The Press., 1895-03-28
Golden Wedding,

 James Risley was observed yesterday, at their residence on East Main-st., by a large gathering of friends from all parts of the town. Invitations had been sent out by Dr. and Mrs. F. L. Smith, the son. in-law and daughter of MT. and Mrs. R. whose residence is in the same house, and who had we'll planned the affair as a sur prise The hours of reception were 3 to 5 D. m., and large number of guests from Stafford and other places made calls of congratulation within these hours. Many of these left little mementoes of the visit in shape of gold coin and other forms of presents, and articles of ornament and use. A handsome easy chair was given by MT. Risley's associates on the Stafford Savings Bank directory. MT. and Mrs. Risley, though most completely surprised, much enjoyed the personal and kind greet ings of friends, some of them kinspeople, and from distant towns. It is remark able that three other of Mrs. Risley's brothers and sisters have lived to enjoy the rare event of golden wedding anni- versary.
 MT. Risley was born in North Manches- ter Sept. 7, 1920, and in 1845 married Emily, daughter of Wm. Foster, of South Windsor Their only child, daughter, died quite young, and Mrs. Alice J. Smith is an adopted daughter. Most of their married life has been spent at Stafford Hollow, from whence they removed few months ago to Stafford Springs. They also lived in the borough for an interval of few years some twenty years ago, MT. Risley being then superintendent of the Mineral Springs mill. He also was for many years superintendent of the mill at Hydeville. The couple have wide ac- quaintance and large circle of warm friends in Stafford and vicinity. MT. Ris- ley has held the offices of town clerk judge of probate, and was, until made in- eligible by the statute age limitation, judge of the borough court. He is di- rector of the Stafford Savings Bank, and for time was secretary of that institu- tionr He has also served as selectman, school visitor and in other capacities as a town officer.
 Stafford Hollow.
 (Correspondence)
 Mrs. Simonds has been in New York the past week selecting spring millinery goods.
 Stafford grange meets next Tuesday evening, April 9d. The lecturers pro- gram is as follows: Subject, Fruit Gull ture-Can it be made profitable? J. Hatch; Best varieties to raise to secure quality and quantity, J. M. Larned; How best to protect our crops and plants from insect pests, J. Glover; What small fruits can and should be raised on our farm? J. w. Witt; Fruit on the farmers table, Mrs. Janet Francis.
 The school in district No. Stafford Street) begins next Monday, April 1st, Miss Chella Cady, teacher.
 The town meeting called last Mon- d~y to decide on the consolidation of school districts Nos. and Ii, voted d. most unanimously to consolidate, and to call the new district No. 1.
 (From another Correspondent)
 The first snow storm of the winter occurred on the fifth day of November, and according to the old rule of doubling the days of the month, week and age oi the moon to give the number of snow storms for the season, would give us 30 and according to the record of one of the oldest inhabitants of our village, who has kept an accurate account, and with the one last Tuesday makes the full number Now if we have more we will have tc charge them to next year.
 Moving has begun here and there k considerable of 8 change. Fred Smith has moved to Stephen Lambs on Moul ton Hill in Monson, Ernest Bissel to Mrs George Thompson's place just over thu line in Monson; James Cousins moves il where he goes out, Tom Black in witl MT. Hunt in the Puffer house, Geo1g Thompson in with Gilbert Chaffee, an( Mrs. Rice is soon to occupy Mrs. B. Lav erys house, moving from one of the mid dle tenements in Mr. Cummings house.
 J. M. Benjamin of Milford was il town one day this week on business.
 pr. F. P. Batchelder of Boston wal at home few days last week. Mrs. Frank Brown, who has been yer, sick, is now on the gain, and it is hoped she will soon be able to be out and enjo, the pleasant spring weather.
 The Mission Band of willing worker will meet ill the chapel at o'clock nex Saturday ......The L. A. s. of the Baptis church will meet next Wednesday after noon for work, and will serve supper iron $40 to 7.... ."Pure thoughts, pure words pure deeds," Matt 23:25-28, Ps. 51:6-1O is the subject of the B. Y. P. $. c. B. thi evening at 7.3O. Conservation service .....John Keble will be the subject of tn vesper service next Sunday evening at 6. 30 West Stafford.
 [Correspondence)
 -"There is too much religion, and to- little christianity"
 The Christian Endeavor meeting Sun day evening was of unusual interest, tn subject being on temperance =" "Pur thoughts, pure words, pure deeds."
 Mrs. Maria Edson is making thre weeks stay with her sons in Rockville.
 Mrs. May Andrews was in Springfield Monday.
 Miss Nellie Gordon was guest c Eva J. Fletcher over the Sabbath
 Mrs. Belva Wilbur has returned fror a visit with her sister, Mrs. Lauresto Cummings, in East Longmeadow.
 The harbingers of spring are here A fine bunch of trailing arbutus in churc and a flock of geese going north wer seen Sunday.
 John Middleton has sold his farm i { .l oa