The Somerset reporter., 1900-07-12
Golden Wedding.


L. s. Reed celebrated the fiftieth ami
versary of their marriage. About 20
neighbors and friends were present, and
the hearty congratulations and many
good wishes showered upon them
showed the highest esteem in which
the worthy couple are held. The
| marriage ceremony was performed by
Rev. Mr.. Lombard, who also offered
prayer and made some very appropriate
remarks. Several neighbors and friends
also offered remarks, among them
being VIM. G. Bailey, NJ. j. Merrill,
and Sherburn Leighton, also +. Z. PEN
nell of Skownegan. An original poem
was read by Mrs. w. S. Bemis, and Mr..
Bemis in few well chosen words, in
behalf of Harmony grange presented
Mr.. and Mrs. Reed each an easy chair.
This was a complete surprise, but Mr..
Reed expressed his appreciation of the
gift in most satisfactory manner.
Miss Celia Hurd sang two very pleas
ing selections. Refreshments were
served, and after an hour of mu-
tual good feeling and pleasant sociabil
ity, the guests departed, each wishing
the worthy couple many years of health
and happiness. 1t was most enjoyable
occasion and one long to be remembered.
Several gifts of silver and other ware
were presented by the family and init
mate frieads, but the gift most appreci'
ated by them was the hearty good
will and respect of their neighbors and
towns people.
Mr.. Reed, who is one of the best
known and most Influential residents
of Harmony, was born in Albion "a
years ago. When young man he
moved to Harmony and was so well
pleased with the village that he decided
to locate permanently. Mrs. Reed,
whose age is 20 years, was born in
Portland. Her maiden name was Julia
A. Skillings.
Fifty years ago they were married in
Biddeford by Rev. Hiram Skillings,
brother of the bride. They immedi-
ately went to Harmony, where they
have since lived In the same dwelling.
Five children have been born to them,
of whom three are living, Mrs. Lillian
Z. Bartlett of Saco, Ruel H. Reed and
Everett S. Reed of Harmony.
Following Is the poem read by Mrs.
Bemis:
Fifty years you've walked together
Ger LIES rugged toilsome way;
Fifty years OF storm and sunshine
You have rounded out today.
On that morn so far, far distant
Lie to you was fair and bright
Filled with sweet hopes for the future
Gilded DER with loves bright light.
All the earth was then an Eden.
Filled with flowers of fairest hue;
Softest breezes waited Ger it,
Blown alone, IL seemed, for you.
Bravely hopeful then, you started
Lies steep, rugged hill to climb,
For YOU knew that the summit
You would greet view sublime
AS you journeyed, childish voices
Fell in cadence on the ear;
Childish footsteps pattered round you
Sounds you loved 80 much to hear.
As you clasped each little figure
Closer to your throbbing breast,
Many prayer was upward waited,
That their future might be blessed.
Tho deaths angel claimed one treasure,
still GU kept your trust in Him
Who wal ches cen the falling sparrow,
Never once your faith grew dim.
And with Him as guide and teacher,
On you pressed alo ng the road
Where 50 many pause I'd stumble,
Painting meath tn. ir heavy load.
For, when clouds bedimmed your pathway,
And the burden heavier grew,
Hopes bright star was there to guide you
And your failing strength renew.
So, hand in hand, you journeyed onward
Thro' LIES sultry glowing noon,
Gathering in the waiting harvest,
FOR the night must come full soon.
All the storms you stouty battled,
Every obstacle o ercame,
Many burden bravely carried,
Doing all in His sweet name.
Till you reach the golden summit
Where the sunbeams softly glow,
And you see the sunset shadows
Fitting through the vale below.
Fifty years of life together
Thro' the sunshine and the storm
Bnt the love that then burned brightly
Still doth keep your true hearts warm,
And, although the SHOWS of winter
Crown the head al dim the eye,
Yet as ear to each, the other,
AS when youth and strength were nigh.
Fifty years! long, long journey
Travelled closely side by side,
Thro' the Joy, the pain and sorrow,
Calm or strife, what e'er betide.
For the vows that bright morn spoken,
Bound no closer then than now,
Tho the years, in their swift circles,
Leave their trace on form and brow.
And tonight these sons, this daughter,
In the dear old happy home,
Sand beside their parents proudly
And. in years that's yet to come,
Still shall cheer the downward journey
Toward tae sunset vale OF life,
And wit h care and fond affection,
Make old age with pleasure rite.
And, as down the slope you journey,
May the shadows DINNER grow,
And the sun across your pathway
Send softer, tenderer glow,
Lighting with It's mellow radiance
Every scene along the way,
Fen to Heavens crystal portal
Where all's one golden wedding day.