The Press., 1893-04-13
Mrs Martha p Bidwell. widow of I

the late Harvey Bidwell, died on Sunday at the residence of her daughtaE Mrs. John Brockbank, where her homs has been for many years. She was S9 years of age Of her considerable family of children but two survive her-Mrs. Brock bank and Wesley P. Bidwell, both resi- dents of the borough. She was an esti- mable woman and will be mourned by many friends beside large circle of rela- tives. She was lifelong Methodist, and one son, Rev. Dr. Ira G. Bidwell, died some years ago, after attaining consider able eminence as preacher in that de- nomination. In the absence of Rev. Dr. Harris at conference, Rev. A. J. Mcleod attended the funeral.
 Geo. E. Bucks new double tenement E. Dimock and Mrs. Wm. Seeley.
 A considerable number are planning to go from Stafford to the May breakfast at Palmer.
 Miss Mary A. Francis now has her home with Mrs. John Stevens on High-st.
 The state prison directors, one of whom is Dl. C.. B. Newton of Stafford Springs, have published a card asking a suspension of judgment, in the matter of the charges against the management, un- til both sides have been heard by the com- mittee.
 pr. David attended lady in the bor- ough April 9th. at the birth of child, whom he also attended April 17th, 1892, at the bilth of twins, making 3)4 pounds of baby within the year. .-.
 Golden Wedding.
 (Correspondence)
 CHAFFEE-BRADwAY.- large con- pany of friends who assembled at the hall at. Stafford Hollow, Tuesday, to con- gratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Chaffee on having climbed the fiftieth round on the matrimonial ladder, met the same cordial reception that they are accustom- ed to receive at their hands on other oc- casions. From their proud height of connubial bliss this couple could look down with compassion on those poor
 
 attained the first standing place, for whom an incipient contribution was started, poor things! Rev. T. c. Druley of the Universalist church presented golden bag of money, containing fifty dollars, with goodly margin besides, on which to recommence housekeeping. Whether this sum is the original wedding fee, re- turned with interest, or the price of the open question: What lends plausibility to the former of their suppositions is the accidental circumstance that this meeting was held in Spiritual Hall. Esq. Thomp- son, ,".well known in Monson, Jess than fif- ty years ago, as we'll as more, performed the original ceremony. But he has been for many years sleeping the sleep ot the just in that
 'Land of pure delight
 Where saints immortal reign"
 No doubt the spirit of the former celebra- tion was present-joy, peace and good neighborhood certainly were. The colla- tion was called "basket picnic" Ca pacious baskets they must have been. Over these long baskets benediction was pronounced by "Elder Batchelder'' of the Baptist church, in his characteris- tically simple, stately way. There were two brides loaves, one of which was ex- quisitely adorned by Bert Chaffee,. a granddaughter of the groom, who is in the habit of devoting his artistic tendencies to watches and jewelry. Mrs. Francis B1adway, of Monson, officiated as organ ist. A few selections from the dear old songs and hymns were rendered. One Come thou fount of every blessing," be- ing repeated by request of Elder Batchel- der, who said it was the first hymn he ever learned. There were several precious individual gifts, in addition to the bag of gold above mentioned. Conspicuous among these were framed ikenesses of the pair, supplied, if we may believe Rev. MT. Druley (and of course we may), ''that there be no necessity for them to look in the glass every minute to see how they look" In his remarks MT. Druley built about Longfellows beautiful poem, "The Hanging of the Crane" an apt simile-in which in appropriate word pictures the speaker took the audience along from the hanging of the crane in the fireplace, and the following first meal together-just their happy selves-thence to the widen ing of the board and successive ''olive branches"- full board-the gradual dropping out from death, marriage and other causes, until at last the couple are again-like these-alone, and children nd-and-well, we shall have to admit that just at the moment when every one expected to hear him say grandchildren" he turned suddenly upon the only son, Charles Chaffee, of Windsor Locks, and accused him of ''spoiling the poem."
 Stafford Hollow.
 The Phillips farm and stock auction sale will be held on Saturday, at 10 a. m.
 A meeting of school district No. will be held on Saturday evening, at 7 o'clock, to hear report of building com mittee. It is now suggested that Spirit ual Hall be bought and moved back, to be used for club or reading room for our young men, and the school house built on the site now occupied by the hall.
 Ladies aid society of the Baptist church meets Wednesday, 18th. Supper -5.30 to 7-10c.
 The exercises of Longfellow evening by the Y. P. c. U. last evening consisted of quotation by each member, a sketch of his life and genius, select poems and songs from Longfellow. It was as good as many an entertainment which the pub lie paid for. It is no disrespect to others to mention Mrs. B. H. Pinney's rendering of the beautiful music, ''The Day is Done."
 West Stafford.
 Miss Josie E, Newell has been en- gagged to teach the summer term of school in Dist. No. 16.
 MONSON.
 (Correspondence.)
 There will be no meeting at Gage school house next Sunday, owing to the Y. M. c. A. convention to be held in Mon- son Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The president of the Endeavor Society, Pro-