Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-02-25
CHESTER.
GOLDEN WEDDING.

One of those felici Gus domestic incl
dents, the observance of which has of
late years come to be attended with fes-
tive gatherings and the bestowal of itch
and varied tokens of love and esteem,
occurred in Chester the 10Th inst. The
occasion in this instance was the cele-
bration of the fiftieth anniversary of the
marriage of Parker Stevens and Miriam
da Blanchard, which ceremony was per-
formed by the Rev. Aaron Leland, DID,
deceased. Notwithstanding the inclem-
ent weather over 100 of the friends of
Mr.. and Mrs. Stevens assembled at their
spacious residence to pay the tribute Of
honor and tender their congratulations
upon the return of the anniversary when
happy love dream was consummated,
and two young hearts that had chosen
each other out of all the world were
made one for time and eternity.
The rooms had been Hastily decorated
with evergreen and autumn leaves Over
the entrance to the reception room was
the word, Welcome" wrought in ever
green. In the reception room there had
been placed on the walls the inscription,
1926 1876" After the usual social
courtesies had been extended, the COM
pany were called to order by the Rev. J.
G. Hale, pastor of the Congregational
church, who in behalf of the guests,
presented to. Mr.. and Mrs. Stevens a
large number Of gifts, both useful and
ornamental, and addressed them in a
tender and touching manner The re-
spouse was made in behalf of Mr.. and
Mrs. Stevens, by G. L. Fletcher, Esq.
The presents were varied, useful and ell
egant. Among them we noticed a couple
of easy chairs, given by the friends of
Mr.. and Mrs. Stevens who live in Ches-
ter, toilet table constructed of rose
wood, mahogany, emerald wood, ebony,
red wood and other rare woods, donated
by Major w. G. Williams. A beautiful
steel engraving, " The Orphans Rescue"
Illuminated text, "God bless our home, ="
given by James P Warner of Bridge
port, Conn. Motto, Love one another"
presented by Mrs. w. G. Williams. A
large parlor lamp of chaste design. A
basket of beautiful flowers from the
conservatory of Mrs. j. S. Chapman.
The occasion brought together the chill
dren of Mr.. and Mrs. Stevens, viz: John
P. Stevens and Mrs Nellie Williams, to-
gether with their children also num-
Der Of neices, nephews and cousins.
There are now living only three persons
who were present at the marriage cere-
mony of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens fifty
years ago, viz: Dea. Fay of Grafton,
Mrs. John NJ. Barnard of Boston, and
Parkhurst Stevens, brother of Mr.. Stew
ems. The latter, with his wife was pres
ent Wednesday eve. Without wishing
to be thought invidious, will name as
they occur to my mind some of the
guests present on this occasion Mr. and
Mrs Moulton Of Ware, n. II, Mr.. and
Mrs. Thomas Smith, Londonderry, Mr.
and Mrs. Albert Peabody, Mr.. and Mrs
Aurelius Smith, Andover, Mr.. and Mrs
Page Warner, and Clarence Peabody
Landgrove, p. H. Robbins, Daniel Dav.
is, Sd, Ira H. Adams, w. 2. Richardson
]. H. Sergeant, j. j. Miner, G. D. Bar
ton, r. F. Fisher, 0. w. Spaulding
Dexter Edgell, a F. and S. F. Baldwin
and A. S. Adams, who were accompanied
by their wives, with host of young la
dies and gentlemen that time would fail
and space would not permit to mention
There was exhibited on this occasion
table and fruit dish which have beer
in the possession of Mrs. Stevens ances
tors over 100 years. At seasonabl,
hour bountiful collation. was served
The following letters were received
and read TO the company by the Rev. J
lG. Hale: