"It's Party Time!"
Happy News and Events
Herkimer and Montgomery Counties, NY
For years now we've had pages for posting marriages and obituaries, and pages for posting out of state and out of county sightings of local residents' activities and milestones. But we've had no page for news clippings for miscellaneous birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and happy events happening right in Herkimer and Montgomery Counties. Old news clippings of group activities are fabulous genealogical resources as they frequently list many individuals and couples, occasionally giving home city. Thank you to volunteer Steven Knight for lightening up our site and insights. If you have a similar contribution typed up, please contact the site coordinators.
10/1/07 From the Utica Herald Dispatch, December 10, 1902.
ILION.
Floyd A. Clayton was pleasantly surprised by a large number of his friends at his home on Otsego street last evening, the occasion being his birthday anniversary. Throughout the evening games were played and a bountiful spread was served. Mr. Clayton was presented with an elegant writing desk as a token of esteem and best wishes of his many friends.
10/1/07 From the Utica Herald Dispatch, May 20, 1903, page 5.
ILION.
HOUSE WARMING.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lake Entertain in
Their New Home.
Ilion, May 20..- Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lake gave a very enjoyable house-warming to about 40 of their friends at their newly furnished home on Rand street last evening. The house was beautifully decorated throughout and presented a tasteful appearance. During the evening Grimshaw's Orchestra of eight pieces furnished the music. G. H. P. Stone, in behalf of those present presented Mr. and Mrs. Luke with a beautiful mahogany rocker. The gift was acknowledged in a few well chosen words. A fine spread was served and games and dancing were enjoyed until midnight. The guests departed wishing Mr. and Mrs. Lake much happiness in their new home.
10/1/07 From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, December 12, 1914.
Mohawk, Dec. 12.- Lewis Franklin entertained 10 of his friends in honor of his nineteenth birthday Wednesday night. Games were played and refreshments served. Before departing the guests presented Mr. Franklin with a handsome stickpin.
A very pleasant occasion was that of yesterday afternoon when Mrs. Berton Scammel entertained 10 lady friends in honor of her birthday and that of her mother, which occurred during the week. The mother was 92 years old and with the exception of a slight deafness retains her faculties to a marked degree. A dainty tea was served and a social time was enjoyed.
10/1/07 From the Utica Semi-Weekly Herald, February 26, 1897.
Fort Plain, Feb. 25.- The home of Mr. and Mrs. John Neach, sr., in Nelliston, was the scene of a pleasant assemblage last evening, it being the 38th anniversary of their marriage. The neighbors and friends of the host and hostess made a surprise visit to Mr. and Mrs. Neach, whose married life has been spent at this place. Amusements were enjoyed until 11 o'clock, when refreshments were served, after which social pastimes were again resumed. A beautiful silver cake basket was presented the honored couple.
10/1/07 From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, Saturday, February 5, 1916, page 12.
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Fuller of Palatine Bridge Are Esteemed by All.
Canajoharie, Feb. 5.- To-morrow Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Fuller of Palatine Bridge will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage and the family circle will be complete, one son. Mead Fuller, being here from Dakota, the first in many years. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have had eight children and have never had a death in the family, neither children nor grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are respected residents of Palatine Bridge and have the congratulations of their many friends on both their golden anniversary and an unbroken family circle.
6/1/07 From the The Syracuse Herald, Jan. 19, 1905.
Ilion., Jan. 19,- Mr. and Mrs. William Secor entertained at their home in Charles street yesterday afternoon in honor of the 18th birthday anniversary of their daughter, Miss Ella May Secor. Among the guests present from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Eysaman, Mrs. W. J. Spencer, Miss Clara Neary and Miss Helen Bateson of Little Falls. A most enjoyable afternoon was spent, several piano solos by Miss Secor and vocal selections by W. J. Spencer adding to the enjoyment of the occasion.
From the Syracuse Herald, Jan. 22, 1905, page 22.
Mohawk, Jan. 21.- Mrs. Otis Shoemaker was surprised by a number of her friends at her home in Washington street last evening. Refreshments were served and a very pleasant evening is reported.
This wedding anniversary party account comes from the old Richfield Springs Mercury, December 21, 1967. This newspaper discontinued publication several years after this issue. Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ron Smith, who've contributed so much to our Town of Stark page.
Smiths Note 40th
Anniversary on 10th
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Smith of Van Hornesville were guests of honor at an Open House held Sunday afternoon, December 10 at their home, in observance of their 40th wedding anniversary.
John G. Smith, son of Mrs. Hazel Smith and the late Clyde Smith, and Miss Mildred Shaul, daughter of the late Florence (McRorie) and Myron H. Shaul were married on December 14, 1927 in Fort Plain by the late Rev. H. B. Taylor, pastor of the Fort Plain Universalist Church.
In the receiving line at the Open House with Mr. and Mrs. Smith were Mrs. Harvey Shaul, the former Isabelle Smith, sister of Mr. Smith and maid of honor at the wedding, and Mr. Shaul, brother of Mrs. Smith, who was best man.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have always lived in the community, having owned and operated the Willowside Farm for over 30 years before moving to the village of Van Hornesville.
Many friends, relatives and neighbors attended the observance and the guests of honor received cards, gifts and money.
The affair was given by their children, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Smith of Starkville and Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Smith of Dolgeville, twin sons of the couple. They also have three granddaughters.
[Note: names of three granddaughters omitted for privacy. This article is on page 4.]
This wedding anniversary party account comes from the old Richfield Springs Mercury, February 2, 1956.
Wm. Schreff's Observe 59th Anniversary
Mr and Mrs. William Schrell, Fulmer Creek Rd., Mohawk, celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary Friday of last week.
The former Minnie Kesnow and William Schrell were married Jan. 27, 1897, in Stone Arabia at the home of the bride.
They are parents of six children: John, Richfield Springs; Harry, Mohawk; Howard, Dolgeville; Mrs. Willard Rank, East Herkimer; Mrs. Reginald Brockway, Cassville; and Mrs. George Woodward, Mohawk, with whom they reside.
Note: the surname spelling in the heading, as "Schreff," is a misprint. For privacy, we didn't type up the names of the 6 listed grandchildren and 2 listed great-grandchildren. They resided in Cassville, Dolgeville and Bloomington, Ill. If you need to know, perhaps you can track down a copy of this issue of the paper, article on page 4. Mr. Schrell, b. 1875, is listed on this site as a resident of the village of Herkimer who purchased an insurance policy in 1920.
This wedding anniversary party account comes from the old Richfield Springs Mercury, August 30, 1956, and will be of interest to Town of Warren researchers.
Mr. & Mrs. David Springer
To Observe 50th Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. David H. Springer will observe the golden anniversary of their wedding on Sunday, September 9, when they will hold "Open House" for all their neighbors, relatives and friends in this community, at their home on Church Street from two to five o'clock in the afternoon.
Plans for the celebration are being developed by their daughters-in-law, Mrs. Franklyn Springer and Mrs. Ellis Springer, who with the honored couple extend an invitation for all to come and join with them upon this occasion of joy. Their wedding date is September, but for reasons of convenience the affair will be held on Sunday.
Miss Luella Mumford and David R. Springer were married at the home of the bride's parents, Orville and Lizzie Blatchley Mumford in Jordanville on September 6, 1906 by the Rev. A. A. Reed, pastor of the Jordanville Baptist Church. The presence of relatives and friends were witnesses to the ceremony at which Mrs. George Belshaw, who was then Miss Mae Belle Yule, presided at the piano for the wedding music. A reception for about 75 relatives and friends followed and the couple left on a wedding trip to Niagara Falls.
Upon their return they settled on a farm in the Town of Warren. Eight years ago, on September 4, they moved to Richfield Springs and with their two sons, Franklin and Ellis, Mr. Springer went into the farm implement sales business building a large sales room and building on west Main Street in this village.
Mr. Springer is a charter member of Warren Grange and Mrs. Springer is a 50 year member. Both have taken active interest in the Order and and continue their contribution to its welfare. They are also both active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Richfield Springs and Mrs. Springer is also active in the ladies societies and social interests of the church. (Page 5)
Two birthday party notices found by Asst. Coordinator Lisa Slaski. "The following notices were found in the Herkimer Democrat (Herkimer, NY) on pages that I copied for other purposes."
CEDARVILLE
12 Mar 1902 - About 50 of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Seckner gave them a surprise party last Tuesday evening, it being the occasion of Mr. Seckner's 54th birthday. A handsome Morris chair was presented to him and a royal good time enjoyed.
BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY
18 Jun 1902 - Miss Mary Ann Harter celebrated her 78th anniversary at her home on North Prospect street Saturday evening. The occasion was a most enjoyable one. The evening was spent in a social way and at 9 o'clock a delightful supper was served. The guests present were Judge Robert Earl, Mrs. Grosvenor, Miss Gray, Rev. and Mrs. W. C. Prout, Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Taber, Mrs. A. E. Taber, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Earl 2nd. and Hon. and Mrs. W. C. Prescott of Herkimer and Mayer Caswell of Rome. The hostess received many beautiful floral gifts, which gave evidence of the high esteem in which she is held by her many friends.
RUSSIA
7 Jan 1903 - Mr. and Mrs. Robert Webster celebrated their fiftieth anniversary Saturday afternoon. A large company of relatives and friends were present.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Arnold's anniversary notice was contributed by Arnold family researcher Karen Garber. If you use our search engine, you'll see that Karen has contributed a lot of info about the family to our site.
50th Wedding Anniversary Announcement
Robert Arnold & Lany Margaret Hilts
Married November 15, 1865
Herkimer County, New York
From original newspaper clipping
Publication date unknown, about November 1915
in a Little Falls, New York newspaper
Married Fifty Years
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnold quietly celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary at their home on West Monroe street Monday evening. Among those present were their four children, Mrs. Harry Ludwig, of this city, Mrs. Addie Beard of Truxton, Cortland county, Irving Arnold of this city and Mrs. Miner Pauth of Clayville. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold were married and have always resided in this city, Mrs. Arnold's maiden name being Margaret Hilts. Both are in excellent health, which their friends hope may continue.
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Gerling's anniversary notice was contributed by Asst. Coordinator Lisa Slaski.
Amsterdam Evening Recorder
11 Apr 1908
Their Silver Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gerling's Friends Join With Them in Joyous Celebration
In honor of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gerling, of No. 5 Phillips street,
royally entertained at their home Friday evening, and the affair was one not soon to be forgotten by those who had
the pleasure of attending. Fully one hundred guests gathered at the hospitable Gerling residence to take part in
the festivities of the evening. The interior of the house was beautifully decorated with palms, ferns and cut flowers,
while the national colors were much in evidence. Cards and music helped pass the early hours of the evening in a
merry manner, and then followed a sumptuous supper. Ex-Mayor W. H. Kaufman graciously fulfilled the duties of
toastmaster, and after the good things had been partaken of several informal speeches were made by different ones and
thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. Gerling received many gifts of silverware and cut glass. One of the most noticeable
presentations was a card bearing twenty-five silver dollars. These were arranged in shape of the figures 2 to 5 and
between the two were the pictures of the host and hostess, taken at the time of their marriage.
Among the large number of guests present were the following from out of town: Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Thurwood, Mrs.
George Thurwood, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Ehle, George Ehle, George Thurwood, Fort Plain; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Rapp,
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Filmer, Miss Mary Farkell, Henry Farkell, Miss Elizabeth Rapp, Irving Rapp, Canajoharie; Miss
Frances Doyle, Albany; Miss Matilda Unterer, Lyons; Mrs. Christian Gerling, Mr. and Mrs. Frank, Mr. and
Mrs. Russ, Harry Gossman, Schenectady.
[Notes: This is the wedding anniversary of Henry John Gerling (born Apr 1863 to Christian and Johanna Fleigmeier
Gerling) and Elizabeth (surname unknown to me). The father, Christian, moved his family from Schenectady to Amsterdam by 1880.]
The Lyon Twins' birthday newspaper notice was contributed by Carol Grainger.
Oldest Twins In State.
Benjamin and Elisha Lyon were born July 17, 1826, in the Town of Russia. Eighty years ago today in the town of
Russia, Benjamin and Elisha Lyon of this village were born. The two brothers were twins and were born on July 27, 1826.
They were believed to be the oldest twins in the state. Both are highly respected residents of this village where they
have made their home for many years, and it is the wish of all that they may live to celebrate many more birthday
anniversaries.
Note: Elisha was married to Helen M. Hilts, the sister of my ggg grandfather George Frederick Hilts.
This newspaper notice of a party for M/M Elville D. Crim and Charles Daniels was contributed by Rick White.
Rick's not related to anyone mentioned, but thought that this article might help someone.
The following item is from The Evening Telegram, February 6, 1928.
ANNIVERSARY MOHAWK COUPLE IS OBSERVED
Mohawk People, Mr. and Mrs. Elville D. Crim, Honored by Spanish War Veterans and Auxiliary. --A Birthday Remembered-
Members of the Col. Vrooman camp and Auxiliary, Spanish American war veterans assembled at their rooms in the county
office building Saturday night, honoring Mr. and Mrs. Elville D. Crim of Mohawk, on the observation of their silver
wedding anniversary and also Chas Daniels of Herkimer whose birthday anniversary was co-incident. Mrs. Crim
is a member of the Auxiliary and Messrs Crim and Daniels are affiliated with the Colonel Vrooman camp.
Mr. and Mrs. Crim were united in marriage at Herkimer, February 4, 1903, the Rev. W. C. Prout, then rector of
Christ Church, officiating. Mrs. Crim's maiden name was Estella Tanner and she and Mr. Crim then resided in
Mohawk and since the marriage have been residents of that village. Mr. Crim served in the Spanish American war as a
member of Company G. Second New York Infantry, entraining for service at Herkimer May 2nd, 1898. Mr. Daniels has
been a member of the camp for several years.
As a feature of the double celebration and as a reminder to Mr. and Mrs. Crim of the event of 25 years, a mock
marriage was presented with Mrs. Elizabeth Hartigan as bride, Mrs. Anna Strait as bridegroom,
Mrs. Grace Morse as bridesmaid and Mrs. Alice Rhodes, Ilion, as best man, the knot being tied in proper
fashion by Mrs. Ethel Morton, Ilion.
A banquet was served and a social hour was enjoyed there being dancing and chorus song numbers.
Leonard Deo, violinist with Mrs. Morton of Ilion, at the piano, provided music for dancing and there were
songs and special dance numbers by Miss Marguerite Morton, Ilion.
During the course of the evening recognition was given Past Commander Charles Rhodes of Col. Vrooman
camp and in behalf of camp and auxiliary he presented to Mr. and Mrs. Crim a purse of silver as a reminder
of the occasion and to Comrade Daniels he gave a .....
[Note: I'm sorry but the copy I have is cut off at the above point. Maybe the paper is available at the library and the article can be completed.]
A wedding anniversary party article, contributed by Reneka Mergenthaler,
with extra information! "I have found a copy of a newspaper item from The Evening Telegram that I
wanted to share. There is a handwritten notation that the item appeared in 1946."
Couple in Ilion Married 32 Years
Ilion - Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Mergenthaler, 6 Henry St., Mohawk, celebrated their 32nd wedding
anniversary Thursday at a dinner in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mergenthaler who celebrated their fourth
wedding anniversary on the same day.
Attending the dinner were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Marston, 44 W. State St.; Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Mergenthaler and son, David of Spinnerville; Mrs. Margaret Mergenthaler
of Spinnerville, and Mrs. Bertha Reid, 6 Ann St., Mohawk.
"I believe the Mr. and Mrs. Mergenthaler at whose home the dinner was held are my grandparents,
Harold and Blanche (Reid) Mergenthaler. Harold was Harrison's brother. The Marstons were Harrison's
sister, Norma, and her husband Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mergenthaler were Harrison's brother, Fred, and
his wife Grace (Foster) Mergenthaler. Margaret Mergenthaler was the mother of Harold, Norma, and Fred, and
step-mother to Harrison. Bertha Reid was the mother of Blanche (Reid) Mergenthaler."
Spotted by the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald," Boonville, N.Y., March 31, 1932, under news items for Forestport, NY:
Mrs. William D. Shanks entertained at her home Saturday evening. Two tables of cards were in play and delicious
refreshments were served. Her guests were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donovan, Herkimer; Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Kilborn, Rochester,
and Mr. and Mrs. George Merkes.
Laura Shanks is spending her vacation with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donovan in Herkimer.
Steven Knight submits an article about his grandfather's 80th birthday.
Herkimer Evening Telegram July 1944:
Herkimer Man Marks Birthday
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nabinger tonight will serve as host and hostess at a dinner party to be served at the Lake House, Richfield Springs, to mark the 80th birthday of Mr. Nabinger.
Favors will comprise twin photos of the couple. one taken when they were married 60 years ago and the other taken quite recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Nabinger have been residents of Herkimer for the past 54 years. He is a retired employee of the Standard Furniture Company where he worked for (?) years.
Both are members of the Methodist Church and at present are guests of their son and daughter-in-law, MR. and Mrs John Nabinger, Mohawk, RD.
The couple are parents of nine children, all living, 33 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren. Nine of the grandsons and one son-in-law are in the armed forces. Three in the Navy and seven in Army. Seven are overseas.
Dinner guests, the couple's own children and their wives ar husbands, will be:
Mr. and Mrs. William Nabinger, Mohawk; Mr. and Mrs. Grover Harter, E. Herkimer; Jay Nabinger, Herkimer; Mr. and Mrs. David Nabinger, Fort Plain; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Taylor, Providence, R.I.; Mr. and Mrs John Wellington, Herkimer; Mr. and Mrs John Nabinger, Deck; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Root, E. Herkimer; and Mrs. John Knight, Herkimer.
Mr. Knight will be the only one unable to attend. He is stationed at Newport, R.I., naval base.
Note: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nabinger are my grandparents and Mr. and Mrs John Knight, my parents. The "Jay" Nabinger referred to is actually my uncle, Jacob, the widower of Grace S. Stephens Nabinger (1894-1928). The "photo taken when they were married" is actually a photo they had taken on their first date.
Steven Knight
Herkimer