The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-03-02

mother earth and the stars had stud
ded the floor OF the heavens with dia-
mOnds, and all seemed hushed in the
usual quietness Of the days decline,
there might have been seen vending
their way from their rural homes a
goodly number of citizens of Mantua
and Shalersviiie, intent on reaching
a pleasant home in the northern part
of Shalersvilie, by the way of friend
ly surprise to its inmates, Mr.. and Mrs.
Henry Coe, it being the occasion of
Mrs. Goes birthday, and to her it was
indeed complete surprise. AS we en-
tered with well filled baskets, she
seemed like one awaking from dream
but quickly took in the inspiration of
the occasion, and nothing was left un-
done by Mr.. and Mrs. Coe to make all
feel that in the sweet sunlight of their
home we had found those who truly
appreciated being thus kindly remem-
bered by their numerous friends. We
chatted so earnestly and were more
than charmed by the spirit of song
which was indeed to us the crowning
social feature of the evening. All con-
graduated Mrs. Coe on the speedy res
toration, as it were, almost from death
to comparatively comfortable health.
Late in the Fall the silken thread of
life pulsated so low as to be despaired
by her medical attendants, DIR. Bigger
and Mrs. DR.. Garfield. of Cleveland.
The supper was all that culinary art
could devise. Mrs. Bentley Cranes
newly made maple taffy was compli-
mented as the Sweetest of the sweet"
and an expert extractor of artificial
teeth. We felt extremely sorry that
Mrs. Stillman StreatOr was so grasping
as to store away most liberal residue
for the lady walters, but nevertheless
the place of concealment was soon dis
covered. Mr.. Coe, in we'll chosen
words, expressed his gratitude for be-
ing thus kindly remembered. AS the
hour of twelve arrived, the "good
nights" were repeated and we depart
ed homeward breathing audibly to our
better half, if beyond the boundary
line of this earthly life there was a
heaven in whose blest abode the weary
find rest, that we should carry with US
beyond the shores of that beautiful
river which we call death, the sweet
memories of our friendly greetings
here, that there the social element and
M musical talent would be perfected, and
we felt sure that Mr. Coe would praise
his Master ih the golden melody of
soul aspiring song.
Mr.. Charles Baker and his son-in-
law, f. p. Bard, living short distance
north of Mantua Station, recently COM
pIeten a very imposing brick residence,
which portrays, from cellar to garret,
all the beauty and skill of modern
architecture. complete in all its ar
rangements, combining all the essen-
tiaIs and conveniences requisite for a
pleasant home. Such was the uDani-
nous expression of some fifty invited
guests who assembled there on Tues
day evening, Feb. 2lst, to celebrate
the forty fifth anniversary Of their
welded lives. Usual greetings and
hearty good cheer were kindly ex-
changed by all preparatory to the eve
nings entertainment and c0ngratula-
ton. Congratulations 10 the aged
couple that they had providontial!y
been permitted to walk hand in hand
through the gathered shadows of
over half century, to reach a journey
in life's highway that resounded back
to the echo of whose stroke startled
the western world with the music of
progress; that health and plenty had
crowned their pathway; that now in
their declining years they were not
left like an oak with all the forest
cleared away, but surrounded by an
unbroken family circle to brighten
with their tenderness and cheer life's
twilight, whilst many
who shared with them life's morning
were left alone, others gone down to
the shadowy bank of the river on
whose placid waters they have been
borne to the hither side. The evening
was half spent in pleasant conversa
ton; most excellent music, both vocal
and instrumental, when the honored
couple were surprised by the presenta-
Jion of an elegant reclining chair, also
a platform rocker, accompanied with
remarks, from AS. Beech
sr. Rev. Hiatt was called upon and |
in a very impressive invo-
cation, which was followed by singing |
Father is growing old We were then
invited to the dining room to partake
IF sumptuous repast, consisting ofail
the delicacies that the most fastidious |
could desire. On the whole it was
very pleasant affair, as a preface to
their lives in their new home, and we
hope it may often occur III the unseal-
ed chapters of the future, as day by
day they are so quietly read, turned
aside by the finger of time, when the
last chapter Is hnlShed that borders
earth's gathering darkness, may they
see through the half open gate, revealed
in eternity's volume the golden record
of long and useful lives.
Mr.. John Gould, of Aurora, Agri-
cultural Editor of the Cleveland Her.
aid, gave very interesting lecture
Thursday evening, under the auspices
of the Grange, entitled Bondage of
the Churn." 1t was new presenta-
ton of the dairy subject, based on the
ideas of the times. He
dwelt at length on the benefits derived
from a cooperative system of butter
making, and demonstrated clearly by
facts and figures that it was the de-
mand of the age. Mr.. Gould is is
gentleman of eminent literary ability,
and the dairymen and butter makers
of Portage and adjoining counties
would be materially benefited in Sc
curing his services rs lecturer.
Rev. Andrew Wilson delivered IA
at Bowen's Hall, Oh Friday
eVaDiDp which was fFau,ht with nran.