Mr. and Mrs. William Allen Surprised on Anniversary

ALLEN, MAIRS, LOVIG

Posted By: Marilyn Norris Holmes (email)
Date: 11/28/2010 at 08:50:25

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Jan. 2, 1931

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM ALLEN OF GILMAN SURPRISED ON ANNIVERSARY
(From The Gilman Dispatch)

Little did Mr. and Mrs. William Allen expect anything out of the ordinary to happen on the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage. But their children willed differently and on their invitation fully sixty neighbors and friends came Tuesday evening, December 23, unannounced to the Allen home west of town and gave them the surprise of their lives in honor of their silver anniversary, which fell on Christmas day.

An evening of rare enjoyment was the result of the gathering. Visiting and card playing whiled away the happy hours. Besides, there were plenty of good things to eat, provided by the welcome though uninvited visitors. The feature of the feast was a beautifully decorated cake, with roses made around the edge and larger roses on one side and the leaves curving around in the form of a wreath, and in the center were inscribed, the words, "Twenty-fifth Anniversary."

Befitting the occasion, a healthy purse of money was given the host and hostess by G.C. Peterson on behalf of the guests. Mr. and Mrs. Allen responded in kind to the well-chosen words of Mr. Peterson.

William Allen and Ellen Mairs made the vows at Muckamore, County Antrim, Ireland, Monday, Dec. 25, 1905, spending eight years of their married life in their native land, and coming to the United States seventeen years ago. During their residence in this county they have lived most of the time near Gilman, and have numerous friends wherever known.

They have four children--Mrs. Lee Lovig, Mrs. Norman Lovig, who live east of town and William and Eleanor at home.