Edna Probasco Van Nuys was born on September 30, 1887. Edna Probasco Van Nuys was the daughter of
Henry Brokaw Van Nuys and
Margaretta Bennett. Edna Probasco Van Nuys married
LeRoy Higgins LaBaw, son of
Joseph Chamberlain LaBaw and
Susna Scott Higgins, on October 6, 1910 at Belle Mead, Somerset County, New Jersey. Edna Probasco Van Nuys died on June 30, 1971 at Belle Mead, Somerset County, New Jersey, at age 83.
Edna Probasco Van Nuys attended Trenton Model School, which was like a High School. This was unusual for girls in those days, but her mother pushed education. She later did secretarial work for Labawco Pumps, a business founded by her husband.
She did a lot of sewing, cross stitch and crocheting. When her children were young, she had a seamstress come in and make their clothes.
Labaw -Van Nuys.
A pretty wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Van Nuys, at Belle Mead, October 6, when their only daughter, Edna Probasco, was united in marriage to Mr. LeRoy Higgins Labaw, of Neshanic.
While the guests were assembling, Miss Mabel Garretson played "Hearts and Flowers," " Melody of Love," and "Sweet Suspense." Promptly at five o'clock she started the Lohengrin wedding niarch. The groom and his best man, Mr. Francis Hoagland, of South Branch, cousin of the groom, entered a side door and waited under a floral bell suspended from an arch of evergreens for the bridal party.
First came the two ushers, Peter P. Van Nuys, brother of the bride, and J. Britton Reger, cousin of the groom, followed by the two bridesmaids, Miss Sarah S. Labaw, sister of the groom, and Miss Floy H. Van Zandt, of Skillman. Preceding the bride came the flower girl and page, Miss Margaretta Hill and Master Raymond Hagaman, both cousins of the bride. She was given away by her father.
The ring ceremony was performed by the bride's pastor, Rev. Wm. L. Sahler, of Harlingen, assisted by Rev. John Hart, pastor of the groom.
During the ceremony the musician played "Love Song," very softly, and, during congratulations, "Whisperings of Love," "Cupid's Seranade," etc. .The bride was dressed in white satin, en train, with pearl trimmings, and carried white roses. The bridesmaids wore pale blue messaline satin with pearl garnitures and carried yellow chrysanthemums. The flower girl wore white silk and carried a basket of carnations.
Bountiful refreshments were served by a caterer. At 7.45 the bride and groom left for a two weeks' trip to Buffalo, Niagara Falls, points in Canada, Albany, Long Island and other points of interest.
The bride's presents consisted of silver, cut glass, pictures, rugs, chairs, clocks, gold pieces, etc.
Guests were present from Elizabeth, Plainfield, Bernardsville, Clover Hill, North Branch, Somerville, and nearby towns. (from newspaper clipping)
From the diary of Edna P. VanNuys:
Oct. 6, 1910--We were married at 5 o'clock by Rev. Sahler of Harlingen and supper was served by caterer Whitehead and we left for Newark in a Chalmers-Detroit "30" driven and owned by Geo. R. Bolmer(?), Bound Brook. He gave us a ride through ( ? ) and we took the 9:28 train from B.B. to Elizabeth, then a trolley to Newark arriving at 11:30. Saw Maryanne and Saidie Stryker. Stayed all night in Newark. (Clear day.)
Oct. 7, 1910--Had breakfast at a restaurant (Manhattan Res. for supper) and took the 8:17 to Buffalo, while it was yet raining, it cleared about noon and we had a dandy trip to Buffalo, stayed all night at the Stafford House and did not have very nice rooms.
Oct. 8, 1910--A clear day. Saw McKinley Monument and went to Forest Lawn Cemetery and saw several nice monuments and Blocker Monument which was worth any one's time to see. The whole cemetery is kept up fine. We walked in the Westminister Church and rested awhile; it was dandy and open to visitors. This was in the afternoon and in the morning we went through the Larkin Factory which took us an hour and we walked nearly three miles. After we came from here we had our dinner at the same place we had breakfast "The Delmont," which was better than the Manhattan. After we came from the Cemetery we found the house in which McKinley died and then waited until train time in the Stafford Hotel Parlors. We left Buffalo on the 6:35 for Niagara and arrived at Niagara at 7:25, found Room #4 at Mrs. Phelps, then went to the Adams Res. across the street and had our supper which was very good and homelike.
Oct. 9, 1910--Had breakfast in our room which consisted of crackers & cheese and sunshine specialities after which we went to church at the Niagara Pres. Church and enjoyed the sermon very much which was on the life of John Converse. We took a little walk and returned to "The Adams" for dinner. After dinner we took a walk around the lake then around Goat Island after which we returned and had supper at "The Adams."
Oct. 10, 1910--Finished breakfast near 9 a.m., went thro' Shredded Wheat Factory. Very clean. Went down and took Gorge Route. 10:15-Stopped at Whirlpool Rapids 1 hr. Stayed on car until by bridge on Canada side. Walked up to Power House. Went through (25 cents). Took car back. Went to house for mail. Took dinner at New Quaker restaurant. 3 p.m.-Went thro' Cave of the Winds ($1.00). Changed all clothes, put on red flannel suits and rubber suits. Was awfully tired after walking up and down so may steps. Had our pictures taken. Then we bought some postals. I went in building by falls and wrote home. LeRoy went to get shaved $1.30. Had supper in our rooms. Cream puffs, buns and bananas. LeRoy went out and brought in ice cream cones. Took collars to laundry in morning and gave wrong name.
Oct. 11, 1910--Had breakfast at Adam's. Took Gorge Route 9:30 to Lewiston to take boat to Toronto. Terribly rough going. Felt a little queer. Had oyster stew at swell restaurant, full dress suits, orchestra, etc. McConkey's. Boat arrived 1:25. Left Toronto 2 p.m. Reached Niagara about 5:30. Had supper at Quaker res.
Oct. 12, 1910--Got up 4:40. Had breakfast at Adams. Ran to catch 6:25 train. Had sandwiches and sweet chocolate on train. Reached Albany 2:05. I waited in Ladies room in station while LeRoy hunted up a hotel. Went to Stanwix Hall ($2.00). Left our things. Went to res. 104 State St. and had dinner. Went up to capitol. Took several pictures. Couldn't go through as it was Columbus Day. Saw a parade. Walked around and went to geological hall. I was terribly tired. I waited in hotel parlors while LeRoy looked for a baker. Went to our room after 5. Had buns, peaches and bananas. Wrote letters and postals.
Oct. 13, 1910 (Thurs.)--Got up early. Had breakfast at same restaurant 6:30. Went thro' Capitol 50 cents for guide. Took boat 8:30. Got mail from post office on our way down. Weather was fine, but cool on deck and windy. We had chairs by window. Went to lunch and then bought two lunch boxes. Ate one right away and the other just before we reached New York. People took our chairs but gave them up after about half an hour. We went out on deck before we came to Tarrytown. Same people took our chairs but gave them up when we came back. Took ferry from Desbrosses St and then train to South St. Reached Aunt Ella's about 8 p.m.
Oct, 14, 1910(Fri.)--Washed some things out. Wrote some letters in aft. Took a short nap. LeRoy pressed my jacket. Went to see Sarah. Didn't know the number so went and asked at her old place and then went back, but she had gone home. Felt terrible tired. Went down to Club rooms at night.
Oct, 15, 1910(Sat.)--Got up 11:15. Left on 2:12 from Market St. for Oscar's and Helen's. Oscar met us at sta., 23rd St., 3 p.m. Took trolley to new Pennsylvania Sta. Then took electric car to Woodside. Changed and took steam car to Flushing. Helen met us at station. In evening Mr. & Mrs. Doremus and 2 gentlemen & 4 ladies came down. Had music and one recited. Went upstairs and had light refreshments, cocoa, cake, candy. Did not feel extra....
Sunday Oct. 16th--Very warm. Felt awfully tired. Had breakfast 11 a.m. Went for a walk around Flushing. Had dinner 4 p.m. Went to Methodist Church in evening. Sermon on Elijah. Had lunch after came home, tomato sandwiches, etc.
Mon. Oct. 17th--Left on 8:46 train to Long Island City. Took ferry to 34th St. Took car to 42nd St. Went to N.Y. Central Sta. on 45th St. & Lexington Ave. Took 10:45 train to Tarrytown. Electric as far as Yonkers. Had dinner at Terry Hotel (35 cts). Walked around then went to Maxwell factory. Went to office of repairs. A fellow took us half thro', but told nothing so walked down track to main office. Terribly hot and dusty. Came back in auto and then they sent us in another car to factories with another guide who was some better. Left on 4:08. Reached Central Sta. 5:12. Took car to Astor Theatre. Bought tickets for "Seven Days"($1.00). First Balcony 8th row. Had supper across st. at Child's. Had to walk around streets with suitcase until 7:45 when theatre opened. Awfully tiresome. Play very good and comical. Reached Newark 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 18th--I got up 8:45 and dressed and had my breakfast before LR got up. After lunch LeRoy went to second-handed automobile place. I met him at Proctor's. The vaudeville was very good (25 cts). Stopped at Sarah's and called on way back.
Wed., Oct. 19th--Got up 9 a.m. Aunt Mary & Aunt Eveline came to spend the day. Left 1 p.m. to take trolley to Elizabeth. Took 1:40 train to Bound Brook. Saw Miss Whitney on train. L.R. went to pay Bohner ($6.00). Peter came to Belle Mead with us, 2:24 from Bound Brook. Mamma met us. We went on down to Harlingen. Mamma went in to meeting of W.C.T.U. at parsonage. We drove up to Harlingen station and back again. Mrs. VanDoren rode up to station with us. Floy and Henry stopped in shortly after we came home on their way back from Edna Tunison's and Harry Young's wedding.
Thurs., Oct. 20th--Rainy. Papa and Mamma went to Uncle Will's to spend the day. Papa went to Dr's in morning to get medicine for his stomach. LeRoy pressed his black suit. He went home 3 p.m.