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Walter L. Dunkle and Gladys M. Trimble celebrated their platinum anniversary June 2 after 70 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Jersey Shore, Walter (91) met his wife Gladys (89) at a square dance on Trout Run. A snowy, holiday season marked the start of their lifelong relationship. He was an enlisted man in the U.S. Navy, home from Atlantic City; she was an independent young woman from Rose Valley.
According to Walter, the pair planned to elope after their first date.
"I took her to the Southside Barbecue in Williamsport," he said. "We were too young to get married in Pennsylvania, so we started driving to Hagerstown, Maryland."
After further consideration, the teenage couple decided to postpone their wedding as their parents wouldn't approve and headed home. Less than two years later, they were finally married at the First Baptist Church in Jersey Shore. The bride was spotted wearing a powder-blue travel suit and a pillbox hat as they headed to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.
From exchanging love letters during the Korean War, to roses and handwritten poems every holiday, love is still in the air. Walter and Gladys now enjoy watching the sunset over Pine Creek, holding hands and reminiscing about their many adventures together.
Life's journey brought them to Morocco, California, New York, Maryland and Washington, D.C. before ultimately returning home to Pennsylvania.
Their four children -- David, Daniel, Douglas and Diana -- 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren grew up hearing stories of "The Magic" -- the moment when you meet "Mr. Right" and "your toes curl up."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 6% of married couples make it to their 50th wedding anniversary, and just 0.1% make it to their 70th. What a milestone to be able to celebrate their platinum anniversary together on Pine Creek.