Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1920-10-20
MARRIED HALF A CENTURY.
Mr.. and Mrs. +. Ii. Baker, of DEBORAH
Celebrate Golden Wedding.

and Mrs. F. H. Baker, of this city.
Their marriage took place in Cas-
Italia in 1870. The bride, whose
maiden name was Cornelia Davis,
was born in Lewiston, Maine. Mr.,
Eaker was born in the state of New
York and came west in 1858, and
has lived in Winneshiek county for
62 years He located first at Garni-
villo for six months, then moved to
Castalia, where, they farmed for a
number of years, moving to DEBORAH
2s years ago.
On Monday some twenty-one near
relatives gathered at the home of
Mr.. and Mrs Will Beard, the latter
a daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. Baker,
where the day was celebrated. Those
from away who were in attendance
were Mr.. and Mrs. Melvin Davis and
daughter and Mr.. and Mrs.. Horace
Smith, of Monona and Rollin Baker
of Ridgeway, his wife being unable
to attend on account of illness.
L
The table was loaded with good
things to eat and three hours time
was spent at it, enjoying the viands
and discussing matters which trans
pired during the past fifty years.
On Monday night a reception was
given to sdhe Popular bride and
groom of fifty years ago by the
Ladies Aid of the Congregational
church at the Gym. About, 800 guests.
were present. Light refreshments
were served, and a number Of enter
tanning !, speeches We're delivered.
Mrs and Mars. Baker have five
children. all Of whom were in at
tendance at the celebration. They are
W. F., Baker, DEBORAH; Fred d.
Baker. Ogema, MINI; Mrs, Florence
schermerhorn, Minhee polls. MRS.
Kate Hawkins, Americas. s.Glorgia
and Mrs. Grace Beard. Of DEBORAH.
Mr.. and Mrs. Baker have beeng two
Of Decorah's most excellent citizens.
and during their long residence here
have endeared themselves to many,
many friends, and all join with us in
extending congratulations and good
wishes to them on this happy event
in their lives. They both enjoy good
health and it is the wish of their
host of friends that they may be
spared many more wedding anniyer-
saries together. III .
The following was written by the
bride of fifty years ago. for. the oc-
casion of the golden anniversary,
and was read by her at the celebra-
tion Monday, and it was much en-
joyed by all present, and can be
cherished by the children OF this
venerable couple.
Get up father, and hurry, for. the
children are coming today.
!. They've remembered our anniversary
| and are coming home, they say.
It's gladl.we'll be to see them come
fiockipg to our door.
But they're not our little children as
in the days of yore '''
| ~" f1 ID lis mo-
They're all grown up and married;
some have children grown.
Not one has proved Stacker, to
that we'll have to own.
So now, from big to little, one and
| all, 49, ~
Seventeen grandchildren could
answer our call.
These fifty years rich blessings have
brought us. FN
Many and varied the lessons they've
taught us.
Can you realize, father, the years
that have flown
Since we started out to make home
of our own?
The pretty house you built, and the
pride We took
You were the bread winner, and
the cook.
we knew work was ahead of US, but
that daunted us not.
We expected to work for what we
got.
DO we SLdTltu III dhu huFc "O"eASiSA
the gale,
And are still alive to tell the tale.
You remember little Willie, the
first to arrive
To brighten our home and make II
really alive?
In time followed Freddie" "Millie"
Katie" and Grace,
What a problem We thot, for US TO
face!
The breadwinner sought his dill
gence to double,
The cook soon. found that life was
no bubble.
OF our troublesome comforts" there
was not one too many
We pity the homes where they
haven't any. .ass
Now we'll welcome them back, and
while hey are here
Wen do our best to give them coed
cheer. 1i y
God bless and guide them each in
their way,
In obedience and service, until that
day