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In the 1950s, Judy Cain used to “drag Main” with her friends through Hollister. On one of those loops around town, she spotted Larry—the man who would become her husband—and thought he was “nice-looking.”
A few years down the road, they were engaged, and on their first Thanksgiving together, Larry, 87, surprised her with a salad bowl filled with Valentine’s Day hearts. Now, as the sun sets on her home in San Juan Bautista, and yet another Valentine’s Day approaches, Judy, 83, reflects on what nearly 63 years of marriage has taught her. She sums it up in one word: compromise.
“There are good days and bad days,” Judy said. “But if you love each other, it works out.”
When Larry met Judy, the world looked different. Hollister was much smaller, just starting to see the postwar development that expanded U.S. cities. But curiously, she said, San Juan Bautista hasn’t changed much: there aren’t many more houses. The difference is that, back then, you knew everybody. Now, not so much.
“If you did anything silly, your parents knew about it before you got home,” she said.
Larry, who lived in Tres Pinos, insisted they had met long before she dragged Main. He would say he first saw her at the Bettencourts’ annual Thanksgiving dinner, where both families—and many others—gathered. She was 14, he was 18.
After Judy saw Larry, they dated intermittently during the summers when they were both in town, as they attended school in different areas. Judy was finishing high school in Monterey and Larry was studying in San Francisco.In the summer of 1961, after Judy’s freshman year, Larry asked her out. Weeks later, he asked her to marry him. She said yes. They were engaged for two years, finished college and married in June 1963 at Mission San Juan Bautista. For their honeymoon, they took a boat to Santa Catalina, “the island of romance,” as the popular Four Preps song called it.
They settled in San Francisco, where their first daughter was born. Two more daughters came while living in Moraga. In 1968, the shipping company where Larry worked sent him to New Orleans, and in 1971, a fourth daughter was born. A year later, they crossed the Gulf of Mexico and moved to Belize, where they would spend the next 19 years.
In Belize City, where their first son was born, Judy taught English, while Larry wore many hats. He dredged canals, built subdivisions and resorts. He even worked in movies.
Their older daughters in American colleges, the couple returned with their teenage boy to San Juan Bautista in 1991 and haven’t left. They got deeply involved in the community. Judy worked in local schools and enrolled in many organizations, while Larry got into politics. He was elected to the San Juan Bautista City Council, became mayor, and served as city manager.
This Valentine’s Day, Judy is hosting a fundraiser with dinner, music and dancing at the San Juan Bautista Community Center for the Native Daughters of the Golden West, a social and service organization where she serves as the third vice president. One of her four daughters will lead the silent auction and, as has become a tradition, Judy will send each of her eight grandchildren a card with a little bit of money tucked inside.
“It’s wonderful to be able to recognize those that you care about and love every year,” she said.
Valentine’s Day events
If you are looking for something to do for Valentine’s Day other than dinner and flowers, San Benito County has a lot to offer. Below is a list of just a few of those things.
Historic San Juan Bautista Downtown Third Street is hosting a Scavenger Hunt on Feb. 14. The free event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all ages. Participants will get a bag with a list of the 12 Scavenger items to find in the local stores. After collecting the items on the list, participants will be eligible to enter their name in the drawing for door prizes. Bags can be picked up in participating stores. There is also a Grand Prize Raffle Package drawing valued at more than $1,000 for which you can buy $1 raffle tickets. You do not need to be present to win.
The Native Daughters of the Golden West will be hosting a Vintage Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance on Feb. 14 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Community Hall, 10 San Jose Street, San Juan Bautista. For more information, please check their Facebook page.
In Hollister, Jovenes de Antano will be hosting a fundraising dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Veterans’ Hall on Feb. 14. The community is invited to an evening of music, dancing and celebration. Guests can enjoy live music by La Cruza de México, and a DJ for a lively evening. Food, beer and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online at jdaseniors.org or you can purchase tickets at 300 West Street between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Please call 831-637-9275 for further information. Proceeds from this event will benefit Jovenes de Antaño programs for the seniors of San Benito County.
If the great outdoors is more your style Edan Rift Vineyards will be holding its annual Valentine’s Day hike. Take a 1.5-mile or 2.5-mile hike through terraced blocks, stopping to taste wines along the way. Vineyard manager Saul Tapia will be pouring wine and sharing stories about his love of the vineyard and approach to farming it. As an added bonus, Mozzeria Pizza will be on site with their truck with food for purchase. The hike will be held from 11 a.m. to 3p.m. and costs $20 for members | $40 for non-members.
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