Couple spends quality time for 60 years.

CLAYTON -- When Rudolph Allen walked through the doors of Clayton High School in 1949, Rosa Belle Byrd wasn’t impressed.

Allen, then 23, had just returned to town after a stint in the Navy and was back to school to complete required classes to graduate.

Belle, then 17, admits it wasn’t love at first sight.

“He was handsome and had a car and all the girls went wild,” she recalled. “But he dated lots of the girls and even some of the teachers. I just did not give him the time of day. He thought I was a goody-two shoes and I ignored him completely.”

“She really wouldn’t have anything to do with me,” agreed Rudy.

Byrd and Allen ran in different circles but their paths collided in May 1950 when a group of students planned a pre-graduation cookout at Lake Glad in Wendell. Byrd ended up riding as a passenger in Allen’s car and the rest is history.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Belle and Rudy can laugh about those days now.

“He turned out to be very nice and charming and before you knew it we were dating,” explained Belle Allen. “We were just meant for each other.”

Initially, the Byrd family disapproved of the relationship due to their six year age difference.

“We snuck around a little bit,” Rudy admitted. “She used to babysit for her cousins and I’d come over and we’d talk for a while.”

Belle said her family came around after getting to know Rudy and realizing he was a nice person.

The couple graduated CHS in 1950 and married on Nov. 22 at First Baptist Church. They moved into their home on N. Fayetteville Street in 1954 and welcomed two children, Gwendolyn and Rudolph Jr.

“We had our children close together and they are only a week from being a year apart,” said Belle. “They are so close even today and both live across the street (in Clayton) from each other.”

Working at love

Over the years, Belle and Rudy made it a priority to spend time together doing things as a couple. When their children would go off to bed, their house would fill with the sounds of Perry Como and Bing Crosby being played on the stereo.

“We would put on records and just dance and dance,” said Belle. “We’ve always made time for each other.”

“We’ve danced a million miles together,” added Rudy.

They say the secret to their nearly 62-year long marriage is simple.

“I still kiss her when I go to bed and I kiss her when I get up in the morning,” Rudy said. “We’ve had a wonderful life.”

“I say treat each other as you want to be treated,” said Belle. “You have to keep the romance alive, too.”

Belle and Rudy also place a strong emphasis on family bonds and are proud to say everyone enjoys each other’s company. Several times each summer the entire clan, 11 members in all, gather at their vacation home in Crystal Beach on the Pamlico River. Built over 45 years ago by Rudy, they cram everyone in any available space and spend quality family time fishing, swimming and waterskiing.

“We’ve been so blessed with our family,” Belle said. “We don’t a lot of material possessions but we are wealthy in our love for God and each other. If you don’t have the right family life, then what have you done?”

The couple also has three grandchildren, two of whom are expecting this summer making it the first great-grandchildren for the family.

Still busy

Today, the Allen’s stay busy with an active involvement within the community. Rudy, a former town council member and two term mayor, is past chairman of the Eastern Carolina Regional Housing Authority and current member of the American Legion. He retired after a 32 year career as a rural mail carrier. Belle also retired after working for several years for the town’s Merchant’s Association, now known as the Chamber of Commerce, and 28 years as a secretary for many of the area’s schools. Currently, she is a member of the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library board, Clayton Women’s club, Johnston County Heritage Commission, president of the Felicia Club and past board member of the Johnston Community College Foundation.

Both are actively involved with First Baptist Church.

The Allen’s say they have no particular plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday but will honor it with traditional gifts.

“He usually gives me flowers and I give him candy and a card,” said Belle Allen.