APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 2007-12 > 1197079153


From: "Aunt Lizzie's Trunk" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Elopement destinations
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:00:14 -0500
References: <mailman.25368.1197046312.18604.apg@rootsweb.com> <002401c838ff$7ef8f540$6401a8c0@DELL><4759A568.90600@snet.net>
In-Reply-To: <4759A568.90600@snet.net>


Perhaps more information from me would be helpful. This is a case of a
couple for whom no marriage record has been found in Connecticut. I am
looking into the possibility that they eloped. I would think anything
within a day's drive (whatever that was in 1930--perhaps they would have
taken the train?). I had thought of New York (no record in NYC,
though). I have heard of various places over the years, but it's tough
to guess what was going on 80 years ago. How about Niagara Falls? Was
that just a honeymoon destination, or did they also have wedding
chapels? This is complicated by the fact that the couple was Catholic
which might preclude a quicky marriage. Paula's email, though, saying
that Elkton, Md., marriages had to be performed by a clergyman,
indicates that priests there might have performed a ceremony in a much
more casual fashion than is currently permissible in the Catholic Church.

I'm enjoying all your responses, no matter what town they mention. This
couple could have gotten to any place on the eastern seaboard within 24
hours on a train, so lots of options are still open.

I was especially pleased to get Brenda's response about Shawneetown,
Ill. I have a copy of the marriage certificate for my husband's
grandparents who were married there in 1907 though they lived in Union
County, Kentucky. Another little mystery solved.
Nora Galvin

Aunt Lizzie's Trunk wrote:

>Does anyone have information about likely destinations for couples who
>elope to get married? I'm particularly interested in the northeast
>region of the US and in the time period of 1930. I'm sure there were
>some states where the laws were more lax than others, where a couple
>could get married more quickly than in their home state.
>
>
>
>
>
>.
>
>-------------------------------
>To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message
>
>
>


This thread: