Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-10-26

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in this city from the South, where has been en-
gagged in uahiug contracts for the sale of ice the
next season.
81 YER W.ddinx.
Mr.. and Mrs Vim. IL. Gates of Fast Vassal
boro, were agrcoahy SUI pfsed on the evening
OF the 23d inst by the gathering at their house of
large number OF their friends, who came to cele
brate the twenty. IF h Anniversary of their mar
riage.
SO admirably was the whole affair planned and
executed, that they we're taken completely by sur
ptis', not having received even hint of the in
tended Wis i.
Prs, er offered. anu Refreshments served, at.
ter vii ch poem, composed for the occasion by |
MIS-. MY Dudley Ct East Vassalboro', was re ad
by Mis-, Aunle NJ. Pierce.
Social chat and singing occupied the remain
der of the evening, and pleasantly did the time
pass that the midnight hour came before we were |
aware Of it,.
Valuable as well as be sutiful presents were Civ
en-, but better than all these was the friendly and
nelghboriy feeling manifested.
MIR. and Mrs Gates are among cur most prom- |
nent and highly respected citizens Their infu-
tnce Is given upon the light side Of every relig-
lous aud oral enterprise.
Al united in the toIe that the worthy couple |
may live thei: golden wedding even mole pleas
antly.
Dudley, was read at the silver wedding Of Mr..
and Mrs. w. H. Gates of East Vassaboro, by
Miss Annie NJ. Pierce:
What means this bright array to- night
Where friends in pleasure meet;
And the home stead halls around us ring
10 the tread of ochoing feet.
List falls not the low sweet melody
OF wedding chimes upon your ear:
Dorne DER the ocean of the past,
In svery tones, distinct and clear.
Let years oil lack ward in their flight,
Til tweLty-f are told,
Oar friends we meet to- light to greet,
In wedding robes behold
And heH Ro'r pale Autumn rcigned,
Win faded garlsnds crowned,
While her vast wealth of gorgeous leaves,
Fast falling sttewed the ground.
And 4 N as nor, October's charms
Man,d meath the Frost Kings power,
al gold aud crimson beauty fled
Each WOO tdhll, AMI bower
And now, thoughts turn swiftly back.
To friends of earlier years,
When life a fairy vision seemed,
And WOf was HOt-nor grieis nor tears.
And some perchance have wandered far,
OF that loved, cherished band;
And some, on yiewless wings, have scared
Up TO the better land.
The angel reaper spared
Your household band, saU> one,
\ treasured gem, which sparkles yet,
In a celestial diadem.
Heaven claimed your 10, ed one, not the tomb,
His is uncouded bliss
In happy home on radiant shore.
Of such Gods kingdom is.
Aud richest blessings still are yours,
The beautiful the young
Are found your hearth like priceless pearls,
Der lite's dark pathway flung.
\ wish is il our hearts for these,
That mid the scenes of life,
Its cold and heartess selfshness,
Its emptiness and strife.
Their thou ghts NAV soar from earth away,
To yOn pure Heaven of love,
Where hope, deferred, fruition find,
In that best home above.
We'll turn nor, TO these passing days,
Just gliiin. down the stream of time,
A century's shallow on their brow,
But wieathed with peace divine.
How like the hallowed anthem, sung
Ger B.thlehems plains, at night;
When wondering sh pherds ht ard the strain,
And saw the glory b. light.
Rdrk, to the nations tread
la grand acco.d, they meet upon one shore,
And from the realms of art and mind,
In peaceful rivalship they pour.
Centennial year upon thy rolling tide
Thou Dearest high impulses and deeds sublime
Would that no mist Of prejudice and pride
Could dim that page OF thine.
Now blessings rest all here gathcred;
May the light Of truth divine
Guide our footsteps, as they wander
Down the corridors of time.
Till we reach that mystic river,
Where waits the boaiman pale,
By the swelling tide. to wait us over
To the home beyond the vale
No rill from Helicon quaf,
We wear NO wreath of bay,
No dazzling dreams of empty praise
Inspire our humble lay.
The poets midnight laurels
Win bright but cold renown;
BE ours glorious Immortality
A bright and fadeless crown