Highland Couple Celebrate 70 Years of Success in their Marriage and their Business

High school sweethearts, Howard and Thelma Armstrong have a lot to celebrate Saturday – 70 years of wedded bliss, certainly, but also the success of a four-generation family business where they worked side by side for many years.

They’re the couple who have carried on the family tradition of Armstrong Millworks Inc. in Highland, a family owned enterprise established in 1948 by Roland and Howard Armstrong on 130 acres, the Spinal Column reports.

The Armstrongs have retired from the day-to-day operations of Armstrong Millworks, which has evolved beyond the original milking operation. But they still live in the shadow of the mill, which is now known for its high-quality craftsmanship with a variety of domestic and exotic woods and service. Among the products turned out in the mill are  baseball bats, trophies, cabinets, crosses, and church furniture, as well as farm-related products that gave Armstrong Millworks its start.

Today, their sons, Tom and Dennis, and grandsons work the mill that Howard and his father started.

Howard and Thelma as students at Milford High School and have lived in the area their entire lives. They were married in 1942, a year after Howard graduated.

The key to a happy marriage is commitment, Thelma said, “commitment to the vows and to serving the Lord.”

An open house will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at West Highland Baptist Church.