried a cascade arrangement of pink sweetheart roses.
I love every single word of that description. And looking at this photo, I can see it all — the lace, the veil, those roses. She was beautiful.
Her only attendant was Miss Junaita Lane, who wore a sky blue taffeta gown with a tightly fitted bodice and a bouffant skirt. The bodice had cap sleeves, a boat neckline, and a row of small self-covered buttons from the neckline to the waist. In her hair she wore a band of taffeta, and she carried a colonial bouquet of yellow roses caught with sky blue ribbons.
Louis Yutze served as best man for Dad.
The Reception at 519 E. 10th Street
After the ceremony, guests gathered at the home of the bridegroom’s parents — Dad’s family — at 519 E. 10th Street.
And then there were the grandmothers.
Grandma Bennett, Mom’s mother, showed up in a black sheer crepe frock with black accessories and a corsage of white roses and lilies-of-the-valley. Black. To a wedding. Grandma, what were you thinking? Then again — maybe it was simply the best outfit she had. I don’t really know. But I love her for it and am glad she was there to share her daughter’s wedding day.
Grandma Fuller, Dad’s mother, chose a navy blue lily-of-the-valley print dress with navy accessories and a matching corsage of white roses and lily-of-the-valley. Perfectly coordinated. Perfectly proper.
Two grandmothers. Two completely different approaches. Both of them there to watch their children begin a life together.
70 Years
Following their wedding trip, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller were at home after June 1st at 928 Park Ave., Newport. That address is where their story together truly began.
It would be a long story — 70 years long. Dad always said Dixie was the love of his life, and he meant it every single day.
They are both gone now, but together again. And today, on May 21st, I just wanted the world to see where it all started — a spring evening in Newport and two people who had no idea what a beautiful life they were about to build.
Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad. 🤍
