MICROFILMED 1986 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - BERKELEY GENERAL LIBRARY BERKELEY, CA 94720 COOPERATIVE PRESERVATION MICROFILMING PROJECT THE RESEARCH LIBRARIES GROUP, INC. Funded by THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES THE ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION Reproductions may not be made without permission. THE PRINTING MASTER FROM WHICH THIS REPRODUCTION WAS MADE IS HELD BY THE MAIN LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, CA 94720 FOR ADDITIONAL REPRODUCTION REQUEST MASTER NEGATIVE NUMBER 60-0139 AUTHOR: Whitton, Abe ( Comp. | TITLE: Golden wedding of... PLACE : San Frane: Sco DATE: |§9Y4 VOLUME 7:¥ 60 » NTR MASTER 0° NO. v.m:8 x NEG. NO. 9739 3 X 5 Whitton, Abel comp. Golden wedding of Mr. and Mx. Abel Whitton at their residence on Capitol Ave. , near San Jose, Cal., July 23, 1894. Sap Francisco, Cubery & Company, Book and job Printers, 1894. 27p. 23cm. (Pamphlets on California biography, v.17, no. 8) FILMED AND PROCESSED BY LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY CA 94720 joeNno. 8]6 115 DATE 3 8/6 REDUCTION RATIO 8 DOCUMENT SOURCE ~~ BANCROFT LIBRARY 10 =f liz = th 2 ||28 oo Il I fle Il NO On I oO | Il MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) LRT ha fimm S| TTT > Ls oe | oo A THE OF UNIVERSITY nm OF caLIFORNA Golden TAedoing AT THE!R RESIDENCE ON CAPITOL AVE., NEAR SAN JOSE, CAL AN FRANCIBCU iE AND JOB PPBINTERN Ae To Relatives and Friends. ArurHOUGH the echoes from Golden Wedding bells have ceased their vibrations in the hearts and minds of the many, those more intimately interested may be pardoned for the weakness (if it 1s a weakness) of desiring to prolong those reverberations which are so inspiring in life’s declining years. Accordingly we have had prepared a simple record of the literary exercises at our Golden Wedding Anniversary. We hope thus to preserve for those who follow us what there may be in the recital worthy of being remembered. Some of our guests have expressed the desire for this record, and relatives and friends on the Eastern side of the continent would also like to know more of the events of the day than can easily be recounted in letter correspondence. We therefore send forth this Souvenir, with our cordial good wishes for the choicest of blessings to rest upon and abide with you and yours. MR. AND MRS. ABEL WHITTON. SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, August. 1894. i aR Cr —— TO GI SS SERVLET 0 ORIGINAL DEFECTIVE Mr. Abel Whitton of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and | liss Ann Boardman Riley, daughter of Captain John Riley A Si TER Dover, New Hampshire, were married at the bride’s resi- ‘ce in Dover, by Rev. William Horton, Sunday evening, y 28th, 1844. \ i | Arte ES, GOLDEN WEDDING. Mr. and Mrs. Abel Whitton celebrated their Golden Wedding Saturday afternoon, July 28th, 1894, at their home on Capitol avenue, three miles east of San Jose, in the Santa Clara Valley, one of the most charming localities in the Golden State. The place is an orchard of thirty acres in full bearing, belonging to their second son, Lieutenant Colonel Albert K. Whitton, and has been their home for several years. The friends from San Francisco and Oakland were met on the arrival of the morning train, and conveyed to the scene of the day’s festivities. The view from the ranch is delight- ful. On approaching the place there can be seen to the west, at a distance of ten or fifteen miles, the dark, majestic Santa Cruz Mountains; to the east, at a short distance, the range of mountains in which are Alum Rock Park and Mount Hamilton, with the white dome of the Lick Observatory attracting the attention of every beholder ; toward the south, in the direction of Gilroy, the two ranges of mountains seem depressed into low hills and to join; to the north the valley opens towards the Bay of San Francisco. This pleasant spot appeared at its best on the occasion in question. The day was warm, but not uncomfortably so, as gentle breezes were blowing in from the bay. The golden sunbeams were shining through the foliage, and golden apricots were hanging in plenty from the trees, this being a cr = peg GR Rg SRA = 6 the season when the fruit was fully ripe and being gathered for market. The house stands a considerable distance from the road ; in front is a semi-circular lawn some two hundred eet acros: OS 9 . ; on 1t are apricot, cher d pricot, cherry and Ty various shrubs and flowers; to the north are large pepper trees ; to the south is a row of walnuts. Nature having done so much, loving hands had not been idle. Golden hammocks were swung from the trees and reception booths erected on the lawn. These last were can- vass awnings hung with the dainty green of the asparagus plant, brightly and appropriately decorated with golden- hued eschscholtzias, sun flowers, dahlias and coreopsis ; also boughs of apricot trees loaded with the golden fruit. Under the larger pavilion Mr. and Mrs. Whitton received their friends, nearly two hundred of whom came to present their congratulations and join in the festivities of the day. The parlors had been decorated by the ladies of the Con- gregational Church. The usual mantel drapery was covered with golden plush caught up at one side by a knot of ribbon and spray of marguerites. Across the upper corners of the folding doors were placed the two wedding dates in golden characters: “July 28th, 1844—July 28th, 1894.” Over and behind these was a golden-hued drapery. A large table in front of the mantel was entirely covered with beau- tiful and appropriate gifts. The picture of the old Riley mansion in Dover, New Hampshire, the childhood home of Mrs. Whitton, and where the marriage took place in 1844, stood on the organ in the dining room. A picture of the Berkeley home, where so many happy years were spent, was on the parlor table, which picture was painted by one of their old friends and presented on this day. The bound vol- 7 ume of the “Newburyport Courier” of 1844, in which the marriage notice was published, was in one of the rooms. Many mementoes, such as pieces of the wedding dress, old pictures of the family, etec., were exposed to view. The bride and groom were in excellent health and spirits, Mr. Whitton being seventy-four years old, his wife seventy- one, this being not only her wedding anniversary, but also her birthday. The guests arrived about noon time, and after giving con- gratulations and receiving greetings sauntered through the rooms of the house and around the grounds. In the shade of the walnut trees south of the house had been set the double row of tables which loving hands had loaded with the choicest and most delicate refreshments and adorned with beautiful flowers. Shortly after one o’clock Mr. and Mrs. Whitton led the way thither, followed by their guests. After all were seated, the Rev. Delos Mans- field, rector of Christ's Episcopal Church of San Jose, asked the Divine blessing, and then old and young partook of the collation which love and skill had prepared. At the close of this part of the entertainment Mr. Charles F. Whitton, the oldest son, arose and said: We greet you, dear friends, on this Golden Wedding Day. As my father and mother welcome you, they think of their association with you in old scenes, and of your friendship, which has been so dear to them. Such friendship is precious, and rich are they who can surround them- selves with so many who love and esteem them. There is a goodly company now present ; there are many who could not come and have sent congratulatory letters or telegrams ; but as we gather around these tables and look into each other’s faces we cannot forget some whom we miss from our festal board, who long ago passed from our view, and 8 who now, perhaps, are looking down upon us from golden shores.* There is much to think of on such a day as this. The memory is quick- ened and rambles easily amid old associations and the scenes of long ago. For myself, I will say I look back on this home with gratitude for what it has done for me. My obligation to it is a deep one. The precious influences there exerted on me have largely shaped my life, and will, I hope, remain with me to the end. But I will not trust myself to say all that is in my heart on this subject. The occasion is eloquent and it shall speak for me. Mr. Whitton then introduced Miss Enid Kinney, who read Longfellow’s poem, “The Hanging of the Crane.” After the reading of the poem there were the following remarks and other exercises: ADDRESS OF REV. GEORGE MOOAR, D. D.,, oF OAKLAND, CAL., AN OLD FRIEND AND FORMER PASTOR OF THE FAMILY. The marriage rite in a large portion of the Christian world is called a sacrament. Most of us who gather here are wont, perhaps, to refuse to the rite itself quite the same name that we give to the two great acts of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. But what we withhold from the cere- mony we give to the wedded life. The actual union of two human hearts in the manner in which these two friends of ours have been united is certainly a sacrament, a holy bond. This feeling about it is never absent from me even when called on a sudden to join the hands of two waifs, whom I meet that day at my ~#The speaker referring to his sister, Miss Annie R. Whitton, who died in 1865, aged twentv years, known and esteemed by many of the friends of eariier days who were present, and to Mrs. Mollie Trimble Whitton, wife of Albert K., who died December 21st, 1890, known and greatly beloved by the San Jose friends. 9 doors and am not to meet again. For it may be God has joined together that light-hearted boy and girl and they will reverence forever after the bond that binds them. But let fifty years go by and let those pledges of natural love, trust and honor have been honorably kept in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in poverty and in competence, in gains and in losses, who can refuse now the name sacrament to such a fellowship? How much is summed up in those brief words of the poet, “I have lived and loved,” even though these were to be said of one brief wedded hour! But your wedded hour has been lengthened to a half century. So, if there were no interest involved save your mutual satisfaction in each other, we should be justified in uttering to you our warnest con- gratulations. But they who have lived chiefly in and for self, although that self be the large and precious one of husband and wife, do not drink of the full cup. You have been permitted to see yourselves reproduced in your children, to have your joy in caring for them and theirs. You have created, wherever you have been, that blessed institution, the pure and happy home. That home has been a refuge, solace and comfort to neighbors and friends, and to the casual visitor, who felt the cheer and charm of it the moment he crossed the threshold. For, rich as mutual and family love makes life to be, you have found its rarest secret ; for with you its quality has not been strained. “Tt droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven Upon the place beneath. Tis twice blest. It blesses him that gives and him that takes.” You have loved the community in which you have lived. Nothing that concerned neighborhood, town, city or our common humanity has been unwelcome at your hearth. Whether Dover, or Newburyport, or San Francisco, or Oakland, or Sonoma, or Berkeley, or San Jose was your dwelling place, it was so much more wholesome for your residence. Especially it has been your delight to take the Church into your heart. Your pastor, as he heard of your going, might be pardoned for saying with some discontent, “I have no one like minded who will quite so naturally care for our state.” That is one great reason why many of us have come to greet and to bless you this afternoon. You have made the i] 4 | | { i se eT 10 world more beautiful to us. Many things take place which give a sombre look. So much is broken and disappointing. But sitting here at this Golden Wedding, the sombreness lifts like the cloud of one of our summer days, and we feel that life, at least such life, is worth living. ADDRESS OF MR. C. Z. SANDERS. Mr. and Mrs. Whitlon:—I wish to claim your attention for a few moments, as the members of the Congregational Church, requesting me to act as their mouthpiece, desire to say a few words to you on this your Golden Wedding day. Golden Weddings are comparatively rare events, taking the world in general, and what shall we say for (Golden Weddings among church members, and more especially among members of our Congregational Church? Few, very few indeed, of such occasions ever occur amongst us; very few are those happy couples who, in their youth and prime, give themselves each to the other, for weal or woe, and who, all down the future avenue of years that stretches before them, walk hand in hand, until at last they reach the glory-crowned summit of their Golden Wedding. Such an enviable position is yours to-day, and we rejoice with you ; our hearts lift themselves in praise to Almighty God that He has kept and preserved you all down these fifty long years. We feel ourselves honored in being present with you to-day. Something of the grace and dignity of the occasion seems to envelop us as we come to offer you these our congratulations, and again we say, we rejoice with you. Fifty years! What a text is that to preach from! What a panorama of achievements, in every possible department, passes before our mental 11 vision as we glance over the history of the past fifty years! Pessimism takes to flight, and the mind grows dizzy as it tries to compass and measure the forward strides that our civilization has taken. When you, Mr. and Mrs. Whitton, started on your bridal trip, fifty years ago to-day, I am quite sure that you did not purchase a ticket for a Pullman sleeper, for Pullman sleepers did not exist, not even in the dreams of the wildest dreamer; and the Pullman Company, as we know it, was yet unborn. Steam appliances everywhere, electric appliances everywhere, the most mighty forces of nature subdued and dragged behind the triumphal car of man’s will and progress, doing his service, obeying his behests, inventions and improvements of every possible description, starting up at every turn, declare this, in all forms of material develop- ment, to be the most wonderful age of all the ages ; and yet, all of them, or nearly all of them, have had their birth and growth since that morn- ing when you promised to “love, honor and obey.” How has the face of California society changed, sir, since you first trod her shores! Spite of all her present defects, how marked the improvement ; and we rejoice to know that all through those turbulent years in bringing about those desired improvements you bore no incon- siderable part, but with voice and pen you labored, unwearied, sowing good seed. Whatever your hand found to do you did it with your might. Always in the fore front, you, and those who worked and labored with you, demanded the recognition of truth and justice and righteousness in the land, until to-day we are enjoying that modicum of prosperity and security that is ours, mainly through those very efforts. Why should we not rejoice in the prolongation of such a life, and thank God that we find your still hale and hearty presence in our midst to-day? But we must draw the circle closer, and say that, most of all, we rejoice with you, my dear Mr. and Mrs. Whitton, as fellow members of Christ’s Church, that in all these years of the past you have been enabled by Divine grace to live a life of exemplary Christian faithful- ness and helpfulness ; that, having drank of the Living Water yourselves, you have striven to lead other thirsty ones to the same gracious fountain ; that, in all the wide vicissitudes of your life, you ever *con- fessed the Giver of your joys, and kissed the hand that took them ;”’ 12 that in light and shade, in joy and sorrow, your faith has always held like a mighty anchor, linking you to the throne of the Eternal One; and, however we may differ from your sturdy Calvanism, you certainly seem to stand before us to-day a living embodiment of the declaration you made to us last Sunday, that that soul who has once found a real and abiding hiding place in His almighty arms shall never, never be plucked thence. For all these things, my dear, dear friends, and for much more than I have the power to speak of, on this your Golden Wedding day, we heartily rejoice with you. But we thought that the occasion demanded something more than mere words, something that you could touch and handle and look at ; something that from their dumb mouths might ever preach to you of the love and esteem in which we, your fellow members, hold you, and so with willing hands, and loving hearts, and tearful eyes, we beg your acceptance of these small gifts that we bring you. (Presenting a hand- some China dinner set, several pieces of silverware and a sum in gold coin.) When the wise men brought their gifts to the Child at Bethlehem we are told that each gift typified something, but I am sure I do not know what these our gifts can typify. Indeed, in thinking over the matter, I have come to the conclusion, Sir, that you must accept these things in the light of contrast. You know some things can be better explained and understood by contrasting them with their opposites, and it is in some such a way that you must try to look on these articles. This China dinner set—think how perishable it is, how easily it could be broken! Not so the love that prompted the gift. That, we trust, shall never be broken, but will follow even within the vale. This set is made of poor, common clay; not so the esteem in which we hold you both, for that springs from the very fountain of our being. And then look at this silverware. I very much fear me that if that silver was put in the crucible and melted down something besides silver would be found there ; but in the feelings that prompted the gift there is, I am sure, not even the shadow of alloy. And these gold coins—surely they are genuine ; they represent true worth. But they don’t, Sir. We talk about the almighty dollar, and that everything and everybody have their price ; but all that is false. It is not so, for all the accumulated wealth in the 13 world could not purchase even one of those tender, loving regards which we bring to you to-day. And so, with these thoughts in our minds, and these feelings in our hearts, we, the members of the Congre- gational Church, present to you these things, and beg your acceptance of them, and we pray that God Almighty will bless you and keep you, and cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace, and that “«gome glad day, by and by,” you and all of us may be accounted worthy to sit down at that marriage feast above. ADDRESS OF REV. FRANK N. GREELEY. A further expression of appreciation of our beloved brother and sister, whom we, as a church, all delight to honor on this significant day, can not be withheld, inadequate though itis. This would far more appro- priately come from our pastor, yet absent upon his annual vacation, or from some older member, who has long stood shoulder to shoulder in church endeavor with this, our honored office-bearer. But that which my judgment refuses to claim as a right, my heart pronounces a pleasure. And so I also bring a brief word of congratulation and appreciation from the church which these friends so ardently love, and which cherishes, in turn, an equal affection for them. In thinking of what we owe our Deacon Whitton, and of the influences that have molded him, many of us like to recall that he came from New England — from the noble old Pine Tree State —in the early, formative days of the history of California. To have been born in Maine was a priceless privilege. To have come to California at a time when every good man counted for ten —i. e., he counted for one himself, and he 14 counted also for that cipher of a good-for-naught who stood over against him with pistols in his belt, and passion in his heart—-this was a most significant step in our brother’s career. That was a day that tried some men’s souls, and other men’s necks. It was a day when every true man was a law not only unto his righteous self, but also unto his unrighteous neighbor, whose only restraint was a wholesome fear of the Vigilance Committee. And hands that had grappled with the granite on New England's hills could grapple with the diabolism that, if left rampant, would have transformed this land of noble mountains and fair valleys into a permanent pandemonium. So it was most discreet and commendable to have chosen the little rugged commonwealth of the Atlantic as a birthplace, and this empire on the Pacific as the scene of struggle and service. We are glad that he came in those old days, and that the true wife had the courage to follow him, although the awful “Horn” blew its blasts of terror to test her purpose and fidelity. We are grateful that by voice and by vote, by prayer and pluck, our brother has aided in molding a sentiment on this coast that stands for good morals and righteousness. Influences such as his life has put in motion, if given their oppor- tunity, will make California as rich in character as she is in gold. We are grateful that at last this worthy couple came to our valley and city ; and, of course, we shall be unceasingly thankful that they united their hearts and lives to our beloved church. When about two years ago we came to San Jose, and sought the church of our fathers, to Deacon Whitton and to Deacon Whitton’s class we were promptly introduced. And no memory of the church can be more constant and positive than that of this brother, with hoary hairs and earnest utter- ance, standing before his class, with scarcely a Sabbath’s absence, and opening to its alert and interested members the way of life. Yes, I have seen something of his fidelity, his patience, his cheerful trust, and his consecration to the Church of Christ and to the Christ of the Church. You who have known him longer could write a volume where I can speak only syllables; and to this true and good man and devoted woman we rejoice to-day to bring our greetings and our gratitude. 15 We are glad to wish them coming years of unalloyed pleasure, and to pray that these golden days may suggest to them even brighter days in the land where there is no dross, only the pure gold of heaven’s perennial friendship and perfect service. And now, my dear brother, as I offer you the right hand in the name of your church, I remind you of the blessed words, which you have often read and pondered, words that have brought cheer to an uncounted host of believing ones during the centuries since the Prophet penned them : “T am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness 3= kN ae for even to your old age, I am He, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you. Had the following lines been inspired by this occasion, the poet could hardly have written with more appropriateness : They soon grow old who grope for gold In marts, where all is bought and sold ; Who live for self, and on some shelf In darkened vaults hoard up their pelf, Cankered and crusted o’er with mold. For them their youth itself is old. They ne'er grow old who gather gold Where spring awakes and flowers unfold ; Where suns arise in joyous skies, And fill the soul within their eyes. For them the immortal bards have sung, For them old age itself is young. RESPONSE OF MR. WHITTON. To you, dear friends, for my wife and myself, I desire to return hearty thanks for honoring us by your presence on this to us great anni- versary—our Golden Wedding day. While to us the events of our united lives have been marked with seasons of joy, sometimes of sorrow, you by your kind congratulations and hearty good cheer have brought to our hearts new emotions of happiness, making this a red letter day in our experiences—one to be cherished with fragrant memories. For this cup of blessing you have pressed to our lips to-day we return to you our chalice filled to the brim with our wishes for your highest good and happiness. To have lived a long life in this Nineteenth Century is a blessing beyond all estimate of value And in our experience to have added to this blessing that of having lived in it fifty years of happy married life is our crowning joy. As around our family table come our worthy sons and our laughing, happy grandchildren, our hearts swell with emotions of joyful satisfaction. Both my wife and myself entered upon life in far away New England homes. Our united lives commenced in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1844, where 1 was engaged in printing a newspaper, the bound volume of which I now possess and in which is printed the announce- ment of our marriage. In the hope, very common in that day, of bettering myself, I came to California in 1851. I soon entered into business in San Francisco, conducting a large printing establishment in company with a gentleman whose son and grandson are with us to-day. That gentleman, who is one of the noblest men who ever trod our California soil, is now connected with a large mercantile enterprise, having its office in New York City and extending its operations to the Pacific Coast. At one time I was connected with, at that time, the leading paper of San Francisco, and I might perhaps have continued in the business until now had not the editor of our paper, the Bulletin, been assassinated in 1856. Reverses in business led me to Victoria, British Columbia, and there I was engaged in publishing the first newspaper on Vancouver Island. The enterprise was unusually prosperous at first, but was suddenly ruined, and by no fault of ours. A national quarrel, which is now a matter of history and that came near embroiling England and this country in war, sprang up over the boundary line between British Columbia and the United States. Serious trouble was happily averted by the discreet management of our General Scott; but the controversy was disastrous to any one loyal to the Stars and Stripes in a business like ours. By reason of this and the bursting of the Fraser River bubble our business was as completely killed as a locomotive by a San Jose railroad “striker.” I had to return to San Francisco again to begin life anew, my whole estate saved from the wreck consisting of two articles, pluck and poverty; and what I lacked of the first was made up in superfluous abundance of the latter. I trust no one of all our company here to-day ever passed through the trial of, after having a competency, dropping to the lowest round of life’s ladder. I pray you may never know that experience. It would tax the highest energies of being to their utmost strength. But we commenced life again, with our three children about us, in a humble home. Some of you may remember an American poet’s descrip- tion of the * Devil's New Drive,” where Satan “ Dined with a man who three times failed, And every time grew richer ; He ate his meat from a golden plate, And drank from a silver pitcher ” While these things were not in our home, we had what we esteemed more—comfort, contentment, with mutual esteem, born of a conscious determination never to do a mean thing to get on in life. In that struggle was brought out the power of the good wife to help 18 her husband. Though upon her came deprivations hardest to be borne, no word of complaint was uttered. I never was met with the taunt, “ What a fool you were ever to have gone to Victoria,” although I may have often thought so for myself. But with my wife’s cheering words we mutually toiled on for our family life until brighter days dawned upon us. My health failing in the year 1869, we removed to Sonoma, where we remained until 1874. Then, with strength renewed by a quiet country life, I entered upon the management of the University Printing Office at the State University at Berkeley, in which position I continued until my resignation in 1886 to make my home in this beautiful valley. And now, as I look back on all these years, marked with so many joys and sorrows, I desire humbly and devoutly to bear witness to a con- sciousness that the good and comfort which has entered into the experience of our united lives is because the Divine blessing, earnestly sought, has guided our home life and rested upon our household. And whatever of shadow has entered our home—and we have had our experience of deep affliction and adversity—no discordant element has even dimmed the light or marred the confidence and love of our married life. And in memory of these happy years, so precious to us since fifty years ago to-day we pledged each to the other our hearts and lives, we have asked your presence to-day to join with us in celebrating our Golden Wedding. Again, we thank you for all your kind congratulations, your expres- sions of esteem and affection. Our words cannot tell our hearts’ high appreciation of all this your kindness to us. We can only say, our earnest wish for each and all of you is, as you soon bid us good bye and we pass on before you down the vale of life and out of your sight, that this Golden Wedding day may be held in your memory as one of life's bright experiences, and that your future may be blessed with a light and beauty of which golden bands and colors are but the faintest emblems. 19 Mr. Charles D. Blaney then read the following poem, written for the occasion and dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Whitton by their old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Suther- land. of Oakland : Doth see the glorious sunset Afar, on yonder hills ? The soothing light of eventide The heart with rapture thrills. So like this Golden Wedding, Two hearts long joined as one ; This halo that surrounds them Bespeaks of work well done. Has filled their hearts with happiness "Twixt sunshine, clouds and tears, This glorious work for Jesus, These precious fifty years. But where are the dear children, Sweet pledges of their love ? Right here ! in all their manly pride, Two dear sons. From above They, too, have taken comfort In the lessons father gave. The influence of the mother dear Will reach beyond the grave. A golden link is missing ! One of the household band Is safely home within the vale Of that bright, happy land. And see ! through the mists Of the bright morn appears Dear Annie, the first born Of these fifty years. 20 But here are the dear little ones ! Why, grandpa! those are tears Of joy for what the Lord hath done All in these fifty years. Dear grandma looks so pleasant, Hath thrown away her fears, As she closer clings to him who loved Her, these sweet fifty years. This marriage is no failure ; The Savior was the guide Who led through life’s long journey Faithful groom and loving bride. The precious words of Holy Writ Their spirit often cheers ; Thus far the Lord hath led them on, I'hese happy fifty years. Doth see the golden sunset Athwart the yonder hill ? The mellow light of eventide These hearts with rapture thrill ! We wish you many blessings, Dear friends of early years ; But do not wish that you may live Another fifty years On earth. But up in heaven, Where all is joy—no tears To wipe away from any eye, No fears to cause the stifled sigh-- Sweet rest for future years. This wedding, then, so golden, This setting of life’s sun, The lingering rays of light and gold Proclaim thy work well done. 21 Wait calmly till the Master Doth call thee—thou wilt hear His message: “Come up higher; « Well done, past fifty years.” REMARKS OF REV. JOHN HANNON, Pastor oF THE M. E. CHURCH SOUTH, OF SAN JOSE. For me to address you now will be like asking one to drink at a San Jose hydrant after a draught from a sparkling fountain of the Sierras. The occasion has been a goblet brimming with wit, eloquence, poesy — sparkling with pleasure. To me this celebration comes most oppor- tunely. As an old bachelor, who just one year ago launched his boat timidly upon the matrimonial seas, who is meeting his first squalls (from little Miss Helen, aged one month), I look with reviving hope upon the golden sky of a golden wedding far off in the future. While, sir, I would not pluck one flower from the chaplet of eloquent praise with which preceding speakers have crowned you, yet I boldly assert that the glory of this occasion belongs where you have yourself put it — to the noble woman who to-day sits as a bride at your side. She is the dynamo who creates the light that shines in your honored career of fifty years. It is ever the wife that makes the home. Whom he weds makes or unmakes the man. That which has been the destiny of others might have been yours. A disciple of that patron saint of Methodism, John Wesley, once inquired of this man of God if he were acquainted with a certain lady. Mr. Wesley replied that he was, and that she was an exemplary Christian. “T am delighted to hear you say this, Mr. Wesley, for I am thinking of marrying her.” “ Don’t do it,” said Mr. Wesley. * Why, did you nof say she was a model Christian «7 did,” responded Mr. Wesley, “but 22 do you not know that God can live with hundreds of women whom we could not ?’ All honor then to the woman who has made this occasion possible. I have heard the story of a dying man approached by his ~ mrant tha pastor with the question, “ Are you ready to meet the King of Terrors ?” “Yes,” gasped the dying man ; “I have lived with the Queen of Terrors for years.” The queen of gentleness and love, who has ruled your heart and life for fifty years, will make easy the dominion of that King who is love, and fit you for that kingdom which you are nearing. We can con- gratulate you upon such a wife, and in this age, swept by the storms of divorce courts, we congratulate you both upon such an event. We do not judge you harshly for having been born in New England. You were not to blame for that ; but we commend and congratulate you that you moved to California upon reaching the age of discretion. Others have planted orchards about you, but none have planted a tree that blossoms and fruits more splendidly in the eye of heaven than does your family tree this day. I am a long ways off from my golden wedding, and, as a pilgrim, I take courage and press on. We rejoice that when you and she shall, like the sun and moon, set behind the grassy hills of the grave-yard, that two sons still linger to brighten the world, while a whole constellation of grandchildren (some- times producing now a consternation) will reflect the light of this glad day upon us. William M. Cubery, an old-time friend, then read the following poem: Abel Whitton was a printer boy, His mother’s pride, his father’s joy; He handled type with an artist's care, And shunned temptation’s golden snare. He “ followed copy,” word for word— The pen is mightier than the sword ; He “locked his forms ” the usual style, And his “proofs ” the critic could not revile. His “case” was regular as his life, And he shunned even the sign of strife. 23 His “stick ” was ever in his hand, To follow out his mind’s command. And thus the “devil” grew apace, Carrying ever a cheerful face ; Until, like Adam, he felt alone, And reared a house of wood and stone ; Then placed Eve Junior safe within, Supplied with utensils of iron and tin. And the “take” has lasted until this day— Some fifty glad years, the records say. Fifty years ! In that brief space How wrinkles spin about the face ! How the step will change from firm to weak ! How the colors vanish from the cheek ! How friends will come and friends will go, And surely reap what they did sow ! And still ye wander side by side, The gray-haired groom, the modest bride ; And still ye read in each other’s eyes The love that reaches beyond the skies ; And still ye hope and fear and love, Calling each other “ My turtle dove !” And ye heed not the years as they pass along, For your life seems now a joyous song ; For ye feel the pangs of life are past, And your weary feet have found rest at last, And the Golden Shore is not far away— It draweth nearer day by day— And the Spirit and the bride say “ Come !” For thy work on earth has been well done. And at the judgment day, in the very van Of the beloved of God, will be this honest man. EE =e GC An OB ST SD ST SS 24 The exercises were here brought to a close, the whole assembly rising and singing one of Mr. Whitton’s favorite hymns: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. C. C. Creegan. This celebration was tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Whitton by their two sons, Charles and Albert, as a token of their filial affection and thankfulness that their parents had been spared to them in health and vigor for so many years. The whole occasion was beautiful and impressive, and everything passed off to the satisfaction and pleasure of all concerned. This was largely owing to the efforts of many friends, par- ticularly Mrs. John Trimble and family, who were untiring in their endeavors to have the arrangements perfect in every respect. Mrs. Whitton’s niece, Mrs. H. H. Whitten, of Fresno, dressed the bride, and gracefully received the guests in the house. The following relatives were present : Albert K. Whitton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Whitton, Herbert Blakeslee Whit- ton, William Wakefield Whitton, Helen Whitton, Charles Abel Whitton, Alice Whitton, Bessie Whitton, John Board- man Whitton ; Hazen K. Riley, brother of the bride; Mrs. H. H. Whitten, niece; Gilbert S. Smith, nephew. The following is a list of the other guests present: Mr. George C. Meeker, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mathews, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Mantz, R. W. Mantz, Mr. and Mrs. Main, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, Miss Bessie Prosser, Mrs. Pounds, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Reed, Mr. and Mrs. William Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Marcellus Ross, W. W. Reed, Mr. and Mrs. C. Z. Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Miller, Mrs. S. S. Stilson, Mrs. Owens, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Snow, Mrs. E. O. Smith, T. O. Smith, Mrs. John Trimble, Miss Mattie Trimble, John R. Trimble, 25 Mr. and Mrs. William Trimble, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Reed, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Shires, Mrs. William Vale, Mr. and Mrs. E. Worcester, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Young, Mrs. McCloud, Miss McCloud, Mrs. Kinney, Miss E. Kinney, Rev. John Hannon, Rev. and Mrs. C. C. Creegan, Rev. and Mrs. Delos Mansfield, Henry B. Alvord, Dr. and Mrs. C. W. Brey- fogle, Mr. R. W. Ball, Miss Ball, Mr. and Mrs. N. Bowden, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Birge, Mrs. C. W. Barker, Miss Lucy Barker, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Boring, Mrs. Thomas Cushing, Mr. and Mrs. John Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. W. Crites, Miss Keifer, Mrs. S. Denton, Mrs. S. E. Dimon, Thomas C. Edwards, Mrs. Forgrave, Mrs. Charles Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. E. Godfrey, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Blaney, Rev. and Mrs. F. N. Greeley, Madame Greeley, Miss Neal, Mrs. W. C. Hart, Miss Frazer, Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Hall, Miss Jennie Bowen, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Janes, Mrs. John Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. Kimball, Mr. and Mrs. William Lester, Mr. and Mrs. Knowles, Mrs. Wilber, C. W. Fay, Mrs. H. M. Tenney, Mrs. Porter, Miss Porter, all of San Jose; Mrs. Charles W. Hill, Benicia; Mrs. Jane Shaw, Miss J. Shaw, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Selby, Mrs. Kessling, Mr. and Mrs. W. Curry, Mr. and Mrs. Moore, all of Berryessa ; Prof. and Mrs. Sawyer, of Santa Clara ; Rev. George Mooar, D. D., Miss Agnes Mooar, Mrs. A. T. Dewey, Mrs. John S. Gilmore, Miss Louie Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hoyt, all of Oakland ; Miss Helen Bloodgood, New York City ; Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Boynton, Berkeley ; Mrs. J. McGann, San Pablo; Arthur G. Towne, James W. Towne, Jr,, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Winterburn, Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Clough, of San Francisco; Mr. and Mrs. William M. Cubery, Alameda. 26 Over one hundred congratulatory letters and telegrams were received from distant friends and relatives, and in one of the letters was inclosed the following poem from Rev. W. N. Meserve, of Murphy, Cal.: Five tens of years—remark Abel ! Each other by the hand you took And every other you forsook ; Each gained the proper article. How many start-—how few hold on ! Mayhap their starting is amiss, So sure of quickly captured bliss. Alas ! their fate so soon forlorn ! Tis burden——bear-den—marriage is ; It “ bear and forbear” thrive, They happily may both contrive To banish infelicities. You have a right to set in gold The triumph of your long career On earth’s inhospitable sphere, Whose sympathies at best are cold. You looked beyond and, eye to eye, You saw, from Pisgah’s vantage height, A region of unfading light. And now rejoice, it is near by! GOLDEN WEDDING. [This poem was inclosed in a congratulatory letter by MRs. WirniAM C. PoND of San Francisco. It was written by her mother, Mrs. S. ¥. WoopHULL, for another similar occasion some years ago. "HERE is a time beneath New England skies 1 When the late Autumn, as if loth to go, Lingers along the hills with sunlit eyes And outstretched hands over the vales below. A golden haze tioats round her like a mist, The air is soft and balmy where she strays ; And lo ! as her last, richest, parting gift, She brings the glorious Indian summer days. 3X *k xR * So in these lives of ours there comes a time, After long strife with care and self and sin, When the soul rises by a power sublime, And to God’s rest and sunshine enters in ; Where calm and quiet and the peace of God And love divine, after long, patient years, Sit jubilant npon the radiant brow, And life has no more place for grief or fears. 5x * * * To these, love-crowned by fifty happy years, Their Golden Wedding brings still rarer gifts Than blessed the glad, bright days of long ago, For now God’s smile their souls to heaven uplifts, And in life’s blissful Indian summer time, So rich in heartfelt joy. they can await, With reverent trust, their Heavenly Father's will, Till safe He leads them thro’ the Golden Gate. END OFTITLE