Long Term Lovers of Howard County

Alvie G. and Helen B. (Hankins) Wright : 53 Years
Married September 26th, 1948

Quilt Made by Alvie and Helen Wright's Two Daughters and Daughter-in-Law for their Parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary. Alvie was very patriotic, and this theme is carried out in the quilt’s design, which also features images of family events and celebrations. Included as well are buttons from Alvie's Army uniform, a photograph of Kokomo's famous Dr. Schwartz, who delivered all three Wright children, and a quilt block from the lap robe Jill made for her father during his final illness.

Alvie graduated from Kokomo H.S. in 1942. He served with the Army Air Corps in World War II. After the war he worked at the Wake-Up filling station on Washington Street The station owner had a daughter, who was one of Helen's close friends. Helen met Alvie while visiting her friend at the station, and soon was spending quite a few hours there. They dated for about a year. Helen recalls Alvie asking her repeatedly, "Do you love me like a wife or like a sweetheart?" Finally, she gave the correct answer and they decided to get married. Among Alvie's many interests was country music. He recalled being glued to the radio all night long on Saturday nights as a kid - at least, as long as his parents would let him stay up. He would listen to Renfro Valley, the Grand Ole Opry, and whatever station he could find that played his kind of music. When he and Helen were planning their marriage, which took place at the First Baptist Church in Kokomo, on September 26, 1948, Helen wrote to Renfro Valley, Kentucky, asking for ticket and reservation information. To get there, they had to drive much of the way south of Covington, Kentucky, on "graded" road beds, fording streams along the way. They stayed in a log "honeymoon" cabin there. Alvie recollected that there was a bed and dresser, but could not remember whether or not a bathroom was included in the facilities. One of the programs they attended was the Barn Dance Show. Reserved seats cost $.65 each. A half-century later, as a special Golden Wedding anniversary gift, Alvie and Helen's children made arrangements for their parents to celebrate the occasion by once again visiting Renfro Valley. This time they stayed in a modern motel, but they were able to attend the original Barn Dance Show they had first seen on their honeymoon.

Alvie drove a city bus for many years, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 31 years as a clerk. He and Helen have 3 children: Jill Fortner, of Kokomo; Randall "Randy," of Ft. Wayne, and Janis Essex, of Westfield, and 9 grandchildren. The family's enduring bonds are exemplified by the quilt and poem written by Alvie for Helen on the occasion of their 25th anniversary.

Alvie G. Wright, Oct. 27, 1924 - Jan. 24, 2000
Helen B. (Hankins) Wright, 1929 -

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