50 Years of Getting Hitched for Free on Valentine’s Day Continues in Windsor,CT

 

 

 

 

by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.wordpress.com

Since 1962 the Town Clerk’s Office in Windsor, Connecticut has been offering marriage licenses for free on Valentine’s Day – a tradition which began with then Town Clerk George Tudan. This coming Tuesday, February 14, marks fifty years that Windsor has been playing Cupid’s helper.

“It began with George when he wanted to get re-elected and was looking to get his name out there, and, it just took off,” Windsor Town Clerk Agnes Pier said in a phone interview February 10.

“Over the years it has evolved with each town clerk. Now we offer it for same sex,” noted Pier.

As Connecticut’s first town settled in 1633, Pier pointed out Windsor is big on traditions and leading the way. So it has been a privilege, she said, for each subsequent town clerk to continue offering the free Valentine’s Day licenses.

The town has invited all couples who got a free marriage license in Windsor on Valentine’s Day in the past 50 years to a special reception to be held at the Town Clerk’s Office Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The celebration will include a cake, punch and a drawing for a large gift basket courtesy of local merchants – all part of the love fest at Windsor Town Hall.

Thus far, said Pier, they have heard from about half a dozen people including Pat Kuszik, currently an assistant in the Town Clerk’s Office, who got her license in 1962, and Betsey Lepak, Tudan’s daughter. Fire Chief William Lewis received one of the free Valentine’s Day marriage licenses and is expected to be there as is Lewis’ daughter, Erin, who got her free Valentine’s Day license just last year.

Anita Mips, a Justice of the Peace, will be on hand to offer “affirmations,” renewals, to interested couples.

Those planning to get married in the next 65 days are invited to the Town Clerk’s Office between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 14 to pick up a free license. Both parties must be present and each needs to bring photo identification For couples who want to marry that day, Mips will be available to perform ceremonies but prior arrangements must be made.

Call 860-285-1902.

 Look for photos from Valentine’s Day at Windsor Town Hall in an upcoming newsandviewsjb