Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-01-15

The following account of the
celebration of the Golden Wedding
of Mr.. and Mrs. Alfred Powell was
handed to us a few days ago. 1t
will be read with interest by the
very many friends of the aged
couple:
The celebration of the iftieth marriage ami.
| versary of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Powell. residing
three miles north of Meriden, was an event OF
great interest and pleasure occurring on the
| dred people ere present on this enjoyable occa-
| siou, showing their friendly and neighborly re-
| CARDS to this aged christian couple. The pro-
| gramme of the evening as carried out consisted
| of greetings, vocal and instrumental music, pre-
sentation of gifts, and congratulations. The GER
emony was Performed i'll very impressive man
| ner by Rev E. Z. SandersOn, OF Marcus. Support
| The word seems small to express the meaning
of such an elaborate and bountitul spread board,
nothing being wanted to make it a feast which
| reflected great credit upon Father and Mother
Powell and relatives to their knowledge in sat-
| istying the wants of man. Alter supper the hap
| py throng were entertained by speeches from the
eloquent lips OF Capt. Dixon and John Martin,
representative of the many warm nelghbors in
Wisconsin, Mr.. Martin also gave an epltomized
history of Mr.. and Mrs. PoweIls lives. Father
Powell then spoke of the customs of half cen
tury ago, which cansed uch laughter and ap-
plause. The remark of everyone present was.
II never enjoyed myself better"
The presents consisted of u gold pen, two gold
napkin holders. a tve-dOllar gold piece, a pair
of gold spectacles Tor Mother Powell, and gold
~atc h and chain for Father Powell. The hearts
of all we're merry, and more than one went away
feeling that age after all need not be dreaded.
The following poem, from the pen of Rev. F. o.
Fannon, was read during the presentation
speech by Elder Sanderson
Father and Mother Powell
At LIES golden altar you stand
For fifty years your lives have been
Bound by a golden band.
Finy years! How long doth seem the time
To us who are young and gay:
But TO you who have loved and wept as one,
1t seems but as yesterday.
Fifty years with their wondrous changes
Which none but those can tell
Who have watched their coming and going
The advantages of life to s ell.
Fifty years with their clouds and sunshine
Or birth and marriage aud knell,
When you felt in your parent bosom
What none but parent can tell.
Twice seven has your home been wideued
By strangers who wandered that way.
Who proved they had come not as strangers.
But rs children TO stay.
You have rocked and fondled and petted.
And in image have builded a throne
And placed each darling upon it,
good lies deed to be shown.
Some stood at the marriage altar.
And the solemn rite was said,
And you trembllugly, was hoping and praying
For Gods blessing TO fall on their head.
Some were called across the Valley
Where the many Mansions lie;
Where you hope it'll all together
In that sweet time by ami by.
| How hot were your tears IN falling
On that new made grave that day!
Aud how long did il seem ere you q greet them
! Yet how very short gro as the wayi
| Fifty years. Can you hardly believe it.
| Since your two lives IN one were made,
! And the words OF the minister, slowly,
! You are husband and wife were said?
! lis true and your whitened temples,
| The wrinkles of care and time.
! And your grown up childrsn's children,
| Bear testimouey 10 this rhyme.
! Because of moments so lastly leeting,
| That you cannot keep track OF Old Time
| Father Powell your friends and wells ishers
Present you this keeper of time.
| Its face is open and truthful.
| Its hands point the hours feeting by,
| It's message. God given and holy.
| Tells You Eternity Is nigh"
| Mother Powell, your eyes are failing
| By peering through wells OF tears.
| And these golden spectarles we We brought you
| May bring back the vision of years.
| So while one IS watching the movements
| The other IS watching the way;
We hope again TO meet you
On the morn OF the Great Marriage day.