David and Normalee Barton celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary on Sept. 25 at The Farmstead in Dixon. Photo courtesy of Linda Knox

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Family and friends of David and Normalee Barton of Dixon helped the couple celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary on Sept. 25.

The couple, born and raised in Woodland, were married Sept. 28, 1952, at Woodland United Methodist Church. 

The Bartons recently moved to The Farmstead at Dixon community after living in Knights Landing for 55 years. David ran a grocery store in Knights Landing and a food stand called Barton’s Freezette, while Normalee was a secretary at Grafton Elementary School in the community.

David served in the Navy during the Korean War.

David and Normalee Barton on their wedding day, Sept. 28, 1952. Photo courtesy of Linda Knox

Couples who celebrate 70 or more years of marriage together are exceedingly rare, representing just one-tenth of 1 percent of all marriages, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Bartons have two daughters, Linda and Sally, three grandsons and three great-granddaughters. 

The couple relish social activities, and both enjoy being around other people, daughter Linda Knox of West Sacramento said.