A Happy Birthday

BRANDE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/26/2014 at 13:51:18

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
March 9, 1915

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Thursday, March 4th, was a day long to be remembered by Mrs. Isabelle Brande. She thought no one would remember that it was 78 years since the stork left a tiny baby girl in the far land of Norway.

Early in the morning came a telegram message of love and remembrance from her son Ed, who was in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mr. and Mrs. McMillan of St. Paul sent a large bunch of violets with congratulations for the anniversary.

March 4th chanced to be the regular meeting of the Literary Clan, of which Mrs. Brande is a member. It had been quietly whispered around that this was the birthday anniversary of Mrs. Brande and also of Mrs. H.H. Morris. After the regular routine of business Mrs. J.J. Corrough surprised these two ladies by presenting each with a souvenir spoon from the Club members.

Mrs. W.S. Dodge presented Mrs. Brande with a handsome bouquet of daffodils and Mrs. Carrie Wilson, the hostess, brought in a birthday cake surrounded with burning candles. The thought came to many as Mrs. Brande was cutting the cake: "no one would guess she was 78 years old."

To say Mrs. Barnde was surprised with all this attention would be expressing it too mildly. When she tried to speak the tears were very near the surface. She covered her face with her hands a moment, then said: "All this for me. I could cry but I won't. You ladies all know how I feel."

Another surprise awaited this good lady.

She was invited to the Baptist parsonage to tea. When she stepped in the house a great clapping of hands greeted her. Mrs. Webster, wife of the pastor, had invited her Sunday school class, also ladies who should be in the class, and the house was full.

Nearly all the ladies of the church were gathered at the parsonage to show their love for one who has been with them since 1867.

Here Mrs. Brande was presented with a large bouquet of white carnations.

Mrs. Webster, with the assistance of a few ladies served very dainty refreshments, and the time passed all too rapidly.

They were informed that forty seats were reserved for them at the church for the evening, and the happy crowd made that a fitting ending to the pleasant afternoon and evening.

The friends from the country who were unable to attend the evening gathering expressed their love and good wishes over the telephone and by postal cards; and all wished Mrs. Brande many happy returns of the day.