Everett Oakley met the love of his life at the Nimmonsburg Fire Hall.

When I was 16 my “then” girlfriend suggested we go to the Nimmonsburg Fire Hall and try some square dancing.  I told her “I don’t know how to square dance”.  She came right back with “we” will teach you.  I had no idea who “we” was but I was game.  The first square dance I tried was hard.  I had to catch on real fast to avoid having my arms jerked out of their sockets.  I really enjoyed it and kept going for the next several months.  I had broken up with the girl who introduced me to square dancing and now I was with a group that had our own square dance square.

One Saturday I was late, and my group had already replaced me.  However, there was another group saying we need another couple. “ Wait” I yelled “I will be right there.”  As I looked around at all the girls just sitting I asked the prettiest one to dance with me.  She hesitated but then said yes.   I learned her name.  It was Sally.  It turned out to be a really great night.  We did every dance together the rest of the night.  It was early but Sally’s brother, her ride, came and he did not want to stay.  I barely had time to say bye, let alone to say come back next Saturday.  It was a long wait but finally it was Saturday again.  I was back at the Fire Hall just waiting and hoping.  Finally, there she came through the door.  I was happy, Oh boy was I ever happy.  I mean happy.  Once again, we danced together, and I was in “HEAVEN”.  That Saturday and every other Saturday I made sure that she had a ride home with me, no brother.  The ride was actually with my mother.

Sally and I dated for a long time until we married on June 15, 1957 and were together for 54 years until my prettiest and priceless Sally died.  I can not tell you how much I really miss her.  We had many happy times together through the years.  We had four children and 11 grandchildren.  What a wonderful life we had throughout the many years.