A Telegraph Story for Abe

[NW Mailing List]

Found this in the Virginia Chronicle (the Library of Virginia online
newspaper archive) while search for stories about the Va. Anthracite Coal &
Railway Co. and its line to Blacksburg.

Perhaps a little sleuthing will turn up some actual details about these two
lovebirds since the story is a little inaccurate. There was no quiet
railroad station in Blacksburg in 1897. Also, how did they make a
connection between "Blacksburg" and Danville?

Bruce in Blacksburg

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[Norfolk] Public Ledger, Volume 54, Number 74, 30 April 1903, pg. 3

WANT TO MARRY OVER THE WIRE.
Couple Who Made Love by Telegraph Wish Minister to Marry Them Same Way.

New York, April 29.—Joseph J. Mondeau, a telegraph operator of Plainfield,
N. J., is disappointed that he cannot find a preacher who understands
telegraphy. He fears that a romance, which so far has been conducted by
wire, must reach its climax in a commonplace marriage. But he will be
wedded May 6th. whether he finds a telegraphic minister or not.

Miss Cenah J. Barton, of Gloversville, N. Y., is the happy young lady. She
presidded [sic] over a telegraph key in the quiet railroad station at
Blacksburg, Va., six years ago, and at that time Mondeau held a similar
position at Danville,Va. To while away the time when business was slack
Miss Barton and Mondeau talked with each other over the wire. They
introduced themselves to each other by wire and made love by wire.

He was transferred to Plainfield and she to Gloversville. Still the
courtship continued. The proposal was made and accepted by telegraph and
the date for the wedding arranged. Invitations have been sent by telegraph,
instead of by the usual engraved card, and now the demand is for a minister
who can perform a marriage ceremony by telegraph.
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