50 Years After a ‘Really Smooth Move,’ Couple is Still Holding Hands

By Stephanie Bechard

Public Relations Specialist, Huron-Clinton Metroparks

On July 15, 1964, the New Haven Rotary Club held a family picnic for its members at Camp Rotary. At this time, the camp was owned by the region’s Rotary Clubs.

Two of the club’s members, Dennis Current of Clinton Township and Harry Lee or New Haven were planning to attend and told their children they were also required to follow suit.

Like most teenagers, neither Dennis’ 16-year-old son, Ron, nor Harry’s 15-year-old daughter, Karen, wanted to go. Little did they know that this day would change their lives forever.

When the Currents arrived at the picnic, Ron caught sight of Karen and was attracted to her right away, but was too shy to approach her.

“I kept trying to show off so she would notice me,” said Ron. “But, she never did.”

After dinner, Ron watched Karen walk across the swinging bridge and did something he had never done before; he followed her.

Once on the other side of the bridge, Ron lost sight of Karen. After a moment of panic thinking he’d lost his opportunity to speak to her, he spotted Karen on a side path next to the creek.

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“Thinking that it was my only chance, I mustered up some courage and began a conversation with her,” explained Ron. “As we walked back across the bridge together, I pretended to be interested in Karen’s class ring on her right hand.”

That is when Ron took the opportunity to hold her hand and never let go.

“It was really a smooth move,” joked Karen. “And 50 years later, here we are still holding hands and have been happily married for 46 years.”

“Our story goes to show you just how important Camp Rotary is to us,” said Karen. “Now a days, you see most young couples get married and flee, but not us. This area is where we belong.”

And what advice does a couple of 50 years have to offer?

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” laughed Ron.

“And everything is small stuff,” added Karen.

On Tuesday July 15, 2014 the 50th Anniversary of their meeting, Ron arranged to have a special picnic with Karen at Camp Rotary where it all began. A special carriage ride was arranged as a surprise for the couple by Agriculture Coordinating Supervisor Susan Schmidt.

"When I first took the call from Ron, I thought this was such a touching story, and that we needed to do our part to help the couple celebrate finding love at Camp Rotary," explained Schmidt. " Hopefully others can be inspired to find their own magic at Wolcott Mill Metropark as it is quite the romantic and scenic backdrop ideal for anniversaries, weddings, parties and celebrations at our unique park locations."

The two were able to, once again, walk hand in hand across the bridge where they met; but this time, he didn’t need to pretend to hold her hand.

For those interested in hosting an anniversary party, wedding or any other type of special event at Wolcott Mill Metropark, please contact Susan Schmidt at susan.schmidt@metroparks.com or (586) 752-5932.

About the parks: 

Located along the Huron and Clinton rivers, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks provide a natural oasis from urban and suburban life as well as year-round recreational activities and events. A regional park system, the Metroparks consist of 13 beautiful parks covering 25,000 acres, ten spectacular public golf courses and two marinas on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. The parks also offer scenic nature trails, breathtaking beaches, educational activities and exciting winter sports.