Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1907-03-14
Golden Wedding Anniversary.

very pleasant gathering was that of
the golden wedding of Mr.. and Mrs. A. X.
Aikens, which occurred at their home
Thursday evening, March Z, when 70 Of
their friends gathered to celebrate the 50th
anniversary OF their marriage.
Albert X. Aikens was born in Barnard
Dec. Is, 1888, the oldest OF family Of four
children of Capt, Daniel and Rhoda b.
Richmond Aikens, all of whom are now
living. His wife, Martha Jane Chamber
lin, was born in Royalton July ~, 1912.
She was the only daughter OF j. Parker
Chamterlin and Mary Jane Lyman Cham
berlin. Albert X. Aikens and Martha
Jane Chamberlin were married March z,
1857, at the Locust Creek House in Bethel
by the Universalist minister, Rev. Mr..
Fails of Woodstock. or this union there
were seven children born-four boys and
three GIRLS four OF whom are now living.
The oldes, Herbert L., lives in Ohio; Fed
T.. in Barnard; Damon G.. in Boston, and
Mrs. Vanlora A. Harrington lives with
her parents.
Their nany friends showed their good
will b. many beau ilul gifts consisting of
gold, silver, cut glass aud linen and a set
of dining cha RS and sum OF money.
The house was very tastefully decorated
with gold and green, while many japanese
lanter added to the attractiveness OF the
occasion.
Some remarks and a presentation adj
dress were made by H, A. Wood; remarks
and response b. Joel BIackmer; song,
Miss Lillian Adams; remarks by f. M.
Chase; poem written and recited by Mrs,
u. Waters; remarks by G. +. Cady.
The rest OF the evening was spent in a
general good time, during which bounti-
full treat was served, which Mrs
Aikens is SO capable of serving. 1t con-
sisted OF sandwiches, cake, ice cream and
chocolate. Those from out OF town were
Mr.. and Mrs. Joel Blackmer of Stock
bridge, Mr.. j. Il, Stafford and Miss Susie
Stafford OF Gaysyille.
The poem was as follows:-
Your friends have gathered here tonight
To celebrate your golden Wedding
To make few hours OF your life bright
And brighten the pathway you're treading.
Fifty years you've travelled side by side.
sharing each joy and sorrow,
Looking ahead o,er ifes stormy tide,
Yet calmly waiting the morrow
Fifty years you've journeyed along,
Mid the ups and downs Of life,
Content II thi gs outside went wrong
Ifwithin found children, husband and wife.
You've each been kind hearted neighbor
yer ready TO help those In need,
Giving both time and labor,
And such are friends indeed.
Tonight two sons are far away
They think OF home and those they love.
Others, who for a time In silent sleep lay,
Watch Ger you from their home above.
They passed on to q higher life
They beckon you from AFFAIR."
Free from care turmoil and strife
They await with pearly gates aiar.
We need you to share our Joys and fears
by, your presence, make all cherry.
We hope TO all meet here In 25 years,
At your diamond wedding make merry.
Your friends have brought you tokens of love
Some from friends who could not come.
Let us ask blessing from our Father above
To rest upon each and every ore.
As we go forth from here tonight
And enter our silent home,
We win ask him to guide us Alright,
That we may all meet at Gods throne
n w