HomeMy WebLinkAbout452"Article copied from the Pickering News, June 19, 1896.
Dunbarton
A very notable event took place on Wednesday June 10th., 1896, when Mr. and
Mrs. E. King of ""Stoney Ridge Dwelling"" Dunbarton, celebrated their ""
Golden Wedding,"" with a reunion of their family and a large number of friends.
Among those present we noticed, Mr. and Mrs. S. King and family; Professor and Mrs.
Wiggins and family Mrs. Mackie and family; Mrs. Gourlie and family; Messrs.
Harry King, Chas. King and H. Chapple; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Parker; Mr. and
Mrs. H. Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson and Miss Nicholson; Mr. and Mrs. Neale
and Miss Neale; Mr. Hawker and Mr. and Mrs. Walsman of Toronto.
Tea was served on the lawn, and the tables beautifully decorated with flowers were
weighted down with all the delicacies that the season could produce, and above all
the large wedding cake. About one hundred sat down together and did justice to the
good things provided.
After tea a very pleasant time was spent playing croquet, and indulging in all sorts of
pastimes and amusements, but when the damp chilly darkness began to cover the
earth, all retired to the house where a varied and delightful programme was given.
Prof. Wiggins, in his most excellent manner, provided music suitable to the occasion
and to the entertainment of all. Messrs. S. King and Welshman and others by their
good old songs filled the house with laughter and mirth. Wm. Gourlie gave a very
appropriate reading entitled ""The hanging of the Crone,"" by Longfellow These lines
were very fitting—
""The ancient bridegroom and the bride Battling contentedly and serene
Upon the blithe bewildering scene Behold well pleased on every side
Their forms and features multiplied.""
Mr. Parker was next called upon and rising said, Mr. and Mrs. King, Ladies,
Gentlemen and Friends, we have all met here to night as one family to celebrate a
very notable event, indeed it is notable because seldom do the two who have been
joined in the holy bonds of matrimony attain to their Golden Wedding and I do not think
I can find words adequate to express myself on this occasion as it is the first time
I have had the privilege to be present at a Golden Wedding and I must admit that fifty
years is a long chapter to fill up. Furthermore Mr. Parker stated that although Mr. and
Mrs. King were blessed with plenty of this world's goods, yet at the same time
whatever our calling in life may be or in whatever, sphere we may move,
we find some cloudy weather as well as sunshine and he was sure that
he would only be voicing the sentiments of all present in heartily congratulating
Mr. and Mrs. King for not only had they lived to celebrate their Golden Wedding
but they had also learned the Golden Rule and bad practiced it together for fifty long
years and were then to-day looking as young and fresh as any of the party.
Mr. Parker also made mention that those who brought up families had to make many
sacrifices for the welfare of their children but despite all this Mr. and Mrs. King were
here today as proud and happy as any couple in Dunbarton or he might say in the
Township of Pickering He said that King was a noble name and they were a noble
family and he was sure that Mr. and Mrs. King felt repaid over and above any
sacrifices they had made to see such a good family surrounding them and he
hoped they would long be spared to be the head and centre of the family.
Mr. Parker closed his remarks by asking all to join in a hearty clap furthering his
congratulations to the good health of the ancient bridegroom and the bride.
Very appropriate remarks were made by Mr. King's children, grand-children,
Prof. Wiggings and Mr. Welsman and others.
The enjoyment was kept up until ""the wee sma hours"" when the entire company
before leaving stood or, joined hands and sang ""Auld Lang Syne"" with a right
good will. As each one bid Mr. and Mrs. King ""good-bye"" they assured them that
they had never before spent such an enjoyable evening and hoped that they would be
long spared to entertain their relatives and friends. Many very handsome,
presents were presented by the children, grand-children and friends.
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