The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-12

of the immediate family could be present In addition to the eldest son, there were present pr. J. S. Dill and wife of Calf ney. s. C., ". Y. Dill and wife. Ernest Dill McIver. nephew and adopted son of Mother Dill. his wife and his son, Henry Allison Mclyer. J. M. Dill, Jr., and wife dhe only grandson), and Ms. Henry R. Dill. All of these have their homes in Birmingham, Ala.
 The house was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The color scheme of the parlor was pink and green; the dn- ing room for the young people was In red. and that for the older folk was in green and white. In the entrance hall were the significant dates, 1S31-1911.
 Mother Dill received her guests with her eldest son and her grandson on her right and the other boys on the left. She was the picture of a beautiful and happy old age, and was the admiration of all the invited guests. She was dressed in black. wore a black lace cap and held In her harfd handsome bouquet of white ca nations, the gift of Mrs. A. L. Craker.
 In the refreshmenH rooms a delightful supper was served. The special birthday cake was adorned with 80 candles, which made a great illumination. In the dining room for the old folk a special chair, beautifully decorated with a canopy, was provided for the honored and beloved mother
 At the close of the supper handsome loving cup was brought in and placed in the hands of Dr. J. s. Dill, the minister son of the family. and he gave expression to the sentiments of the happy occasion. Dr. Dill said in substance:
 "A preachers boy was once challenged by his playmates, who were sons of traders. with the question, what does your papa sell?" The ready answer was eo11e ta11r te- ta1 1lx- ing is my trade that stand in the order of this occasion to say a word. And surely here is inspiration enough to loosen any tongue. How the rush of memories comes over us boys tonight-memories of the long ago, in dear old Carlowville, Ala. where we were born, and where were those first years of our happy child- hood. How sweet to realize that the mother face that was the first to greet us is still here to beam it's love upon our lives. We cduld tell all sorts of exper- fences of those days, in the mingling of childhood tears. and laughter For my part I especially remember the old ma he gany table that stood In the corner of the family living room It was my favor ite refuge when I was pursued by the ma te.nal slipper, for in those callow days of my youth my lot was often cast Tn slippery places. Could we ever forget the old village church where we sat with father and mother in the same pew. Not always attentive to the sermons, I often looked around on all the ladies gathered there, and then to mothers face and was sure that my mother was the most beau- tiful lady in the church. I have never outgrown that conviction. She is still, through all these four score years our beautiful mother.
 with her lovely face
 And hair like silver crown"
 And it's patient grace,
 We have come together to pay her the tribute of our ripened love, and help to make her last days the sweetest and best Our greatest happiness now is to see that she is happy, and we welcome all these friends that join with us to do her honor The decorations of this room accord with our sentiments today. Here Is the white, that symbolfzes the purity of a mothers love. and here the green, that reminds us of the green old age Here at each of the four corners Of this table, Is large candle, telling or the four score years which God has given her, and they are shining brightly with A mellow light, so like the influence that blessed every life that touches hers. And here is this loving cup. It was but re- gently presented to Prof. J. M Dill, the eldest son, and came from the teachers of the public SCHOOLS or tn1S cltyt Ol WhiCh Professor Dill was superintendent. It stands today token of his success in his chosen vocation This cuN is full to the brim with the juice of the grape. not dis titled into a fiery liquor that changes the human form divine to brutish shape" but in it's purity as God gave it for life giving sustenance. From this we will each drink and pledge ourselves anew to that higher and purer life to which our D,cther's voice has ever called us, and to which she has shown the way by her beautiful example"
 The acup was then passed to Mother Dill, and from her to each son in order of age. and the guests all joining in with abundant expressions of love and good wishes.
 To Mrs J. NJ. Dill for the delightful oc- casion the family and friends are greatly indebted. It was her generosity and beautiful taste that made full provision for the celebration, and it was inspired by her loving heart.
 Mother Dill" as so many love to call her. was native of South Carolina, and came among the early settlers to Ala bama. Her husband, Dr. J. T. Dill, was among the greatest teachers of this state, and was for over 30 years professor or Latin and Greek in Howard college. Ills memory is still fresh with hundreds Of young men in the southland,