Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1881-01-26
Hiram 5. Smith-Eva L. Stewart.


A little after seven O'Clock last Wednes-
day evening, the door-bell rang ct the
residence OF Hiram s. Smith of tins city,
and in fled a company Of friends, num-
boring about one hundred. packing one
room after another until the house was
filled as never before. Mr.. and Mrs.
Smith were completely and wholly sur
prised, and hardly knew, for moment,
whether they were still in possession OF
their home or no. But order was soon
restored, congratulations extended, and
the hours passed on. When about
O'Clock, o. w. Shaw confronted the bride
and groom of twenty years, with few
words of this import:
"O'dlnarily a mans home is his castle,
and it would be deemed an improperly
for company like this to come in unin.
vited to this home. But, for tonight, this
circle of friends who surround you, have
stormed your castle and taken possession,
and would cong ratu)ate YOU on having
safely reached your twentieth wedding
anniversary. We bring to you, to- night,
our kindest wishes for your coming days,
and we trust the little testimonial accom-.
pany,ng, may be in the future pleasant
reminder of this occasion"
A poem read by Mrs. Luther J,
Smith was much enjoyed by all present
and then the beautiful China tea set, 50
unique in pattern and chaste in design,
received its share of comment and adml.
ration. Refreshments In abundance were
served, and music and social chat brough,
the hour of eleven all too soon for the
merry circle, and with kind good-nights
and many good wishes, the unusually
pleasant company dispersed.
WRITTEN FOR NH. AND MRS. H. s. SMITH. ON TIL
TWENTIETH Anniversary OF THEIR MARRIAGE.
Bring out tonight the wedding belll
And let its echo softly swell,
Ger hill and vale and river wide,
To eastern home, whose sunny side
Remains to memory ever dear,
Though changes mark each passing year.
And let tho bells sweet music chime
The story of that early time,
When your two lots were cast in one,
Aud hope was bright as midday sun.
Just twenty years have marked their flight
Since marriage VOWS were yours to plight,
But toll and care and hope and fear
Have made you each to each more dear.
And as tonight you view the past,
With here and there shadow cast,
And think of oil the weary days
Of burdens borne DER rugged ways,
How sweet must be the thought. indeed,
That each has proved friend in need.
1t may be that tonight will come
The memory of your early home;
OF New York's high and rugged hills,
Its sunny wales and laughing rills.
Perchance thought Of loved ones dear,
vii! for the moment dim the eye,
And cause the heart trembling sigh.
But we would bid you each forget
The scenes tonight which bring regret,
And only count the gifts of heaven
The blessings rare which God has given.
Full many a change old time has wrought
And many lesson wisely taught,
Since here on Minnesota soil,
You've made home by honest toll.
Dear children rise to bless your name,
Whose love Is more than earthly fame,
And friends on every side we see,
While peace and plenty 'bide with thee.
Few trials to your lot have fell,
Nor have you drank from Marah's well,
But fortune seems to crown your days,
And lead your feet in flowery ways.
Thus may it be as time rolls on,
Until the setting of life's sun;
And may your hearts in mutual love,
| Prove faithful as the stars above,
And whether 10! or grief attend.
May heaven bless you to the end,
God blessed, indeed, your marriage day.