Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-03-16

me fehends Of 11r. and Mrs. o. 8, Will I'd
Marriage.

The friends of Mr.. and Mrs. s. s. Will.
lard of Readfeld. learning that Monday
March 9Th, would be the 18th anniversary Of
their marriage. arranged to give them 4 sur.
prise party. which they did, making it a total
surprise, the result of which here give YOU.
Early in the evening teams began to arrive.
and the door bell was made to speak often.
until more than $50 happy persons were
assembled IN the spacious dwelling. In his
happy manner, DIR. Wright performed the
duties OF master of ceremonies. Appropri-
ATE music was furnished. Letters were read
from absent friends. Poems were prepared
and read by ". A. Wright and R. S. Soule
after which the company were called upon to
assist in the care OF the good things prepared
BY the ladies, of which the tables we're heav-
lily laden, which they did in a manner beft-
ting the occasion. The Rev. Mr.. Bean. in
well chosen words. presented the happy pair
with the many gifts which had been sent
and brought in BY their friends. / mention
but few Of the many presents which
were given: Silver tea service, one
dozen silver fruit knives. thirty silver dol
lars-in horseshoe form,-silver berry and
butter dishes, silver spoons. napkin rings.
etc. amounting in all To $40. Mr.. Willard
very feelingly responded. The silver knot
was we'll tied, and we trust we may be pres
ent at the tying of the golden knot. The
following poem was read BY r. W. Soule:
Friends, we have come here tonight to give you
XII d greeting,
And cement friendships bonds in the pleasure Of
Not Oft does mercess time. he speeds on his way
Bring together so pleasant and genial array
OF merry hearts. and bright faces as greet US night
But what makes each eye twinkle with mysterious
light.
In hidden ambush lurking like dread rebel spies?
But may as well tell.-for you have guessed it by
this
That we've come to commemorate that day Of sweet
bliss,
Over which Faith and Love their bright fragrance
TWENTY-FIVE years ago-the bright day Of your wed.
ding.
Let your memories go back and tina, glad day recall
When fair Romance threw her rosecolored light
Care and sorrow stood not in the path you were
As you went 10 your home from the bliss of that
wedding.
But they have in their in these twenty.
five years,
As they come surely to all-hours of pain and of
Yet over all has kind Hope his bright wings been
spreading.
And sits calm your brow now at your silver wed.
ding.
Surely the god of prosperity smiles on but few,
With blessings more rich than he has lavished on
Worldly goods in abundance children loving and
Around whom your hearts purest affections are
And friends Why they have filed every nook in
While many are absent W no would gladly have come ;
And whose offerings sent. their lusre shedding
bright halo Of light round your silver wedding.
There is gift from the son. in gold region afar,
To whom this paterna home is his bright polar star
Could We annihiate space, how soon he'd appear
In bodily presence, as in thought he is here!
One son. with his wife by his side. is with you to-
night;
As it looks to then now. may their future be BRIGHT
And old father Time las he PUSHES with spread wing
Bring them handsome you to their silver wedding.
And one little daughter God bless heri) so fair.
May she long grace your home and tighten your care
threading,
And you'll have to start her towards her silver we'd
ding
Nor these all your Your adopted child
Whose true heart to the home nest cngs fondly and
dear,
II devotion ind love your kind care can repay,
II is yours and will brighten the rest of your
Receive now. my friends. graduation. and cheer,
Kind wishes, and greetings from the loved far and
near;
May the light OF their offerings be warm and wide
spreading
Frightening the pathway to your golden wedding.
Kents Hill, Mar. 6. 1852.