Joe T. Alen and Miss Maurine Allen were married in Monterey, California, December
  1943, where Joe (3482nd Ord. Div.) was stationed before shipment to the World War II
  European Theater.
     Maurine is the daughter of the late Clyde and Bertie McGrath Allen. A brother, Dr.
  John G. Allen, practives Veterninary Medicine in Coldwater, kansas. JOe T. is the son
  of the late L.C. and Louise Frei Allen. A younger brother, Philip, resides in Hardtner. 
  Opal Botkin and Dorsey also live in Kansas. Gertrude in Texas.
     Before their marriage, Joe had been in Civil Service Construction, and Maurine, a
  graduate of Friends University, was an elementary school teacher in Barber County
  schools. On Joe's return from army service, they were engaged in sheep and Hereford
  ranching near Kiowa and Hardtner for nearly twenty years.
     For couple recreation, traveling and square dancing were most compatible and
  enjoyable - friendships formed were cherished rewards. Church and community activities,
  4H and Girl Scout involvements, Masonic and Eastern Star, plus other memberships, gave 
  added meaning and enhanced life's schedule.
     Fishing, camping, and hunting have been Joe's cherished hobby. Supervising art,
  rhythm, postry, dance, and song with school children have been Maurine's joy. Most
  endearing were the Rural Schools' Spring Music Festivals ("The Blue Bird", "Ad Astre
  Per Aspera", "Spring Jubilee". etc) sponsored by County Superintendent Jennie McKinley.
  Hardtner's State Line 4H Chorous and other musical groups furnished pride and fulfillment.
     Following a number of exciting years as instructor in Hardtner and South Barber
  Elementary School, due to the ill health of family members, Maurine retired (1976)
  from contract teaching. Earlier, Joe had retired from carpentry. They now live in
  their Hardtner home where they continue to share hospitality, smiles, greetings, future
  plans, and nostalgic events with neighbors, relatives and friends, the richest of Gods
  blessings in this chosen land.
               
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 83 
     Submitted by: Maurine Allen