Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1895-11-22
Thirtieth Anniversary.

Wedding bells, golden BELLS" we
rejoice with the happy welded
couple, offer congratulations, and
bid them God-speed. But when
the passing years have whitened
the hair, and the battles of life
left lines of care upon the face,
when one mile stone after another
is passed until twenty five, yea,
thirty years crown the wedding
day, then do congratulations seem
most fraught with meaning, albeit
more subdued. Such occasions of
rejoicing are rare, and favored are
those who are permitted to enjoy
them.
Saturday, October 10, marked
the thirtieth milestone in the we'd
ded life of Mr.. and Mrs. VIM. B.
Flowers. For sometime previous
relatives and friends had been
planning to make the day a memoir
able event-one of Joy and con-
gratulation-and at 2 p. m on Sat
urday afternoon they met and went
in body to carry out their plans.
Mrs. Mariner, of Canton, ILL.,, a
daughter OF Mr.. Flowers, arrived
late Friday night, but as she was
in the secret, she was quietly Wis
iting with father and mother when
the surprising party charged the
front door. When all had as
sembled, and greetings were over,
a song of welcome was rendered by
the young people present; follow
ing this, Maud Newcoum, a little
grand niece, recited in a very
pleasing manner some verses
written for the occasion. Then
Mr.. w. S. Stewart, in earnest, ap-
propriate words, presented Mr..
and Mrs. Flowers with an elegant
extension dining table, a hand
some oak rocker for Mrs. Flowers
especial use, a set of solid silver
teaspoons, from assembled rela
tives and friends, also a pair of
fine wool blankets from Mrs.
Mariner, a pretty fruit stand from
Mrs. George Nighswander, and a
lovely thread cushion cover from
Mrs. Elizabeth Hart. AS the aged
couple responded in feeling words,
many eyes were moist, and the
heartfelt sentiment of all present
was voiced by Mr.. Stewards con-
clu ling words as he wished them
many added years with Gods
blessing on their future life.
About four O'Clock the ladies
took possession, and boxes and
baskets of things good to eat were
greatly in evidence. Seventy-five
sat down to the bountiful supper,
which was served from four to
seven p M On a large cake in
she center of the table was $50"
in large pink figures, and arched
above were the dates of the we'd
ding and anniversary days, "Oct.
10, 1S65-'95." A beautiful brides
cake, made for the bride and groom
by Mrs Stewart, also decorated
the table. Representatives of four
generations were present, ranging
from silver haired age to the infant
in arms; twelve great-grand nieces
and nephews being among the
number. The evening passed
pleasantly in social conversation
and in "reminiscences of gatherings
at the same home ten years ago,
and again five years ago. Now
another happy event is recorded
on the tablets of memory, and
there we register the wish ex-
pressed in the following lines from
the anniversary poem:
Gould wishes be granted. we'd claim for you
Full many year yet with friends all truc
No sorrow or sickness, but peace and content
To crown in old age life well spent.
And should this gathering of friends be the last
When earthly meetings and greetings are past.
o Joy of the thought-wel II reunite there
With the loved who now dwell in that city fair
X.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION.