FARMINGTON – Harold and Vanora Drake of Farmington celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28. They were high school sweethearts, but the romance started when they both attended the Little Red School House.

After they were married, they moved to Connecticut, where Mr. Drake was employed at Pratt and Whitney. They moved back to Maine, where they both worked at various jobs.

Mr. Drake worked in many fields, which included demolition, logging, emergency attendant and also working in local factories. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, but his love was always in the mechanic field. He ran the “Flying Station” for years, which is now Gifford’s Ice Cream. He also ran “Interstate 95” Gas and Service Station, which was family operated.

Mrs. Drake also worked in many fields through the years, from factory work to nursing, accounting and also was receptionist at a local tax office. Her love has always been her family and to be by her husband’s side supporting him in all his adventures.

They have four children, two sons and two daughters, who reside in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Michigan. They also have nine grandchildren, one of whom is deceased, and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Drake loves his ponies and spending time at the Russell Black Farm, lending a hand when he can, especially at the Team Penning Shows. Mrs. Drake loves painting and gardening.

Because of Mr. Drake’s declining health, a small gathering was held.

Copy the Story Link