Valentines Day In SD（英文）

此内容暂无简体中文译文，以下为英文原文。

Historical February–March 2012 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

Two of my favorite questions to ask anyone in a relationship are: How did you meet? and How did he propose? Just two simple questions usually bring a smile or laugh to a face be it in a current relationship, marriage or to the widow/widower. Answers are always interesting, varying and sometimes quite funny.

My parents met on a blind date when my mom’s cousin set her up with a friend who was “good for one night” . . . 45+ years later and they are still happily married. Me, I have had a crush on my husband since I was a kid at Queen of All Saints sitting in the first pew shyly peaking over my shoulder at him with his family in the last pew.

But of all the stories I have heard, none have stayed with me as much as the story of Jean-Robert and Virginia Leguey-Feilleux (pronounced le-gay-fay-yer) of the 6100 block of Kingsbury Avenue. Jean-Robert is originally from Marseille, France but after World War II many Americans offered scholarships to Frenchmen to come study in the States.

This led to Jean-Robert’s Masters in Political Science at University of Florida.

After graduation and $100 in his pocket, Jean-Robert enjoyed a road trip through the US.

In the Fall of 1951 the trip ended in Manhattan, New York where his university roommate, Lee Jameson, was hosting a Bon Voyage party for Jean-Robert before his return to France. Virginia was invited to the party and there met Jean-Robert for the first time.

The next day Lee and Virginia saw Jean-Robert off on the Liberte (previously a German liner before WWII) back to Marseille.

She had mentioned the desire to visit England and France to Jean-Robert, so after written correspondence planned a trip for herself, paid for with her War Bonds.

In her words “Everything is possible being young in New York . . . seeing all those ocean liners sitting at the docks”.

She purchased a one-way ticket to France arriving at Harfleur, near Caen and was met upon her arrival by Jean-Robert who was now completing his required duties in the French Air Force.

The next day Virginia travelled onto Paris while Jean-Robert returned to his base.

In those days it was very much frowned upon for a woman to travel unaccompanied by an escort, but Virginia said “everyone was so preoccupied with rebuilding after the War” she was fine. Plus dressing conservatively, often wearing a little black hat didn’t hurt either.

She did take advantage of the American Express tours, English speaking guides and use of their offices for mail deliveries.

She travelled extensively through Europe, then received correspondence from Jean-Robert that he would be returning home to Marseille the first of October to work as a translator for an American company.

After Virginia and Jean-Robert reconnected in Marseille they soon became engaged. Jean-Robert was offered a transfer to Mecnes Air Force base in French Morocco and encouraged Virginia to relocate as well.

She found work as a Junior Draftsman at the Neuaceur Air Force base, about 30 miles outside of Casablanca which “was a very small city back then”.

They were only there for two months before the French Moroccans began forcing all “foreigners” out.

They wanted independence and were ready to throw out any and all that were not Muslim. Out went the French, the Jews, the Americans and in time the Neuaceur Air base.

On Virginia’s last day at the base, the bus loads of Americans returning to Casablanca from Neuaceur had to be escorted under heavy guard. Not all was lost immediately, but it would only be a matter of months and Virginia knew that it was time to go home to the States.

It was soon to be New Years and Virginia said her goodbyes.

It was arranged that Jean-Robert would get on the same train but farther up the line and together they would catch the boat in Algeria that would take them directly to Marseille. Timing was everything! New Years Eve was spent with his family and friends, then the following day Virginia left for Paris where she could get the boat-train for LeHavre and from there to New York.

She was met by her parents who drove her back to Buffalo, where she grew up.

After a short stay Virginia headed for Washington, D.C. to look for employment as Jean-Robert had already put in a scholarship application to Georgetown University. Completing his military service in France and teaching American English to flight operators, Jean-Robert moved to Washington, D.C.. Virginia and Jean-Robert Leguey-Feilleux were married in Old Trinity Church at the foot of Georgetown’s campus on Saturday, September 19, 1953 in front of close family and friends.

The following Monday Jean-Robert commenced his four year scholarship and Doctorate studies in Political Science. Four daughters, two grand-daughters, 46 years in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood and 58 years of marriage prove an amazing testament to this unique romance and loving couple. Next time you meet someone and are trying to find something to talk about just try asking how they met their spouse or of the proposal? Guaranteed to be a great story.

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2012.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Original source: SD_Times2012_02.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.