When Grandpa and Grandma Celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary
By Larry J. Rodarte for the Diaz Observer, June 2006
Seems like June of 1956 was really the first Diaz family reunion. Fifty years ago this month, those alive at the time gathered on 29th Street in Saginaw for the 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary of Grandma Cecilia and Grandpa Senobio.
June 30, 2006, marks the 100th anniversary of when they took their vows in San Jeronimo in Huadacareo, Michoacan, Mexico. From a copy of the actual entry from the archives of the old church (Page 11), it reads that their padrinos (witnesses) were Miguel Andrade and Nieves Diaz, who was the sister of Grandpa Senobio.
From their anniversary pictures you can see they are happy with so much family all around. Grandma Cecilia seems to be a little shy of all the attention, yet excitedly opens their anniversary gifts.
Grandpa Senobio sits back and looks on; and it looks as if his mind might be elsewhere. Maybe he is thinking of those early years in Huandacareo. They were both in their teens; he was 18, she was 17, when they became one. Their marriage would last 56 years, enduring many struggles and triumphs.
Tia Della and Chelo remember them both being happy.
“We were all there,” said Tia Della. “Grandchildren and all.”
Chelo agrees saying she remembers Grandma Cecilia “laughing a lot and joking with everyone.”
According to a 1956 Saginaw News anniversary announcement, the Diazs had 47 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren at the time. The great-grandchildren were Linda and Johnny Orozco, Esperanza, Gilbert Jr. and Elizabeth Castañeda; Juanita and Laura Guevara; and Robert Rodarte.
The pictures enclosed on theses pages give us a glimpse of that first gathering of the family. Prominent is Grandma Cecilia’s altar depicting her faith, which played an important role in her marriage. You can see the Holy Family statue, a scapular hanging, and a picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Granddaughter Yvonne Medel stands in front, not knowing whether to hide or face the camera.
In one of the pictures Uncle Steve is carrying a camera with Tia Dora, Lydia Medel and Tia Della in the picture while standing on the front porch. In another photo Tia Odelia Diaz sits with a ten-year-old Ronnie Medel on the couch in the front room.
Outside there are the young starlets of the day, Margie Orozco, Betty Diaz and Theresa Stricker — all in dresses for their grandparent’s celebration. There is a fourth young girl depicted — Lucy Morales, who was the niece of Tia Odelia. And then there is Ralph Diaz — Uncle Steve’s son.
But by far, my favorite picture is the one with so many grandchildren. If you look close, you will be surprised at who is pictured. In the far left, a little blurry, you can see Tia Rosie carrying Ricky Ruiz, yes the Galvestonian cousins were Pontiac residents back then. Standing behind Tia Rosie is Steve Diaz and Arthur. Cousin Kathy Diaz is holding Ana Ruiz, while Cecilia Stricker stands to the right. Back row standing is Ralphie Diaz, Rosie Orozco, Mary Helen Orozco, Linda Orozco and Betty Diaz. The children in front that I can identify are: Gloria, Eleanor, and Chris Chantaca; Bobby Stricker; Cathy and Carlos Diaz; Johnny Orozco, Jim Stricker and baby Elizabeth Castañeda. Look at Cathy and Carlos’ expression, makes you wonder what was happening doesn’t it?
As we move into reunion month 2006, I wanted to give you all a glimpse of that day 50 years ago, when Grandma Cecilia and Grandpa Senobio must have been very thankful to the Lord for their beautiful family. After enduring the Mexican Revolution, crossing the border, migrating to the cold north, by 1956 their life was firmly planted in good ol’ Saginaw, Mich. This June 30, let us all give thanks and celebrate their beautiful union. June 24, 1956 must have been quite a memorable day. Viva La Familia Diaz!
June 30, 2006, marks the 100th anniversary of when they took their vows in San Jeronimo in Huadacareo, Michoacan, Mexico. From a copy of the actual entry from the archives of the old church (Page 11), it reads that their padrinos (witnesses) were Miguel Andrade and Nieves Diaz, who was the sister of Grandpa Senobio.
From their anniversary pictures you can see they are happy with so much family all around. Grandma Cecilia seems to be a little shy of all the attention, yet excitedly opens their anniversary gifts.
Grandpa Senobio sits back and looks on; and it looks as if his mind might be elsewhere. Maybe he is thinking of those early years in Huandacareo. They were both in their teens; he was 18, she was 17, when they became one. Their marriage would last 56 years, enduring many struggles and triumphs.
Tia Della and Chelo remember them both being happy.
“We were all there,” said Tia Della. “Grandchildren and all.”
Chelo agrees saying she remembers Grandma Cecilia “laughing a lot and joking with everyone.”
According to a 1956 Saginaw News anniversary announcement, the Diazs had 47 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren at the time. The great-grandchildren were Linda and Johnny Orozco, Esperanza, Gilbert Jr. and Elizabeth Castañeda; Juanita and Laura Guevara; and Robert Rodarte.
The pictures enclosed on theses pages give us a glimpse of that first gathering of the family. Prominent is Grandma Cecilia’s altar depicting her faith, which played an important role in her marriage. You can see the Holy Family statue, a scapular hanging, and a picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Granddaughter Yvonne Medel stands in front, not knowing whether to hide or face the camera.
In one of the pictures Uncle Steve is carrying a camera with Tia Dora, Lydia Medel and Tia Della in the picture while standing on the front porch. In another photo Tia Odelia Diaz sits with a ten-year-old Ronnie Medel on the couch in the front room.
Outside there are the young starlets of the day, Margie Orozco, Betty Diaz and Theresa Stricker — all in dresses for their grandparent’s celebration. There is a fourth young girl depicted — Lucy Morales, who was the niece of Tia Odelia. And then there is Ralph Diaz — Uncle Steve’s son.
But by far, my favorite picture is the one with so many grandchildren. If you look close, you will be surprised at who is pictured. In the far left, a little blurry, you can see Tia Rosie carrying Ricky Ruiz, yes the Galvestonian cousins were Pontiac residents back then. Standing behind Tia Rosie is Steve Diaz and Arthur. Cousin Kathy Diaz is holding Ana Ruiz, while Cecilia Stricker stands to the right. Back row standing is Ralphie Diaz, Rosie Orozco, Mary Helen Orozco, Linda Orozco and Betty Diaz. The children in front that I can identify are: Gloria, Eleanor, and Chris Chantaca; Bobby Stricker; Cathy and Carlos Diaz; Johnny Orozco, Jim Stricker and baby Elizabeth Castañeda. Look at Cathy and Carlos’ expression, makes you wonder what was happening doesn’t it?
As we move into reunion month 2006, I wanted to give you all a glimpse of that day 50 years ago, when Grandma Cecilia and Grandpa Senobio must have been very thankful to the Lord for their beautiful family. After enduring the Mexican Revolution, crossing the border, migrating to the cold north, by 1956 their life was firmly planted in good ol’ Saginaw, Mich. This June 30, let us all give thanks and celebrate their beautiful union. June 24, 1956 must have been quite a memorable day. Viva La Familia Diaz!
