The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1916-11-23
isan Jose Mercury Herald Nov 9Th ]

To have reached the age of four score,
to be able TO gaze into the kaleidoscope
of the decades past without a regret,
and to look forward to reaching the sum-
init of century with cheerful hope and
sustaining trust are out a few of the
assets OF Colonel Philo Hersey, who was
the genial host, last evening, at AL elab-
crate and smartly- appointed banquet at
Hotel Vendome in celebration of his S0th
birthday anniversary, covers being laid
for 70 guests.
The occasion was happy one, indeed,
at which was assembled representative
men ard women OF the community -peo-
pie who are intimate personal friends of
the grand old gentleman, who, to quote
the Rev. Oliver Porter Shrout, Lives in
the love of his felloWmen-a love that is
rellgl0n-a religion that IS JOY to
him. There were people from various
walks of civic, professional and educa-
tlonal llfe-al of them eager to extend
congratulations and to express their ap-
probation 10 their host, whose friend
ship has been great influence for good
in their lives.
1t was shortly after o'clock when
d Ablaings orchestra, palm screened,
sounded the signal for the approach to
the dining room, and the guests, who
had assembled in the lanai, formed in
professional and preceded to the west
end of the room, where gold-embossed
cards, bearing the hosts monogram and
the significant dates, 1886 1885," mark
ed covers at eight beautifully decorated
tables.
Expressions of Appreciation.
Although informally was the keynote
of the occasion with no POSTMASTER and
no "set" speeches, several of the col
onel's friends took advantage of the
splendid opportunity offered, arose to
their feet and expressed their regard for
him in a manner that must have sent
thrills of gratitude marathoning around
the cookies OF his big heart, while un-
shed tears glistened in his clear blue
eyes.
Congressman Hayes called the atten-
tion of the guests to the fact that Col
onel Hersey was his political god-fath-
err" the colonel having been the man
who placed his name in nomination at
the convention in Santa Cruz when he
first entered the congressional race II
years ago. He spoke of tn efforts the
colonel had always put forth in his be-
half and of his deep appreciation. He
touched upon the spirit of harmony that
had marked their 80 years friendship
and of the many civic aud other worth
while activities that had filled the days
of his hosts four score years.
Everybody who ever grew a prune
owes debt of gratitude to Colonel Her
sey for the many years he passed in pro-
tecting the prune industry in the Santa
Clara valley, which virtually means the
world, since this valley contros the
prane supply of the United States"
said the congressman, who stated in con-
clusion that he hoped he would reach his
S0th year in an attitude of mind and
heart similar to his friends. And in
this he no doubt voiced the sentiment of
all within sound of his voice.
Debt of Gratitude
Judge P. F. Gosbey spoke of Col. Her.
sey 8 work in the juvenile court and his
long experience as probation officer, say
ing the valley owed him debt of graft
tude for the role he has taken in the up
building and betterment of the commun-
ity. He dWelt upon his hosts kindness
of heart and his influence for good, and
congratulated all present upon being
able to call Col. Hersey 'friend"
At this juncture the host arose and
said he did not know that he had ever
done anything to help anyone, especially.
and that he always did what he found to
do. mo part of life has been e sy-
there has always been something to do, !"