Alumni share their favorite memories of two of the most important figures in Palmer history.
Patrice Toensing, D.C. (Main, ’57) and Alwin Toensing, D.C. (Main, ’56)
My husband, Alwin Toensing, D.C., and I met when we were students at Palmer School of Chiropractic. We became engaged and planned to be married in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1957. Instead, I applied to the NBC show “Bride and Groom.” The application was accepted. On October 22, 1957, we were married on the program in New York City with millions of people watching. Among them were the majority of Palmer’s campus community. B.J. Palmer closed the entire campus to allow the 1,200 students, faculty and staff to attend the wedding or watch from the school cafeteria. Some of those who were in attendance are considered legends in the profession.
We received many special mementos for our wedding, including a congratulatory telegram from B.J. Palmer that read, “Sorry I missed your wedding, but I’m looking forward to the marriage of two great chiropractic families.” We also received green books signed by Dr. Dave Palmer.
Marilyn Smith, D.C. (Main, ’69)
Dr. Dave had a major influence on my life. As a campus guide, I got to know Dr. Dave well because he ran the program back then. He gave me the opportunity to meet many esteemed and important visitors through campus tours.
Dr. Dave’s role in my life included some of my most special and personal celebrations. In 1967, Dr. Dave allowed my husband and fellow Palmer graduate, Tom, and me to get married in West Hall and have the reception in the downstairs dining room, which was brand new at the time. Our daughter, Tracy (Main, ’97), was born on Founder’s Day in 1969, and our first outing with her was the Palmer College picnic that next weekend. I returned to class the following Monday, and the first person to greet me was Dr. Dave. I’ll never forget how gracious and kind he was, not just to me but to all Palmer students and alumni.
Willard Smith, D.C. (Main, ’60)
I was 28 years old when I got my first adjustment after suffering migraines from being kicked by a horse. Four years later, I came to Palmer College and worked my way through by selling cemetery plots. I already had a bachelor of science degree and not many people did then, so Palmer hired me right after I graduated.
I had firsthand experience with B.J. during faculty meetings. We’d meet in his office once a month. Contrary to what people believe, he was just a normal guy — he’d get real down and be personal with you. He had to do a lot of work because chiropractic was still new then, and people in the medical field didn’t want us around.
I had more experience with Dr. Dave, but all of our meetings were in B.J.’s office. I was the unofficial chaplain at Palmer and used to give the opening prayer or invocation at events on campus. Sometimes I think Dr. Dave thought I was a little weird. When you’re fighting for a profession and your place within it, you have to work hard — and Dr. Dave did.
