The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1896-04-09
a Golden Wedding
800.
MIR. AND MRS. ALONZo RICHARDSON
FIFTY YEARS Welded CELE-
BRATE.

friends on the fiteth anniversary or gold
en- wedding, of Alonzo Richardson and
wifi took place at their old home ia East
Skowhegan on March %. ls9G. Reli-
tive9 from Derry Depot. y. IL. Rhode
Island, Auburn, Lewiston, Gardiner
Augusta, Oakland, Hatefvilr, Skowhe-
gan and Canaan, Ne, TO the number of
ffty-oue partook Of an old fashioned
New England dinner of baked beans
brown bread, and Indian pudding baked
in brick oven.
The singers were on duty on time, and
with the help of good organ the music
was listened 10 with interest. and at
intervals drums and life could be plainly
heard for miles.
At four O'Clock p. m., the marriage
ceremony was performed by Rev. Ora
NJ Chase followed by prayer. Then
came remarks by the groom giving "a
sketch of his life up to the presen time.
Wallace Ireland was the next speaker
aud his remarks pleased ;he company
much. Isaac Ames then made u few re
marks saying he well remembered when
he carried in wood for the aged couple
before Us.
The closing remarks were made by
Rev. Ora VI. Chase. which were listened
To with interest and were very appro-
pirate for the. occasion giving good ad
vice to the couple before him. Then
followed a poem by friend in Auburn,
read by Miss Alton Cannon of Lewis
ton.
Refreshments were served ia the early
evening, followed by grand march led
by the newly welded couple, the route
being one hundred and forty-two feet
making figure eight and enclosing t@ o
old ashiOned chimneys. Good singing
and fife and drums followed, making
everybody happy if looks were any in
dieation. An artist from the village
came down ami the pictures of the family
were taken, also group of four genera
tions which may be seen at {. l.. Roy's
studio if desired.
Following is the list af presents:
Mrs. A. Lothrop of Lewiston, bread
and milk set and fancy cup aud saucer;
Mrs. Hiram Parkman, AledO, III, two
five dollar gold pieces, bureau scarf,
neck tie and four handkerches; Mrs
Laura Ames, one pair towels, Mrs. +. &.
Penny, one pair towels; Mr. and Mrs.
A. +. sanford, large vase; Miss Evalyn
{. Sanford, fancy plate; Mrs. Abhie
and Elmer Ames of Dover, y. H.,
chenille table cover; Mrs. CINEMA Cross
of Waterville, Me, souvenir spoon Mr.
Wilmot Ames of Gardiner, souvenir
spoon Mr.. and Mrs. Perley Amrs, brush
case and brush; Mr.. and Mrs. George |.
Neil of Dover, y. H., china craker jar;
Mr.. and Mrs. w. W. Cross of Waterville,
one set silver fruit knives; Mrs. Sarah
Randall, Augusta, one pair tray
cloths; Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur A. Pack
ard, one pair towels; Mrs. LAFAYETTE
Ames, dress pattern; Mr.. f. l.. Bray,
Derry Depot, n. H., hassock; Wallace
ireland, one pair towels; Mrs. Lydia
Bigelow, one pair towels; Sidney l..
Pooer, one gallon maple syrup; Mr.. and
Mrs A. Often of Waterville, furnished
the wedding cake; Two chairs and
carpet were given by the children, grand
children and great grandchid, Miss
Euola Leonard of Auburn; Mr.. and Mrs.
f.. j. Mitchell, Mr.. and Mrs NJ. r. Cain,
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Ames, Mr.. q. ).
Ames, Mr.. and Mrs. r. w. Honest ead,
Mr.. j. 5. Burrili Mr.. Lafayette Ames,
Mrs. Hiram Parkman Aledo. III. and
Mrs. Mary a. Bray, Derry Depot, y. H..
money.
Following is the poem:
FIFTY YEARS.
One day in March, just fifty years ago,
When all the roads were deep meath drifting
snow.
minister was greatly in demand
And none would brave the storm in Canaan's
happy land.
The bridegroom had his coat of stylish brown
And best OF all the sweetest bride IN town;
The long awaited day was nearly gone
And all was waiting for the wedding to go on.
Now tbs an omen bad to make delay,
For bride or groom to set another day
But fortune favored them all thro' life,
And father Ames soon made the couple man
and wife.
Just fifty years ago--and does it seem
As long to them or as heeting dream,
Where Joy and sorrow miugle and are past
And nauRht but love and happiness in mem ry
last.
Within their new home, hopeful and content
Together then to journey hand in hand
Life all before their feet a and untried
land.
The coy rooms they never viii forget
The open fire, the oven drawn before.
The cheerful blaze, the waves of light along
the lloor
Before the days of stoves? Why, bless you,
They've seen more of this world than we can
guess.
More changes in this home and in the land
Than we who'ye lived a shorter time can un-
derstand.
Think of the changes in locomotion,
The cunning craft upon the ocean
And every kind of Yankee notion
That has fallen to our portion, since then.
The rise and fall of many nation,
DARK war with cruel devastation,
The changes vast in all creation,
Earthquakes, floods and inundation since
then.
Why it nearly takes ones breath away,
To count the changes since that wedding day.
But they have passed through all, serene and
calm
And naught of change has wrought them any
harm.
After fifty years still hale and hearty,
This couple make another wedding party
And for their golden wedding ope' the door.
NO more than fair for us who did not come
before.)
And tho we had no invitation then
They've said they will not pass us by again.
So, we II not tell the story of the shoe
That once was lost and found, tho tbs ory
true.
We bring congratulations to the two,
Who thro' long years have journeyed faithful,
who've filled the sacred trust of husband,
wife,
or father, mother, thro' long eventfu life.
Children and grandchildren around them
stand
And half cycle lies in yesterland
The crescent half, filled with its joys and tears,
With hopes aud grief that make the sum fifty
years.