Ralph was back in Larned, and out of the army. It was the summer of 1919. He quickly found work as a lineman for The Pawnee Power and Water Company.
Chleo had just finished high school. She was living at home with her mother, and they were working at the Ideal Steam Laundry.
Ralph and Chleo rekindled their relationship and talked of marriage.
Marriage
Ralph Jarvis and Chleo Webb married December 16, 1919. They had met in summer of 1916, when Ralph whistled at Chleo from a utility pole. Now, three and a half years later, they married.
The bride and groom
A diamond necklace
Recall an earlier story about how Ralph met Chleo, and how he gave her a diamond necklace.
I think the necklace Chleo is wearing in the wedding photo is that diamond necklace. She’s wearing the same necklace in some other photos.
Will live with Chleo’s mother
“Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis will make their home with the bride’s mother in Larned.”
Chleo and Ralph moved in with Anna Webb in the Rock House. There may have been one of Anna’s nieces living with her while going to high school in Larned, but otherwise only Anna lived there. So there was plenty of room.
Ralph was working out of town
After returning from military duty, Ralph went to work as a lineman for the Pawnee Power and Water Company. The company was stringing transmission lines to dozens of small towns in western Kansas. So Ralph was away from Larned during the work week.
Ralph soon rose to foreman, so he was responsible for several of the line crews. He was constantly traveling to the jobs.
Larned Chronoscope – January 8, 1920 
The Tiller and Toiler – April 20, 1920 
The Tiller and Toiler – May 13, 1920
Life in Larned
Ralph came home to Larned on weekends. He and Chleo enjoyed social life when they could.
During the week, Chleo and Anna were working at the Ideal Steam Laundry.
There were lots of Chleo’s relatives nearby for visiting. Whether crocheting, sewing, or playing football, life was back to normal in small-town Larned.
The Tiller and Toiler – August 21, 1920 
The Tiller and Toiler – October 28, 1920 
Larned Chronoscope – October 28, 1920
A peek ahead
Ralph and Chleo would soon add children to their family. Ralph would get swept up in the fortunes and misfortunes of the Pawnee Power and Water Company. And they would soon move away from Larned.
Timeline 1910s
Sources
- Newspaper articles – Newspapers.com
- Marriage Certificate – Chleo Webb and Ralph Jarvis – Jarvis Family Documents – Chleo Webb Jarvis collection
- Photos – Chleo Webb and Ralph Jarvis – Jarvis Family Documents – Chleo Webb Jarvis collection
Family Nibbles 