The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-11-07
DR.. Hoffmann's Silver Wedding.

= III 1AOn1ldnA . 0LNCI CuQAuks
Quite a large party of the friends of DIR. and Mrs.
Edward Hoffman, gave that honored pair n real
surprise on Monday evening last, notwithstanding
the inclemency of the ~Weather) the occasion being
the twenty-ffth anniversary of their marriage on the
list of November, 1s49. Whatever may be our faults
as a community in some other respects, it must be
allowed that we are good at keeping secret these
prepared surprises; for the worthy Doctor had just
congratulated himself and his partner that their
silver wedding had passed off very quietly, when
suddenly, their homestead was invaded and taken
possession of by g troops of friends who proceeded
to spread a banquet and have a good time generally.
The gifts of silver ware were numerous, beautiful
and appropriate. At the supper table, the Rev. DR..
Damon, (who twenty-five years ago, at the then
residence of DIR. R. w. Wood, united DR.. H. and his
wife in marriage) made some very appropriate re-
marks, in substance as follows:
Because the little speech which 1 made you
twenty-five years ago, has been followed by such
happy results, | suppose has led your friends to re-
quest me to offer to you this evening their hearty
and sincere congratulations. This practice of cele-
brating occasions of this nature is common in Amer
lea, but l believe the custom originated in good
old Germany, the Fatherland of so many good men
and good women, or rather good husbands and good
wives. IDr. Holman is a native of Germany But
surely you would not expect me to admit that Amer
lea did not produce wives equally good with those
from Germany. Mrs. H, formerly Miss NJ. L.
Morse, Machias, Me We are all Teutons, and
proud that no race on earth is our superior ia either
men or women-good husbands and good wives.
One of the pleasant features in our island and iso7
lated community is this union Of many nationalities.
and an occasional marriage of those meeting here,
but coming from Europe and America. How pleas-
ant in this land of our sojourn and adoption to be-
hold so many happy homes Where shall W. ind
one more so than this, enriched by treasures of art,
refinement, music and culture, and with such beau
tiful floral surroundings? Long may the inmates live
to enjoy it, where, if any of us are alive, under the
smiles of a kind Providence, we may gather to cele-
brate with our friends, at the end of another twenty
five years, their GOLDEN WEDDING.
Although of course quite unprepared to make a
speech, DIR. Hoffman, when called upon responded
very happily as follows
My ESTEEMED FRIENDS Your presence here to-
night gives me permission to address you by this
endearing name. A real surprise you have surely
prepared for my wife and myself. To see ourselves.
surrounded without the least expectation, and more
so on this stormy night, where the tempestuous winds
drive the clouds before them, is a surprising honor,
which well may fill our hearts with deepfelt thanks
and pride. Twenty-Five years have passed away
since the reverend gentleman at my side u0ited US
in matrimony. 1t is a long time, when I consider
the changes which have taken place during that pc
riod. 1t may be perhaps interesting to msntion a
few Of these as they occur to me now In the horti-
cultural line, the change is very striking 1.-THE most
admired trees at that time we're a strawberry guava
tree on the land ofMr. Cummings in Nuuanu Valley,
and q small Norfolk Pine in the adjacent garden of
Capt. Make; and a bouquet of three different Roses,
raised by Mrs Biakee, was the admiration Of all
The much esteemed father of yonder lady, the latei
DIR. Judd, brought from Havana two seeds Of the
Royal Palm. One died and the other grew in Nuu-
anu Valley, and from that tree all the proud, adorn-
ing trees of that kind in Hawaii nei have originated.
The seed of the Slmang tree was sent by Mr.. Brins-
made 70 my wife, planted by her in DR.. Woods
garden, and to her the Islands are indebted for that
beautiful shade tree.
The principal churches were the Kawaiahao and
the Bethel, where my reverend friend here then OH
ciated, and has ever since so well filled his place
then known as Mr.. Damon, now as Father Damon
"a name respected and honored wherever known.
Not to be too long, | will mention only one more
striking feature of change. The ambition at that
time of the ladies was q cart drawn by two natives
dressed in the costume of that early time, for the
purpose of going shopping, visiting, or to a dance,
etc and the couple now before you, married twenty
five years ago, felt proud to be taken IN this manner,
with two lanterns on each side to their humble COT,
tage in the grounds where now the Hawaiian Hotel
is located. But TO occupy your time no more, L VIII
conclude by expressing my sincere ana heartfelt
thanks to . Him, who doeth all things well" that
my wife and myself are permitted by him aud with
vour so kind assistance under so happy circum-
stances, to receive the congratulations OF so many
friends. Thanks, many thanks to you all. Those
present here who have been married twenty-five
years. we hope will celebrate their golden wedding;
and may those who are united a shorter time be as
happy as we are this evenings while to those who
are not married, I give the friendly advIce-nake
haste and marry, so that you can have a silver we'd
: ding.
His Majesty the King, quite unexpectedly, arrived
and honored the party by his presence after the
was over, and offered his congratuia-
Itions. The Doctor, it may be mentioned, holds the
position Of Royal and Imperial Austro-Hungarian
Consul for these Islands Ind to fttingIy ommemo-
rate the occasion and His Aajesty's visit, he produced
q bottle of rare Hungarian wine, presented to him
some FIVE years ago by an officer Of the Austrian
frigate DOndu. In this be pledged the health of
their Majesties the King and Queen, amidst the
cheers of the company. His Majesty gracefully res
pended by proposing the health Of the host and
hostess. Meantime the government band was in
attendance, and under the direction Of Mr.. Berger,
discoursed appropriate music. The occasion was q
delightful one, long to be remembered.