The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1915-09-09
Golden Wedding in North
Searsport.

Mr.. and Mrs. William j James Matthews
celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of
their wedding August Is. 1915, having
been postponed from Dec. 20, 1914.
Because of bad weather there were not
as many present as there would other
wise have been. In the afternoon about
forty-fve guests were present, includ-
ing relatives, neighbors and old school,
mates. All the children were present
except the son, Edward A. Matthews,
and his family from Union. Mr.. Albert
M. Eames from Portland was the only
guest who attended the wedding fifty
years ago. Mr.. William Stevens from
Beverly, Mass, was the oldest one pres
ent, being sc years old, and Miss Mar
garet Merrithew, the youngest, who is
only IA months. Mr.. and Mrs. A. S.
Damn and Mr. and Mrs. VIM. Stevens
were the only couples who had seen their
fiftieth anniversary. Mrs. Matthews
had one sister, Mrs. Jacob Eames, who
lived to celebrate her golden wedding,
and her father and mother, Mr.. and
Mrs. Benjamin Merrithew, had the same
pleasure.
In the evening as the moon broke
through the clouds the friends took
courage and about eighty guests were
entertained by the bride and groom, who
looked so very young that it was hard to
believe they had seen fifty years of mar
ried life. However, we know this to be
true, as one Of the guests said he we'll
remembered the day when he heard that
Will. and Eliza were married.
The lawn was decorated and lighted
with Japanese lanterns, and all felt that
they were heartily welcomed from the
time they arrived The house was
handsomely decorated in crepe paper in
colors appropriate for the occasion, to-
gether with green boughs, goldenrod and
golden glow. and several handsome bou-
quets from friends added much to the
decorations. Mr.. Alfred Stinson was
called upon and made appropriate re-
marks. Miss Harriet Nickerson and
Miss Doris Nickerson rendered a piano
duet. Mrs. Carolyn Spaulding read a
poem. Miss Flora Seeley gave piano
solo and Miss Carrie Seeley read poem,
after which ice cream, assorted cake,
punch and cigars were served by Miss
Vonia Clark, Mrs. Carolyn Spaulding,
Miss Nellie Carter and the Misses Carrie
and Flora Seeley, assisted by Miss Hen
rietta Haywood. Granite Grange was
invited in body and North Waldo Po-
mona Grange, of which Mr.. Matthews
has served as chaplain for nine years,
was also represented, and both organiza-
lions were very generous in their re-
membranes to the host and hostess.
Many useful and valuable presents
were received, including cut glass, sill
yer, china and linen, besides 1924 in gold
coin.
AS the time arrived for the separation,
all wished the couple many more years
of happiness and went home feeling that
they had spent very pleasant evening
and that the occasion was one to be
remembered
The following poems were written for
the occasion:
By the shore of dear old Swan Lake
With its ever changing scene,
With its mountains and its sunsets
And its valleys fair and green,
Lies the farmlands fringed with willows,
With the brooklets running by,
With its orchard and its pastures
And the woods against the sky.
At this homestead by the lakeside,
Children. friends. and neighbors dear,
Offer now congratulations
=. And words Of love and cheer
To the dear ones who have lived here
More then half century through,
Loving, serving, persevering.
Ever faithful, ever true.
Fifty springtimes. fifty harvests,
Summer bright, and winter drear,
Days of sadness, days of gladness,
Hours of hope, and hours of fear!
May earth's blessings rich attend them
And the Father loving, wise,
Give Peace which passeth understanding,
And mansion in the skies.
THEoDATE BEALs HILLS,