Name/Title
Book, Golden Wedding, HillyerDescription
Golden Wedding
This book was compiled as a souvenir of the Hillyer Golden Wedding and contains Historic sketches.
The book contains recollections of the day, poems, letters received and skethes of the celebration held on Monday April 4, 1898 in the home of the Golden couple Angeline Coe Hillyer and Edwin Hillyer.
Fifty years of marriage in those years were few and far between. Life was hard and health something that couldn't be counted on.
This lovely book contains the story of the Hillyers life as a couple and is one of the best reads I have had the pleasure to enjoy.
Golden Wedding
COMPILED BY OUR GRANDSON
ARTHUR HILLYER FORD.
EDITED BY: ANGELINE COE HILLYER.
"And thou shalt rejoice in all the good which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine hou
Physical Description: White book with gold letters spelling the title. The book measures 5x7 3/4s.
Extended Description: Golden Wedding
This book was compiled as a souvenir of the Hillyer Golden Wedding and contains Historic sketches.
The book contains recollections of the day, poems, letters received and skethes of the celebration held on Monday April 4, 1898 in the home of the Golden couple Angeline Coe Hillyer and Edwin Hillyer.
Fifty years of marriage in those years were few and far between. Life was hard and health something that couldn't be counted on.
This lovely book contains the story of the Hillyers life as a couple and is one of the best reads I have had the pleasure to enjoy.
Golden Wedding
COMPILED BY OUR GRANDSON
ARTHUR HILLYER FORD.
EDITED BY: ANGELINE COE HILLYER.
"And thou shalt rejoice in all the good which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house."—Deut. 26: H.
TO OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN
THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
GOLDEN WEDDING.
Among the many social events in the history of Waupun none have been of greater interest or a source of more real enjoyment than that which occurred Monday, April 4, 1898, at the beautiful and hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hillyer, on the occasion of their golden wedding. Very few of those who join hands and hearts for the journey of life walk together for the full term of fifty years, and fewer still who reach that golden mark in the favor of providence are surrounded by so many loving children and friends, and all that makes up the sum of happiness, as this highly esteemed couple.
About one hundred and fifty of the older friends gathered in the afternoon and after being received and seated by Mr. and Mrs. H. L. P. Hillyer, Mrs. Edna H. Ford, Mrs. Angie C. McBroom, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. Ford, and Mr. Arthur H. Ford, listened to the following programme; Mrs. L. C. Stewart being mistress of ceremonies :
Sweet childish voices were heard singing and the bridal procession entered, seventeen little girls in dainty white gowns preceding the " golden " bride and groom. It was a beautiful and touching sight, to see the manly dignity and strength, the dainty womanly sweetness, of this bridal couple of fifty years, surrounded by little maidens, the adoring Sunday school class of the bride. Rev. J. H. Rowland, in appropriate words, congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer upon the occasion, and in a beautiful ring service, re-married them, "until death do us part."—Waupun Times and Leader.
Jubilee Marriage Ceremony.
BY REV. JOHN HARVEY ROWLAND.
Matrimony came from Paradise and leads to it. If you are for pleasure, marry; if you prize rosy health, marry.
Marriage is the best estate for the human race in general, when entered into advisedly, discreetly, and in the fear of God.
It has been commended as honorable among men; but we are sure it is as highly esteemed among the gentler sex.
The custom of celebrating marriage anniversaries was unknown to former generations. It is an institution peculiar to our times; a contrivance of our own to induce memory to bring its freshest and sweetest impress of that happy hour when the twain became one in name, one in interest, one in all the joys and sorrows in life.
The present wedding anniversary declares more eloquently than words can express, that after fifty years have elapsed, Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer regard their marriage only with feelings of triumph and pleasure. And this large and merry company of relatives, friends and neighbors assenting to the same, adjudge them worthy of a little sip of the nectar so keenly enjoyed half a century ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer, if still desiring to live according to God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony, join your right hands. Do you mutually promise to be true, loving and faithful to each other, so long as you both shall live ? "We do." Let this further be plighted in giving and receiving this ring. Pure and endless, may it ever symbolize the love that makes you one.
And now may the blessings of Heaven wait upon you, and the Sun of glory shine around you; may the gates of plenty, honor and happiness be always open to you and yours; may no strife disturb your days, nor sorrow distress your nights; may the pillow of peace kiss your cheeks and the pleasures of imagination attend your dreams; and finally may God's angels guard your last moments, and take care that not one rude blast shall hasten life's extinction.
The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you evermore. Amen.
After congratulations had been received by the happy couple, Mr. H. L. P. Hillyer, the elder son, gave the following address of welcome:
Welcome.
BY H. L. P. HILLYER.
Dear Father and Mother. Kind Friends all:
I would preface the welcome I am allowed the pleasure of voicing by the statement —that this is my " first public appearance," in the line of making remarks in a premeditated manner, and freely confess that, when it was intimated that this pleasure might be mine my natural modesty prompted me to decline, but soon came the feeling so well expressed by the hero of the oft repeated tale—of the sailor, returned from a long voyage, who strayed into a house of worship where the speaker was just beginning a discourse on the biblical report of the difference in treatment accorded the sheep and the goats. After reading the account, and commenting thereon somewhat, the speaker, looking around over his audience, inquired" Who will be a goat? " No one jumping at this chance he, after a short pause, continued his remarks, and, a little later on, enquired again more emphatically—" Who will be a goat?"
Still no one appeared to covet the honor, and, after another pause, he proceeded to enlarge on the subject. On the query being put the third time—" Who will be a goat?"— the sailor arose and excitedly exclaimed" Say! Mister! Sooner than have the play stop, I'll be the goat."
It is with pleasure that, on behalf of their children, I welcome you, our friends and the friends and neighbors of our dear parents, to this, the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage—which was an event of great interest to us, though its celebration occurred prior even to our recollection, whose first conscious thoughts were undoubtedly in relation to the principals to that event.
We are glad, as our duties call us away from the home of our childhood, to have the knowledge that our folks are surrounded by so many and such kind friends. That they have health and freedom from anxiety as to the future, here and hereafter, that admits of contentment and the appreciation of friendship and makes their lives a pleasure.
It is needless to call attention to their useful and helpful lives, or to our justifiable pride in being the children of such parents, as they are nearly as well and familiarly known to yourselves as to us, and their kindness and helpfulness have always been apparent.
An assurance from anyone, as to the fullness of welcome, is also needless, yet for the satisfaction of the Mother, who dearly loves to hear the voice of her child (like that other Mother who said, "Jimmy here has a cough like an empty barrel; cough for the lady, Jimmy.") I do on behalf of the kids and their parents, bid you a hearty welcome.
Response.
BY D. J. FERGUSON.
I certainly had no intention of saying anything on this occasion, but so royal a welcome, given by both word and action should not be allowed to pass without some response on the part of the guests. Allow me then in behalf of the many guests assembled and the many who are here in spirit only, to offer our well wishes and congratulations, and as friends and neighbors to join with your immediate family in rejoicing that providence has so kindly spared not only your lives up to this time but has left to you the faculties and fervor of youth with which to greet your old time friends. It is only the actual presence of grandchildren grown to maturity that can convince us that these festivities are really in honor of your fiftieth wedding anniversary. All the people of Waupun have reason to rejoice with you and us on this occasion, and possibly no more suitable opportunity may offer wherein we may express our appreciation of the many efforts that have been put forth, by Mr. Hillyer for the advancement of the interests of the town along the lines of education and all substantial improvements. Our cemetery, our schools, our churches, and our library are each and all indebted in no small measure to his untiring energy and liberal generosity. The honored bride of this occasion has been in her special field of counselor, helper and consoler to the poor, the unfortunate and the grief-stricken no less marked a character. There are few homes in this vicinity where sorrow has entered but know the value and virtue of her sympathy and forethought.
Should the early history of Waupun ever be written the story of its advancement would have "Hillyer" on nearly every page. In closing these brief remarks, on behalf of the good people of Waupun let me thank this bride and groom for the many social functions we have enjoyed with them at their hands in the past, and again say how happy we are to he with you and yours to enjoy the programme of this day and to be able to join with the family in wishing you joy and prosperity, for the rest of your days among us.
Following this the children of the family sang a beautiful jubilee hymn of welcome, composed by Mrs. Hillyer and sung to the tune of "Robin Adair."
Welcome to Friends and Neighbors.
Loved friends and neighbors dear,
Gladly we meet.
Now we extend to you
Welcome most sweet.
Our hearts shall swell with praise
While voices join to raise
Our Jubilee.
May our great Father's care
Be ever near,
Guiding our willing steps,
Giving good cheer.
Fill now our souls with love. Like the redeemed above.
Our Jubilee.
May all your days be crowned With pure delight.
Our Father's call be heard
Leading aright.
May health her golden wing,
Rapture about you filing.
Our Jubilee.
When on that Glorious Day
We meet above,
We'll crown Him Savior, King, With endless love.
Leave earth without regret,
Then mid our saints, forget
Our Jubilee.
Miss Charlotte Ray then read the following brief review of fifty years ; a tribute to her husband and family, written by Mrs. Hillyer:
Review of Fifty Years,
BY MRS. HILLYER
1848. APRIL FOURTH. 1898.
The fifty years which have run past in a long procession, between the above dates, seem at this hour, to be as a short journey, beginning in the sunny plain, and ever after climbing by easy stages, up a gentle acclivity, where now, we stop awhile and look backward. All the places which were so rough to our feet as we passed, look in the retrospect, as only shady paths, still hallowed by the blessed answers to prayers we offered there, and by the heavenly gifts of strength and resignation, of comfort and peace, and above all of new courage and trust for each new day.
When I took my friend, and two years' lover, for my husband, I did it heartily and entirely, and when we left the old home, I stood on the dear old threshold and sang with a steady, unfaltering voice, these words:
Farewell farewell my childhood's home. In distant scenes I now will roam,
But though away from here I'll be, A grateful heart will think of thee.
My heart sheer breaks, my spirit sinks, They must be severed, all dear links;
But righteousness and honest aim, Shall ever my devotion claim.
Farewell, farewell my mother kind, The falling tear doth make me blind;
Father and brothers, patient be, I will once more return to thee.
They all, father, mother and brothers, with a foster sister, wore brave faces until we were gone, and then there was no hindrance to their tears, until an old friend came in and reminded them that it would be becoming in them to dry their tears; that their children were not dead but living, loving, hoping; and that the brave boy, who had taken their daughter away, would be able to care for her, in wider fields of usefulness. He also recalled to them the twenty years of trusting love they had enjoyed, and used it as an illustration of King Lear's hackneyed lines, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is, to have a thankless child," and built up their faith that they should see our faces again. True, they still believed that "blanketed Indians" would be the death of us; and it is true that we did see plenty of these wild men for some years, but this too, was true, that we saw plenty of gentle, kind and friendly people—men and women of culture, and all generous and loving instincts toward the strange and homesick bride.
We came on our journey by the Great Lakes, as there was not at this time, a mile of railroad between Ohio and Wisconsin; and from Milwaukee, we traveled by heavy mail coaches. In this way we reached our new home. All Waupun came to visit and welcome us. And so the world goes on, we see and feel the weary journeys, but the weariness is lessened and lifted by sweetness and unselfishness. Ten months later, the gold fields of California stirred wild hopes of wealth, all over the country, and the "brave boy" was seized with a sudden enthusiasm and joined the overland emigrants.
Such a sweet home coming for us both, to our Ohio home again, to be followed by a bitter parting of two years, which was worried away as best could be, praying, but not trusting, nor scarcely daring to hope. But one glad day a carriage drove to our door, from which alighted a bronzed and bearded stranger; and in that guise we discovered our gold hunter. It would be impossible to reproduce on paper, the sarcasm bestowed upon that hirsute ornament, a mustache, as it was the very first appearance of that novelty in polite society in that region. The second leave taking was not so sad as the first, and the later years of our lives, dear friends, you have known.
Of the future who can tell? Be it longer or shorter, it will be less than that which has passed, and our prayer may well be, that our hearts may be kept young; that we may not be sour, censorious or even indifferent to others' successes or failures ; that the young people of our city may live for honor, truth and right; that the dear old church may always have prosperity, peace and unity with honest, godly pastors; that the sunshine of God's love and presence, which has never quite forsaken us, may be more and more real, and shine brighter as we enter upon the later stages of our happy journey.
Prof. H. W. Hillyer then touched upon the fads and foibles of the principals of the day, in a very appreciative manner.
Recollections and Verses,
BY H. W. HILLYER, PH. D.
I have a faint recollection of seeing my father run down the gravel path under the trees and jump over my brother's head. I have a much clearer remembrance of seeing my mother standing at the back door crying when the news came that Lincoln was shot. These are, I think, my earliest significant memories of those whose happy marriage we commemorate and whose lives have brought to us, their children, and to many others so many blessings by their activity and tender heartedness.
I wish to express my gratitude to them for their care and especially for their companionship to all of us when we were children. From the time I was old enough to be safely trusted away from my mother, I often traveled with my father on the longer or shorter journeys which he took on business; by road, by steamer and by rail, until I was too old to ride free and then long after, at rarer intervals. I was introduced to methods of travel and shown the methods of manufacture of many things and learned many other things of value by being a companion to one who knew the world. At home with Mother and with Father when his ever pressing business zeal let him take time, we had games and sports and study together. Sunday music and singing, bible stories and bible games made us long less than many active children, for week-day freedom and work and play. We helped them in their daily work at home, in the
house and outside. We helped in preparing for the entertainment of friends, and when we could, helped after the friends had come to our home.
It did us lazy boys good to prepare and hang bright Chinese lanterns for the church sociable or the lawn party, even though we did not care for either; but we had one with us who did care and too, who cared to have the work well done. It did us good to drive old Dolly for numerous ladies to ride about on church business ; for though we did not always at that time like all the ladies, we knew that somewhere, engaged in the business in hand, was one whom we loved and she knew that it was a good work that could not be so well done without our help. It did us good to be with Father and Mother and it helped to keep them young, I hope, to have us with them.
The Sundays at home are among the most beautiful of my recollections. The singing around the melodeon or piano, the walks about the yard to look at the flowers, the vegetables, the grapes, or the trees ; the bounteous dinners, the reading in pleasant rooms or on the grass under the great trees, the evening lunch, the good night song, which even now must be sung whenever we go home, and all the blessed events around which cluster companionship and generosity and love, are grouped most thickly on the day of rest. Except for the rest of change they could hardly be called that. They were certainly not days of idleness for our parents or for us.
And the other days are also full of work and play and study. With Father when he is at home we split and pile the maple, covered with branching moss, and the hickory exuding thick sweet syrup under the spring sunshine, while the wood-sawyers make the air ring with their saws and fill it with the perfume of the sawdust. How well I see Father in his earlier days, working at his grape vines or hoeing the garden or going to milk, in his blue overalls or " apron" with sleeves and legs. He is springy and active but thoughtful and attentive to the work in hand, full of interest in the live things he is working for, and insisting that we who help shall pick clean our rows of peas or strawberries and keep the weeds cut by our hoes from being buried to take root again. And Mother in working garb and gloves can pick more berries than any of us, or shell more peas or pull more weeds from the flower beds. And she can read and sew, or read and pare apples; while one thing at a time is enough for one of us.
We loved her at home, we loved her at church, even if she did not think it her duty to keep awake if the sermon was not interesting. We loved her in Sunday school with her class of young ladies, or with her droning baby class. We loved her at the " Temperance Cadet" and at prayer meeting. We loved her whether at home or abroad, whether in calico or silk, whether worker or mistress.
And take it altogether if we had had the choosing of parents, which some philosopher intimates is only what should be our privilege, we do not know that we could have done better.
In speaking about the approaching Golden Wedding to some who did not know Father and Mother, I have been amazed to hear them speak in softened tones of the " old people" and have felt like saying to them "bless you, they are younger than you ever were and always will be."
And let me read some verses called-
Love and Zeal.
There was a man who had a way— He also had a saying.
And both of these he lived each day— Wherever he was staying.
He always did as if he thought—
"I must be up and stirring.
My battles never will be fought If I should sit here purring."
He said whene'er he struck his thumb— Or ought made him feel snappy,
"Gee whit"—"but no I will be dumb" "Who cares if she is happy?"
If help was asked he liked to join
In doing or conferring;
In giving voice or hand or coin
He would be, "up and stirring."
He chopped, and mined, and bought and sold, Insured and hoed his garden,
He earned and spent some little gold—
But naught his heart did harden.
His hair was black when he was young, His roaring laugh was mellow—
The choir and Ann when he had sung, Thought him a taking fellow.
He sang with many and many a choir, And yet was never jealous,
His voice he thought not worthy hire— And yet was always zealous.
He sang with Anette and with Ann, With Marys three and Annie,
With Edna, Emmas two and Nan,
And Phila, Nell and Fannie.
At making button-hole bouquets—
Who middle-aged so handy,
The choir girls thought, they knew his ways— And always ate his candy.
Though now his beard is more than grey— To special practice singing,
For girls but babies in our day,
No doubt he's candy bringing.
On Sunday evening after choir—
When he is cooking porridge,
At home all cluster round the fire—
Or in the pantry forage.
While he is cook he serves the rest, And this is his preferring,
And porridge well to cook and test—
One must be "up and stirring."
And let me read some more verses about a young person who for the past fifteen years has never changed her age. The verses bear the title
"Fifty-five."
A grand dame of fifty-five so young,
Her grandchildren around her, companions hung.
Their fresh life had filled her, she ne'er would be more,
In spirit at least than five from four score.
A mother of fifty-five intent,
Her grandchildren grown, to their life work sent,
And the heart they have warmed shall never grow cold,
And the youth they have shared shall never grow old.
And now she's a bride of fifty-five,
Happy, contented and more alive
Than in any of that fast running time
Since fifty-five fixed her constant prime.
If you are inclined to smile or wonder
Whether some one or other has not made a blunder
At this golden wedding to speak of our granddame,
Our mother dear and fifty years' flame,
As having of years but fifty and five,
Away your arithmetic now you must drive,
And see for yourselves from the light of her eye—
And the spring of her step which with any may vie.
Grandmother, mother and bride, thy love
Wise and strong did ever prove,
Full of years yet never old-
How steady it glows through these years of gold.
Mrs. McBroom of Mankato, Minn., a niece of Mrs. Hillyer and daughter of Dr. S. B. Coe, rendered a violin solo.
Frederick H. Ford, the elder grandson, then told why congratulations were in order :
Congratulations.
BY FREDERICK H. FORD.
Dear Friends :
In me you behold one who occupies a position in this mutual admiration society similar to that of the bards of old. My office is to keep the worthy couple reminded that in spite of all that may have been done or said by the other members of the family they still have cause to congratulate themselves of many things.
In searching for the most striking causes for congratulation, we are impressed by this fact that you, dear madam, are able to be present at the Golden Jubilee of your wedding at the blushing age of fifty-five, and you, dear sir, at the age of sixty. We are told by one with authority that this age has been a fixture for the past fifteen years, so that it may be accepted as a fact without doubt and without question, and we expect and hope that your diamond jubilee may be celebrated at the same age.
Another source for congratulation is the manifestation of friendship which this occasion has called forth. What would these fifty years have been without your friends, to rejoice with you in times of joy, to comfort you in sorrow and to compare notes about the new bonnet you wore to church last Sunday? As the waves caused by a pebble thrown into a pool spread until they reach the shore and are reflected back toward the center from which they came, so your influence has been spreading until today there come to you friends and tokens from east and west and north and south throughout this great land. Your friends have been not alone among the rich and gay but among the poor and needy as well. How would you, dear madam, have been able to enact your favorite roll of ministering angel without such friends as " Granpa " Tallman and a host of others to care for. And you, honored sir, how would you have done without the friendship of the great number of boys and girls, whom you have taught to be of some account in the world, and to whom you have given a part of your own spirit of energy, industry and uprightness.
And now we join with you and with your welcome guests, in a spirit of mutual congratulation and hearty well wishing, upon this most auspicious and golden day.
After this the chorus of little girls sang a song descriptive of Mrs. Hillyer's childhood days; written by herself, and set to music composed by her brother, J. P. Coe, for a temperance hymn sung by her sixty years ago.
Childhood Days.
O sweet are the mem'rys of childhood's glad days,
All the love-light, the flowers and the free songs of praise;
And the dark forest giants with branches out flung,
Dropping chestnuts and walnuts the grey leaves among.
O bright were the meadows, where red berries grew,
Where the honey bee droned, and the wild thrushes flew,
And blithesome our hearts, like the robin and wren,
As we flew up the hillside again and again.
O glorious the mornings, with brothers and friends,
In the orchard and cornfields, while sunshine attends;
And with rosiest peaches, or juiciest pears
Tossing high on the bough, for the laddie who dares.
0 beauteous home, not all lost—but all gone;
For thy prayers are all answered, thy laurels all won.
Loves and friendships allure us, no longer to roam,
While we pray, as we work, till our gathering home.
Mrs. Edna H. Ford then gave a tribute to her home, parents and the surroundings of her youthful days.
Recollections,
BY EDNA HILLYER FORD.
We lovingly greet you, friends and neighbors, as we come from our homes in other towns to join with you in congratulating our father and mother on their "Golden Wedding Day."
Our various homes are with our work in other cities, while our father and mother have elected to build a new home among you, a home which we find a peaceful vacation harbor from work in Topeka, Kansas; from Madison, Wisconsin; and from New York City.
To me my father and mother are ever young; I remember my first conscious sight of them.
It was on a summer day, in the woods where now are fertile fields. My mother, a slender young woman in a white dress and wide brimmed hat with a wreath of flowers; my father, a slender young man in black suit and straw hat; the two ran to and fro among the trees, under the shimmering leaves, in and out in the sunshine; a scream, two upraised arms proclaimed some danger near; a dash forward, an outstretched hand, and the prince of the forest had rescued the princess of the woods from a presumably watery grave beyond the river's brink ; together, with entwined arms, they turned and walked toward their astonished, watchful child, myself.
We older children were four in number, and then came a little brother, whose life on earth numbered only two and a half years.
As a child, and with the other children, from our apartment above our father's store, I watched the stage drive by, for no railroad track divided the city in its early days. Indians added their fantastic presence to the blossom strewed prairie. Long files of peaceful Indians slowly trod Main street, stopping to give their ponies water at the public pump at the "Four Corners."
"Braves" slouched along in American second-hand clothing, or stalked past in stolid, blanketed indifference, with turkey feathers in their scalp-locks.
Squaws walked with moccasined, inturned feet, while on their backs within their blanket folds, nodded the coal-black head of a pappoose, too small to walk or ride within a basket slung by a pony's side. Then came weary women, each leading a pony, or ponies, laden with tent-belonging or cooking utensils.
We feared the Indians, we feared "kidnapers" who were said to steal children from the north and sell them as slaves. Home was our castle and bade defiance to outside dangers.
We have had three homes at various times ; " over the store," in the days when " apartments" or " flats" were only known abroad; in the beautiful Drummond house in the South Ward, and in the spacious West Ward house with its stretch of lawn and lovely trees. This newest South Ward home in the city of Waupun, seems a place where you, our neighbors are, by force of circumstances, welcomed oftener, but not more heartily than we, the children of the family.
We are glad you are so attractive to this newly married fifty-year wedded husband and wife, for we each have new homes in towns not less attractive, and among friends who, though not more dear, are still our friends.
We children were of a busy household. Some part of the day was holiday, but the children of t... [truncated due to length]Acquisition
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2011.0400Source or Donor
Judith GatzkeAcquisition Method
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