A brief Introduction…
Throughout my life, I’ve always appreciated the lives, and history of the people I’ve met. I love hearing their stories, stories I hope to share with you in these interviews.
I feel that no matter who we are, or where we come from, our roots grow deep and wide, and even though we may not know each other well, we are all a valuable, meaningful part of the same community.
We are all connected by our stories: our history, our families and our relationships. Our existence matters, regardless of age. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. These are the stories I hope to share…
Checking in with…The Strattons by Emily M. Ulrey
When it comes to couples, Bob and Treva Stratton are among some of the loveliest I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
I first met them when I moved to Bluffton as a young child, and often rode my bike up and down their drive, when we lived in the rental home next to theirs on Lincoln Highway.
Always friendly, their smiles are warm, and their story has deep roots.
Bob was born in Lima on May 28, 1926, to a farming family, with a sister and brother. His family lived in Ada briefly then later moved to the Bluffton area where he has resided ever since.
He played football at Bluffton, and helped work on his family’s farm, taking on all the responsibilities and chores that were required of him. He said he never went to college, but learned everything he needed to know about farming growing up.
Treva was born in February of 1931 in her parent’s home on State Route 696 west of Bluffton, and attended school in Bluffton.
She had two sisters, and without television, her mother would play the piano, as she and her sisters would sing. She knew of Bob, and had met him at the Allen County Fair when she was only 15 years old.
Bob, several years older, would later be drafted in the U.S. Army and sent to the Korean War, in 1950 at age 23. They would meet again on a blind date upon his return from the war and date for a year before getting married on Aug. 9, 1952.
Treva recalls starting her own business as a beautician at the young age of 18 in Bluffton.
Her shop was one of only two beauty shops in town, and was located above what is now the Sports Warehouse. Her initial tuition payment for beauty school back then was $25 with a monthly $5 payment that she worked to earn.
Once married, Treva sold her shop and moved it to their home, where she worked and raised their three children. “My customers would bring their children too, you know?” She said. “They would just play with our kids, and it worked.”
While Treva worked in her shop at their home, Bob worked the dairy farm, raising Hostein cows and growing and harvesting crops. “The cows know you, you know?” Bob said. “If someone else comes to take care of them for you, they know it. The cows will just look at that person, like ‘where’s that other guy?’”
Although it was often difficult to get time away from their work, they both were active and enjoyed getting out and being social, often attending Big Band shows in Russels Point.
Bob admitted to enjoying Big Band music, and even saw Stan Kenton and Les Brown years ago. As for meeting famous people, Treva remembered meeting Phyllis Diller after one of her shows. “I even had dinner with her!” she said.
Time seemed to melt away as we visited and before I knew it our visit was coming to a close. As I sat talking with them, I felt a great appreciation for them; their hard work and warm nature. I was amazed too, when they told me they were both still working.
Treva continues to hold a few hair appointments with some extremely loyal customers, and Bob still farms as much as he can.
When I asked what advice they would give to others, they said that being active, getting out of the house, and experiencing life is important. “You have to mingle, and get out of the house,” Bob said. “You can’t just stay at home.”
After having visited for several hours, I didn’t want to leave, but knew it was time to go.
This couple was gracious, and kind enough to share some of their story with me, which I appreciate. After a few pictures and some hugs, I was soon on the road heading home, struck by the truth in their simple advice: Get up, get out, and experience life, because that is how you truly live.
