The independent-reporter., 1924-02-28
Golden Wedding Anniversary, OF Mr..
and Mrs. Bradbury p. Barker


Just half a century ago last Friday,
February eighth, on the hill overlook
ing the. fertile Wesserunsett Valley
and the peaceful village of Athens,
where they now live, occurred the
wedding of Bradbury Perkins Barker
and Ida May Richardson. On the 8th
of the present month, the three daugh-
ters, Vira Robinson, Helen McLaugh-
lin and Mildred Brown with their fam
lies gathered at the old home to cele-
brate the event. 1t being regretted
by all that Blanche Barker and son,
Richard, of Watertown, n. Y, could
not be present on the occasion.
Presents of gold and other useful
articles, among which was a beauti-
full coffee percolator, presented by
the Athens Grange in token of appre-
citation of the services rendered, also
about fifty post ca6ds and letters were
received congratulating' Mr.. and Mrs.
Barker, and for which they wish to
thank the donors. A bountiful din
ner was served and the day was fin
ished up with the play entitled Cab
in Courtship," given by the Academy
pupils followed by dance. They
were married by Rev. Artemus Whit
tier, who lived near the concrete wat
ering tub about a mile from Mutton
Corner" now called Cass' Corner, on
February 8, 1874.
The following letter was received
from Orlando, Florida. 1--WE are send
ing congratulations from the Sunny
South today on the anniversary of fif-
ty years of your welded life together.
From the land of orange blossoms,
golden fruit. and warm sunshine our
thoughts journey northward to the far
away snow covered land of the good
old Pine Tree State. It's symbol of
the sturdy pine tree, is typical of her
sons and daughters, who, fifty years
ago faced life with little, except a
strong arm and dauntless courage In
those early days of long ago, life
meant struggle and hard work for the
young men of that period; difficulties
to conquer and much hard work on
the farm.
yet, from the rocky hills of Maine
have gone forth leaders of men to
all parts of the world. Something of
its soil seems to have entered the
veins of her sons producing strong
character, honesty of purpose and de-
yotion to their duty, and these same
qualities, we who know and call him
friend would say. belong to the man
whose anniversary we honor today.
Fifty years ago the hearth fires oi
another house were kindled when one
brother and uncle was united in the
bond of marriage to well known
young lady of his home town. On
this same rocky hillside where they
had grown to manhood and woman
hood, was established home. There
not only was courage and pluck and
thrift, practiccd by the husband, but
also by the wife. who has had her own
share of burdens to hear. yet through
sunshine and through sorrow she has
proven a true and loyal helpmate.
In the home and IN the community
work of the town, her gift of song has
gladdened and enriched the hearts of
many. And now, surrounded with
children and grandchildren as you
gather at the old home, the toll of the
day over, the sunset OF life has come
and the serenity of life well spent
is with you.
with the poet, Browning, let US
say:
Grow old along with me,
The best of life's TO be,
The last of life for which
The first is made
May the day be one of rejoicing
and the days to come bring peace and
happiness with less OF sorrow is the
sincere wish of your sister and niece.
VIRA II. KILGORE
MABEL ROBINSON
10 Eola Drive,
Orlando, Fla.