On Monday, Sept. 25, Jack and Madeline Ward celebrated 70 years together since their marriage on Sept. 25, 1947, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lexington.

Jack and Madeline have a memorable history in Nicholasville. The pair purchased Ward’s Bakery from J.P. Ward, Sr. in 1955, and continued making the bakery’s well-known long johns and salt rising bread for over 30 years.

The couple continues to make small batches of both in their home. Many locals still

reminisce about hot doughnuts that would melt in your mouth.

Last Saturday, Jack and Madeline were honored at mass at St. Luke’s in Nicholasville, and then greeted by a family celebration hosted by their nieces and nephews and catered by Gourmet Goodies. They were surprised by Jimmy Wells with a citation from the Kentucky House of Representatives, and by Mayor Pete Sutherland proclaiming September 25 to be Jack and Madeline Ward Day before presenting them with a key to the city.