[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THE 80TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF CLARENCE AND 
                         MAYME VAIL OF HUGO, MN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK R. KENNEDY

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention 
to the 80th wedding anniversary of Clarence and Mayme Vail of Hugo, 
Minnesota.
  Eighty-two years ago, Clarence and Mayme met when Clarence's family 
moved to Hugo and he joined Mayme's eighth grade class. Clarence and 
Mayme were the only two from this class to continue into high school, 
though they both left school early a few years later. They left for a 
good reason: to get married. Although the couple heard people say that 
they were too young to be married--he was eighteen and she was just 
sixteen--they began their wedded lives together on February 17, 1925.
  For the first few years they were married, Clarence and Mayme lived 
in the telephone office where Mayme's mother worked. Their first 
children were born in that office. Since then, Clarence and Mayme have 
lived in two homes, both in Hugo, and they now have six children, 39 
grandchildren, 98 great-grandchildren, and 32 great-great 
grandchildren.
  Before retiring, Clarence worked as a machine and tools salesman, and 
after their children were older Mayme worked at the local grocery 
store. Now, in their retirement, Clarence and Mayme spend their time 
reading, playing cards, and attending church every morning. Mayme also 
enjoys making quilts for local charities.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Clarence and Mayme Vail 
on their 80th wedding anniversary as an example which we should all try 
to follow. Clarence and Mayme have been married for a near-record 
number of years, and it is likely that they hold the record for being 
the longest-married couple in Minnesota history. I admire the love and 
dedication which this couple has shared for so many years, and I wish 
them many more years of happiness together.

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