Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-11-12
A Golden Wedding.

Nov. s, 1858, Albert B. Manchester and
Miss Elizabeth NJ, daughter OF John and
Marina fHebard) Sessions, were married
at the home OF the bride on Hebard
hill in Randolph by the Rev. Albert II.
Martin, now deceased.
Saturday evening, the eve of the 50th
anniversary of that event, was chosen
for the celebration by the West Randolph
grange, Of which both Mr.. and Mrs.
Manchester have been among the most
prominent and active members since its
organization, Mr.. Manchester serving
repeatedly as lecturer and his wife as
faithfully filing the office of chaplain.
On the eventful day these unsuspecting
people accepted the invitation of their
nearby friends, Mr.. and Mrs. William
Reynolds, 10 spend the afternoon and
evening at their house and had no sooner
departed for this neighborly visit than
busy hands began 10 adorn the Man
chester homestead for the approaching
festivity. The parlors were wreathed
with evergreen, and in the dining room
long festoons from the corners OF the
room centred over the table, above
which was suspended "50'' in large figures
of evergreen. The lights were yellow
shaded for the golden wedding, and IN
one OF the parlors was a bowl containing
80 beautiful carnation pinks, the gift of
Mrs. Edwin Dowker and her daughter,
AAAcS anna 1AaPPf VI biaAhliNNf AldhSss
who we're guests at "The Manchester"
this summer.
Soon after the arrival, ON the evening
express, OF their son, Henry, and his
daughter, Bernice, from Mechanicsville,
N. Y, Mr.. and Mrs. Manchester were
summoned home and found j. Harris
Bass ready to receive them and enjoy
their natural mystification at the unex-
pected turn OF affairs. The grangers at
once began to assemble, over $50 Drawing
the chill and unpleasantness OF the
weather to offer this honored couple their
heartiest congratulations and best wishes
for many returns Of the happy day.
-Four ushers we're in attendance
Oscar and Miss lisa Manchester greeting
the guests at the door, and Misses Carrie
Manchester and Lizzie Campbell escort
ing them to the cloak rooms. In the
parlor below they were received by the
bride and groom OF 80 years ago, assisted
by Mr. and Mrs. j. Harris Bass and Mr..
and Mrs. w. w. Jones.
An orchestra Of four pieces, led by the
son, Ernest f. Manchester, discoursed
excellent music during the evening and
played through the refreshment hour,
when the guests, seated about the dining
room, were served by four young ladies
in gowns of white trimmed with ever
green. They were the three grand
daughters of Mr.. and Mrs. Manchester,
Misses Berniee, Carrie and lisa Manches-
ter and Miss Lizzie Campbell. Mrs.
Ernest s. Tracy and Mrs. Roland A.
Smith were the pourers and Miss Mabel
Smith presided over the cake table.
Dana III. Morse, in a very felicitous
speech, voiced the sentiments OF the
grange on this happy occasion and pre-
sented its gift Of s35 in gold, while from
other friends and relatives was received
the sum OF s25, mostly in gold, a nice
reading glass. appropriately tied with
yellow ribbon and picture OF the South
Royalton home Of Mr.. Manchesters
brother, George II. Manchester, and his
wife. who were among those present.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Manchester responded
| feelingly to this presentation speech, ex-
pressing their gratitude for the tokens of
the friendship and esteem in which they
are held, and Of their long life in Ran
dolph with the pleasant memories and
associations connected Herewith.
Albert B. Manchester was born in More
/ town in 1S2S and was reared upon a farm.
/ At the age of Is he was apprenticed to
learn the carpenters trade and later re-
moved to Royslton. In 1S4S, he located in
Randolph, where he has ever since been
prosperous farmer and highly respected
citizen. Mrs. Manchester is a native OF
this town, having been born near the
Wayside farm, and has spent her life
here, refined and gracious lady, whose
keen intelligence and charm of manner
impresses all who meet her. -Four sons
have been born to them, OF whom Forrest
G., young lawyer OF brilliant attain
ments, who had entered upon a lucrative
practice in Boston, died about four years
ago. OF the others. Byron A., is on the
home farm, Ernest f. is also in Randolph,
and Henry c., who lives in Mechanicsville,
n. ", Is assistant master mechanic on the
Fitchburg division Of the Boston & Maine
railroad.