Jack and Jo Chamberlain of White Stone, formerly of Ottoman, are observing their golden wedding anniversary today, April 9. They would have celebrated, but they are too old for excitement that requires excessive movement. Instead, they shared Italian food at Anna’s Restaurant in Kilmarnock with friends.
Jack, then education reporter for the Roanoke Times, and Jo, a teacher with Roanoke County schools, met on a blind date 52 years ago. A mutual friend asked Jack if he would accompany her friend Jo to her 10th high school reunion. He said: “Sure. Why not? It’s only one night.” That was 18,993 nights ago.
On Leap Year Sunday, February 29, 1976, after nearly two years of sporadic dating, Jack decided to splurge and take Jo bowling. But the bowling alley was closed. So, they took a long walk and decided to get married instead. This was not an easy decision….
