-by Jessica Cepek

This Valentine's Day, Dora Thomas will be receiving her 53rd box of chocolates. She's been expecting her husband, James, to keep this tradition up since before their first year of marriage. And after five decades of boxes, he's definitely proved himself faithful. More than likely, Dora won't exactly be surprised this February 14th, nonetheless, she just might act that way.

Both James and Dora's families have a strong history in Wilmore. Dora's family, the Rhoers, came to Jessamine County in the 1700's. James family came to the area in the 1800's. And in the same tradition, both James and Dora grew up, fell in love, married and raised a family here in Wilmore. Now, as they sit contently in the living room of their Lowery Lane home, they reminiscence over their many years together.

In 1946, Dora came back home from school in Lexington to Wilmore because she had a mild case of laryngitis. At that time, her mom was the owner of Wilmore Lunch, which is now The Cozy Cafe. Although she was too sick to speak, Dora helped out as a waitress.

James had recently been back from the war and would come to Wilmore Lunch to hang out with his friends. These included some of Dora's brothers and uncles, although he never had met Dora personally. On the day that Dora was back in town, she waited on James. Dora says with a wink, "He knew I was the one for him because I was the only woman in the place who couldn't speak."

James came in every day or so, and started flirting with Dora. Eventually, she decided to go on a date with him. They dated for a year and were married at Talbot Farm by a local seminary student.

When they were dating, James was working at the mines down by the Kentucky River. Because it was a dangerous job and they needed more money, James and Dora moved up to Toledo after marriage. However, after only a month in Ohio, Dora's mother became sick and they moved back home to Wilmore. They took over the restaurant and never again called another town their home. Dora says, "We had no desire to go anyplace else. We like this town."

A few years later they sold the restaurant and James got a job as a post office clerk and carrier. He stayed there as postmaster until retirement in 1980. Dora also worked in town at Sim's Drug Store. Her and James saw each other every day for their lunch breaks.

Somewhere between that time, James and Dora raised three daughters. Contrary to most families now, all of these women currently live in the area. The Thomas family has always been tight-knit so Wilmore has been a great place to raise a family. "You felt like your neighbors were keeping an eye on your kids," says Dora.

The Thomas' have experienced some of Wilmore's most exciting history. And now, after being a part of so many good years, they are content to wait for more great years to come through the lives of their children and grandchildren.