The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-01-24
EvEsINo snApows.-softly, gently,

EVENING SHADoWS.--oOltiy, Bently,
soothingly fall the evening shadows
around us. Musing, we sit, watching
the light clouds shifting here and
there, soothed and liushed by the gent
ly falling shadows to serene calm
ness we never feel in the broad glare OF
noon-day. This is the hour when the
tranquil mind summons in review the
days that are past; our early child
hood, the guileless, innocent days spent
in youthful pleasures by our mother S
side. Silently yet swiftly the years
pass away and suddenly we are brought
face to face with the fact that we are
men and woman, and therefore expect
ed to join the millions and bear each
his part in the great drama of life
whether prepared or not, we are hur-
ried along--each one we meet giving
us n push forward or backward;-we
drift on with the current, grasping al
every straw that comes within our
reach, until, from sheer necessity we
are compelled TO strike out boldly and
endeavor to gain safe footing, which,
after much floundering and many wea-
ry struggles, we secure at last, and,
having experience and the knowledge
OF ripper years to guide us, we may be
enabled to steer clear of the shoals our
youthful bark so battered itself upon.
And now, with each occupying the
niche chiseled out for him by the Great
Builder-all may sit in the deepening
twilight and with thankful hearts rest
awhile, rejecting upon the past and
making good resolutions for the future.
Softly may the shadows of life fall
upon us, and in the end may we pass
gently and peacefully away as the eve-
ming shadows glide into the sable
night. VENETIA.
Albany, Jan. q, 1878.
GOLDEN WEDDING.-It was our
pleasure, last Tuesday evening, to at
tend the celebration of the fiftieth ami
versary of the weddingof Mr.. and Mrs.
John Smith, of this city. The event
was celebrated at the residence of John
Barrows, Esq, son-in-law of the aged
couple, and was more than usually
enjoyable affair. More than fifty peo-
pie were present, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Barrows spared 10 pains to render
everybody happy. The aged couple
were born in Pennsylvania, in the year
1902, and consequently are each II years
old. They were married in Monroe, In
diana, on the 2ist day Of January, 1928
immigrated to Oregon in 1858, ard
have since lived in Albany. They are
OF that class of hardy pioneers who
have hewR their way through the for
ests of the Great West and founded q
home on the Golden shores of the Pa
ciisc, long before the footprints of al
advanced civilization pressed our west.
ern borders; and now, after having
passed their ''three score and ten" they
are still model exam pies of that hardy
and healthful race, being both in goot
health and buoyant spirits. Their only
living children are three daughter.
who are the wives OF three Of the mos
prominent and wealthy citizens of Al
bany, viz: Walter Monteith, Esq, DIR
j. p. Tate and John Barrows, Esq, al
OF whom have contributed much tc
the growth and prosperity Of our city.
Presents to the value OF about So
were contributed to the aged couple By
their friends on the evening Of theil
5Oth anniversary, for which they de
sire us to extend their most grateful
thanks. Nay they yet live many
years to enjoy each others society an,
10 benefit the community by thei
Christian example.