Commemorating a half century together

SPARTA — In 1959, gas cost 25 cents a gallon, Alaska and Hawaii joined the United States and Mattel launched its first Barbie doll. It’s also the year William and Sussie Hull joined together in matrimony. On Oct. 31, the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. The Hulls have lived in Lake Mohawk for 45 years. In keeping with traditions of their mother’s homeland of Denmark, the couple’s daughters, Kathe, Lisa, Linda and granddaughter Elizabet incorporated many Danish traditions in the day-long celebration. A jazz ensemble from Sparta High School began the day by serenading the couple. The students began preparing for their performance in September. To the delight of Bill and Sussie they played “Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen.” Afterwards friends and family joined the Hulls for a breakfast hosted by their daughters. Later in the evening the couple arrived at the country club for a reception with dinner and dancing via a horse-drawn carriage. The banner on the back of the carriage read, “Just Married...50 years ago!” A very special guest of honor was Hannah Suhr Stewart — Sussie’s maid of honor in 1959. The couple’s daughters were happy she was able t travel from Florida to join their family for this festive weekend. Hannah’s parents, Ruth and George Suhr were responsible for the Hulls meeting over 52 years ago. Friends and family from across the country came to honor the couple. Guests enjoyed singing songs written especially for the anniversary couple and sampling kransekager, (Danish marzipan ring cake) both Danish traditions. Letters of congratulations were presented to Bill and Sussie from former Presidents: Jimmy Carter, George Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, honoring their milestone. The Hulls are now looking forward to their 75th wedding anniversary in 2034 The Hull family released a statement thanking their Deborah Gianuzzi, the Music/Art Department Liaison at Sparta High, John Cuozzo and the talented Sparta Jazzers, Colby Isenberg, Brian Galli, Samantha Guigliano, Joseph Cowell, Kevin Scales and Brian Clines for their performance; Larry Patton, Frances Smith and the entire staff at the Lake Mohawk Country Club and friends and neighbors for sharing the day.