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When Harry Met Edna

Edna Irene Johnson and Harry Nels Peterson

April 14, 1932

How did Harry and Edna meet? They probably knew each other from First Lutheran Church in Princeton, Illinois, where their families worshipped. Edna, five years older than Harry, graduated from high school in 1918 and then took a stenographic course at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She returned to Princeton and by 1930 was working as a bookkeeper at the Citizens First National Bank. By this time Harry, who had left high school to begin working and help support his parents and (nine) siblings, was the manager at the Larkin grocery store. As adults, Harry and Edna’s five-year age difference was of little consequence. They enjoyed each other’s company, their relationship grew and in time they were engaged.

Edna Johnson and Harry Peterson were married on Wednesday, April 14, 1932 in Princeton, Illinois at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Although the ceremony was performed by Reverend Elmer T. Peters of First Lutheran Church, the wedding took place at the home where Edna and her mother, Anna, lived on West Putnam Street. About 60 friends and family members attended the event.

The house was filled with flowers and the ceremony was filled with music. Mrs. Mabel Morton sang “Because” and “At Dawning,” accompanied by Miss Rosalie Tragordh. Nineteen-year-old Pauline Lindgren, Edna’s cousin on her mother’s side, sang “When Song is Sweet” accompanied by Edna’s oldest sister Myrtle Peterson.

Harry waited for his bride with his best man, Robert Eckdahl, standing at his side. Myrtle struck up Mendelssohn’s Wedding March and Edna entered the room. Since her father had died in   perhaps she walked in by herself, or with her mother. Edna was resplendent in her dress of white net over white satin and moire ruffles on the skirt. Her net veil was fastened with orange blossoms and she carried a magnificent arm bouquet of calla lilies.

Edna’s maid of honor was her friend Celia Johnson. “Ceil” wore a dress of blue lace and carried roses and sweet peas. Edna’s two nieces also participated in the ceremony: Phyllis Swanson, 5, Evelyn’s daughter, wore a dress of blue organdy and was the flower girl, and Anna May Peterson, 6, Myrtle’s daughter, wearing pink organdy, was the train bearer.

After the ceremony the guests ate a two-course supper and a large white wedding cake trimmed in pink and blue, topped by a miniature bride and groom.

Edna and Harry went on their honeymoon to Florida where they visited Tampa Bay and Daytona Beach. When they returned to Princeton they made their home on West Putnam, just down the street from Edna’s mom. In four years they welcomed their son Stanley and their family was complete.

Edna’s father Theodore had died. Edna was the third of four sisters, the last to be married