MIDGET MARRIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 57, 9 March 1942, Page 2

MIDGET MARRIES

WOMAN 38 INCHES HIGH] BRIDEGROOM OF 53 A midget measuring just 38 inches high and taking a size one shoe was the bride at an unusual wedding celebrated at Adelaide recently. She was Miss Rose West, aged 32, and the bridegroom was Mr. Frank Gross, a 53-year-old grandfather, who is attached to the St. John Ambulance Brigade. The bride wore the traditional wedding gown and veil and carried a bouquet. She was given away by her 26-year-old brother, Mr. Henry West, who stands 41 inches in his socks. A sister of the bride, Mrs. J. o'D.onnell, who is a fully-grown woman, was matron of honour, and the best man and groomsman was Mr. Claude Gross, a son of the groom. The bridesmaid was Miss Caroline Trezise, and those who watched the couple walk down the aisle included three of Mr. Gross' married daughters and their five grandchildren. In an interview with a representative of the Australian Truth Mr. Gross said: "No doubt many people will say it is outrageous for me to marry Rose, but I love her and it is a real love affair. I have been a widower for ten years, my daughters have married, and there have been only my son and I left together. "Rose and I have had an 18-month courtship, and I saw no reason why she should not have the same attention as other women. She's a grand little housekeeper, and I know we are going to be perfectly happy." The new Mrs. Gross, although an Adelaide identity, is not, perhaps, as well known as her brother, Henry, who is seen around the streets almost every day on his miniature bicycle. It is claimed for Rose and Henry that they are the smallest couple in Australia, and they have had many offers from showmen to appear on stage and in tents. But they prefer to live like ordinary people instead of being cooped up as freaks. As well as Rose and Henry, there were two other midgets in the family, a brother who is in the militia, and the fully-grown sister, Mrs. O'Donnell. One of the midgets was in Wirth's Circus for years, but subsequently died, while the other disappeared and has never been heard of since. For years Rose has been the housekeeper for the West family. Specially-made brooms are in her cupboard, while some time ago the family installed a miniature wood stove for her to do the cooking.