Sixty years ago! I dont know Allen or Irene. And I wonder who the muscular teenager was. (From Lancaster Online) Posted: Monday, November 29, 2004 1:58 pm | Updated: 1:17 am, Wed Sep 11, 2013. Cindy Hummel In March 1954, a muscular teenager literally picked up 98-pound Irene at Bob’s Diner in Columbia, repeatedly asking for a kiss. Irene refused. She became frightened when he would not put her down. Another teen at the diner, Allen Penwell, convinced the boy to let go of Irene. “He came to my rescue,” Irene says. “He has been my hero for over 50 years.” Allen took Irene home that night. The next evening, he took her back to Bob’s Diner for hamburgers. The couple continued to date, going to Rocky Springs Park and the Columbia Drive-In. In June, Irene recalls, Allen handed her an engagement ring and said, “I want to be with you.” Allen D. Penwell and Irene C. Haake were married Sept. 18, 1954, in a small, private ceremony at Salem EUB Church, Columbia, with the Rev. Wolfe officiating. Irene notes that their best man, Harlan Haake, later married maid of honor Joanne Demmy. The Penwells did not immediately take a honeymoon, but later went to Atlantic City. They discovered they loved the beach and would have many more seaside vacations. They would also go to Disney World several times, as well as to Williamsburg and the Bahamas. The Penwells, of Marietta, are the parents of John W. Penwell, Maytown; and A. Scott Penwell, Marietta. They have four grandchildren. Allen worked at Raymark, Manheim, for 40 years. More recently, he was a clerk at Penn National Race Course, Grantville, for 32 years. He retired in 1994. Irene worked for Farmers First Bank for five years. She also worked at Central Savings Bank, Marietta, for 15 years and Wyeth Labs, Marietta, for six years. She retired in 2000. The Penwells belong to St. John Lutheran Church, Maytown, where Irene is involved with a social ministry group that helps people in need. Irene’s hobbies include scrapbooking and journaling. Allen enjoys gardening and shooting pool. The Penwells’ secret to a happy marriage is to never go to bed angry. Allen and Irene celebrated their 50th anniversary at Landry’s Seafood House, while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, S.C. For dessert, they had bananas Foster — on the house.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 01:57:06 +0000