Miss Ruth Elizabeth Wells and Mr. Warren Ansel Nicholas were married in Libertyville on Monday, May 25, 1914. The ceremony took place in the home of Ruth's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar H. Wells, who resided at 208 Newberry Avenue.

Ruth wore a sheer, white, finely decorated wedding outfit that was loose and almost tubular in shape. During this decade designers created chemise dresses, simple, straight-hanging dresses made of crepe, satin, organdy or silk. Beautiful sheer overdresses were then worn over the chemise. The new century turned to a freer style that was still soft and beautiful for brides.

An announcement in the Independent Register described a picture of an intimate but festive wedding that was a surprise to the guests in attendance. "The home was beautifully decorated with ferns and cut flowers. The bride was attended by her niece Roma Corlett, as flower girl, the bridesmaid being Miss Adah Nicholas, the sister of the groom. Frank Mason acted as best man. Lohengrin's wedding march was rendered by Mrs. Harry Rouse, a sister of the bride, after which the couple took their position before the thirty relatives and the pastors read the ceremony which joined them for life. A wedding dinner was spread at which covers were laid for thirty. The happy couple then left for a week's honeymoon trip amid a hearty send-off."

 

 

Ruth and Warren may have planned a surprise wedding, but how they met is not surprising at all, both having lived in Libertyville all of their lives. Their families both spent two generations in the Libertyville area and they enjoyed a close bond of friendship. Ruth was born on October 22, 1893 and grew up on Newberry Avenue. Warren was born on January 4, 1890 and he lived on the other side of the train tracks on Appley and Milwaukee Avenues.

 

During their married life Ruth and Warren remained in Libertyville where they raised two children, Warren Jr. and Edith, and spent many years in their home on Sunset Drive. Warren was employed as a building materials salesman for Celotex Corporation and he also spent many years as a dedicated civil servant. He was a senior member of the village board, having served 33 years as a trustee.

 

In May of 1964 the Nicholases were honored at a reception celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

 

Sadly, Warren died just months later on September 10, 1964 at the age of 74. In a tribute to Warren, Libertyville's Mayor Berry said, "He's made so many contributions over the years, his loss will be felt by every resident of the community." Ruth followed Warren in death 11 years later on April 30, 1975. She was 81. They are buried next to each other in Lakeside Cemetery.