By Perri Black

Life may not have always been a bowl of cherries for Wanda and Jack Merrill of Bridgton, but it certainly has been a picnic.

I first met Wanda at a gathering on a cold winter’s day. As we supped homemade soup and chatted about holiday plans, the weather, and other seasonal topics, she mentioned that she and her husband, Jack, were going on a picnic later that afternoon.

A glance outside the window at an overcast sky, bare branches, and snow-covered ground, did not immediately bring to mind “going on a picnic.” I asked if she was serious and she replied that she and Jack, go on “picnics” all year round. No plans are made ahead of time — they just pack up some food and head down the road in their truck. Occasionally they will pick up a sandwich along the way, but their destination is rarely predetermined. Some might think they are crazy, but it works for them — four kids, 14 grandchildren, and 46 years later, Wanda and Jack are still married and picnicking together. They must be doing something right.

Wanda thinks she probably first met Jack in elementary school but she didn't really notice him until the seventh grade when she sat behind him in class and admired his “gorgeous, long black hair.” They did typical kid things like chasing each other at recess, attending school dances, and going on movie dates and their attraction grew. When it was obvious that she really liked him, Wanda's grandmother played “cupid” and knitted a special pair of mittens with the pair's initials stitched on the back. Viewed one way they read "W.P." (for Wanda Pendexter) and flipped the other way they show "J.M." (for Jack Merrill). These mittens have been worn by many Merrill children and grandchildren over the years and are now considered a family heirloom.

Wanda tied the knot with her “older man” (Jack is two days her senior) when they were 16 and they lived in Bridgton with both sets of parents for a couple years. After their first child was born, Jack joined the Coast Guard as an electrician’s mate and the couple moved to Portland where he was stationed. Three more babies arrived, keeping Wanda busy as a full-time stay at home mom. Five years later, they returned to Bridgton and Jack took a job as a maintenance technician with the Dingley Press in Lisbon where he worked for 36 years. Because she was at home during the days, Wanda fell into the role of neighborhood babysitter but later worked at the shoe shop in Bridgton when her youngest was in high school.

The Merrills started going on picnics at the beginning of their marriage. Wanda says, “We were too poor to do anything else!" Like many young couples with a growing family, they didn’t have much money and picnicking was one form of entertainment they could afford. But even when things improved and money became less tight, they continued their excursions. The outings satisfied their sense of adventure and allowed them to explore new places while spending quality time together. They would pack up some sandwiches, get in the car, and head out to see where the day would take them, driving down country roads and turning onto small lanes hoping to find a quiet place with a nice view to enjoy their lunch.

As their children grew, the picnics became family affairs they called “Magical Mystery Tours” (as teenagers, the kids would cringe at the mere mention). These “tours” would include visits to playgrounds, parks, and other attractions that appealed to the younger set. In the winter, they would sometimes go to Pleasant Mountain, sit in the parking lot with their sandwiches, and watch the skiers shooshing down the slopes. If times were lean and there was no money for gas, they took the picnic to their backyard, affectionately called “The Back 40.”

In more than four decades traveling back roads and byways around the area, the Merrills have noticed some significant changes. Lots of new houses have been built and, sadly, many old houses have been abandoned. Dirt roads they used to drive down are now blocked or posted with "No Trespassing" signs. Wanda thinks some roads may be off limits because the property has changed ownership, but also because many people go down these roads and dump their trash in the woods. She sees a lot more trash around than there used to be, which is not good. Wanda and Jack were adamant about picking up their trash and taught their children to do the same. She says to this day her family always has messy cars because they won’t throw trash out the window — they save it to dispose of properly at home.

The Merrills got to know each other very well during their years of picnicking. They still go out at least twice a week all year round. Wanda doesn't drive so Jack plans the route, which he does on the day, and the weather never stands in their way (they have been known to go out in snowstorms). They even go picnicking when they are mad at each other — they and sit and eat in silence, which Wanda says helps diffuse the situation. Of course, there have been bumps in the road (after all, most picnics have some ants!) but they always get smoothed out one way or another. No doubt a hearty sandwich, a "Mystery Tour," and years of shared memories help.

So, what is their secret to a successful marriage? "Listen to each other," Wanda said without hesitation. "You don't have to agree with each other but you have to listen. Also, be careful what you say, and how you say it."

I think they would agree, too, that you should always have a TV tray and two folding chairs in the back of your car and plenty of picnic supplies on hand.