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WBC #2 - The 'Ol Courtin' Tree Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

dwolfeman: So sad to say this special cache has disappeared. It has been my favorite hide I put out. The reason for this is because of the special people it was a tribute to.

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Hidden : 2/1/2010
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


The 'Ol Courtin' Tree has been right here for a long, long time. Just ask Mr. & Mrs. Olin Plunkett. They were married at Warren Baptist Church on August 5, 1944, and have celebrated over 68 years of wedded bliss! At least that's what HE says! Every husband could benefit from listening to how this man talks about his wife, even to this day.


As I was searching out places for WBC caches, I knew for sure that a cache had to be placed at the old oak tree. The building behind the tree is what is now referred to as "the old sanctuary", but it's not old enough to compete with the Plunkett's vows. In 1944, there was a little wooden building sitting right near the tree, and that was pretty much Warren Baptist in those days. The Plunketts were married in that building, and Olin can sit and tell a few tales about things that happened around the old tree.


The tree was where people hung out and talked. And courted. No websites, no iPod Touches.....just teenagers hanging out and chewing the fat. Mr. Plunkett says some of the kids used to smoke cigars there, and one day Mr. So-and-So about caught 'em, but not before they had time to hide them in the tree!

The Plunketts started courtin' just out of High School. But 1942 came and young Olin found himself called off to war. He found the Navy to his liking and headed off to the Atlantic, eventually ending up with a stay in Scotland. Before long he was part of the much-noted invasion in North Africa. But he couldn't keep Miss Catherine off his mind and was finally able to return home and wed his sweetheart. The war didn't stop, of course, and off he went again....this time serving his country in the Pacific. He was on the ship which transported troops for the soon-to-be-historic Iwo Jima engagement, and ended up spending time in both Japan and the Philippines.

After the war, he returned and worked various jobs in SC and GA. He started a very successful business in 1958. He's been a business owner longer than I've been alive! He's been around the block a time or two, I'd say. I have had the joy of serving in numerous ways with him for the past twenty years and have developed a deep respect for a man who loves God, loves his wife and family, runs a respectable business, and operates his life out of integrity. This is the way it's meant to be.


As you look for this cache, think about the old wooden building. Think about the small, one-lane dirt road behind you....Washington Road. Think about the teens running around, laughing, and living in a different time. Less stressed, less hurried, and plenty simple. It's hard to take it in with all the hub-bub of our day now. But forget about the busy intersection for a moment, grab the easy cache, and think about a committed marriage of 68+ years. There is much to be respected and honored here.

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