Calwood couple celebrates 70 years of marriage

Leland and Helen Austin of Calwood will celebrate 70 years of marriage on June 4. Photo by Mandi Steele.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Seventy years ago Leland and Helen Austin took their vows at what was called Otterbein Church. Leland said he paid $11 for Helen’s gold wedding band that he bought from Maerz, which used to be located across from Taylor’s Jewelry in downtown Fulton. The minister that married them, who they remember as “Reverend Smeltzer,” received $2 for performing the ceremony.

“The marriage license was only $1 at that time,” Helen said, shaking her head at how one today costs about $50.

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