There had been a rift in earlier generations, as such my family had little to do with Dudley’s family for quite some years. A new tie between the King family and a daughter of RAF Hoffmann allowed for an opportunity.
Uncle Arthur King took Donna and I out to ‘Dalriado’ for an afternoon tea with Dudley and Betty in the mid 1980’s. Dudley and I were both descendants of J.S.Gotthilf Hoffmann (Dudley being a GGrandson, and myself being a GGGrandson). Many questions were asked, answers given and a good time was had. Lovely hosts and an enjoyable occasion.
Dudley and Arthur arranged for us to go an visit the original Homestead on ‘Mountain View’ during that trip as well.
I love the detailed description of social events that was usual in mid-20th century newspaper reporting. The following is a delight from:
The Henty Observer and Culcairn Shire Register Fri 17 Mar 1950 Page 5
HOFFMANN – KING
The marriage of Betty Elaine, the only daughter of Mr A. A. King, ‘Ellis Vale,’ Walla, and the late Mrs. King, to Dudley Charles, second son of Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Hoffmann, ‘Mountain View’ Walla, took place at the Presbyterian Church, Culcairn, on Tuesday, February 21. The Rev. R. E. Williamson officiated.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a dress of French lame, with fitted bodice buttoned to the waist, and full-length skirt falling into a long train. Her deep lace edged tulle veil, loaned by her cousin, Mrs. Geoff Shoemark, of Bellingen, was held in place with orange blossom and lily of the valley, and her bouquet was of tuberoses, frangipani and gladioli.
The bridesmaids were Misses Joyce Hoffmann (cousin of the bridegroom), Thelma Hoffmann (sister of the bridegroom) and Pearl Oakman (cousin of the bride). They were dressed alike in mauve, pink and blue frocks, respectively, of organdi over satin, with bustle bows, embroidered deep collars, and picture hats, and carried muffs of gladioli, tiger lilies and hydrangeas.
Little Fay Hoskins, cousin of the bride, was flower girl, and she wore lemon organdi and carried a crook of tiger lilies and, gladioli.
Messrs John Hoffmann (brother), Kenneth Hoffmann (brother) and Dudley Wilksch attended the bridegroom. Miss Verna De Mamiel sang during the signing of the register and Mrs. C. Bubb presided at the organ.
The reception was held in the Memorial Hall, Culcairn, where the guests were received by Mrs. E. L. Shoemark, the bride’s aunt, and Mrs. Hoffmann, Mrs. Shoemark wore black French crepe, relieved with black lace over pink; and black accessories. Her spray was of pink carnations. Mrs. Hoffmann wore a smoke blue ensemble, with navy accessories and a spray of red roses. The Rev. R. E. Williamson I presided at the wedding breakfast.
The bridegroom’s gift to the bride was a canteen of cutlery; to each of the bridesmaids a pendant, and to the flower girl a gold locket. The bride’s gift to the bridegroom was a travelling rug and clock. The beautiful wedding cake was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thiele, of Albury.
The couple left by car for Albury and thence by plane to Tasmania, where the honeymoon is being spent, the bride travelling in an embroidered grey French crepe frock, with floating panels, navy accessories and a spray of pink tiger lilies. Their future home will be at ‘Dalriado,’ Walla.