Hyatt -- 60 years

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Ernest Edward Hyatt of Folsom, N.M., and Grace Pauline Carmean of Xenia, Kan., were married at the Bourbon County Courthouse, March 21, l946. Grace and Ernest were going to be different from everyone when they got married. They took a train from Fort Scott to Kansas City, Mo., to be married. A three-day waiting period was in effect in Missouri, so they took a bus back to Fort Scott. The bus had a flat tire in Louisburg, and lost a lot of time, much to the annoyance of the passengers and two very anxious soon-to-be newlyweds. The courthouse closed at 5 p.m. Grace and Ernest arrived at 4:55 p.m., just in time to be married by Probate Judge George Newell Bainum.

Ernest worked at the Wade Motor Company in Bronson, Kan., after having served four years in World War II in the European theater. He become known as "Slim" to the area farming community. The business was destroyed by fire in October 1952. For a short time he worked for Duke Ellington Motors, Bronson, and The Erie Allis Chalmers dealership. He worked for Mack C. Colt Inc. for 35 years.

Grace's earlier years were spent as a homemaker and mother.

The Hyatts have lived their entire married lives in Allen and Bourbon counties except for eight months.

They lived and worked on the XT Ranch at Folsom, N.M., in l947, where Ernest was raised. The XT Ranch was just down the road from where Grace was born and raised. They are 50-year members of Bronson OES No. 65. He is a 50-year member of Bourbon Masonic Lodge No. 268 and a 50-year member of the American Legion. He was post commander of the Bronson American Legion for several years. They enjoyed gardening and flowers.

The couple's daughter and family, Betty and Randy Pierson and Randielle, Emporia, Kan., request a card shower to honor the the Hyatts' 60th anniversary. Cards may be sent to the couple at: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Hyatt, 222 N. Wall-Gas City, Iola, KS 66749.