LISBON FALLS — It was his idea.

This summer they walked to the railroad tracks downtown, within sight of the Worumbo Mill, and Walter Parker planted a soft kiss on his wife’s left cheek standing in the same spot he kissed Blanche for the first time in March 1940.

“I had to re-enact that, that was too good to let go,” Walter, 90, said.

That winter day, the teens had been going together two weeks.

“I didn’t kiss him back,” Blanche, 89, said. “It was too soon.”

This time around, children and grandchildren took pictures.

Blanche Parker was born and raised in Lisbon Falls. Walter grew up in Durham. They married March 23, 1943. He was a truck driver in the Army signal corps during World War II. Before and after, he worked for the family cobbler shop on Main Street.

“My first job was shining shoes,” Walter said. “I could be working at the cobbler shop, look out and would know everybody.”

He eventually moved on to Worumbo, retiring after 30 years. Blanche worked at the gypsum mill for 23 years.

Walter said he doesn’t go out alone often without hearing, “’Where’s Blanche? Where’s your other half?’ We’re always together.”

They’ve volunteered at the Good Shepherd Food-Bank and been decades-long members of the Shiloh Chapel, where Blanche is known for bringing beans and tiny hot dogs sprinkled with pineapple chunks to the potlucks.

More than 100 people came out for the couple’s joint birthday party last month. Their son, Dickie, an ordained minister and Elvis impersonator, provided entertainment.

The key to being together for 71 years and four children, 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great’s later? Biting her tongue, Blanche said.

“I don’t always say it, but I think it — leave a lot unsaid,” she said. “It would have hurt him, and he’s too sensitive to hurt. He’s too gentle.”

Walter said the years have been a good balance of give and take, and lots of love.

“Love is a very important thing in life, period,” he said.

Know someone who’s been around town forever? We’re always looking for feature ideas. Contact staff writer Kathryn Skelton at 689-2844 or [email protected]