Gartland, John A. and Harriet, wedding anniversary 1935

GARTLAND, RODIER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/21/2021 at 10:16:28

From the Alton Democrat, August 30, 1935:

SIOUX COUNTY RESIDENTS OF 40 YEARS CELEBRATE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING
ROCK VALLEY JEWELER AND WIFE HAVE GALA DAY

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Gartland celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Rock Valley Monday, midst a barrage of golden roses, golden layer cakes, and other remembrances of the occasion. More than one hundred called to extend congratulations. Almost the first thing to greet the eye of those entering the home was a mammoth bouquet of 50 Palatine roses, the gift of the Order of Eastern Star. Another beautiful bouquet of seasonal flowers was tendered the couple by the P. E. O.

Next October it will be 40 years since Mr. and Mrs. Gartland came to Rock Valley to make their home. When he arrived here there were four lamp posts, each 10 feet tall, on the corner, he says, and the marshal would light them each evening with a long pole. At the hitching racks a deep hole was worn down at the post, while the rear end of the team stood about two feet higher up on the street. Rock Valley then had three saloons.

J. A. Gartland and Miss Harriet E. Rodier were married at Aurora, Illinois, on August 26, 1885. Mr. Gartland was born in Rockford, but his wife is a native of New Haven, Connecticut, another watch and clock center. They lived in Aurora for three years and then went to Rockford where Mr. Gartland was employed by the Rockford Watch Co. Then they came west to Sioux county and have been residents of Rock Valley ever since—40 years—during which time Mr. Gartland has prospered as a jeweler and expert watch repairman.

They have one son, Dr. Leon Gartland, prominent optometrist at Spencer. Their son and daughter, Helen, and Miss Rosa Ganz of Spencer, were all here for the day. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward and son Richard of Rock Rapids also were callers as well as other guests from out of town, including Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Kooreman of Alton.

J. A. is rather proud of the fact that he has been secretary of the Modern Woodmen camp at the Valley since 1898. He is also county chairman of the Democratic party organization and has given considerable time to the affairs of the party over a period of many years. A.T. & T. should have jumped 10 points Monday! J. A. knows more about American Telephone and Telegraph stock than anyone else in northwestern Iowa.

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From the Rock Valley Bee, August 30, 1935:

GARTLANDS CELEBRATE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

Fifty years of wedded life together is one of the foundation stones on which a successful, happy and prosperous nation is laid. Fifty years of memories—some of weathered hardships together, some of sorrow, but of many happy hours through the years.

Fifty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Gartland were united in marriage at Aurora, Illinois, and on Monday of this week, August 25, a large company of friends called at their home in Rock Valley to remind them of the occasion and to tender them congratulations and best wishes. The home was beautifully decorated with many lovely floral gifts sent to pay tribute to the occasion and to the high esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Gartland are held.

A bountiful six o’clock dinner was served in the home to the members of the immediate family and lovely refreshments were served to the many guests of the evening. The dining table was very attractive with its cloth of gold and white center piece of yellow roses. Sunshine cake and other refreshments carried out the golden theme of the day.