With a rate of 49 percent in the United States, divorce is a common reality for many couples. However, we can find true inspiration in those that have managed to weather the good and bad times and stay together. Joseph (Joe) and Adeline (Ad-die) Dalton are one of those unique couples who are celebrating 70 years of marriage this month. Yes, 70 years.
They met in Lafayette Indiana, when they were both in their early twenties. Addie was shopping at a local JC Penney de-partment store, and she ran into Joe. Joe asked Addie on a date for that evening, which was Halloween night, and after two months of dating, they married on Feb. 10, 1940.
Together, they raised three children (Richard, Joan and Dana) and now have 37 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. They spent most of their lives living out west, but moved to Georgia in 2004 to be closer to their sons.
Son Dana says they are an inspiration. “My dad Joe is a big talker, and my mom Addie is a good listener, so they are a good match. They’ve learned to be flexible over the years,” he says. “They both lived through the Depression so they appreci-ate the simple things in life.”
The couple is passionate about traveling and visited all the states in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. They’ve also toured the globe, including taking a cruise around the world together. Addie says there is no special secret to their marriage, just that they have similar interests and are true friends to each other. They love getting together with family, but with such a large group, it’s hard for everyone to be in one place at the same time.
Today, Joe and Addie live in Woodstock Estates and enjoy quiet days of crafts, Bingo and attending church services.
