"It's Party Time!"Happy News and EventsHerkimer and Montgomery Counties, NYFor 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.
Ilion Miss Marion Hakes of Stamford, Conn., and Miss Ruth Hakes of Barnard College, New York city, have been home for a few days and assisted their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Seward Hakes, in celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary on Friday last.
Ilion - Last week at Harter's Hall the Phyllis Wheatly Club held a Japanese festival. The hall was beautifully and appropriately decorated with Japanese lanterns, bunting and chrysanthemums. For over an hour the club members tastefully kowned (sic) as Japanese ladies, received their guests. The Phyllis Wheatly Club is named after an illustrious negro woman who shone as early as the first part of the 18th century, as a poetess. Her light is still a beacon to guide the women of her race to brighter ideals. The officers of the club are Mrs. B[ertram]. A. Sannicks, of Frankfort, president; Mrs. Walter Baynard of Utica, vice president; Miss Bertha Wright of Little Falls, secretary, and Miss Houra Dickerson of Ilion treasurer.
45th Birthday Anniversary - About 25 of the friends of George Groves gave him a pleasant surprise at his home on West Main street last evening, the occasion of his 45th birthday anniversary. During the evening Mr. Davis of Rome, on behalf of the guests present, gave him an elegant chair, a picture and a paper cutter and other gifts. Mr. Groves acknowledged the gifts in a few well chosen words. A spread was served.
Ilion, Aug. 6.- Miss Pearl Burns of Montgomery street entertained twenty little friends in honor of her eleventh birthday Thursday. All enjoyed a very pleasant time. The hostess was presented with a gold watch by her parents.
Cedarville, Sept. 12 Zetto Brewer celebrated his thirtieth birthday by inviting about fifty of his friends to a lawn fete one day last week. They all responded and a happy time was the result. Dancing was indulged in on the lawn and tables were set under the trees, filled with all the delicacies of the season. The wish of one and all is many returns of the day equally as happy. From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, August 27, 1903, page 5 Dolgeville, Aug. 27. Surprise Party A very pretty surprise was tendered Miss Hazel West at her home on Elm street last evening. Those present were the Misses Charlotte Brown, Maude Brockett and Nellie Eaton, and Mssers. Lester Beers, Edwin Hopson, Ralph Hemrighouse and Raymond Hopson. Games were played and refreshments served. From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, March 23, 1904 ILION. 45th Birthday Anniversary- About 25 of the friends of George Groves gave him a pleasant surprise at his home on West Main street last evening, the occasion being his 45th birthday anniversary. During the evening Mr. Davis of Rome, on behalf of the guests present, gave him an elegant chair, a picture and a paper cutter and other gifts. Mr. Groves acknowledged the gifts in a few well chosen words. A spread was served.
A CENTENARIAN Mrs. Sarah McTavey, to whom reference was made in these columns at the time she observed her one hundredth birthday anniversary, February 24, 1890, continues to enjoy fairly good health at her home, No. 118 Elizabeth street, where she has resided for the past 50 years. Mrs. McTavey was born in Canaan, Conn. in 1790 and was the daughter of Elijah Root. In 1794 she in company with her grandfather, grandmother and uncle, moved to what is now the town of Schuyler, then known as Watkins Patent, her parents having located the year previous on a farm. The journey was made in wagons. As can be easily imagined, the country at that time was very wild and game including deer and bears was very plentiful. At the age of nine Mrs. McTavey in company with her parents paid a brief visit to the old homestead in Connecticut. Upon their return to New York state the family took up its residence in Utica, and Mr. Root opened a tavern near Starch factory creek. This hostelry was on the old stage road and was patronized by many distinguished guests. At the age of 15 the subject of this sketch was married to Eli Newell and moved to Frankfort where she lived for six years, at the end of which -- Mr. Newell died. Seven years later she married Edward McTavey, and they took up their residence in this city, where for the past fifty years Mrs. McTavey has lived at 118 Elizabeth street. Her husband died forty-two years ago. When she first came to Utica with her parents the site of this present beautiful city was a swampy piece of ground over run with black berry bushes, and there were not over a dozen houses here. She distinctly recollects an old tavern which stood on the west side of what is now Genesee street, opposite Catherine street. This she said was the general stopping place of all comers to the city. When -- --- --- conducted a clothing store, Mrs. McTavey worked for him for 35 years and was a familiar figure on the streets carrying bundles of clothing and trimmings to her home to be made into clothing. For a woman as old Mrs. McTavey remains possession of her mental faculties in a remarkable degree. Her hearing is very good and she converses easily. She does not wear spectacles, and has no trouble in getting about the house readily without the aid of crutches or cane. She has drunk tea and coffee all her life. She says with much pardonable pride that she never used alcoholic stimulants. About two years ago her health commenced to fail, and since then she has been troubled with numbness of the lower limbs and inability to sleep. She has never used narcotics to cause her to sleep and says she will die rather than do so. She is very good of company and delights in relating incidents which occurred early in the history of the city. Her father died at the age of 60 and her mother at 75. [NOTE: "Watkins Patent" is an error; the correct patent is Walton's Patent in the western side of the Town of Schuyler.] From The Journal and Courier, Jan 11, 1898, Little Falls NY Eatonville GOLDEN WEDDING The fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Anson G. Fenner was celebrated at their home Wednesday evening, Jan. 5. So quietly had preparations been conducted that Mr. and Mrs. Fenner were not aware of any unusual commemoration until the guests arrived. The family were all at home and the immediate relatives all left gifts suitable to the occasion. A poem was read and everything passed off in the most enjoyable manner. Utica Morning Herald, February 1, 1898 Herkimer. Miss Nancy Petrie celebrated her 90th(?) birthday at the home of her brother, Jacob H. Petrie, in Pine Grove, in the eastern part of this town, on Sunday last. Miss Petrie is enjoying good health and retains all her faculties unimpaired, except her hearing. She is the oldest one of a la rge family of children, seven of whom are living and all of whom have passed their 70th birthday. Utica Herald-Dispatch, March 9, 1916 St. Johnsville. Oliver Suits celebrated the ninety-fifth anniversary of his birthday in a quiet way at his home on Center street yesterday. Mr. Suits is hale and hearty and the possessor of all his faculties. 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.
ILION. HOUSE WARMING. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lake Entertain in 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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 manybeautiful 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
From original newspaper clipping 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. The Lyon Twins' birthday newspaper notice was contributed by Carol Grainger. 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. 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."
Spotted by the site coordinator in the "Boonville Herald," Boonville, N.Y., March 31, 1932, under news items for Forestport, NY: 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 |
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