by Clyde Whitaker

I know this is not my typical story, but since Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, I thought I would mix it up a little bit. I’m sure all of you have stories of your own, but here is a story that has transformed my life.

In 1978, I was working for Rockwell International in Chelsea. I lived at home in Munith and commuted to Rockwell, where I worked as a sales/service account manager. My boss was Dell White, one of the nicest men you could ever meet.

At the time, Rockwell sponsored a men’s basketball team in the Chelsea Recreation League. Of course, I played on the team, with a bunch of good guys.

On Feb. 14, 1978 (yes, we played on Valentine’s Day, lol), I was sitting in the stands at Beach Middle School awaiting the start of my game. Little did I know my life was about to change that night—forever.

While I was watching the game before mine, I noticed a door at the back of the gym opening, and my friend from Rockwell, Janet Nicola, walking in. Behind her, coming through the door wearing a Chelsea Dance uniform, with long blond hair bouncing, looking like a New York model, was my future wife, Mary Beth McGinn.

Apparently, Janet wanted to bring Mary Beth down to the game to meet me. We did our introductions and after that I took to the floor for my game. Needless to say, I was not very focused on the game, busy taking peeks up into the stands!

After the game, I talked with Janet and Mary Beth for a few minutes, then I had to leave for home, since I had to work the next day. I was beyond excited, thinking, “I gotta ask her out!”

The next day, I was frantic trying to find Janet. I finally found her and asked her to give me Mary Beth’s number because I wanted to ask her out on a date. Janet gave me her number, and I didn’t waste any time. I was soon calling the girl of my dreams and asking her out.

She accepted, and a few days later we went out on our first date for dinner and dancing. That was the start of a romance that continues to this day. Imagine that, a Chelsea Bulldog and a Stockbridge Panther tying the knot!

This Nov. 25, 2026, will mark 48 years of marriage, with four children, six grandchildren, lots of blessings and some heavy sorrow. We trust that God will continue to guide us with his love and devotion.

All photos provided by Clyde Whitaker

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.