The Newtown bee., 1894-10-19
BRIDGEWATER.
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION,
 Last Saturday the clouds conspired to make one of the regular old fas hioned rainy days that we sometimes hear about, but that did not prevent old time hospi- tallty and cheer from finding expression at the home of our honored and respect ed townsman and fellow citizen, Henry Sanford, who that day celebrated his SSth birthday. It was really the eve of his birthday as that came, Sunday, the 14th, but nothing prevented numerous rela- tives and friends from gathering to help celebrate the occasion, in a befitting manner. By 10 o'clock in the morning guests began to arrive and they kept driving up to the door, despite the de scending rain, taxing the resources of Henry O., MT Sanford's grandson, to find shelter for the teams. But in some magical way the horses were all tucked in under cover while the guests to the number of nearly 70 found entertain ment and good cheer inside where two blazing fires in open fire places threw out invitation and comfort. They came from far and near, from all parts and points of the compass from city and town and hamlet. Guests were present from Brooklyn, New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport from Danbury, New Milford, Bethlehem, Southbury, Rox- bury, Washington and Sherman. Young and old were mingled in the company, though the latter predominated in num- bers, and all were made welcome and enjoyed themselves in spite of heavy clouds outside. About 1.30 one and all were seated at tables where everything necessary to the inner man was spread in tempting array and all tried to do justice to the appetizing viands. After this came literary feast of toasts. Rev MT Evers of New Haven gave a pleasing address of welcome and Lorenzo San ford of Bridgeport read some choice sen, timents which MT Sanford had written for the occasion. David Wooster of Bridgeport read an original poem which we wish might be reproduced here and A. H. Gillette read two interesting let. ters from friends who could not be pres
 
 delphia and the other from H. D. Gillette of Denver, Col. Then others were called upon to speak and good number re- sponded in short and appropriate re- marks expressing the esteem in which they held MT Sanford and their pleasure at being present. Among those who spoke were Burton Bradley and Edward Platt of Southbury and D. H. CaL- field, Albert Pierce and s. P. Treat. A motion was made and unanimously car ried that similar gathering meet next year. After prayer by Rev Mr Evers a quartet composed of Sherwood Lyon, Mrs c. A. J. Queckberner, Miss Gene vieve Sanford and Henry c. Sanford, led in the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Even if we were able space forbids us to write all that was done or said to pass the pleas ant hours away and all too soon the com pany began to break up, vending their homeward muddy ways at the approach of early candle light. Each guest ere their departure left their autographs, at the request of MT Sanford, as a souvenir of the occasion, nor did they forget to congratulate the genial host and hostess and wish them many happy returns of the day. Some one suggested that we try to find if anyone else had birthday that might be celebrated in as pleasant a manner. It is hoped that MT and Mrs Sanford may live to celebrate their gol- den wedding next year.
 
 1 Rev MT Evers of Yale divinity school occupied the Congregational pulpit, Sun day, coming in place of Rev MT Jones, who has been hired to preach until Janu- ary l.
 The new furnace has been placed in the basement of St Marks but did not give much heat, Sunday. The fixtur es had not been completed so that it could be used and the congregation shivered in consequence.
 | MT and Mrs Burton Bradley of South Britain were guests at D. H. Canfield's, Sunday.
 MT and Mrs David Wooster of Bridge port were guests at Mrs Harmon Treats, Sunday.
 Mrs Penfeld Giddings of Danbury is spending a week with friends. Frederick Coffman was relieved of about 50 hens by thieves one night, last week.
 John Orr and family from Pittsf1eid, Mass, were guests of James Orr, Tues l day week.
 Mrs Manville, who has cared for Miss Sarah Treat for some time, has taken her to New Milford for the winter. We are glad to learn that Harvey Keeler is better and hope his next birth- day will find him in much improved health.
 Mrs Fannie Jefres' place is closed for the winter.
 The storm of Wednesday morning was very severe, as uprooted trees and pros- trated fences testify.
 Rev Eli Beers trom Boston was in town, last week.
 Miss Lois Peck is home.
 KNOXVILLE.
 Mrs Nelson Hull and daughter are vis- iting in Middletown.