The Love Stories of a Great Generation – Courtin’ in the Mountains by Tracy McCoy
“I
had just put one guy ‘on the road’ when two fellas pulled up to talk to me and my cousin. I didn’t know that this would be the love of my life. He asked if we wanted to ride around and I told him that I didn’t ride around with strangers. He said his name was Wayne and he just wanted to talk to me. I told him I was headed to Main Street and I’d park in front of Belk’s and he could come up there and talk to me. He was from Franklin and I didn’t know him. He followed us up town and we parked and talked awhile. I had to be home by midnight, but I reckon he liked me ‘cause he asked if he could come back the next night to see me. I told him ‘If you want to see me, you’ll have to come to my house and meet my mother.’ He asked me if he could follow me home so he’d know where I lived. I told him that’d be ok. I didn’t know if he would show up but I got ready anyway. He came and he met my mama and they started talking and figured out they knew a lot of the same people. They talked and talked and I decided I better get him out of there before we ended up kin!” This was the beginning of what would go on to be a wonderful marriage between Marilyn Mitchell and Wayne Ballew. They married in Walhalla, South Carolina at the court house like many couples. The Ballews went on to raise two children, Russell and Deborah. “We were married for 43 years. When I lost Wayne I lost the greatest love I’ve ever known.” Marilyn said. Dating today is very different than it was in those days. There were hoops to jump through and parents to meet. Intentions had to be stated before a young lady was permitted to get into your car and go anywhere. Curfews were strict and parents waited up to be sure they were met. Relationships may begin with a glance across a full sanctuary or by carrying her books from class to class. The first kiss was never given on the first date and holding hands was a big
10 - February 2020
deal. In Rabun County one of the best places to meet a girl was the Mountain City Playhouse. On Friday and Saturday nights young and old would go to dance and mingle. It was there that Albert Thrasher first saw Peggy Pleasants. Albert was home from Georgia Tech and he and a friend came to the popular Playhouse. It was there that he saw her, “She was tanned and beautiful with those long legs. I mean she was a real looker!” Albert said with a grin. When he inquired about who she was his friend said, “She is not your type, you are wasting your time.” Well, Albert was so taken with Peggy that he struck up a conversation, they talked and danced. Weeks later when the night ended he asked “Can I take you home?” and she agreed. He carried her to her mother’s house and walked her to the door. “I hoped for a peck on the cheek but didn’t get it. She stood on the doorstep till I left.” The rest of the story was that Peggy’s mother was out of town, she didn’t want Albert to know that her mother was not home so she didn’t invite him in. In fact she was to stay with her grandparents, so in the dark she walked to their home. Albert didn’t give up, he courted Peggy Pleasants and found her to be “fearless”. He finally got some “sugar” on the porch of Ma Clyde’s (Peggy’s mother) house. Feeling quite accomplished he leaned up against the porch post which gave way, sending him into the bushes where the chickens had roosted. It was an eventful night for sure. Peggy could cook, she wasn’t afraid of anything, she was and still is the most beautiful girl Albert has ever seen. The couple celebrated 60 years in September of 2019. They have a son, Albert (Al) Thrasher, III and a daughter, Julielynn Stuckey. Beverly Mitchell was not as fortunate as her twin, Marilyn the first time around. She found herself a single mother of
