The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-02-23
Golden Wedding.

Mrs. Luther Ridecut of Garland. Penobscot
county, celebrated the fftieth anniversary of
their wedding. Mr.. Rideout was born in the
town Of Cumberland, and is the son of the
late Reuben and Priscilla Rideout of Cumber.
land. Mrs. Rideout is the daughter of the
late Mr.. and Mrs. Reuben Sawyer of Cumber-
land and was also born in Cumberland. They
were united in marriage Feb. 10, 1888. With
in two weeks thereafter they moved to Gar.
land. They began life together as many Of
the early settlers of the town had done before
them, whose only capital was strong hands and
stout hearts. By straightforward and homer
able dealings, strict integrity and economy
with Gods blessing, they have reared and
educated family Of four children the eldest
of whom Mr.. r. A. Rideout, graduate Of
Bowdoin College, is principal of the High
School of Everett, Mass, which position he
has held for long term Of years. The other
children are settled near their old home and
on the home farm, successful in business and
respected by the whole community. In addi-
ton to rearing family, that would be an
honor to any father and mother, they have ac-
cumulated enough "of this worlds goods,''
to place them far above want; illustrating the
principle that honesty is the best policy.
They hayeb been honest however in their deal
ings because it was right and not from
''policy."
The invited guests, on the occasion in ques-
| ton, consisted of the older inbabita nts of the
| town, with their families, and friends and re-
| latives from other towns in this State and
| Massachusetts.
The day of their golden wedding was one of
| the most beautiful of the winter so that many
| of the old and feeble inhabitants were enabled
| to be present. One gentleman was present
who was over S5 years of age, having been a
resident of the town of Garland for about 80
! years, Mr.. James Chandler. There were three
| that were over eighty years Of age, several
| that we're over 70, and ten or twelve that were
! over 20 years. The guests, more than 100 in
| number, began to assemble by 2 o'clock p. M,
| as the reception was to be from 2 to p. M,
| and in short time the commodious farm
| house was well filed. The time from until
| was spent socially, the older persons present
| indulging in "reminiscences of the past the
| younger ones listening with keen interest. The
| occasion was one long TO be remembered
| At O'Clock the assembly was called to order
by Rev. p b. Thayer, who for 80 years has
| been the pastor of the church Of which Mr..
Rideout and his wife have been constant mem
bers for AZ years. Mr.. Rideout then welcomed
! the guests in a short address. By request DIR.
e. S. Coan then read poem addressed to the
bride and groom, by Mrs. Julia Barker Crane,
invalid sister of the late Hon. David Barker,
| the fBard of Exeter" also sister to the Hons.
| Noah and Lewis Barker which we give be-
| low:
| TO MIR. AND MRS. LUTHER RIDEoUT.
One-half century ago,
| Rideout an Sawyer formed Co.;
And with a strong hymeneal tether,
| Old Hymen bound the twain together.
| The contract made between two, then,
| Was not for fifty years. nor ten;
| But one to stem lifes waves below
| One. where celestial currents few.
If love grew weary on the road
| Hope would step in and bear the load
| Unto the end-not disuDite
Whom God had joined by marriage rite
Friends, fifty years have rolled away,
Since Hymen made you one for ave.
| For fifty years the groom and bride,
| Have kept the path-walked side by side.
Through summer and through winter weather
| Through all life's tolls, and cares, and fears
Its joys, and hopes, these fifty years.
To-day. while you in age renew
Your plighted VOWS of youth Kept true,
| God grant there may be many more
| Calm, peaceful days for you in storel
That every morning sun arise,
And gid with peace your aged skies
| Your joys be many, cares be few,
Until the Haven heaTes in viewi
But should your cloudless sky here lower
sAnd threatening sorrow DER you tower,''
Should all your ways be dark and eerie,
Fear not, for rest awaits the weary
eTrial and fire make pure the gold;
And danger tests the spirit bold;
The darkness shows the diamonds gleam-
And stars in daylight rarely gleam.
sL'fe is a troubled sea-" at best,
With warning elements to breast
And we. who ride upon its billow
"AIust often wear the mourning willow
Alone life's Journey pursue,
! All, ALI my loved ones lost to view;
! with none my lonely heart to cheer
With none to soothe pain or fear
i But, trusting God 1 strive to wait
'The opening of the pearly gate;
The breaking of the golden bowl,
Where they will greet my yearnipg soul.''
Feb. 49, 1888 JULIA B. CRANE
After reading the poem DIR. Coan formally
presented the gifts which were many, beauti-
| ful and costly, III a few fitting words. Then
| followed remarks from a number of gentle
men, in response to calls from the master Of
! ceremonies. Among those who spoke were
| Messrs: Daniel M. Haskell, Stephen d. Jen-
nings, Artemas Merriam, r. A. Rideout and
| P. B. Thayer. The exercises were brought
to close with prayer by Rev. P d. Thayer,
| during which the slantng rays of the setting
| sun filled the room, and fell upon bride and
| groom and pastor, like glory from the throne
of Heaven, in benediction.
| Refreshments were furnished the guests, af-
| ter these exercises closed, by the hostess and
| all were bountifully supplied. At six O'Clock
| the guests began to depart and ell went away
feeling that the occasion had been one OF
great enjoyment. @,