Celebrations: Anna and Allen love story - 75 years and counting

Anna and Allen Clark 1942

Anna and Allen Clark, residents of Aegis in Shoreline, are celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary.

Anna and Allen Clark have a romance unlike anyone else’s. Their love story begins in Pittsburgh at a church banquet. Upon entering the room where the banquet was being held, Allen immediately noticed a young woman seated alone with one chair available next to her.

He also noticed another gentleman was interested, so he claimed the spot before anyone else could. Allen learned that the lovely lady’s name was Anna. The two chatted and Anna gave Allen her phone number. He waited two nights, called to ask her out, and she said yes.

During senior year of college, in 1942 the middle of World War II. Allen was drafted into the Navy and sent to the coding division in Boston. In the first week of May, Allen learned that he could only get one day off, so Anna chose to come up and visit. Allen traded shifts with another incoming officer to get two days off. The two spent the day together and Allen proposed. Upon returning from the two day get away, Allen asked his commanding officer for some days off to get married. He was given three days.

Anna and Allen Clark 70th anniversary party

Since Anna was back home she was in charge of organizing the ceremony. She decided to have their wedding in her family’s living room in Swissvale, Pittsburgh. Anna’s sister and parents, along with Allen’s younger brother, sister, and parents attended. Anna chose the unconventional route and wore a little blue dress and did not have any special decorations. Instead of providing cake for guests, Francis and Mary, two family friends, kindly provided lunch for the occasion.

Anna and Allen have now been married for 75 years and he still pulls out the chair for her. Happy anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Clark.

--Shelly, Life Enrichment Assistant, Aegis of Shoreline