Mary Catherine Dicks graduated from Newcomb with a degree in child psychology and a Louisiana teacher’s certificate, then taught school at Henry Allen School and then kindergarten at Newman. Norbert Emmanuel “Baldy” Schmidt graduated from Tulane with a degree in Electrical Engineering and went to work for GE. Catherine met Baldy at Bennie French’s Tavern in Pass Christian, Mississippi and it was “love at first sight!” They started dating in the Pass and in New Orleans, and went on a family trip to Fort Walton with Catherine’s parents in the summer. By Easter, Baldy asked Catherine to marry him and of course she said “yes!”
Baldy had accepted a job in Bridgeport, Connecticut, so the wedding had to be held before the middle of June. Catherine’s mom planned the wedding in a few short months for just a few friends and family at home at 15 Audubon Blvd. The only problem was that Baldy was Catholic and Catherine was Baptist. After some quick lessons, they were married by Monsignor William Tracy with her Baptist minister nearby on June 16, 1951. Before the wedding, friends had showers and luncheons and the Carters threw a wonderful rehearsal dinner for them.
The wedding was at 7 p.m., and Catherine wore a beautiful white organdy dress made by the dressmaker of the day, Mrs. Ruth Ludebach – she also made the dresses for her flower girls and bridesmaids out of tulle and princess lace. The flowers included her favorites, peonies and gardenias, and the cocktail buffet was accented by music performed on an organ that Mrs. Dicks rented from Werlein’s.
Catherine changed into her going away outfit of white linen accented by a tangerine scarf and matching shoes, and off they went to their honeymoon in Sea Island.
Catherine and Baldy were married for 63 happy years. They celebrated their 25th anniversary at Sea Island and their children Rick, Tracy, Cathy and John surprised them with a party for their 45th anniversary.
