A Fused-Glass Artist Celebrates 58 Years of Marriage
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
I live with my husband, Norton Davis. We have been married for fifty-eight years. We have six children— three together, and three from his first marriage. We have twelve grandchildren, located all over the country and world.
Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Brooklyn and then lived in New Jersey. Now I live in Vermont, and stay in Myrtle Beach four months out of the year, in Ocean’s One Resort.
Why did you pick Myrtle Beach to live in part of the year?
It was accidental. We were visiting friends in Florida, when our friend got sick. We had to find something to do for a week, and people at work had told me that Myrtle Beach was fun, so we decided to give it a try. We decided we liked it best of all the places we saw.
What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach?
My favorite place is the library, I read a lot. The 91-degree pool where we stay doesn’t hurt either.
What do you like the most about the months you spend down here?
The camaraderie of the people who return here. The community is very welcoming and friendly. The Southern hospitality is very nice. And the weather is 40 degrees warmer on a daily basis than Vermont.
How has your lifestyle changed since coming down here?
I’m busier than ever. I take courses down here. I’m a fused glass artist, and I sell my works at a craft fair I used to run.
What new activities do you engage in when you come down?
Years ago, I ran a small craft fair to collect donations for the Food Bank. I also organized a craft show, then decided to put the two things together. The city of Myrtle Beach co-sponsored it with me, and I ran it for five years at the Robert Reed Recreation Center in the Market Common. This year, I’ve passed the baton to Nancy and Alex Smith. I will do the advertising and help wherever else I’m needed.
I also take advantage of as many of the live shows as I can at the high schools and the Myrtle Beach Mall. The actors see the guests at the end of the show. It’s very gracious, nice, and up-close-and-personal.
Do you find people here friendlier or more at ease?
I find that they’re very friendly, and no one really cares about your past. Everyone is focused on the present and what you’re doing now. Everyone is on equal footing here. No one says things like, “He only drove a bus, and I have a PhD.” It’s really nice.
What are your favorite things to do here?
The restaurants are quite good. There are about 900 to choose from. Brookgreen Gardens is a wonderful place. The lake in the Market Common with the walk around, and Savannah’s Playground are both lovely.
