A Story of Romance in Stillman Valley

Ethel Devore passed away this morning. The below story is an edited version of a February 2008 church newsletter article. The hardware store is now a community center. I sure enjoyed hearing Ethel telling me her story. 

You probably don’t think of the Hardware store here in town as a real romantic spot. Yet, there are stories of love everywhere in a small town.

When Ethel told me her story of love, I didn’t realize that the Stillman Valley Hardware store used to be a factory.  But Ethel told me she met her husband when they were both at the factory that later became the hardware store.

In fact, when Ethel’s husband asked her for their first date, it was at work. Word had gotten out that a move was being made so everyone stopped their machines and watched while he asked her out.

I didn’t think to ask what they made at the hardware store when it was a factory. 

So, Ethel and her husband’s first date was at a dance at Kings (for those who are new, it’s an even smaller town down on 64 where the John Deere dealership is located).  And, when they walked into the dance, Ethel’s brother yelled so everyone could hear, “Hey, who’s that with Ethel?” I estimate that her brother yelled that over 70 years ago, but Ethel never forgot her first date at Kings.

The Devores were married inside a year in her parent’s home  – – And, they had to borrow Ethel’s parent’s car for the honeymoon.  The groom’s car wasn’t running. 

If you’re single, maybe start hanging out in downtown Stillman.  And, if they’re still having dances out in Kings try that out as well.

And, seriously, remember that stories are one of our greatest treasures. All of history is one great story: a meta-narrative theologians call it. Humanity has rebelled, but God is redeeming for Himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:14). Within that one grand story, all our individual lives intersect and overlap and cross over with one another and form one great fabric. Ethel Devore was a beautiful part of the community of our church.

You are a strand in that fabric, if indeed you belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-3).  And, your story is a treasure, even if you have never been asked for a date in a factory that later became a hardware store.