| Notes |
Married by Father Joseph Carrol, SJ who was a boyhood friend of Kyran Conarchy from Dublin, Ireland. Marriage witnesses were Rosemary Lane & Angela Conarchy. The Best Man was Arnold Ehlinger.
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Letter from Verne Ranft to Kyran, Bill and Jane Conarchy dated June 25, 1945
Marian's and Warren's wedding was just perfect. The day was vastly different than yours, Jane Marie. I shall never forget our icy cold apartment at five am the morn of January 3rd. At five thirty last Saturday morning it was 71. Ir must have been 80 or better by the time we (Jack and I in company with the Kearney family) arrived at St. Sebastian's. By the middle of the afternoon it felt like 95 - I'm sure it was, for it was awfully hot.
Marian was a lovely bride. Her gown was of beautiful white lace with long tight sleeves a sweetheart neck. (Bud and Bill - that's sort of squarish in out with a dip in the center - I'm sure you'll get the idea.) She wore a long white tulle veil. Rosemary and Angela were just darling in their pale pink silk net dresses over taffeta. All three dresses had tight bodices and very full skirts. R's and A's dresses had long tight sleeves, same as the bride's. There were two rows of pink insertion (sort of silk embroidery on net) in the upper part of the pink shirts. They carried bouquets of spring and summer flowers, blue of the deepest hue bachelor buttons, pink roses and many, many other flowers - tied with a green satin bow. The bride carried a white shower bouquet of gardenias and other lovely blooms.
Jack and I arrived at the Kearney home at 7 am for Peggy said "we'd take off" at 7:15. We finally got going at 7:55 and, with God's help and Larry's driving, we arrived at the church about ten after ten. The bridal party was in the vestibule just getting started for the trip down the aisle. An usher asked me whether we were friends of the C's or the W's, and Jack and I started down the side aisle with him (the white carpet had already been laid down the center aisle) and he was all for seating us right back of your Mother and Jackie and Lois, when we thought we'd better sit back a few pews with the other folks.
The music was beautiful - the church flooded with sunlight - there were two huge baskets of white flowers on the alter floor as well as lovely green ferns. Father Carroll said the Mass and tied the knot and, as I told him at the reception in the afternoon, he did a bang-up job for I've never known any couple, and this includes Jane Marie and Bob, who were prayed over quite so much and so well as you Conarchy gals. The two center aisles of the church were packed - everyone in light clothes - and many were the good wishes bestowed upon the happy pair in the vestibule after the ceremony.
Your Mother wore the best looking print dress - made by Marian - and a very smart and becoming blue hat. Lois had a darling voile or some other soft cotton print - also made by Marian, with a little headband of the dress material with white flowers at either end. She is such a sweet youngster. Jackie was all licked up just like a freshly scrubbed little boy. Your Dad was his usual happy self, dressed in his best Sunday blue suit. We told him that he's getting to be an old hand at this job of giving his daughters away.
I saw your Mother wipe her eyes a couple of times during Mass but right after Mass was over and the bridal party had left the altar, that wonderful Dad of yours remembered to say something very funny to your Mother so that she was all smiles, even giggling a little, as she came down the aisle. What a guy my Uncle Kyran is!
There was a wedding breakfast for the immediate families at the Plankington and in honor of the happy event, and 'cause she was in the bridal party, Angela was permitted her first drink. I think she told me she had a Martini. The Kearneys, Jacobsons (Marcella, Howard, Joan and Helen Marie) and the Ranfts dropped by at your home for a minute, as Peggy wanted to drop off a package there, and I found your Aunt Margene in one of the bedrooms changing from her goood-looking light blue wool suit to a silk print dress and from that moment 'til we left for home, in company with the Jacobsons this time, Margene never stopped. She seemed to be doing something all the time and was everywhere at the same time. How fortunate your Mother is to have such a swell sister and you kids to have such a perfectly marvelous person for an aunt.
We then drove downtown (after waiting a while on the front porch while Messrs. Ranft, Kearney and Jacobson followed your Dad's advice and dropped into your basement bar for a short snorter) and I phoned the Schroeder where Florence and Les Cook, also Aunt Fan and Miriam, who we had all seen at the wedding, were registered. I thought it would be more fun if we all had lunch together. Loretta and Francis Callahan also came up on the 7:30 Northwestern train that morning - the Cooks, Aunt Fan and M. came up Friday nite. While waiting for a table at the English Room of the Pfister, I spied Senators Callahan and Cook at - of all places! - the bar. We tried to get them to join us at luncheon but no go - they had promised to go back to the Schroeder to join their ladies. They did - sometime later. Need I add that the Senators were joined at said bar by Congressman Ranft, Kearney and Jacobson while their ladies were toying with the menus. We really had a jolly gang and spent a very delightful hour and a half there.
Jane Marie, you may or may not know that I did a bit of shopping the day of your wedding - as a matter of fact, Reel's insisted upon opening an account for him. I got the best looking blackknit suit there and black cepe dress. We started on another shopping expedition Saturday but somehow lacked the enthusiasm of the January trip because of the soaring temperature, I guess. The three Congressmen came along but you may be sure found some "spot" down an alley while Marcella, Joan and I were in some of the shops and Peggy, Patsy and Helen Marie in others. Patsy wanted a new blouse to wear yesterday at a cocktail party given rof Bill Cullerton and Elaine Stephen to whom he's going to be united in holy matrimony come Saturday. She didn't find anything suitable but I found a good-looking summer purse.
While at breakfast yesterday morning, Jack told me that after he, Jake and Larry had paid for the drinks they consumed at the little "spot" down the alley (I believe your fond pater knows the place) they had a little talk with the barkeep and he agreed to let them sign a tab for 9 or 10 lunchs, 15 drinks and some other items, totaling afound $18.00 which said barkeep agreed to present to your pater on his very next visit to this den of iniquity. Boys will be boys.
We returned to your home around three for the wedding reception and found the place overflowing with people. Your home is so attractive and was shined up from stem to stern. Jane Marie, wait 'til you see the grand job your Mother did on the front porch. She made curtains, cover for the daybed and cushions for every chair of a most attracitve pleated valance of a dark brown material - most attractive yet practical material. At the very top over those little panes of glass she has a pleated valance of a dark brown material - most attractive. She could go out any time as an interior decorator after that job. There were lovely peonies a blooming on the front lawn - a gorgeous deep red shade - and in the house they were everywhere, the latter Warren's Mother told me came from his Grandmother's garden. Grandma, by the way, was at the wedding and is surely a very spry little lady for her ninety years. I was surprised to find Warren's parents so young looking and later in the afternoon, after the reception guests had gone, I took his Dad downstairs to the bar and introduced him, adding, of course, that he wasn't Warren's brother but his Dad.
The same cateress presided over Marian's wedding as yours, Jane Marie, and she is a most capable person and the hors douevres were many and so delicious. Also, there were little square cakes and petits fours, nuts and mints, to say nothing of a huge bowl of the best punch. A wedding cake to be sure.
Too (there's so much to tell you guys) there was a candid camera photographer at the church and a different one at the reception. Upon taking a shot of Jack and Jake in front of the church, I inquired what paper he was from and he said "Life Magazine!"
Among the Chicago contingent there were, in addition to the folks already mentioned, the Barrett family (four in number) of River Forest - Theresa and Frank Rice, on of their daughters and her husband and baby boy, also their daughter-in-law and her two adorable little boys, aged three and four - born in Pearl Harbor, I heard someone say. Regardless of their birthplace, they are darlings. Betty and Francis Walsh arrived in the afternoon - Uncle Clem Lane of - whatever is the name of his newspaper (anyhoo it's one of the less important ones in Chicago!) - Mabel, Florence, Bill and Lillian Phelan also came up in the afternoon - Mrs. Vanderweil and daughter Marian were on hand for the church ceremony but M. had to go home on a 1:15 train because of having worked all the previous day and nite on a case and having to return to duty Saturday nite. Mr. V. came up around 6. Captain Kyran Vincent Phelan (Chicago Police Dept.) arrived about 8:30 pm - couldn't get away from his busy post any earlier - Mrs. Gray (also was Sis O'Toole, a friend of your Dad's from way back).
Among the Milwaukee folks I had nice visits with were Mrs. Clark (isn't she a peach?) and her two daughters, as well as niece Betty Finan from Chicago. Betty, by the way, said that if her hubby doesn't come home soon from overseas, she is going over there. Guess he's in Europe. She is still with Douglas Aircraft in Park Ridge and likes her job very much - said it is entirely different work than what she did with the Chicago Tribune. Just as she was leaving, I saw Mrs. O'Brien, Bob's Mother, her daughter, daughter-in-law and little grandon who was so very ill when Jane Marie and Bob were married. he is far from being a ill little boy now; had loads of pep and was running up and down the front terrace. Had a very nice visit with Bob's Mother who mentioned more than once how happy you two are. Sh's a mighty fine looking woman and it's easy to understand why you've such a handsome husband, Jane Marie, after seeing his Mom.
While out on the lawn aside you home (it was really frightfully hot inside due to the great many people) I happened to spy a lady - the dowager type, if you know what I mean, coming down the street all dressed up in a long black lace dinner dress - white gloves, of course, and hat. I thought now that gal really got herself dressed for this reception. Saw her leave about half an hour later. Who she was, I don't know, but I'm sure she must have been a Falk, Schlinger, Pabst or Astorbilt.
The Kearney's had to leave early - around 5 or 5:30 as they had to attend another wedding reception in Oak Park - that of Bobbie Donnelley, school friend ot Pat's, also her parents and Pegy and Larry have been friends for yars and yars. Pat's friends are surley leaving spinsterhood behind, for another gal, Jean Strenning, was married middle of last week, and Elaine Stephen this coming Saturday. It was Pat who inrtoduced her Bill Culerton. Bill Cullerton certainly is a good catch - am wondering if that ever occurred to Pat.
Bill - Bing Crosby is going to tour the South Pacific this Fall - sponsored by the Navy. Hope you get to see him. He's my pet entertainer.
Never have I seen such a gorgeous display of wedding gifts. These included
2 lamps - beautiful table ones
3 large mirrors
3 wool blankets (one was from Jo Bryant & Nellie Gatrell Gunther of Evanston) (Marian also received a lovely wool blanket from the Rice gals at the shower given by your Aunt Margen.)
2 settings of her Sterling Sliverware - one from Jane Marie and Bob and the other from the Barretts of River Forest
Sterling silver dish - very beautiful too - from Mr. and Mrs. Prinz
Glass perfume tray and bottles from Kearney family
Carved walnut 18th Century shadow box. ( Boys, in case you don't know what this is it's about 9" x 12 or 13", has two shelves and is framed like a picture and can be used to hang on the wall and hold treasured pieces of china or glass or plants - it's really a lovely gift - from the Jacobsons)
Glass vases and cake and sandwich trays of every description - some of the vases were in pairs, others singletons
Table linen
A set of dishes - Franciscan Pottery in a rose shade - consisting of dinner plates, salads, cups and saucers, vegetable bowl and platter - service for 8 - from the Ranfts of Oak Park
A pair of flower prints, attractively framed
Lace table cloth
Sterling salt and pepper shakers
Beautiful walnut living room table (for a lamp) from Marian's office gang
1 table setting of her china which is the "Mountain Laurel" pattern, by Franciscan.
The dishes Jack and I gave her are Franciscan Pottery - different pattern to be sure and much more durable than china- they're for everyday use and Marian I'm sure will let you dry these but not the china.)
Towels of every description
A War Bond
Those who hadn't seen your home before simply raved about it. Really if one had a million dollars they couldn't ask for a nicer view - from the beautiful park across the street and Washington Blvd. just a few steps away. There were pink geranium in bloom in boxes outside the dining room windows.
I did mention, didn't I, that there was "wet goods" of most every kind in the basement? When cousin Kyran Vincent Phelan arrived about 8:30 pm someone overheard your Dad thank him for the five bottles of extra good stuff which he had sent up earlier by his brother Bill.
About 6:30 a buffet supper was served to about 30 or more who remained after the "reception hours" and what a feast that was! There was baked ham, which makes my mouth water even now when I think of it - baked beans which were a "poem" - lobster salad - potato and vegetable salads - releshes - cold cuts including the best liverwurst I've ever tasted - coffee - cakes and more cakes - and such scads of food. Your Mother told me that the salads were made and delivered by Schuster's; the cateress made the hors doeuvres. Who made the delicious little cakes, I don't know. The temperature had dropped some by evening and our appetites returned. It was so warm during the reception that folks didn't eat as much as they did at your wedding, Jane Marie, or drink either, altho' the punch was so good.
The bride and groom left a little after five on, I'm told, a fishing trip. They said they'd return in about a week.
Your Aunt Margene told me a couple of weeks ago about their apartment which is near 58th and North Avenue. She said it was just darling and furnished like a model apartment one sees in the department stores.
Married by Father Joseph Carrol, SJ who was a boyhood friend of Kyran Conarchy from Dublin, Ireland. Marriage witnesses were Rosemary Lane & Angela Conarchy. The Best Man was Arnold Ehlinger.
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Letter from Verne Ranft to Kyran, Bill and Jane Conarchy dated June 25, 1945
Marian's and Warren's wedding was just perfect. The day was vastly different than yours, Jane Marie. I shall never forget our icy cold apartment at five am the morn of January 3rd. At five thirty last Saturday morning it was 71. Ir must have been 80 or better by the time we (Jack and I in company with the Kearney family) arrived at St. Sebastian's. By the middle of the afternoon it felt like 95 - I'm sure it was, for it was awfully hot.
Marian was a lovely bride. Her gown was of beautiful white lace with long tight sleeves a sweetheart neck. (Bud and Bill - that's sort of squarish in out with a dip in the center - I'm sure you'll get the idea.) She wore a long white tulle veil. Rosemary and Angela were just darling in their pale pink silk net dresses over taffeta. All three dresses had tight bodices and very full skirts. R's and A's dresses had long tight sleeves, same as the bride's. There were two rows of pink insertion (sort of silk embroidery on net) in the upper part of the pink shirts. They carried bouquets of spring and summer flowers, blue of the deepest hue bachelor buttons, pink roses and many, many other flowers - tied with a green satin bow. The bride carried a white shower bouquet of gardenias and other lovely blooms.
Jack and I arrived at the Kearney home at 7 am for Peggy said "we'd take off" at 7:15. We finally got going at 7:55 and, with God's help and Larry's driving, we arrived at the church about ten after ten. The bridal party was in the vestibule just getting started for the trip down the aisle. An usher asked me whether we were friends of the C's or the W's, and Jack and I started down the side aisle with him (the white carpet had already been laid down the center aisle) and he was all for seating us right back of your Mother and Jackie and Lois, when we thought we'd better sit back a few pews with the other folks.
The music was beautiful - the church flooded with sunlight - there were two huge baskets of white flowers on the alter floor as well as lovely green ferns. Father Carroll said the Mass and tied the knot and, as I told him at the reception in the afternoon, he did a bang-up job for I've never known any couple, and this includes Jane Marie and Bob, who were prayed over quite so much and so well as you Conarchy gals. The two center aisles of the church were packed - everyone in light clothes - and many were the good wishes bestowed upon the happy pair in the vestibule after the ceremony.
Your Mother wore the best looking print dress - made by Marian - and a very smart and becoming blue hat. Lois had a darling voile or some other soft cotton print - also made by Marian, with a little headband of the dress material with white flowers at either end. She is such a sweet youngster. Jackie was all licked up just like a freshly scrubbed little boy. Your Dad was his usual happy self, dressed in his best Sunday blue suit. We told him that he's getting to be an old hand at this job of giving his daughters away.
I saw your Mother wipe her eyes a couple of times during Mass but right after Mass was over and the bridal party had left the altar, that wonderful Dad of yours remembered to say something very funny to your Mother so that she was all smiles, even giggling a little, as she came down the aisle. What a guy my Uncle Kyran is!
There was a wedding breakfast for the immediate families at the Plankington and in honor of the happy event, and 'cause she was in the bridal party, Angela was permitted her first drink. I think she told me she had a Martini. The Kearneys, Jacobsons (Marcella, Howard, Joan and Helen Marie) and the Ranfts dropped by at your home for a minute, as Peggy wanted to drop off a package there, and I found your Aunt Margene in one of the bedrooms changing from her goood-looking light blue wool suit to a silk print dress and from that moment 'til we left for home, in company with the Jacobsons this time, Margene never stopped. She seemed to be doing something all the time and was everywhere at the same time. How fortunate your Mother is to have such a swell sister and you kids to have such a perfectly marvelous person for an aunt.
We then drove downtown (after waiting a while on the front porch while Messrs. Ranft, Kearney and Jacobson followed your Dad's advice and dropped into your basement bar for a short snorter) and I phoned the Schroeder where Florence and Les Cook, also Aunt Fan and Miriam, who we had all seen at the wedding, were registered. I thought it would be more fun if we all had lunch together. Loretta and Francis Callahan also came up on the 7:30 Northwestern train that morning - the Cooks, Aunt Fan and M. came up Friday nite. While waiting for a table at the English Room of the Pfister, I spied Senators Callahan and Cook at - of all places! - the bar. We tried to get them to join us at luncheon but no go - they had promised to go back to the Schroeder to join their ladies. They did - sometime later. Need I add that the Senators were joined at said bar by Congressman Ranft, Kearney and Jacobson while their ladies were toying with the menus. We really had a jolly gang and spent a very delightful hour and a half there.
Jane Marie, you may or may not know that I did a bit of shopping the day of your wedding - as a matter of fact, Reel's insisted upon opening an account for him. I got the best looking blackknit suit there and black cepe dress. We started on another shopping expedition Saturday but somehow lacked the enthusiasm of the January trip because of the soaring temperature, I guess. The three Congressmen came along but you may be sure found some "spot" down an alley while Marcella, Joan and I were in some of the shops and Peggy, Patsy and Helen Marie in others. Patsy wanted a new blouse to wear yesterday at a cocktail party given rof Bill Cullerton and Elaine Stephen to whom he's going to be united in holy matrimony come Saturday. She didn't find anything suitable but I found a good-looking summer purse.
While at breakfast yesterday morning, Jack told me that after he, Jake and Larry had paid for the drinks they consumed at the little "spot" down the alley (I believe your fond pater knows the place) they had a little talk with the barkeep and he agreed to let them sign a tab for 9 or 10 lunchs, 15 drinks and some other items, totaling afound $18.00 which said barkeep agreed to present to your pater on his very next visit to this den of iniquity. Boys will be boys.
We returned to your home around three for the wedding reception and found the place overflowing with people. Your home is so attractive and was shined up from stem to stern. Jane Marie, wait 'til you see the grand job your Mother did on the front porch. She made curtains, cover for the daybed and cushions for every chair of a most attracitve pleated valance of a dark brown material - most attractive yet practical material. At the very top over those little panes of glass she has a pleated valance of a dark brown material - most attractive. She could go out any time as an interior decorator after that job. There were lovely peonies a blooming on the front lawn - a gorgeous deep red shade - and in the house they were everywhere, the latter Warren's Mother told me came from his Grandmother's garden. Grandma, by the way, was at the wedding and is surely a very spry little lady for her ninety years. I was surprised to find Warren's parents so young looking and later in the afternoon, after the reception guests had gone, I took his Dad downstairs to the bar and introduced him, adding, of course, that he wasn't Warren's brother but his Dad.
The same cateress presided over Marian's wedding as yours, Jane Marie, and she is a most capable person and the hors douevres were many and so delicious. Also, there were little square cakes and petits fours, nuts and mints, to say nothing of a huge bowl of the best punch. A wedding cake to be sure.
Too (there's so much to tell you guys) there was a candid camera photographer at the church and a different one at the reception. Upon taking a shot of Jack and Jake in front of the church, I inquired what paper he was from and he said "Life Magazine!"
Among the Chicago contingent there were, in addition to the folks already mentioned, the Barrett family (four in number) of River Forest - Theresa and Frank Rice, on of their daughters and her husband and baby boy, also their daughter-in-law and her two adorable little boys, aged three and four - born in Pearl Harbor, I heard someone say. Regardless of their birthplace, they are darlings. Betty and Francis Walsh arrived in the afternoon - Uncle Clem Lane of - whatever is the name of his newspaper (anyhoo it's one of the less important ones in Chicago!) - Mabel, Florence, Bill and Lillian Phelan also came up in the afternoon - Mrs. Vanderweil and daughter Marian were on hand for the church ceremony but M. had to go home on a 1:15 train because of having worked all the previous day and nite on a case and having to return to duty Saturday nite. Mr. V. came up around 6. Captain Kyran Vincent Phelan (Chicago Police Dept.) arrived about 8:30 pm - couldn't get away from his busy post any earlier - Mrs. Gray (also was Sis O'Toole, a friend of your Dad's from way back).
Among the Milwaukee folks I had nice visits with were Mrs. Clark (isn't she a peach?) and her two daughters, as well as niece Betty Finan from Chicago. Betty, by the way, said that if her hubby doesn't come home soon from overseas, she is going over there. Guess he's in Europe. She is still with Douglas Aircraft in Park Ridge and likes her job very much - said it is entirely different work than what she did with the Chicago Tribune. Just as she was leaving, I saw Mrs. O'Brien, Bob's Mother, her daughter, daughter-in-law and little grandon who was so very ill when Jane Marie and Bob were married. he is far from being a ill little boy now; had loads of pep and was running up and down the front terrace. Had a very nice visit with Bob's Mother who mentioned more than once how happy you two are. Sh's a mighty fine looking woman and it's easy to understand why you've such a handsome husband, Jane Marie, after seeing his Mom.
While out on the lawn aside you home (it was really frightfully hot inside due to the great many people) I happened to spy a lady - the dowager type, if you know what I mean, coming down the street all dressed up in a long black lace dinner dress - white gloves, of course, and hat. I thought now that gal really got herself dressed for this reception. Saw her leave about half an hour later. Who she was, I don't know, but I'm sure she must have been a Falk, Schlinger, Pabst or Astorbilt.
The Kearney's had to leave early - around 5 or 5:30 as they had to attend another wedding reception in Oak Park - that of Bobbie Donnelley, school friend ot Pat's, also her parents and Pegy and Larry have been friends for yars and yars. Pat's friends are surley leaving spinsterhood behind, for another gal, Jean Strenning, was married middle of last week, and Elaine Stephen this coming Saturday. It was Pat who inrtoduced her Bill Culerton. Bill Cullerton certainly is a good catch - am wondering if that ever occurred to Pat.
Bill - Bing Crosby is going to tour the South Pacific this Fall - sponsored by the Navy. Hope you get to see him. He's my pet entertainer.
Never have I seen such a gorgeous display of wedding gifts. These included
2 lamps - beautiful table ones
3 large mirrors
3 wool blankets (one was from Jo Bryant & Nellie Gatrell Gunther of Evanston) (Marian also received a lovely wool blanket from the Rice gals at the shower given by your Aunt Margen.)
2 settings of her Sterling Sliverware - one from Jane Marie and Bob and the other from the Barretts of River Forest
Sterling silver dish - very beautiful too - from Mr. and Mrs. Prinz
Glass perfume tray and bottles from Kearney family
Carved walnut 18th Century shadow box. ( Boys, in case you don't know what this is it's about 9" x 12 or 13", has two shelves and is framed like a picture and can be used to hang on the wall and hold treasured pieces of china or glass or plants - it's really a lovely gift - from the Jacobsons)
Glass vases and cake and sandwich trays of every description - some of the vases were in pairs, others singletons
Table linen
A set of dishes - Franciscan Pottery in a rose shade - consisting of dinner plates, salads, cups and saucers, vegetable bowl and platter - service for 8 - from the Ranfts of Oak Park
A pair of flower prints, attractively framed
Lace table cloth
Sterling salt and pepper shakers
Beautiful walnut living room table (for a lamp) from Marian's office gang
1 table setting of her china which is the "Mountain Laurel" pattern, by Franciscan.
The dishes Jack and I gave her are Franciscan Pottery - different pattern to be sure and much more durable than china- they're for everyday use and Marian I'm sure will let you dry these but not the china.)
Towels of every description
A War Bond
Those who hadn't seen your home before simply raved about it. Really if one had a million dollars they couldn't ask for a nicer view - from the beautiful park across the street and Washington Blvd. just a few steps away. There were pink geranium in bloom in boxes outside the dining room windows.
I did mention, didn't I, that there was "wet goods" of most every kind in the basement? When cousin Kyran Vincent Phelan arrived about 8:30 pm someone overheard your Dad thank him for the five bottles of extra good stuff which he had sent up earlier by his brother Bill.
About 6:30 a buffet supper was served to about 30 or more who remained after the "reception hours" and what a feast that was! There was baked ham, which makes my mouth water even now when I think of it - baked beans which were a "poem" - lobster salad - potato and vegetable salads - releshes - cold cuts including the best liverwurst I've ever tasted - coffee - cakes and more cakes - and such scads of food. Your Mother told me that the salads were made and delivered by Schuster's; the cateress made the hors doeuvres. Who made the delicious little cakes, I don't know. The temperature had dropped some by evening and our appetites returned. It was so warm during the reception that folks didn't eat as much as they did at your wedding, Jane Marie, or drink either, altho' the punch was so good.
The bride and groom left a little after five on, I'm told, a fishing trip. They said they'd return in about a week.
Your Aunt Margene told me a couple of weeks ago about their apartment which is near 58th and North Avenue. She said it was just darling and furnished like a model apartment one sees in the department stores.
Married by Father Joseph Carrol, SJ who was a boyhood friend of Kyran Conarchy from Dublin, Ireland. Marriage witnesses were Rosemary Lane & Angela Conarchy. The Best Man was Arnold Ehlinger.
----------------------
Letter from Verne Ranft to Kyran, Bill and Jane Conarchy dated June 25, 1945
Marian's and Warren's wedding was just perfect. The day was vastly different than yours, Jane Marie. I shall never forget our icy cold apartment at five am the morn of January 3rd. At five thirty last Saturday morning it was 71. Ir must have been 80 or better by the time we (Jack and I in company with the Kearney family) arrived at St. Sebastian's. By the middle of the afternoon it felt like 95 - I'm sure it was, for it was awfully hot.
Marian was a lovely bride. Her gown was of beautiful white lace with long tight sleeves a sweetheart neck. (Bud and Bill - that's sort of squarish in out with a dip in the center - I'm sure you'll get the idea.) She wore a long white tulle veil. Rosemary and Angela were just darling in their pale pink silk net dresses over taffeta. All three dresses had tight bodices and very full skirts. R's and A's dresses had long tight sleeves, same as the bride's. There were two rows of pink insertion (sort of silk embroidery on net) in the upper part of the pink shirts. They carried bouquets of spring and summer flowers, blue of the deepest hue bachelor buttons, pink roses and many, many other flowers - tied with a green satin bow. The bride carried a white shower bouquet of gardenias and other lovely blooms.
Jack and I arrived at the Kearney home at 7 am for Peggy said "we'd take off" at 7:15. We finally got going at 7:55 and, with God's help and Larry's driving, we arrived at the church about ten after ten. The bridal party was in the vestibule just getting started for the trip down the aisle. An usher asked me whether we were friends of the C's or the W's, and Jack and I started down the side aisle with him (the white carpet had already been laid down the center aisle) and he was all for seating us right back of your Mother and Jackie and Lois, when we thought we'd better sit back a few pews with the other folks.
The music was beautiful - the church flooded with sunlight - there were two huge baskets of white flowers on the alter floor as well as lovely green ferns. Father Carroll said the Mass and tied the knot and, as I told him at the reception in the afternoon, he did a bang-up job for I've never known any couple, and this includes Jane Marie and Bob, who were prayed over quite so much and so well as you Conarchy gals. The two center aisles of the church were packed - everyone in light clothes - and many were the good wishes bestowed upon the happy pair in the vestibule after the ceremony.
Your Mother wore the best looking print dress - made by Marian - and a very smart and becoming blue hat. Lois had a darling voile or some other soft cotton print - also made by Marian, with a little headband of the dress material with white flowers at either end. She is such a sweet youngster. Jackie was all licked up just like a freshly scrubbed little boy. Your Dad was his usual happy self, dressed in his best Sunday blue suit. We told him that he's getting to be an old hand at this job of giving his daughters away.
I saw your Mother wipe her eyes a couple of times during Mass but right after Mass was over and the bridal party had left the altar, that wonderful Dad of yours remembered to say something very funny to your Mother so that she was all smiles, even giggling a little, as she came down the aisle. What a guy my Uncle Kyran is!
There was a wedding breakfast for the immediate families at the Plankington and in honor of the happy event, and 'cause she was in the bridal party, Angela was permitted her first drink. I think she told me she had a Martini. The Kearneys, Jacobsons (Marcella, Howard, Joan and Helen Marie) and the Ranfts dropped by at your home for a minute, as Peggy wanted to drop off a package there, and I found your Aunt Margene in one of the bedrooms changing from her goood-looking light blue wool suit to a silk print dress and from that moment 'til we left for home, in company with the Jacobsons this time, Margene never stopped. She seemed to be doing something all the time and was everywhere at the same time. How fortunate your Mother is to have such a swell sister and you kids to have such a perfectly marvelous person for an aunt.
We then drove downtown (after waiting a while on the front porch while Messrs. Ranft, Kearney and Jacobson followed your Dad's advice and dropped into your basement bar for a short snorter) and I phoned the Schroeder where Florence and Les Cook, also Aunt Fan and Miriam, who we had all seen at the wedding, were registered. I thought it would be more fun if we all had lunch together. Loretta and Francis Callahan also came up on the 7:30 Northwestern train that morning - the Cooks, Aunt Fan and M. came up Friday nite. While waiting for a table at the English Room of the Pfister, I spied Senators Callahan and Cook at - of all places! - the bar. We tried to get them to join us at luncheon but no go - they had promised to go back to the Schroeder to join their ladies. They did - sometime later. Need I add that the Senators were joined at said bar by Congressman Ranft, Kearney and Jacobson while their ladies were toying with the menus. We really had a jolly gang and spent a very delightful hour and a half there.
Jane Marie, you may or may not know that I did a bit of shopping the day of your wedding - as a matter of fact, Reel's insisted upon opening an account for him. I got the best looking blackknit suit there and black cepe dress. We started on another shopping expedition Saturday but somehow lacked the enthusiasm of the January trip because of the soaring temperature, I guess. The three Congressmen came along but you may be sure found some "spot" down an alley while Marcella, Joan and I were in some of the shops and Peggy, Patsy and Helen Marie in others. Patsy wanted a new blouse to wear yesterday at a cocktail party given rof Bill Cullerton and Elaine Stephen to whom he's going to be united in holy matrimony come Saturday. She didn't find anything suitable but I found a good-looking summer purse.
While at breakfast yesterday morning, Jack told me that after he, Jake and Larry had paid for the drinks they consumed at the little "spot" down the alley (I believe your fond pater knows the place) they had a little talk with the barkeep and he agreed to let them sign a tab for 9 or 10 lunchs, 15 drinks and some other items, totaling afound $18.00 which said barkeep agreed to present to your pater on his very next visit to this den of iniquity. Boys will be boys.
We returned to your home around three for the wedding reception and found the place overflowing with people. Your home is so attractive and was shined up from stem to stern. Jane Marie, wait 'til you see the grand job your Mother did on the front porch. She made curtains, cover for the daybed and cushions for every chair of a most attracitve pleated valance of a dark brown material - most attractive yet practical material. At the very top over those little panes of glass she has a pleated valance of a dark brown material - most attractive. She could go out any time as an interior decorator after that job. There were lovely peonies a blooming on the front lawn - a gorgeous deep red shade - and in the house they were everywhere, the latter Warren's Mother told me came from his Grandmother's garden. Grandma, by the way, was at the wedding and is surely a very spry little lady for her ninety years. I was surprised to find Warren's parents so young looking and later in the afternoon, after the reception guests had gone, I took his Dad downstairs to the bar and introduced him, adding, of course, that he wasn't Warren's brother but his Dad.
The same cateress presided over Marian's wedding as yours, Jane Marie, and she is a most capable person and the hors douevres were many and so delicious. Also, there were little square cakes and petits fours, nuts and mints, to say nothing of a huge bowl of the best punch. A wedding cake to be sure.
Too (there's so much to tell you guys) there was a candid camera photographer at the church and a different one at the reception. Upon taking a shot of Jack and Jake in front of the church, I inquired what paper he was from and he said "Life Magazine!"
Among the Chicago contingent there were, in addition to the folks already mentioned, the Barrett family (four in number) of River Forest - Theresa and Frank Rice, on of their daughters and her husband and baby boy, also their daughter-in-law and her two adorable little boys, aged three and four - born in Pearl Harbor, I heard someone say. Regardless of their birthplace, they are darlings. Betty and Francis Walsh arrived in the afternoon - Uncle Clem Lane of - whatever is the name of his newspaper (anyhoo it's one of the less important ones in Chicago!) - Mabel, Florence, Bill and Lillian Phelan also came up in the afternoon - Mrs. Vanderweil and daughter Marian were on hand for the church ceremony but M. had to go home on a 1:15 train because of having worked all the previous day and nite on a case and having to return to duty Saturday nite. Mr. V. came up around 6. Captain Kyran Vincent Phelan (Chicago Police Dept.) arrived about 8:30 pm - couldn't get away from his busy post any earlier - Mrs. Gray (also was Sis O'Toole, a friend of your Dad's from way back).
Among the Milwaukee folks I had nice visits with were Mrs. Clark (isn't she a peach?) and her two daughters, as well as niece Betty Finan from Chicago. Betty, by the way, said that if her hubby doesn't come home soon from overseas, she is going over there. Guess he's in Europe. She is still with Douglas Aircraft in Park Ridge and likes her job very much - said it is entirely different work than what she did with the Chicago Tribune. Just as she was leaving, I saw Mrs. O'Brien, Bob's Mother, her daughter, daughter-in-law and little grandon who was so very ill when Jane Marie and Bob were married. he is far from being a ill little boy now; had loads of pep and was running up and down the front terrace. Had a very nice visit with Bob's Mother who mentioned more than once how happy you two are. Sh's a mighty fine looking woman and it's easy to understand why you've such a handsome husband, Jane Marie, after seeing his Mom.
While out on the lawn aside you home (it was really frightfully hot inside due to the great many people) I happened to spy a lady - the dowager type, if you know what I mean, coming down the street all dressed up in a long black lace dinner dress - white gloves, of course, and hat. I thought now that gal really got herself dressed for this reception. Saw her leave about half an hour later. Who she was, I don't know, but I'm sure she must have been a Falk, Schlinger, Pabst or Astorbilt.
The Kearney's had to leave early - around 5 or 5:30 as they had to attend another wedding reception in Oak Park - that of Bobbie Donnelley, school friend ot Pat's, also her parents and Pegy and Larry have been friends for yars and yars. Pat's friends are surley leaving spinsterhood behind, for another gal, Jean Strenning, was married middle of last week, and Elaine Stephen this coming Saturday. It was Pat who inrtoduced her Bill Culerton. Bill Cullerton certainly is a good catch - am wondering if that ever occurred to Pat.
Bill - Bing Crosby is going to tour the South Pacific this Fall - sponsored by the Navy. Hope you get to see him. He's my pet entertainer.
Never have I seen such a gorgeous display of wedding gifts. These included
2 lamps - beautiful table ones
3 large mirrors
3 wool blankets (one was from Jo Bryant & Nellie Gatrell Gunther of Evanston) (Marian also received a lovely wool blanket from the Rice gals at the shower given by your Aunt Margen.)
2 settings of her Sterling Sliverware - one from Jane Marie and Bob and the other from the Barretts of River Forest
Sterling silver dish - very beautiful too - from Mr. and Mrs. Prinz
Glass perfume tray and bottles from Kearney family
Carved walnut 18th Century shadow box. ( Boys, in case you don't know what this is it's about 9" x 12 or 13", has two shelves and is framed like a picture and can be used to hang on the wall and hold treasured pieces of china or glass or plants - it's really a lovely gift - from the Jacobsons)
Glass vases and cake and sandwich trays of every description - some of the vases were in pairs, others singletons
Table linen
A set of dishes - Franciscan Pottery in a rose shade - consisting of dinner plates, salads, cups and saucers, vegetable bowl and platter - service for 8 - from the Ranfts of Oak Park
A pair of flower prints, attractively framed
Lace table cloth
Sterling salt and pepper shakers
Beautiful walnut living room table (for a lamp) from Marian's office gang
1 table setting of her china which is the "Mountain Laurel" pattern, by Franciscan.
The dishes Jack and I gave her are Franciscan Pottery - different pattern to be sure and much more durable than china- they're for everyday use and Marian I'm sure will let you dry these but not the china.)
Towels of every description
A War Bond
Those who hadn't seen your home before simply raved about it. Really if one had a million dollars they couldn't ask for a nicer view - from the beautiful park across the street and Washington Blvd. just a few steps away. There were pink geranium in bloom in boxes outside the dining room windows.
I did mention, didn't I, that there was "wet goods" of most every kind in the basement? When cousin Kyran Vincent Phelan arrived about 8:30 pm someone overheard your Dad thank him for the five bottles of extra good stuff which he had sent up earlier by his brother Bill.
About 6:30 a buffet supper was served to about 30 or more who remained after the "reception hours" and what a feast that was! There was baked ham, which makes my mouth water even now when I think of it - baked beans which were a "poem" - lobster salad - potato and vegetable salads - releshes - cold cuts including the best liverwurst I've ever tasted - coffee - cakes and more cakes - and such scads of food. Your Mother told me that the salads were made and delivered by Schuster's; the cateress made the hors doeuvres. Who made the delicious little cakes, I don't know. The temperature had dropped some by evening and our appetites returned. It was so warm during the reception that folks didn't eat as much as they did at your wedding, Jane Marie, or drink either, altho' the punch was so good.
The bride and groom left a little after five on, I'm told, a fishing trip. They said they'd return in about a week.
Your Aunt Margene told me a couple of weeks ago about their apartment which is near 58th and North Avenue. She said it was just darling and furnished like a model apartment one sees in the department stores.
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1948 - 1986 (37 years)