Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1914-06-11
GRAMPA GERARD Is
FOUR SCORE AND TEN
Given Pleasant Surprise by
Neighbors and Friends on
Goth Birthday
From Stoughton Hub.

I
at the home Of Mr.. and Mrs. E. H
Gerard, Tuesday evening, May 2f
to help them observe the 90th birth
day of their father, Norman Gerard.
Evidence of Mr.. Gerardis popularit
was manifested by the abundance O
beautiful flowers, birthday letter
and postals that had been sent.
Mr.. Gerard, in spite Of his ninet7
years, was able to receive and vel
come each guest as they arrfve
and respond to their congratulations
A similar gathering had been hell
in 1908, and upon examining the 'au
tograph shingle" which each CUES
at that time had received as a sou
venir it was found that twenty-five
OF the number who helped in The
celebration had crossed the Grea
Divide while fifteen of the guests
were present at both gatherings.
Mr.. Gerard is a native of New
York, but since 1850 has resided il
Wisconsin. He had read accounts OF
the great ship canal from Green Bay
to the Mississippi; but like many 9th
er dreams, it never materialized. He
came to Wisconsin by boat to She.
boygan, travelling from Sheboygan BY
stage, mostly through woods. 1t re
quired two days to make the trip. He
remembers the hotel accommodation
were meager on this trip. The wo
men occupied the beds while the me1
slept in the stage. From Fond du La
he went to Oshkosh by boat and
hence to Omtro and Grand Rapids,
where he resided until coming to
Stoughton.
A bountiful three course repast was
served. Place cards having a photo O
the venerable gentleman were souve
Mrs of the event.
After the supper some time was
spent in music and social chat, and
a very happy occasion was brought
to close by singing, God Be With
You Till We Meet Again. -
During the evening an appropriate
original poem, written by Rev. E. B
Earle, of Waupaca, a former pastor
of the Baptist church, was read by
Miss Gregory, as follows:
My thought in it's flight turns back
ward
To the evening of May &c, in 1908,
To a home in Stoughton, Wisconsin
Where familiar faces l see,
That home is bright and attractive
And many are there beside me,
There is music and speaking and si1t
ing
And all hearts are happy and free
The event. twas important | remem
Der,
For one loved and respected was
there,
Whose venerable age was denoted
by his beautiful crown of white hair
But his form was erect and stalwart
And his step so elastic and strong
That no one could possibly imagine
He had been living so long.
But that was the 10Th milestone
He had reached in his earthly career
And his heart was aus warm and as
cheerful
AS sunshine in the spring time o.
the year
And l, although not a poet,
Just wrote a few lines to recite,
And thus add my mite to the pleas
ure,
Which all were enjoying that night,
Since then the years have been spec
ing
And hurrying on in their flight,
A decade and one, exact number,
Have vanished forever from sight.
And many and great are the changes
Which those passing years have
/ wrought,
Some lives have been filled will
gladness,
And some with sorrow distraught.
But many and rich are the blessings
0 friend, with the silver hair,
Which God in His infinite mercy
Hath given to you as your share,
For year after year He hath spare
thee,
Giving happiness, health and peace,
And dear loving friends who sur
round thee
AS the years of thy life increase.
One by one have they come and de
parted,
Each laden with blessings galore,
Of such as the kind Heavenly FatI
For His loved ones is keeping
store;
That you have been kindly protecte
And shielded from times rude bias
Is evidence true and conclusive
OF Gods favor through all til
years past.
And now as onward you journey,
May His blessed spirit still guide,
And keep you young hearted and
happy,
AS in Him you Sweetly abide.
May faiths glowing pathway gro
brighter
2 And stronger your trust in the Lor
As patient you wait for the boat-ma
: And Jesus calls out All Abardi"
: And when you embark on the ocea
' Which is known as the last Gre
Divide,
4 May Jesus, your Captain and Pilot,
:, Sit lovingly close at your side.
May He whisper, Pear not, a
with you,
Your frail bark this last storm shs
outride,
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