Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-02-15
Communicated
Inldcn Needing.

On Monday evening. Feb. 4, 1873, a
Deacon P. Herrick and wife, old and respect
ed inhabitants of Milton, were quietly seated
at their home, notice was served on then
that the Ladies Aid Society. connected witt
the Congregational church. were to have Q
tea party at the vestry and would be glad o.
their presence. especially as it was the
fiitieth anniversary of their marriage. They
went-and all unsuspecting, were complete
ly surprised to find congregation of more
than two hundred. of all ages, seated in the
audience room, and their entrance greeted
by Song of Welcome" written tor the
occasion. Singing over, and they being
seated in front of the altar. prayer was
offered by Rev. j. ii. Woodward.
DR.. B. F. Fairchild then arose, and after
addressing the groom and bride in remarks
fraternal and appropriate, presented them
the following testimonials of respect and
good will from the church (of which they
had been for 50 long time worthy mem
bers and he an efficient oficer) and from
other friends Of the parasitic each of them
a valuable easy chair, and pair Of goli
spectacles, and to them unitedly a nice
lounge, and package of money.
Mr. Doyen, in behalf Of a few relatives
and friends of West Milton, presented them
with gold thmble and eight dollars in
silver.
Then came gifts from children. and grand
children-two pair OF gold spectacles, and
two yoluu es, comprising the New Testament.
and Psalms. in large type, and rich bind
ing. Next followed IL poem from Dr. James
Dougherty Of johnson "a former pastor in
Milton), accompanied with five dollars
Then came beautiful letters of congrstu
latIon, on. from 5. l.. Herrck, of Grin
nell, Iowa (elder brother of the Deacon),
accompanied with twenty-five dollars; one
from Deacon j. Z. Mears of Chicago.
brother of Mrs. Ilerrick, with a package
containing spectacles, gold pen, with
pearl holder, and rich cameo pin; one
from Henry Mears, of Boloit lanother bro
Their of the brlde); one from Rev Lucian
D. Mcars. of Dandy, VT; one from n.
FGrchild. OF St. Albans, a confirmed inva-
lid OF many years, with finely carved
toy-bell. of his own workmanship, and
one from p. NJ Booth. with two dollars.
These were read with fine effect. and fol-
lowed by some slight tokens OF regard from
Mr.. Woodward and family.
Then followed the reading, by Miss Emma
A. Woodward. of the accompanying beau
tiiui poem. written for the occasion by a
niece OF tie Deacon-Mrs 5. B. Herrick, of
Rockford. ILL.,.
To all OF which the Deacon responded in
feeling and happy manner. showing that
the frosts OF many Winters HAD not serious
ly chilled the fire and vigor of earlier man
hood. The flow of wit and reason" over,
the large audience were summoned to the
yestry, where ample justice vas done to a
repast, as bountiiul as it was satisfactory to
the most fastidious.
The Brides Cake" presented to the
groom and bride. was Of large dimensions.
and among its elaborate adornments were
seen. glistening like stars, seventeen dollars
in gold coin. At the close Of this most en-
joyable occasion, the Deacon found seventy
five dollars in his pocket, and other articles
around him and his excellent wife which
had cost ninety-two dollars.
These are but the slight tokens of respect
offered to our triends, standing, as they do,
amid the slantng rays Of the setting sun.
With their five pairs of gold spectscles We
hope they will be able to see clearly to the
end of life.