The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-02-05
A UNIQUE Surprise.

Reported for the Democratic Advocate
The home of Mr. j. H. Lester of Lauvcr,
this county, was the scene of a novel social
gathering and surprise on the evening of the
2Sth ultimo \ few ladies deserve the credit
for so excellently planning the surprise.
The chief feature of this was a mock mar
rage approaching in display and other re-
spects closely to the real. That the hostess
might not be wholly off her guard it was pre-
arranged that Rev. S. j. Derr and wife, Miss
Laura Shater, Mr.. Geo. Lamotte and wife,
Mr.. A. l.. Lippy and wife, Mr.. Houck and
wife. Mrs Harrison Lamotte, Mrs. d. AL
baugh and son aud Mr. c. Caltrider should
visit early the above home. This according
ly was done.
About 9 O. clock arrived the bridal pair
with quite a retinue of attendants, all of
Hampstead and nearly all disguised. Being
placed in marital array, all slowly and silently
were ushered to the front entrance. Not
until admission was accorded them did Mr..
Lester and wife know they were honored
with so many unlimited and disguised guests.
Meanwhile Miss Edna Lamotte ingeniously
found her way to the organ. She immedi-
ately began playing Heavenward wedding
march. To this all gracefully entered. No
time was lost. The minister was summoned,
when all was in readiness, somewhat nervous
suspense ensued caused by the loss of the
license. Mr.. Josiah johnson, in full dress,
however. by wise forethought produced
duplicate Of the original.
The ministers wit and impromptu ceremony
e;Iualled the occasion. Before the ceremony
further delay occurred as to the identity OF
the bridal couple. They were soon recognized
as the beautiful Miss Nancy Hawk and the il
lustrious Mr.. Ferdinand Khroh. After num-
Der of alterations and the settlement of sew
o,,l hot tho hrida and
respecting the ceremony, the parson continu-
ed and finally concluded perhaps his most
novel and delicate ceremony.
The bride was glaringly attired in green
waste with light duck skirt. Her sleeves, un-
usually large, were specially pretty. Her hat
was of magnificent proportions, heavily laden
with brilliant flowers. Her gloves were pure
white her veil being removed her beautiful
Auglo- African countenance caused consider
| able comment. Her principal attendant was
Miss Susan Jones, as flower girl She car
ried cedar bouquet, grandma kroh, with
her pretty grandchildren, Miss Hattie and
Master Howard, also were present.
The groom was in full dress of the conven-
tional black, with silk hat and white gloves.
An innovation accorded this illustration
groom was the wearing of his hat during the
ceremony.
After the usually congratulations, best
wishes, &C., the bridal couple and attendants
withdrew.
! Soon they returned in regular attire. For
the first time could they be recognized by
their host and hostess and by others also for
the first time. Music and plays engaged the
! time till all we're ushered to a bounteons re-
past of cake, fruit, chocolate, teas. lemonade.
| &c.
| Amusements continued till late. All were
grateful for the cordial welcome aud will not
forget the occasion.
Among those present not mentioned were
Misses Laura Ridgely, Belle Tracy. Flora
and Lula Lanotte, Rosa Royston, Beulah
and Hattie Houck, Messrs. Howard Sny er,
/ John H. Beckley, Curtis Shank, Preston
/ Snyder. Harrison and Carroll Lamotte.