Bethesda’s St. Louis retirement community would like to introduce you to Dorothy and Carl. They would not say they were childhood sweethearts, but their friendship began when Dorothy was age 13 and Carl 17. Ever the St. Louis residents they lived just a few blocks from each other, she on Burgen, and he on Itaska in South St. Louis. Their dates consisted of walking to the Granada Theatre for the double feature, News of the Day, Coming Attractions, and cartoons (they really go their money's worth). Then they would walk back to Carl's house where his mother would fix a big mean, their favorite, baked ham and German potato salad.
Dorothy was one of three children, two girls (Dorothy and Laverne) and an adopted brother Frank. Dorothy graduated from Woerner School and then went on to Cleveland High School. She did not like the school and after one week, she asked her mother to allow her to withdraw. Permission was reluctantly granted with the stipulation that Dorothy find some level of employment. This was not as difficult a task as it might have been. Dorothy's parents were foster parents and during their years of service, they fostered 36 babies. These were the days before disposable diapers, dry formula that mixed with water and automatic washers and dryers. So Dorothy rolled up her sleeves and became her mother's helper until Dorothy married at age 18 to Carl. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in August.
Dorothy and Carl were very happy. They lived typical South St. Louis lives, she worked for 13 years with "Feed My People: which gave her great satisfaction. The Kuhns were not interested in traveling and were content to go to Hermann, Missouri every year for the Maifest to enjoy good German food and music.
When discussing hobbies, Dorothy thought of her garden and baking. Dorothy canned pickles, onions and other vegetables either from her own garden or purchased from the Soulard Market. Carl didn't think he had any hobbies although he did like to build things. He was reminded that he had received a trophy for making a hole in one in Golf and he added he also likes bowing.
Dorothy prayed that she and Carl would have a family. She particularly asked for two daughters. Her prayers were answered when God sent Donna and Janis, who have been blessings to Dorothy and Carl since their health is not as good as it was. They have two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Dorothy pointed to all the framed photographs on the shelves of her breakfront and said "I didn't leave my family behind when I moved here, I have them all with me." She finished naming all her relatives and then added, "These are the family pets. This is Tia, our Pomeranian, Trinket, our Shih Tzu, and the Poodle is Sassy."
Dorothy and Carl have settled into their new quarters and are now at home to welcome visitors at Bethesda’s St. Louis retirement community. |
