Just Married
circa 1961

It was the dawning of the "New Frontier." Expectations ran high as Alan Shepherd got America "off the ground" in the space race! Minimum wage was only $1.25 per hr., gas was only $ .27 per gal., and a new Impala was less than $3000.00.

In this scene a new bride is showing off her ring while young "hopefuls" look on. The other couple just entering the restaurant obviously have been married for a while! They might already have been to the Gaylynn Theatre where Disney's "The Parent Trap" is playing and on the way over drove by Coastal Electronics to see the new color TV in the window.

On the juke box there's "Wonderland by Night" and the Shirelles' "Will you love me tomorrow?" "Runaway" by Dale Shannon, and Ricky Nelson with "Travelin' Man". The year 1961 was still part of the '50's era with groups like the Marvelettes singing "Please Mr. Postman".

There wasn't a "Beatle" in sight and though no one had ever heard of aerobics, Twisting with Chubby Checker worked just fine!

Notes from the artist:

When my wife and I were married in 1961 all of our worldly possessions fit in our '51 Chevy Deluxe two door Sedan! Shelton's Drive-In had great malts and crisp onion rings but I would have had to work more than two hours to pay for those jumbo fried shrimp diners!

Lots of trivia in this nostalgic scene. My wife's cousin hung a live bull frog from our mirror on our wedding day.

The house across the street reminded me of Mickey Mouse's house at Disney World. Who is that in the window?

The '61 Impala hardtop like all the Chevy's of that era were classics from the moment they first appeared in the showrooms. My '41 Cadillac Series 75 is next to the '32 Ford Coupe.

Description by the Artist

Watch this video presentation by the artist describing the painting process, the research, and the hidden trivia in the painting.

The original painting is 36x24" on masonite panel, completed in 1995.

We have partnered with Fine Art America to distribute all our works. Their Art Prints are manufactured using professional quality inks and acid free papers. They can also print Canvas, Acrylic, Metal, and Wood!
Order your print today: