 |
| Bud and Katie 1993 |
It really all started way back, in the olden days, in the mid 1930's. Bud was needing work and applied as a field hand to Mr. Asa Williamson. He was a rancher in Eastern New Mexico. Asa knew cattle, but had decided to plow up some country and try raising some crops. (I don't remember what he planted, but the field was south of the house, behind the horse trap and a little west. And part of the SW pasture north and west of the tank)
Katie Lee was the boss's daughter!
 |
| Katie Lee at ENMU 1937 |
Maybe Bud had more on his mind than plowing fields. Katie was attending ENMU for an elementary school teaching degree.
 |
| Bud and Katie about 1938 |
When things started getting a little more serious, they made plans for their future. Katie would drop out of collage (with only about 9 hours to finish) and take a teaching position in Miami, NM. Bud would join the Army for the required 1 year enlistment. Then they would be free to get married and get on with life.
Then WWII happened. During basic training, Bud was notified that his one year papers were stamped "For the duration."
So, Katie took a short leave from Miami and went to Abilene. They were secretly married, because it was not possible for a schoolmarm to be wed! Shortly after she returned to Miami and Bud on to the East coast and ore training before being shipped to Europe.
 |
| Katie and Bud after wedding on April 4, 1942. Abilene,Tx |
Schoolmarms were hosted by a local family who provided room and board as part of their pay. Katie talked a lot about Teresa Maga(sp) and staying with an Italian family there. She finished the school year, then followed to the Northeast with Bud until he shipped out.
