Arizona weekly journal-miner., 1900-01-03
The Holidays at Camp Verde and Vi
 cinity.


 As a starter December 20, 1899, at the residence of the brides parents, Mir. and Mrs. NJ. L.. Osborn, on lower Verde, Mir William Gilbert and Miss Anna Osborn were married by Rev. Robert E. Wright, of the Methodist church. These are two of Verde's nice young people, aud may their pathway through life's journey be no narrow trail, but psoad and smooth and every way ainple for those toys and slippers that the boys and Santa Claus put on the Christmas tree for them these little slippers may De like the fellows bell clappers: come handy some time.
 Next on the programme was the school entertainment and Christ mas tree at the Clear Creek or Eaman school house cn lower Verde, which will not soon be for gotten by those who were present. The entertainment took place in the evening. Patrons and friends came from all directions in wagons, on horse back and on foot to the num- Der of fully two hundred. The ex- ercises consisted of recitations, declamations, dialogues, singing all of which was rendered in a splendid manner. The crowniDg act of all and of all the best was the calisthenic drills by six girls who performed their parts without a mishap or bobble. The pupils seem ed eager to show their parents and the people that their time had not been idled away during their time a. school. The teacher, Miss Louise Owsley, was the recipient of many compliments for the able manner in which she has conducted her school and so far as my knowledge goes has given universal satisfaction, and I believe the pupils of this district stand second to none in the county. After the closing exercises the cur tain was pulled aside and there stood one of the most beautiful Christmas trees ever exhibited Tn Verde valley, fairly loaded with presents for the chiidren as well as for the grown folks. Miss Owslev gave special mention to Uncle Joe Crane and Henry Wing6eld for the candy, nuts aud fruit for the young sters-bv tLe way of historical re hinder 1 will say Uncle Joe came up to near the three score and ten mile post hale and hearty and is to the children of Verde valley what Joe Knott was to the children of Prescott in the long ago. There seems to be a total absence of fric- tion and complaint and the three teachers, Miss Virginia Weather ford at the post, MT. Franks on west lower Verde, as well as Mss Owsley, have all worked together with the parents and children to make everything pleasant for the children as well ss the old people, in a way that is truly commendable. I hear it said our county school superintendent has an eye open when visiting our schools. That is as it should be. Arizona is the Mecca for school teachers in the way of salary, and the people ex- pect good service in return. I am glad we have so good and efficient superintendent to look after our schools.
 On December F at high noon, at the residence of the brides sister and brother-in-law, MT. and Mrs. Bud Thompson, on lower Verde, Frank L. Dickinson and Miss Haldah S. Smith were married by Rev. Charles E. Gillett, of the Dunkard church. MT. Dickinson is one of our popular stock men. well and favorably known in business circles, while his wife was raised here and Is another of Verde's fair est daughters. May they be pros porous and happy. But that Cour- fer correspondent has shot wonder fully wide of the mark in giving the news correctly about the double wedding and dance. Instead of 1t being a practical affair it was strictly private, and instead of it being a public affair it was strictly private; and instead of 105 numbers being sold there were 9l; and in- stead of two halls 100 feet each being used for dancing pu, poses there was only one hall 60 feet long by 24 wide. A true statement of the affair is this: Married-At the residence of MT. J. T. Van Deeren at Camp Verde, December p, at 8 o'clock p. m., in the presence of a very few of the contracting parties, relatives and friends, MT. James VanDeeren of Oak Creek and Miss Edith Strahan of upper Verde, and