In a message dated 8/20/2001 3:02:10 PM Central Daylight Time, dduncan@krl.org writes: << Can anyone on this list explain to me the purpose and logic behind the large sums of money ($200-$500) that used to be posted as marriage bonds? Thanks >> Hi, Not sure how true this is but when I asked my Great Grandfather back in the 80's, he said this was so the groom would show up. He would forfeit the money if he stood the bride up. Can anyone else confirm this story? Kay Brown