The Portland daily press., 1870-04-19
An Anniversary Celebration.

The weather was far from propitous last
night for a trip into the country. The wind
blew gale the rain poured and the mud was
almost knee deep. Nothing less than GER
tain assurance that something moro than an
ordinary party was to be enjoyed could have
called out such crowd of both sexes as were
seen plunging through the mud and rain at
the head of Preble street last evening in des-
perate attempt to get into a horse car before
every seat was occupied. There they were by
scores, full of good nature and merriment, not
outstanding the depressing state of the at
mosphere. The whole scene seemed surpris-
ing, for men and women especially are apt to
gr0wl little over storm which drizzles along
for days without any prospect of sunshine for
days to come. But the whole mystery Of the
affair was cleared up when we learned that the
party was destined to land and tarry portion
of the night at the residence of Capt j. B.
Coyle in Westbrook. They were we'll &C.
quainted with the Captain, and they we'll
knew that any little inconvenience was of little
account since it would be thousand times
balanced by the enjoyment of an evening at
his residence. On arriving they found the
mansion brilliantly lighted, and after divest-
ing themselves of their superfuous clothing,
took possession of the spacious parlors and be-
gan an evenings enjoyment which never
tagged till haltpast II. The party was a sur
prise to the Captain, having been gotten up by
his children On the fortieth anniversary of his
marriage day; but though surprised he was
not at all embarrassed, but with his accom-
plished lady received his guests with ease and
q cordial welcome. After a few hours spent in
social conversation, host of presents began to
flow in upon the Captain and his wife. There
was an elegant photograph of Mrs. Coyle. SUI
perbly framed, the work of M. f. King and
gift from the children, presented by Rev. Mr..
Bailey with few appropriate remarks; there
was silver service consisting of pitcher,
salver and two goblets lined with gold, a pres
ent from Mr.. John Englis, and host of other
gifts, beautiful and valuable. Short speeches
were made by several of the gentlemen, and
some of our best singers, among whom were
Mr.. John Shaw and Mrs. Weatherbee, who
had kindly volunteered their services, enliv-
ened the occasion with some choice music.
Then came the supper. We are not connois-
seurs and know not how to fifty describe it.
The tables were elegantly spread and decorat-
ed with boquets of the choicest flowers most
tastefully arranged. The cuisine was unex-
ceptionable, and the viands of the most varied
kind and suited to the most delicate and fas-
tidious tastes. Good bumor made good appe-
tite, aud the heavily loaded tables soon grew
light beneath the combined attacks made upon
them. The scene was one of merriest and
good humor seldom witnessed If the saving
of physiologi"ts be true, that hilarity at meals
promotes longevity, this feast must have added
many years to the lives of those who enioyed
1t. After supper grand good time was en-
ioyed, and at halfpast II the party broke up,
wishing the Captain might have amy returns
of this anniversary and that they might all be
celebrated in this same happy manner.