The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-10-05
A Golden Wedding.

Rarely is one privileged TO witness
the celebration of a Golden Wedding
without having the joy of the occa-
sion marred, in measure, by vacant
places, and yet this was the peculiar
Joy of Mr.. Rasselas w. and Mary z.
Brown of Jones township, Elk Co.,
Pa, who celebrated the golden ami
versary of their wedding on Sept. 25.
The day was all that could be de-
sired for beauty. All nature seemed
to unite in making it day of rcjoic-
ing. The sun never shone brighter
and the few fleecy clouds that here
and there decked the deep blue sky
brought their tribute of loveliness to
add to the perfection of the day,
while the few highly coloreL ,,utum-
nal leaves on the maple and sumac
gave an enhanced beauty to nature,
they also spoke of the summer season
as past, but the mass of bright green
foliage told of freshness and vitality
which prophesy at least some days of
life and usefulness yet to come.
About noon the guests had assem-
bled. 1t was in fact family gather
ing, consisting alone of near relatives
except the officiating minister and
wife.
All the children (six in number) are
living, married, and with their part
ners were present, save Mr.. Geo. II.
Allen, of Syracuse, N. Y, whose alb
sence was exceedingly regretted, but
compelled by business engagements.
One brother and two sisters of the aged
groom were present. Ono of these
sisters being bridesmaid fifty years
ago. Bat one death has occurred in
the family, that's grand-child, an only
child of Mrs. Olive Brown Meyer.
After an hour of social intermingl-
ing thecompany repaired to the parlor,
where after short appropriate address
to the happy couple and prayer by
Rev. r. S. Negley, commencing them
to the same loving Heavenly
Father who has supported them
in timesnof encouragement and guided
them in times of perpleXity in the
past, they, with joyous tears, received
the hearty organizations of all pres
ent.
Among the many presents received
were finely unholstercd easy chairs
and tctea-tete from the children. A
large group of the three SONS. y set
Of delicate china cup and saucers from
Gen. Thos. L. Kane, and a pair of
gold spcctacles for each from Col. \.
I. Wilcox.
The summons soon came to repair to
the dining room where rich repast
was in readiness. One OF the extern
sion tables upon which was spread the
wedding feast was the product of Il tree
golden willow planted by the aged
groom in his young days. And it was
loaded as only our good farmers wives
are accustomed to spread such festal
board.
But the best wine had been reserved
till the last, which was the gathering
of the entire company into the parlor,
and several hours spent III the richest
of social enjoyment. Incidents in the
early struggles and pioneer life of tue
bride and groom were detailed and
also brief sketches Of the lives Of each
of the children were given by the
second son, w. Wallace Brown, Esq,
of Bradford.
AS the lights and shadows which
had checkered the lives of each Of
these were painted in word-pictures
smiles and tears chased each other in
rapid succession over the countenancc
of each present Words, never to be
forgotten, of affection, counsel, encour,
agement and hope, coming from full
and joyous hearts, were spoken by the
aged parents to their children, remind
ing us of a patriarch's blessing.
These exercises were interspersed
with appropriate music. 1t was with
regret that the company separated late
in the evening, having participated in
the celebration of golden wedding
which in striking points of interest
was remarkable. May these, theil
sunset days Of life ever be tingcd with
! golden colors. Il. S. n.