| By Bob Weaver
"It went by in a flash," said Duane, speaking of his fifty year marriage to
Willadene. Saturday the couple had a little celebration at their home on
Phillips Run with family and friends, recalling highlights of their years
together. Duane Poling married Willadene Riggs in 1951. She was sixteen
and he was eighteen.
They cuddled for the camera Saturday, reenacting a pose they struck 50
years ago after preacher Bert Strickland said the magic words. Here is the
before and after.
Duane and Willie - 1951
Duane and Willie - 2001
They started their romance on the benches in Kelsey Dawson's bus as it
wound its way up Rowels Run to Hur and on to Calhoun High School during
the late 40's. "Kelsey wouldn't let you get close," said Willie. "But we traded
glances."
Willadene, daughter of Lester and Ethel George Riggs, sprung from the
Village of Joker and Duane's folks, Willard and Elva Brannon Poling, operated
the Poling Store at Cremo. Duane has spent most of his life as a banker and
insurance representative. Willa worked for 26 years as a secretary to the
Superintendent of the Calhoun school system.
Their son Rick, a former mascot "Mountaineer" for WVU is an attorney in
Charlotte, NC.
The wedding party from 1951 (L to R) best man Rymer Law, Duane, Willie
and Maxine Riggs Duskey, brides maid
Cutting the 50th cake
Attorney Rick Poling (center) with mom and dad
Former Calhouner's J. Wesley and Stella Brannon Chenoweth
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