Janet Rogers
It was Oct. 10, 1953, when Mel and Sondra Hartz were married in South Bend, Ind. At that time, gas cost 27 cents a gallon, the Hudson Hornet was the most sold car with a price tag of about $2,500, eggs cost 70 cents a dozen, and iceberg lettuce cost 6 cents a head. The best movie of 1953 was From Here to Eternity, and best song was “I Believe.” Other popular single song hits included “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window” (Patti Page), and “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes” (Perry Como).
Fast forward to a lovely, warm, sunny Oct. 10, 2023, in Robson Ranch on Maryland Court where neighbors and friends came together to celebrate Mel and Sondra’s 70th (platinum) wedding anniversary. In their front yard was a giant sign congratulating the couple. Neighbors Teresa and Steve Taylor hosted the milestone event. The couple renewed their vows in a fun, brief ceremony performed by Robson Ranch resident Steve Stark. Both bride and groom wore statement (“Just Married 70 Years Ago”) black t-shirts, gifts from neighbor Nell Bess. Sondra’s bridesmaid was neighbor Sondra Hartman. Best man for Mel was James Dean in cardboard form! After the bride and groom cut the cake, it was served with the traditional punch, nuts, and mints. A potted chrysanthemum, the flower for the 70th anniversary symbolizing the longest-lasting cut-flower variety, adorned the table, along with pictures of the couple from years past.
In the driveway was their vintage honeymoon car (neighbor Greg Henning’s 1931 Model A) decorated with a “Just Married” sign and tin cans tied to the rear bumper.
One in 1,000 married couples makes it to their 70th wedding anniversary. What an incredible feat of love, friendship, faith, trust, resilience, sense of humor, and patience. Congratulations, Mel and Sondra Hartz!