on the double wedding because there was no money for another wedding. Dorothy’s parents had just mortgaged their home to give Pearl her wedding. Ours would have to cost a lot less. My family couldn’t afford a big wedding either. So, we opted for a small cere- mony in a little synagogue in downtown Phil- adelphia. That temple is gone now. We had a reception at the Warwick Hotel. It was chosen because it included a band with a dance floor. February 24, 1953, we began our new lives together. The wedding was attended by my mother and brothers, and their wives, Sylvia and Ida with their kids, Aunt Mary, and a few of Dorothy’s relatives. Even though it was not a grand affair, Dorothy dressed in a stunning gown and me in my best light blue suit. During the event, turkey platters came out of the kitchen with bacon on top. Since the Rabbi was kosher, Pearl took the initiative to stand by the kitchen door and take the bacon off the dishes.
Dorothy and I spoke about the wedding fifty years later, how we each walked down the aisle wondering who that person was that we were marrying. Of course, marrying her turned out to be the best decision I ever made. If I have accomplished anything at all, it could not have happened without her by my side. She continually bolstered my aspirations and self-confidence and turned out to be a woman with an extraordinarily positive and encour- aging personality. We severely tested that optimism many times. I came to know nothing would have been accomplished if not for her unswerv- ing confidence and trust in my abilities to succeed. Throughout the years, we both came to realize that our ‘best friend’ was by our side at all times. Whatever the circum- stances and there were many hard years, she made our home a mecca for our children and their friends. Over the years, I came to love her more dearly than any adolescent crush. As I write this, we have already passed our 57th anniversary! HONEYMOON Our honeymoon was at a popular resort called Grossinger’s, in the Catskill Moun- tains [This area is known as the borscht belt, a Jewish enclave during the ’20s-’60s. The region lost much of its appeal when the next generation grew up and preferred cruising.] We had lots of fun in the mountains: ice skat- ing, dancing, and some shows, but by the end of the week, I was exhausted. So, I asked my new wife if she wouldn’t mind cutting our trip short and going back to Chester. When we arrived home, my mother took one look at me and knew something was very wrong. Her reaction was our first clue that my tiredness was more than a cold. I went to bed immediately; she called the doctor. I had contracted Hepatitis. For the next two weeks, I laid flat on my back, while Dorothy had to sleep at the other end of the house. I think I must have become sick from a poorly ster- ilized needle during the required marriage tests.
The Wedding of Herman and Dorothy Front Row - David Shooster, Rose Lesnick Mellor, Second Row - Silvia, Izzy, Dora Mary Lesnick, Ida and Harry Shooster Rear - Mr. and Mrs. Dorothy and Herman Shooster
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