Vegter-Tschetter Heritage

Violet, Alvina, and Doris

Violet in California

Already Engaged to Hank

Violet and Verma,
Bridesmaid at Violet's Wedding

In Huron High School, Violet and two of her friends were going with the Becker brothers. The brothers promised matching bracelets and lockets for Christmas, but Walt broke up with Violet before the bracelet. Later in life Violet reflected, "That wasn't so bad. Walt was pretty nice, but pretty homely. Hank was handsome."

Violet didn't want to go college and thought there was nothing happening in Huron, so she and Alvina headed to exciting California to stay with Alvina's Aunt Edna. Edna had only one bed, so all three slept in one bed. As "Rosie the Riveter," Violet riveted planes together for the war. A week after arrival, the three ladies went to a restaurant where Hank Vegter and his buddy were sitting at the counter. Hank asked Alvina and Violet to go to the movies. The buddy walked out with Violet, and Hank with Alvina. Before they sat down for the movies, Hank switched girls. Alvina was so mad.

When Hank took Violet horseback riding, she asked for the fastest horse. After the ride, Hank had to pay extra money because she had lathered up the horse too much. While dating, Hank wrote a poem about Violet which he sent home to his family; neither Hank nor his family ever showed the poem to Violet who has never heard the poem to this day. Hank intended to give Violet the bracelet and locket that Walt never gave her. They went into a young people's meeting at the Christian Reformed Church, and Hank told Violet that he had something for her. When they returned to the car, Hank reached into the glove compartment, but someone had stolen the bracelet and locket. Hank felt so bad that he said, "Let's go up to the jewelry store, and you pick out an engagement ring." Violet came to California in September, was engaged by Christmas, and returned to Huron in April to be married April 9. (recollections by Violet Tschetter Vegter)

Violet, ?, ?, ?, Alvina
Violet wanted the fastest horse.

Among the Cactuses

On the Fence
(location unknown)